Austin and Stephen's Off-beat Themed Wedding at Jorgensen Farms Oak Grove

WESTERVILLE, OHIO

Being a wedding photographer provides opportunities that gives the word “beautiful” a whole new meaning. Getting to capture the wedding day of Austin and Stephen, was nothing short of an honor and was far more beautiful than I could have imagined. From the morning details through the greenhouse ceremony at Jorgensen Farms in New Albany, Ohio, this day was curated from start to finish.

Austin and Stephen woke up to sunny skies, a cool breeze, and filled with excitement and confidence for the events ahead. The couple hand-selected a team of almost exclusively female, queer, or minority-owned companies, to cast the vision of autumnal decadence conceptualized by Berlyn Events.

The day started in the most representative way. Stephen going with the flow, and Austin, full of life and feeling extra dapper. This is what makes them such a dynamic pairing - how they chose to infuse those [very different] personalities into their wedding was both fun and head turning. From the moment you arrived at their suite at Le Meridien The Joseph, delicate details of snails were displayed.

To them, the snail represents the two as a whole. Bringing balance to the ecosystem of their love. Early in their relationship, Stephen compared them to a snail. Himself as the steady, thoughtful and slow moving “slug” and Austin as the beautiful and strong “shell.” Noting how both of them work together to make something better. They didn’t perhaps know at the time it would come to mean so much to them and even serve as the offbeat theme of their wedding day. A theme guests had likely been wondering about since receiving their custom-designed acrylic invitations.

As guests arrived at the historical greenhouse at Jorgensen Farms, that “offbeat theme” was woven through every detail. Drapery of pink with fresh blooms and hand drawn signs welcomed guests as they entered the space, along with a signature cocktail harkening back the grooms’ travel in Portugal. When the moment came for the grooms to walk down the aisle, they came hand-in-hand, smiling with glistening eyes, overwhelmed by the love of those they cherished most. Wearing two-toned suits and iconic Christian Louboutin shoes, the two were married by their dearest friend.

When you think of snails, you think of forests of greenery, lush gardens, and fields. Surrounded by the natural agriculture of Jorgensen, the florals, created by Prema Designs, brought nature to life inside the space. In the main hall, moss, antique hydrangeas, wine hued ranunculus, garden roses, and smilax filled the room. Like stepping foot into an autumnal garden that was created with intention. Accented by lush meadow-style end caps and candlelight, five greenery-covered arches suspended crystal chandeliers and intricate floral clouds above the Head Table, creating a show-stopping focal point. During the room reveal, overcome by emotion at seeing their dream come to life, Austin and Stephen shared a private dance before guests had their turn to take it all in.

As friends and family entered the room they were greeted by two snails in neon, surrounded by custom name cards. Within each escort card, guests found a personalized, handwritten note from the couple emphasizing how much they appreciated each individual relationship in the room. A Memorial Table, with each place setting including personal items to represent loved ones the couple have lost, brought tears to the eyes of many. But also, sweet joy in remembering those missing in such a special way.

The thoughtfully curated moments didn’t stop there. “It takes a village to raise a child,” as they say. Having lost his mother at a younger age, Austin was raised by a community of her closest friends. Or, what he affectionately refers to as, his “village.” It seems only fitting that, in lieu of the traditional Mother-Son Dance, Austin shared what he referred to as a “Village Dance.” Wherein he took turns dancing with every woman who rallied behind him and made him into the man Stephen adores so deeply today.

So many emotions were felt from start to finish, and so beautifully captured. Once the dance floor opened, folded “clack” fans opened too, along with light-up party batons held high in celebration. Everyone laughed and danced until their feet hurt, but not a single person stayed sitting in their chairs. The only time the dance floor felt thin was when Little Ladies Soft Serve showed up to cool off guests with their ice cream truck. Their day will forever be cherished by many.