Bethany + Peter - Pallet 23 Wedding Cincinnati Ohio

Dear everyone,

Brunch receptions are the best idea.

Sincerely,
The Brauns

Bethany + Peter's ceremony took place at noon, and was followed up by a reception with breakfast foods and beer that was handmade by Peter himself. Um, yes please! Bethany and Peter are both speech language pathologists, and the centerpieces on the tables were highlighted by phonetic symbols from parts of words representing their relationship. Nearly everything at the wedding was hand crafted by Bethany herself, and she managed to combine excellent aesthetics with personal significance. Not an easy feat. It's hard to beat well done DIY if you ask us.

If you're looking for a killer little venue for an intimate event, you need to check out Pallet 23.

2014 Best Of

Twenty fourteen will go down as a big one. We started the year out right, with a few frigid winter weddings bookeneding the birth of our second child, little Finley. She’s been an absolute joy to have in our family, and her first birthday is tomorrow! The year overflowed with the blessing of amazing couples, who let us into their lives in ways that will forever make this the greatest job on Earth.

We had fun, vibey weddings in people’s backyards, filled with love and careful thought. We had classic, elegant weddings in romantic ballrooms with dramatic black tie attire. We had weddings in unused warehouses absolutely bursting with handmade details. We sat at the table of the bride’s parents, and shared drinks with the groom’s closest friends.

We hugged, we cried, and we laughed. The people that we work with are so much more than clients. We have a unique look into such a special moment in people’s lives, and it’s hard not to form a bond. To all of our couples this year, we cannot thank you enough for how you welcomed us into your families and made us feel like so much more than vendors.

Emma + Casey - Modern Centennial Barn Wedding - Cincinnati, Ohio

When we first met Casey, he was shy and reserved, but quickly realized that we were pushing him to speak up and to have a voice. We learned that he and Cameron share a common interest in men's fashion, that they (make an effort to) understand menswear trends, and that looking good is important. For their wedding, Casey had a custom tuxedo crafted by hand just for him. He knows his tailor by his first name. Emma even joked on the wedding day that his tux probably cost more than her dress. Emma got ready in their amazing mid century modern inspired house in Mount Adams, which they both worked hard to have ready for the wedding day. We called them the day before to run over a few last minute details, and Casey was drilling holes in the wall to hang a shelf. They were both working on making the day perfect until the very morning of the wedding. It was so cool to see it come together, and to see both of their tastes come through. And they have good taste. There are few things that inspire us more than a couple who both genuinely care about each other and their day.

Taylor + Greg - Brewmaster's Gate Wedding

We’re honestly not even sure where to begin with this wedding. Maybe we should jump right to the end... As we were leaving the reception, we told Taylor that this is the wedding we would have if we could do ours over again. Not just because of the incredible aesthetics, but because of the emotional depth and care given to every detail. Taylor + Greg are two of the most genuine people, and it’s clear by the friends and family they are surrounded by, that their hearts are big enough for everyone around them. You’ll see images throughout this wedding that showcase the love and sincerity that make Taylor and Greg who they are (like the unique, custom pins made with a phrase specific to each and every guest).

Now, speaking of the aesthetics, every little detail was absolutely expertly executed. Each detail was designed and hand made by either Taylor or her family and friends, in a masterclass in collaboration. They absolutely nailed each piece. Brewmaster’s Gate is an old, empty building in the Brewery District of Columbus. And importantly, it’s not a wedding venue. In fact, it’s unoccupied. The first time we saw the building, it was being used as a makeshift parking garage, and was dirty and raw. It’s an amazing, huge space surrounded by windows. Taylor saw the potential, and the blank slate of a building was filled with entire structures hand built out of corrugated, galvanized steel and natural wood elements. It was like our own personal aesthetic was somehow extracted from our brains and turned into a wedding theme. Clearly Taylor has impeccable taste.

The cool factor was on 11.

Megan + Paul - English Garden Wedding - Dayton Ohio

This one was special. These two are special.

Emily + Dan - Downtown Engagement

Walking away from an engagement session with two new friends is one of the best feelings. Emily + Dan are the perfect example of a couple who's absolutely in love, and trusts us completely. Before we all ended up sitting down together for the most amazing Thai food, we took them downtown, and explored an area that we've shot in many times, but looking for spots that we've never photographed before. We often have couples ask us for location suggestions, and our response is usually not what they were expecting. "Let's just meet somewhere and find what we find. It's not so much about WHERE we shoot, but WHO we're shooting. We'll make you look amazing anywhere we go." Case in point: