Intimate Wedding in Columbus, OH | Alysha + Billy

I’m not sure where to even begin, with these two incredible people. We go back aways… in fact, Billy and I worked at B&H Photo in Manhattan and that’s where we met! He’s a gem and incredibly knowledgable about cameras and film work. He’s quite an accomplished editor and he ended up working alongside Corey for a couple years. I adore Billy and his relationship with Alysha is really something special. I’m still so humbled to have been part of their day.

These two managed to triumph during the pandemic! Their previously scheduled botanical garden wedding was rescheduled, moved around, paused, and then downsized to an intimate backyard wedding, a year later. But that didn’t stop them. Their closest family members joined them on a beautiful spring day, and we watched these two finally say their vows and get married, like they so deserved! The morning started off cold and a bit humid out. You know the feeling when you know it could rain at any second? That was our morning. And the wind came to party, making it feel even colder and making me worry about the best location for a first look and family photos. But we found the local library when we scouted ahead and the topiary garden in the back was really incredible, so we confidently overcame the weird weather and made it happen.

From there, one of Billy’s former teachers traveled in to officiate the wedding, and he did a damn good job, if I do say so myself. The thing I love about Billy and Alysha is their openness to be vulnerable and human. They spoke of hardships and the darkest days, and how Billy had overcome so many debilitating obstacles because his perseverance was strengthened through the bond he shares with Alysha. They are a team. They are the perfect match and the stable rock they each need. I am forever grateful to learn from them and call them each my true friends.

To Alysha and Billy… we love you, now and forever!

fast forward 24 hours —

Day after session! My favorite!

Billy and Alysha put their trust in us and we made some magic, y’all. We took a small hike through these incredibly stoic pines, and managed to bring a little audio speaker along. I learned what song they had originally chosen for their first dance and let it play while we were totally alone, surrounded by sun soaked nature. It was a total surprise to them, but their first dance was under the pines, swaying with a cool breeze as the sun warmed us… and it was fucking perfect. AH! I love them and this whole day! We even saw a baby deer. It doesn’t get more Snow White than that. So after singing to the animals in our own Disney movie, we moved onto the rad industrial spot I had found, called The Millenial Suite. We let the natural light dictate where to shoot, while Alysha + Billy did the rest. They focused on each other, they reflected on the wild ride they’d taken to get to that exact point, and they allowed themselves to truly get comfortable in front of the camera and create some art we all fell in love with.

They are so special to me and I cannot thank them enough for inviting us into their family on that special day. Here’s to getting together and partying hard, once we’re finally able to!