Intimate Wedding at Jeffrey Mansion, in Columbus, Oh

Cliff & Christian

I am beyond excited to share Christian and Cliffton’s wedding with you! As it was my first time photographing a same sex couple, my excitement level was on an entirely new level than usual, which is saying a lot! The whole day was a complete dream and was one I wish I could live over and over again. There was so much thoughtfulness put into their small and intimate and romantic wedding celebration that perfectly reflected them as a couple.

Christian and Cliffton live together in San Francisco and chose to get married in Christian’s hometown of Bexley, Ohio on the lawn of Jeffrey Mansion. This elegant location holds a special place in Christian’s heart as he had countless childhood memories of special events there. It truly was the perfect location to hold a ceremony with just family and their very closest friends.

The two grooms got ready on the veranda together— I loved capturing them sneaking kisses in between straightening each others ties. Their relationship is just so sweet— their respect and admiration for each other is palpable. They greeted each guest as they arrived with hugs and welcomed them to find a seat for the ceremony.

Both of their mothers walked them down the aisle and their ceremony was officiated by one of their dearest friends. I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the crowd (including mine) while Christian and Cliffton exchanged their personal and handwritten vows with one another. Following their first kiss as a newly married couple, they shared a first dance in the vestibule of Jeffery Mansion to Eddie Veder’s Longing to Belong to You. They then invited their mothers up for a first dance together and half way through switched partners. It was such a simple, emotional, and beautiful moment in that light filled space.

Following their first dances, their guests were invited to head over to Lindey’s in German Village where they could enjoy cocktail hour. Christian and Cliff swapped out their ties for magnificent feathered bow-ties from Neiman Marcus and then we explored Jeffrey Mansion to capture all their beautiful portraits. They took a vintage car over to the reception and arrived in time to enjoy the end of cocktail hour with their guests.

Lindey’s was elegantly decorated with gorgeous centerpieces that were overflowing with white orchids from Prima Designs. Once the guests were seated, Christian and Cliff thanked everyone for being there and celebrating their unique love story. From there is was an intimate dinner party with their family where true connections and meaningful conversations could take place.

I was so honored to be a small part of their story. This was the first gay wedding I’ve ever had the privilege of photographing and I really hope it’s the first of many more to come! I am a firm believer that all kinds of love are worthy of celebration and beautiful visual storytelling. I can’t wait to welcome more same sex couples into my business in the future!

To learn more about Christian and Cliff’s story please click HERE to see their engagement photos at the Franklin Park Conservatory, where you can read all about their San Francisco proposal!