When Brian asked me to capture his rustic winter wedding, I felt completely honored. And as the details of this day rolled out, my excitement mounted. Then, when I arrived on the scene… Boom. Check it.
That’s right: a pink church. My. Dream. A pink church complete with a church bell.
I was genuinely overwhelmed by the simple beauty of this church. Stained glass windows. Gas lights. That’s right, old-fashioned gas lights. Wooden benches.
This place was a dream. And Caitlyn from Ohio History was a delight to work with. She was incredibly friendly and warm and showed me around the place with pride–like she owned it, or something.
And the grounds were classic. The Ohio Village hosts events all year round. I loved exploring this little plot of historical grounds.
Brian and Chayanne’s taste in flowers had me drooling. It really was the perfect blend of classy, genuine, and understated. As I get to know Chayanne more, I can tell that this reflects who she is.
Speaking of Chayanne. Isn’t her dress just perfect? She’s beautiful!
Brian and Chayanne met online and dated internationally. They only met in pereson a couple of extended times during their courtship. Chayanne moved from the Philipines just weeks before their wedding; she lived in Dubai when they met, then she moved to the Philipines after they were engaged as she prepared to move here. Whew! What a story! …and what a globetrotter these two are!
Now, combine her beauty and grace with this stunning location. Boom.
Chayanne perfectly matches the location for her big day.
And, Brian, if you’re reading this… wow. Are you kidding me? If I may say to you in the most sisterly way possible: You look so handsome. And happy. And confident.
Handsome Brian is also a romantic! He surprised Chayanne with a sweet note. She read it before the ceremony. While she didn’t read it out loud, I know she was touched because she had sweet tears in her eyes. Is sweet the theme of this day? I think so!
Chayanne and Brian orchestrated a beautiful blend of the two of them. Traditions from the Philipines combined with traditions from America were so special. For instance, Chayanne walked halfway down the aisle herself; her parents joined her–yes, both of them–at that point and walked her the rest of the way. She says that’s how they do it in her home country. How interesting!
I almost lost it when Brian spoke his vows to Chayanne. And, actually, she did lose it. She used a few tissues under that veil. It was a sweet and tender moment.
I have done over 20 weddings at this point and pretty much every time, you will spot a groom do this.
Brian didn’t even wait until the ceremony was over! He was so excited to have that ring on his finger.
Can we just drool over this church one more time? I mean… let’s just thank Jesus this place exists. Take your time.
And check out that last picture. I tried a new thing. I kinda dig it. What do you think of the reflection? Distraction or kinda cool?
If I recall, Brian and Chayanne were the first ever of my couples who had a veil to lift before the first kiss. How classic!
I like to tell my couples that the best part of the day is right after they’ve been pronounced husband and wife and leave the ceremony. There’s always so much joy, relief, and excitement all rolled into one!
And who doesn’t like a good wedding bell-ringing!?
I’m so thankful to Jesus above for stained glass windows and His sun shining through them. It. Was. Perfect. Brian and Chayanne’s post-ceremony snuggle time was short, sweet, and probably my favorite ever. Seriously. Look at them!
Brian and Chayanne had their reception at Griggs Boathouse.
And you know what? I just realized… I’ve totally neglected to tell you just how frigidly cold this day was. Seriously.
It. Was. Freezing.
And these two were champs! We went down by the water to grab a few shots before we skedaddled into the boathouse. Can you even tell these two are fa-fa-fa-fa-freezing!?
Now, here’s the important stuff: The desserts. Check out this cake by Short North Piece of Cake. It’s gorgeous and boy was it yummy!
Also, the groom’s dad totally made all of the macarons. AND AND! (I’m getting excited here!) it was the first time he’d ever made them. Ever! Can you even believe that? Isn’t that a brave thing to do!? Make macarons for your son’s wedding when you’ve never made them before!?
Also, it was the first time I’d ever tasted one. De. Lish. Delicious. Yum. Yes. More, please.
I love these sweet moments from the first dances. And a daytime wedding at Griggs Boathouse means so. much. light. Yesss.
I’ll say it again: I love wedding cake cutting that involves sweet feeding moments. I’m all for silliness and being funny, don’t get me wrong, but there’s something special about a newlywed couple who serves one another sweetly. Amirite?
Chayanne’s brother gave the kindest, most loving speech at their reception. What a good brother! And Corey spoke of Brian’s character. I mean, I’m just going to say it: so. much. love.
Brian and Chayanne played a rousing shoe game after dinner. I love the reactions on their faces. Brian was trying to peek during the game! And sometimes, you just know when you know, right?
This was truly a day for the books.
Brian and Chayanne,
Lean on the Lord and into one another as you transition into life together. The Lord will fight for you. And, I hope this goes without saying, The Hunk and I are here for you, cheering you on! We know that your commitment to one another will stand the test of time when you have Jesus in the center of your lives.
Love one another, even when you don’t feel like it.
So. Much. Love.
Rebecca
Vendors
Coordinator: Beth, Columbus Bride + Groom
Wedding Cake: Short North Piece of Cake
Reception DJ: Jillian, SONUS Entertainment
Hair and Makeup Artist: Kat, Always Elegant
Wedding Dress: SEW Amazing Bacolod
Groom’s Barong: Barongs R Us
Ceremony Music: Fermata Music
Event Decor: Advantage Events
Catering: Creative Cuisine Catering
Ceremony Location: Ohio Village
PS: Does anyone recognize this cutie? I shot her parents’ wedding! I’m continually baffled at how my friends’ kids can look like both of the parents. It’s miraculous!
