I’m not sure I’ll ever get over how special this day was. Emma and Clay’s wedding at The Kitchen in Columbus was filled with love, laughter, incredible food, and the best kind of joyful chaos. It also just so happened to fall on May 4th—a subtle nod to their shared love of Star Wars (without the stormtrooper helmets, don’t worry).



Getting Ready + A Hilarious First look twist


Emma got ready surrounded by color—literally. Her bridesmaids each wore a different bright, spring-inspired dress, and somehow it all came together beautifully. The mix of colors felt fresh and playful, just like her.

White bridal shoes with bow details displayed with coral tulips, pearl necklace, diamond ring and floral earrings on wooden surface.
A white wedding gown hangs on a black metal bed frame between two windows in a sage green bedroom.
A wedding dress with delicate lace and tulle detailing being shown in a room with exposed brick walls.
Reflection in mirror shows curly-haired bride in white lace dress getting ready against exposed brick wall.
Seven women in colorful bridesmaid dresses of purple, blue, gray, peach and pink pose by a garden pergola structure.
A group of bridesmaids in colorful rainbow-hued dresses stand together in a garden with white lattice fencing.
01 / 06
A black and white still life with shoes, cologne bottle, Darth Vader socks, watch and rings on a wooden surface.
A person in a navy blue suit and tie adjusts their watch while standing near a window in professional attire.
A person in a dark suit adjusts their collar while standing in a room with a brick fireplace and window.
A wedding party stands outdoors wearing gray suits with one member in navy blue and another in charcoal standing in the center.
Fashion forward wedding party shoes shown on grassy lawn with mix of colorful socks and formal attire styles.
Multiple hands holding up penguin-shaped gifts or trinkets in a black and white photograph.
Someone wearing a royal blue wedding suit with a yellow boutonniere poses in front of a white garden fence and greenery.
01 / 07

Clay was nearby with his crew (including my boyfriend—surprise!). We’ve known Emma and Clay for a while now, so being part of their day both behind the camera and within their circle of friends made it feel extra personal and emotional.

Before the real first look, Emma planned a surprise that had everyone cracking up: she sent Clay’s best man—dressed in a wedding gown—to tap him on the shoulder first. Clay turned around expecting to see his bride, only to find his very committed, best friend instead. 😂 After a good laugh and some iconic photos, the real first look followed—and it was full of happy nerves and the biggest smiles. Just one of those moments where you can feel how much they adore each other.

A couple shares their first look moment in a garden with white lattice fencing and lush greenery in the background.
Couple shares joyful moment on grassy lawn during outdoor wedding celebration as bride twirls flowing white dress.
A wedding couple sharing their first look moment in a garden setting with white metal pergola and lush greenery.
Black and white photo of a suited figure in foreground with wedding party visible in background on grassy lawn.
Black and white outdoor wedding photo shows a bride in a flowing white dress holding flowers while walking with an attendant.
A wedding couple embraces on a green lawn in front of a decorative white lattice garden wall surrounded by trees.
A couple shares a first look moment in a garden with white pergolas, as the bride holds a colorful wildflower bouquet.
A wedding party walks across a grassy clearing towards a dark forest in black and white.
A couple at their outdoor garden wedding holds a vibrant wildflower bouquet against a backdrop of evergreen trees.
01 / 09
A bride in a flowing lace wedding dress holds a vibrant cascading bouquet of coral and blue flowers in a garden setting.
A bride in a flowing white lace dress twirls on a garden lawn in front of geometric windowpanes in black and white.
Close-up of a vibrant wildflower wedding bouquet with coral, yellow and blue blooms against white lace and navy suit.
A stunning outdoor wedding scene features a white lace dress and vibrant wildflower bouquet against a pergola backdrop.
A black and white wedding photograph showing a couple standing in an elegant garden pergola setting surrounded by trees.
Couple walking hand in hand across a lush green lawn surrounded by towering evergreen trees on a spring day.
01 / 06

Ceremony with a Global Guest List

The ceremony itself was intimate and full of emotion. The Kitchen’s layout gave it a cozy, candlelit feel, with the kind of soft natural light that just adds to the magic of a moment. Emma and Clay stood in front of their closest people, hand in hand, surrounded by so much love.

What made it even more meaningful was how far that love reached—some of Emma’s family flew in from South Africa to be there in person, while others tuned in via livestream from across the world. You could feel how connected everyone was, no matter the distance. It was one of those ceremonies that felt both deeply personal and globally celebrated.

There were happy tears, big smiles, and a few moments of laughter sprinkled in too—just like Emma and Clay’s relationship.

Modern room interior with wood-slatted pendant lights, oriental rug, and potted plants against blue walls with sheer curtains.
Two people walk arm-in-arm at a reception through a dining room with hanging Edison bulb lights and wooden floors.
A couple walks down between long tables at an indoor reception venue with hanging pendant lights and elegant table settings.
A groomsman in a navy blue suit with floral boutonniere smiles during a wedding ceremony against white curtains.
Bride in lace wedding dress holding colorful bouquet stands with companion in navy suit against exposed brick wall.
A wedding ceremony takes place in a modern venue with wooden floors and spherical pendant lights hanging from above.
Wedding ceremony in modern venue with wooden pendant lights and large windows overlooking city views.
Wedding attendees gather by exposed brick wall and white curtains under wooden pendant light during indoor ceremony.
A wedding ceremony takes place in an elegant venue with spherical pendant lights and large windows.
Black and white wedding photo showing a couple walking under decorative hanging lanterns at an indoor venue.
A wedding celebration in a rustic industrial venue with exposed brick walls, hanging lights and tables filled with guests.
A joyous couple celebrates in a cozy shop interior with wooden floors, shelving, and a white pendant light.
01 / 12
Newlyweds pose together against a red brick wall, wearing a navy blue suit and white lace wedding dress.
A couple in wedding attire stands against a red brick building on a brick sidewalk near a street sign pole.
A wedding couple dancing and laughing together in an alley between brick buildings on their special day.
Black and white photo of a couple in wedding attire sharing a romantic moment on an urban brick-lined street.
A joyful wedding moment showing a couple in white dress and navy suit with a vibrant floral bouquet against brick wall.
Close-up of two arms with matching small heart tattoos and a watch, symbolizing love and commitment.
A couple in wedding attire hold hands while standing on a city street between brick buildings and utility poles.
01 / 07

Good food, Great Vibes + Even Better Dance Moves


If you’ve never been to a wedding at The Kitchen, you’re missing out—it’s cozy, modern, and the food is chef’s kiss. The entire event was catered in-house, and guests got to mingle and enjoy it all in a relaxed, beautiful space.

Once the dancing started, the light-hearted vibe of the day carried through the night. Everyone was on the floor, having a blast. It was honestly hard to stop shooting because everything felt like a moment worth capturing.

Busy restaurant kitchen staff working behind stainless steel counter with overhead lighting in black and white photo.
Wedding table decor featuring table number 3, blue mason jar vase with yellow flowers, and glowing votive candle.
Elegant wedding reception table with exposed brick walls, greenery, and draped white fabric decor at industrial venue.
A black and white sign reading 'THE KITCHEN' with 'Congratulations Emma & Clay' written in cursive script below.
A stylish urban restaurant with exposed brick walls, hanging lights, and people gathered at elegant dinner tables during an event.
Two people dancing joyfully at a reception venue with a modern restaurant kitchen visible in the background.
A couple dancing in an industrial-chic venue with exposed brick walls and modern copper pendant lights.
Diners celebrate at a lively restaurant with raised hands and hanging pendant lights illuminating the festive atmosphere.
A joyful couple pose together at their wedding reception with exposed brick wall and floral decorations.
Catering display featuring colorful appetizers and finger foods on white platters against a black tablecloth.
Multiple tiers of gourmet sliders and sandwiches arranged on white platters at a catering event.
Server in blue suit serving gourmet sliders and appetizers from elegant catering display at upscale event.
Two people dance together at what appears to be a formal wedding reception with red lanterns hanging in background.
Small white meringue cookies arranged on wooden platters next to serving dishes with a rustic brick wall backdrop.
Corner view of a brick building at night with illuminated storefront windows and people visible inside.
Black and white candid photo of a bride and groom joyfully tossing a bouquet together at their wedding reception.
Eight people in white clothing lay in a circle formation looking down at the camera with joyful expressions.
A bride in a white dress and groom celebrate on the dance floor as confetti falls around them at their wedding reception.
Three passengers in the backseat of a car at night show excited expressions as they laugh and gesture through the window.
01 / 19

Emma & Clay,

What an absolute honor (and blast) it was to photograph your wedding. Not only was May 4th the perfect day for a little Star Wars magic, but it was also the perfect day to celebrate two of the kindest, most genuine humans I know. I still can’t believe I got to capture it all and be surrounded by friends while doing it—definitely a day that’s going in my own memory vault.

Your wedding was light-hearted, vibrant, and full of joy from start to finish—just like the two of you. From the rainbow of spring bridesmaid dresses to the best prank first look I’ve ever seen, every moment was a perfect reflection of your love story. (And seriously... that dance floor? Out of this galaxy.) May the 4th be with you always—and may you keep laughing, dancing, and loving each other just like you did on this unforgettable day. Love you both so much. 💫

- EmiLee