If every couple was as thoughtful, kind, and caring as Michelle & Ben, I could photograph a wedding every day of my life. 

Michelle & Ben were the sweetest couple I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.  And, to make it even better, their wedding day was so colorful and beautiful.  I loved it.

Michelle & Ben had quite a few out of town guests, and wanted to give them a true taste of Kentucky.  So, they decided to have their ceremony at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.  For their reception, they celebrated at the historic Brown Hotel in downtown Louisville, home of the hot brown.

To kick off the day, got ready at The Brown Hotel, where Michelle and Ben had their first look, and put together a time capsule, that they plan on digging up at a later date!  Then we all headed to Churchill Downs for the ceremony.

Although it rained off and on all day, we found plenty of time for outdoor portraits.  And, Michelle and Ben were still able to tie the knot on the rooftop garden at Churchill!  It was such an amazing view of the city, and photos throughout their relationship played on the jumbo screens.  The best part was watching Michelle walk down the aisle with tears just streaming down her face.  Seeing so much emotion from my couples really reminds me why I’m a wedding photographer.  It was so obvious to everyone there that Michelle and Ben are such a great match.  It felt like an honor to witness the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we got extremely lucky with the weather!  It was scheduled to rain.  It even drizzled a little bit when we first started portraits, but a few minuted later it totally stopped and we managed to finish out our portrait time.  At Churchill Downs, you are escorted around the property to the locations you want for portraits.  I’m very thankful for this because Churchill Downs is a huge property and getting lost is a great way to ruin portrait time!  Before the wedding day, we all worked together to decide the best locations to target with our time, and it worked out perfectly.

Then, Michelle & Ben were surprised with a huge send-off to the reception!  All of the guests were lined up waiting with streamers, there were acrobats, and a fancy car waiting to escort them back to The Brown Hotel.  At The Brown,  Rose & Honey did an amazing job decorating the ballroom with colorful florals for a night full of dancing and celebration!  All night Michelle’s face was lit up with joy and tears- it was seriously so sweet!!

I’m sad their day is over.  COVID has given me a new appreciation for wedding days like this, with amazing couples like Michelle and Ben.  I hope you can enjoy some of my favorite highlights from their big day!

I’m so incredibly happy for you two and wish you a lifetime of happiness!  Thanks for letting me be a part of such an amazing day!

Coordination & Planning | Weekend Wedding Warrior
Ceremony | Churchill Downs
Ceremony Music | Highland Chamber Players
Reception | The Brown Hotel
Videographer | Paper Crane Cinema Co
Florist | Rose & Honey Floral
Dress | Wendy’s Bridal Cincinnati, Martin Thornburg
Shoes | Jimmy Choo
HMUA | Joseph’s Salon
Entertainment | Blue Water Kings Band
Cake | Sweet Surrender Cafe
Dessert | Happy Camper Confections
Catering | @brownhotel
Bridesmaids Attire | Azazie
Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations | Minted
#benjaming

Interested in more classic weddings like this?

Rooftop Wedding at Frazier History Museum

Elegant Powder Blue Wedding at Holy Spirit & The Olmsted

Timeless Downtown Wedding at Pendennis Club