I absolutely loved my time as Carley and Garret’s Cincinnati wedding photographer and the opportunity I had to document every moment during their timeless wedding at the Monastery Event Center. 

This incredible couple will forever hold a special place in my heart. Carley and Garret were the first couple that I had the privilege to be with since day one – their proposal, engagement session, and wedding day. Two days before Garret proposed in December of 2021, he reached out to me after their original photographer had to cancel on him due. Little did we know that that was a blessing in disguise. 

We had so much fun and built an incredible friendship leading up to the big day – hopping on Zoom to plan and create their timeline, touring the wedding venue, and eating sushi after their engagement session. Finally the day came, and it was powerful, intentional, heartwarming, joyous, and one hell of a celebration.

My time with them on their wedding day started late in the morning. I met up with Garret and the groomsmen at their AirBnB for prep portraits. Emotions were high and anticipation was flaring as Garret’s best man and father helped him prepare for the events of the day. After prep, Garret and the groomsmen hit the streets of Mt. Adams for their portraits. The rain had let up and the sky was overcast, providing us with soft and even lighting. 

At 2:00pm, my team and I meet Carley and the bridesmaids at their AirBnB. The AirBnB was super cozy, and the rooms were full of laughter as the bride and bridesmaids prepared for the day. By time we arrived, the amazing Amber from Janay Beauty (make-up) and Haley Bays (hair) had just finished up, and it was time for the bride to prepare for the ceremony. 

Carley was so stunning in her elegant dress from Lace Bridal Couture, and the florals from White Oak Flower Farm complimented so well! The prep suite was full of joyful tears as Carley’s sisters and mother helped her finish getting ready for her first looks. 

On our way to the Monastery, I posed Carley in an alley next to the AirBnB that had vines growing all over the walls, and soft light pouring in from above. We then made our way to the venue as the rain began to fall again, and just in time for their first look. 

Garret’s reaction to seeing his bride for the first time was so precious, and the personal vows they wrote for one another were so heart-warming. After their vows, they were met by the ring bearer, their dog Rex! Shortly after, the couple hid in one of the bridal suites as guests began to arrive. 

After the ceremony, the Monastery’s staff went to work flipping the room for the reception, and the couple and I snuck away from the crowd for a private portrait session. Carley and Garret were full of excitement, joy, and were riding that “just married” high, and it really shined during their photos. 

After many laughs and sneaky kisses, we headed back into the barn to start the evening’s festivities! Josh Staley from Josh Staley Productions started the night off right and kept the energy going throughout the entire reception. Everyone was dancing, enjoying their favorite drinks, and most importantly, having the time of their lives celebrating the newly married couple! 

Carley and Garret, thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing me as your Cincinnati wedding photographer! Working with you and documenting your Monastery Event Center wedding was a gift and an honor. I cannot wait to continue to see what God has in store for the two of you. Keep loving each other fiercely!

Still Looking For Your Perfect Wedding Photographer?

Hey! My name is Ethan Lewis, and I’m a destination wedding photographer based in Kentucky who travels the states creating emotive images and experiences for boldly in love couples. Click here to learn more about my services, and click here to inquire today!