Ella & Benjamin’s winter wedding in Dayton Ohio was one of the most beautiful emotional celebrations I have ever photographed as a wedding photographer in Marysville Ohio focused on emotional storytelling wedding photography.

Ella and Benjamin met at the Georgia Summit event in 2022 and it was instant connection. After waiting almost 1,500 days, their wedding day felt like the release of one big, pent-up sigh of relief!

Getting Ready

The day started before the sunrise with one of the most relaxed getting-ready environments I’ve been blessed to be a part of as a photographer. Ella and her sweet bridesmaids were calm, cheerful, and clearly just excited to celebrate. The room was full of laughter and conversation, creating the kind of atmosphere that makes the whole day feel calm and joyful from the start.

The day was expertly planned and executed and ran smoothly from start to finish. That said, it’s not a proper wedding until the Fire Department shows up, right?! Thankfully everything was fine – it was just some steam from a roaster oven – and it simply became a funny story to add to the day. 🙂

The First Look

If there was one thing everyone could feel throughout the morning, it was how eager Ella was to see Benjamin. 🙂 The anticipation built as the time for their first look approached. When Benjamin finally turned around and saw Ella for the first time, his reaction was everything. He stood there completely stunned – the kind of moment where time seems to stand still for a second while everything sinks in.

Moments like that are why couples choose to have a first look. It gives them space to truly take in the moment together before the day moves forward at lightning speed – and those quiet, emotional reactions are the heart of emotional storytelling wedding photography.

Ella’s Surprise

But perhaps the most unforgettable moment of the entire day happened during the ceremony. 🙂
As Ella began walking down the aisle, she surprised Benjamin by singing “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle.

At first, Benjamin’s face showed the happy surprise of recognizing Ella’s voice. Then, immediately, you could see the deeper realization settle in. Layer after layer of emotion washed over his face as the meaning of the moment sank in.

Ella made it most of the way through the song, but when she got close enough to truly see him breaking down, she couldn’t finish. The music continued playing while the two of them simply looked at each other, smiling through tears. 🙂

It was one of those moments that reminds me why I love emotional storytelling wedding photography so much. To witness the touching moments up close is truly such a special privilege and there’s nothing like it.

They composed their first dance?!

As meaningful as the ceremony moment was, there was another part of the day that might have been even more personal.

For their first dance, Ella and Benjamin didn’t just choose a special song… they wrote and composed it themselves!!

The song was created from letters they had written to each other during their relationship, and they even choreographed their dance together! Watching them perform it felt like witnessing a glimpse into their story – the love, the patience, and journey that brought them to this day, and the sweet closeness they share together. It was incredibly moving to watch. You could feel just how much love and intention had gone into every part of it!

(I included a video of it so you can watch it at the end!)

Other highlights 🙂

One of the things that stood out most throughout the entire day was how deeply happy Ella and Benjamin were. It expressed itself in bubbly belly laughs, quiet meaningful glances, and happy tears throughout the day. They were not just excited, they were deeply relieved and joyful to finally be husband and wife after such a long wait.

After their exit, I turned around to see a crowd of nearly 250 friends and family members gathered outside the venue, waving and cheering them on. The winter sun reflected off the windows while everyone celebrated the start of their new life together. It was such a beautiful moment and I just wanted time to stand still. This is what weddings are for! Two people surrounded by a community that loves them both, cheering them into their future together.

Love you both! Thank you again so much for trusting us to capture your special day!!

Love,

Kina

Their First Dance 🙂

CEREMONY VENUE: Bicentennial Barn | WEDDING COORDINATOR: Sarah Jane Craig | FLORIST: Anna Maxwell | HMU: Hope Baumgardner | CAKE: Ella 🙂 | DRESS: Ebay | PHOTOGRAPHER: Kian Photo & Video | VIDEOGRAPHER: Kian Photo & Video | DJ/SQUARE DANCE CALLER: Landon Beechy – Knot Your Average Event | BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Amazon | GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Amazon | INVITATIONS: Canva

If you’re planning your own wedding – whether it’s in Ohio or beyond, we would be honored to capture it! Check out our prices and send an inquiry here!