Some weddings just feel effortless in the best way possible—beautiful, meaningful, and perfectly suited to the couple. Stephanie and Aaron’s wedding at Lytle Park Hotel was exactly that. From the moment we arrived, we knew this day would be something special. These two were in the middle of Med school while planning their wedding (which is impressive enough on its own), and not long after, they both got placed at a practice in Memphis. Even with their packed schedules, they were incredibly kind, present, and truly focused on celebrating their love.
With a modern, minimalistic, and elegant aesthetic, their wedding was full of intentional details, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and one of the best receptions we’ve ever photographed (the food alone—wow!). Let’s dive into their incredible day.
But first—if you’re looking for a wedding photographer, we’d love to connect! Reach out to check our availability, learn more about the experience of working with us, or explore our portfolio for more real wedding inspiration.
Getting Ready at Lytle Park Hotel
Stephanie and Aaron chose Lytle Park Hotel as their getting-ready location, and we couldn’t have been happier about it. This hotel is one of our absolute favorite venues in Cincinnati—not just because of the stunning decor but because the rooms have the most amazing natural light for photography. Seriously, if you’re looking for a vendor-approved place to get ready, this is it (bright, clean spaces make all the difference in photos!).
Stephanie spent the morning with her three bridesmaids, getting pampered and soaking in the moment. The vibe was relaxed but full of excitement, and we loved capturing all the little details—her sleek and modern bridal look, the champagne toasts, and those final touches before stepping into her dress. Meanwhile, Aaron and his five groomsmen got ready in another suite, laughing, sharing a few drinks, and enjoying the morning before the big day officially kicked off.
A First Look in the Heart of the City
Before heading to the ceremony, Stephanie and Aaron chose to do a first look at Lytle Park—and it was such a sweet moment. The nerves instantly melted away when they saw each other, and you could just feel how much love they shared. These moments are always some of our favorites because they allow couples to truly be in the moment together before the whirlwind of the day continues.
After the first look, we took advantage of the beautiful spaces in and around the hotel for couple’s portraits. The modern architecture, lush greenery, and elegant interiors at Lytle Park made the perfect backdrop for their aesthetic. Their wedding party joined us shortly after, and we had the best time capturing group photos full of laughter, energy, and a whole lot of love.
A Meaningful Ceremony at St. Teresa
Stephanie and Aaron’s ceremony took place at St. Teresa on Overlook Avenue, a church that holds deep significance for Aaron. He had attended church there his whole life, and his family shared a close bond with the priest who officiated the ceremony. It was a beautiful, heartfelt service, full of personal touches and genuine emotion.
Following the ceremony, we gathered with their families for photos, capturing all the joy and excitement of the moment. Then, it was time to head back to Lytle Park Hotel—this time, with a party bus and golden hour light waiting for us.
Golden Hour Magic Back at Lytle Park
Once we arrived back at Lytle Park, we took full advantage of the dreamy evening glow. Golden hour is a photographer’s dream, and Stephanie and Aaron looked absolutely stunning in that warm, soft light. These photos ended up being some of our favorites of the entire day—romantic, intimate, and full of that just-married excitement.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a wedding and have time to step away for golden hour portraits, we highly recommend it. It’s a chance to slow down, take a breath, and capture some of the most magical images of the day.
A Stunning Reception at The Vista Rooftop
If we had to choose one word to describe Stephanie and Aaron’s reception, it would be unforgettable. Held in The Vista Rooftop at Lytle Park, the setting was pure magic. This space is easily one of our favorite reception spots in Cincinnati—the open-air views of the skyline, the chic yet timeless decor, and the intimate yet grand atmosphere make it truly one of a kind.
The evening kicked off with cocktail hour on the outdoor patio, where guests mingled, enjoyed drinks, and took in the views. Then came dinner—and wow, was it a highlight.
The meal, crafted by the chef at Subito (Lytle Park Hotel’s renowned restaurant), featured a Northern Italian feast with around 20 different dishes. We’re talking handmade pastas, rich sauces, and perfectly cooked meats—the kind of meal you keep talking about long after the wedding is over.
First Dances Under the Stars
As dinner wrapped up, it was time for toasts and first dances. Family and friends shared heartfelt words about the couple, bringing both laughter and happy tears to the room. Then, Stephanie and Aaron took the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife—and just when we thought the moment couldn’t get more romantic, the venue coordinator opened up the glass ceiling to reveal the night sky.
The stars and crescent moon above added this dreamy, cinematic quality to the moment, and you could hear the guests “ooh” and “aah” as it happened. It was the kind of wedding magic you can’t plan—you just get lucky enough to experience.
A Night to Remember
From start to finish, Stephanie and Aaron’s wedding was an absolute joy to photograph. Their modern, minimalist, and elegant vision came to life so beautifully, and the combination of a meaningful ceremony, a stunning venue, and an incredible dinner made this one for the books.
Lytle Park Hotel truly shined as the perfect setting for both romantic portraits and an unforgettable celebration, and we’re already dreaming of the next time we get to photograph there. Stephanie and Aaron, thank you for trusting us to capture your love story—it was an honor!
If you’re planning a wedding at Lytle Park Hotel—or anywhere in Cincinnati and beyond—we’d love to be part of your day! Let’s create something beautiful together—reach out to check our availability and start planning your dream wedding photography!
Vendor List:
Venue/Catering: Lytle Park Hotel
Cake/Bakery: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Invitations/Stationary: Minted / Zazzle
Dress Shop/Tux shop: B. Loved Bridal / Folchi’s
Dress designer: Alyssa Kristin
Flowers: Petals-n-Glass Boutique
Transportation: My Party Bus
