Some weddings just feel like magic from the moment you arrive—and Kaitlin and Grant’s big day was exactly that. This secret garden wedding at Glendale Lyceum is one of those stories we’ll be talking about for years to come.
From the moment we arrived at the beautiful and historic Glendale Lyceum, it was clear this Cincinnati wedding would be something special. Kaitlin and Grant wanted their day to feel like a secret garden party—romantic, fresh, and full of springtime charm. From the soft pastel color palette to the florals that seemed to bloom right out of a fairytale, their vision came to life in the most stunning way.
Still, what made this day truly special wasn’t just how beautiful everything looked—it was how much fun it was. These two brought their adventurous, sophisticated energy to every moment, from heartfelt vows to celebratory drinks at their favorite college bar. (We love a couple who knows how to mix timeless elegance with a personal twist!)
So, if you’re planning a wedding that blends elegance with a sense of adventure, we’d love to be part of it! Whether you’re hosting a garden-inspired celebration like this one or adding personal touches that reflect your own story, we’re here to capture every moment with care and creativity. Reach out to check our availability, get a feel for what it’s like to work together, or browse our portfolio to see more weddings like this one.
Secret Garden Wedding: Getting Ready & First Look at the Glendale Lyceum
The morning of Kaitlin and Grant’s wedding was calm, joyful, and full of anticipation. Both the bride and groom got ready on-site at the Glendale Lyceum, which made everything feel seamless and relaxed. The Lyceum’s timeless charm and natural light created the perfect setting for those early moments—the quiet details, the finishing touches, and a few happy tears.
As the morning unfolded, Kaitlin was surrounded by her closest friends and family as she stepped into her gown. The vibe? Effortlessly elegant. Her look perfectly reflected the overall theme of the day: soft, romantic, and full of spring.
Meanwhile, Grant got ready nearby, sharing laughs and tying ties with his groomsmen. It was clear that both of them were soaking in the meaning of the day—and ready for the fun to begin.
A First Look Under the Oak Tree
One of our favorite moments from this secret garden wedding was the couple’s first look beneath the giant oak tree out front. It was peaceful and full of emotion—the kind of moment that slows time down.
Here’s what made it extra special:
- They exchanged personal vows during their first look, which added such a meaningful layer to the day.
- They also gifted each other wedding presents (cue all the happy tears).
- The soft breeze, spring sunshine, and backdrop of blooming flowers made the whole scene feel like something out of a storybook.
These are the moments that stay with us—the quiet before the celebration, the way they looked at each other, the way everything just felt right.
Bridal Party Portraits
After Kaitlin and Grant’s emotional first look, we flowed right into bridal party portraits—while the light was perfect and everyone was still soaking in the sweetness of the morning.
Kaitlin’s bridesmaids wore soft pastel dresses that complemented the secret garden theme beautifully. Each gown was slightly different in style and shade, giving the group a cohesive-yet-effortless look. Paired with lush spring florals, the entire bridal party looked straight out of a romantic editorial spread (but still so relaxed and full of joy).
We kept things light and fun during portraits—lots of laughter, sweet moments between friends, and, of course, a few champagne pops to kick things off.
Off to the Ceremony
From there, everyone hopped on the party bus and headed to Knox Church, where Kaitlin and Grant held their ceremony. It was a classic Lutheran service in a warm and welcoming space, filled with natural light and beautiful architectural details. Their families were all smiles as they walked down the aisle, and the ceremony itself felt deeply personal—rooted in tradition, but full of heart.
After they said “I do,” we took a few quiet moments for family portraits at the altar, a simple but meaningful way to pause and honor their people. This part of the day felt sacred and calm, a lovely contrast to the energy of the reception still to come.
A Quick Stop at Dana’s Bar Before the Reception
After the ceremony, we were back on the party bus—but not straight to the venue just yet! Kaitlin and Grant had one more stop in mind. And honestly, it might’ve been one of the most memorable parts of the day. We made a quick detour to Dana’s Bar, a beloved college hangout right across from Xavier University, their alma mater. It’s where they spent countless late nights, sharing laughs and stories over drinks. It’s where they celebrated milestones, big and small, and made memories that would last a lifetime. And now, those same friends who were part of it all were standing beside them in their wedding party—bringing everything full circle.
The couple shared drinks and a round or two (okay maybe more!) of celebratory shots with their crew while everyone laughed, cheered, and reminisced about the “good old days.” It was like a mini-reunion before the big party, and of course, we captured a few iconic photos inside the bar that felt personal, fun, and full of nostalgia.
This is what we love most about our couples: they’re not afraid to do things their own way. Kaitlin and Grant knew they wanted their wedding to feel elevated and beautiful but also real—and this little side trip made their day that much more personal and unforgettable. From there, we headed back to the Glendale Lyceum, ready to celebrate in style.
A Romantic Secret Garden Wedding Reception at the Glendale Lyceum
Next, as golden hour settled in over the Glendale Lyceum, Kaitlin and Grant made their grand entrance into the reception. It felt like a scene from a movie. The historic charm of the venue mixed with all the floral details gave everything that dreamy, secret garden at sunset kind of feel.
And the best part? These two went straight into their first dance, surrounded by all their favorite people. The room quieted, the music started, and it was like they were the only two people in the world. The way Grant looked at Kaitlin was one of those moments you feel in your chest—so full of love and presence.
From there, the celebration flowed effortlessly: emotional parent dances had the entire room tearing up (and smiling through it), followed by a beautiful cake-cutting moment full of sweet laughter and zero smashed cake—just pure joy. The toasts blended humor, heart, and a few happy tears, and then the dance floor officially exploded with next-level fun. Think twirls, hugs, champagne in the air, and nonstop smiles. As the night carried on, we snuck out for a few quick portraits under the twinkle lights (always worth it!), then left them to dance the night away with the people they love most.
Sweet Vows, Spring Light, and Champagne Toasts
Kaitlin and Grant’s secret garden wedding was the kind of day that reminded us why we love what we do. It was filled with meaning, laughter, and the kind of thoughtful touches that make a wedding feel truly personal. From their first look under the oak tree to raising a glass at Dana’s Bar, every moment told a piece of their story—and we were so honored to capture it all.
We specialize in editorial-meets-documentary photography for couples who care deeply about their people, their story, and their experience. Whether you’re planning something local or dreaming up a destination wedding, let’s make some magic together. Contact us to chat about your wedding photography! Or, take a look at our portfolio to see more of our work. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Vendor List:
Venue: Glendale Lyceum
Planning: Have an Epiphany
Photo: Kindred Light Studios
Cake: A Spoon Fulla Sugar
Rentals: All Occasions Event Rentals
Catering: Village Pantry
Florals: The Flowerman
Music: Everlasting Sounds
Transport: My Party Bus
HAMU: Before I do Hair and Makeup
Dress Boutique: Bridal and Formal
