This Ohio garden wedding was planned from across the country. The couple lived in Seattle and chose Kingwood Center Gardens without seeing it in person. They wanted a location that felt central for their families coming from all over Ohio and West Virginia. Kingwood’s historic estate and botanical gardens turned out to be the perfect setting. It was our first time photographing there, and the moment we arrived, we knew it was something special.
Hi, we’re Maggie and Amber, the best friend duo behind Kindred Light Studios. This wedding is the perfect reminder that even when you’re planning from afar, what matters most is creating space for connection. When couples lead with intention and care, the joy naturally follows (and we’re there to photograph every bit of it). If you’re planning an Ohio garden wedding or want to see if your date is open, we’d love to chat.
Getting Ready Inside the Historic Kingwood Mansion
The day began slowly and sweetly inside the historic Kingwood Hall. The mansion’s soft window light, sage green walls, and vintage charm created the perfect setting for quiet moments and thoughtful details. We started with flat lays of meaningful items, jewelry, perfume, and heirloom pieces, that brought a personal touch to the morning. Lorilei’s dress hung near a tall window, glowing in the soft light.
Downstairs, Parker and his groomsmen got ready in one of the mansion’s front rooms. The atmosphere was relaxed, with a few laughs and final touches before heading out for the first look. One of our favorite portraits is Parker, standing near the fireplace, looking completely at ease.
Upstairs, Lorilei stood in front of the windows in her dress, sunlight pouring in. Her look was elegant and timeless, with soft draping across the shoulders and classic details that felt both vintage and modern.
Loved seeing how intentional details shaped this day? Head over to our post on Designing Guest Experience: Make Your Wedding Unique and Unforgettable for more ideas on how to create a celebration your guests will always remember.
Private Vows and First Look on the Mansion Steps at This Ohio Garden Wedding
After getting ready, Lorilei and Parker shared their first look on the front steps of Kingwood Hall. It was quiet and full of emotion, just the two of them, soaking in the moment before the day unfolded.
Then, tucked away on a nearby bench, they read private vows to each other. Lorilei held the vows in her hand as they sat close together, surrounded by trees and soft light. The moment felt honest, natural, and completely them. This was the heart of their Ohio garden wedding, peaceful, personal, and full of love.
Bridal Party Photos on the Front Lawn
After private vows, we moved into bridal party photos on the expansive front lawn. This part of the property looks out toward the mansion and is lined with colorful flower beds, historic trees, and soft grass underfoot.
The bridesmaids wore deep green dresses that paired beautifully with the natural tones of the venue. The groomsmen kept things classic in black suits. The whole group had great energy, lots of laughs, supportive hugs, and a few “wow, it’s really happening!” moments.
Meanwhile, we also snuck in a few extra portraits of Lorilei and Parker during this time. The late afternoon light and the gardens gave us so much to play with. We’re still not over how timeless it all looked.
If you’re drawn to heartfelt moments and celebrations full of personality, don’t miss City Lights & Sweet Moments: A Downtown Cincinnati Wedding Full of Emotion and Charm,it’s a beautiful blend of urban energy and genuine connection.
A Short and Sweet Lawn Ceremony During This Ohio Garden Wedding Celebration
The ceremony took place just steps from the mansion, on a lush front lawn surrounded by flowers and tall trees. Family gathered in white chairs as Lorilei walked down the aisle, and Parker waited with a big smile.
The ceremony was short, heartfelt, and full of emotion. We loved watching their reactions as they locked eyes and took it all in. The peaceful garden setting, soft sunlight, and quiet moments made it feel personal and grounded.
Also, a peacock wandered through nearby during this part of the day, which honestly felt like a perfect little Kingwood touch.
Hawaiian Leis, Cocktails, and Al Fresco Magic
After the ceremony, guests made their way to the Kingwood courtyard for cocktail hour. This brick-lined space, once part of the estate’s stables and garage, is now a hidden gem filled with trees, flowers, and historic charm. Tables were set for dinner under the open sky, framed by tall trees and classic architecture. String lights began to flicker on as the sun dipped lower, and the whole space took on a warm, inviting glow. It was the perfect setting for the next part of their Ohio garden wedding, a relaxed, joyful gathering that felt both elegant and easy.
Love emotional, personality-filled weddings? Check out City Lights & Sweet Moments, a downtown Cincinnati day full of charm and heart.
A Thoughtful Seating Chart with Personal Notes
Guests arrived at their seats to find something truly special, a handwritten note from the couple. Lorilei and Parker wrote individual letters to every single guest and used them as a seating chart. Each message was full of gratitude, memories, or a meaningful detail from their shared connection. Guests read each note with emotion, it was one of the most personal touches we’ve ever photographed.
It’s small gestures like this that made their day stand out. It wasn’t just a celebration, it was a thank-you, a gathering of love, and a reflection of the kind of people they are.
Dinner, Dancing, and Golden Hour Joy
As the sun dipped lower, guests enjoyed dinner al fresco in the courtyard. Plates passed, drinks clinked, and laughter echoed under the trees. You could feel how much joy filled the space.
Once dinner wrapped up, the dancing began, and this group came ready. Lorilei shared a father-daughter dance filled with emotion, and Parker followed with a sweet moment on the floor with his mom. From there, guests kept the energy high, twirling under the lights as the sky turned to dusk.
Cake was cut, more laughs were shared, and the celebration carried on into the night. It felt like summer, carefree, warm, and full of love.
Wrapping Up the Day with Laughter and Light
As the evening continued, the courtyard filled with laughter, hugs, and dancing. Guests sipped drinks, shared conversations, and soaked up the last of the warm light under the trees.
Candid moments were everywhere, from friends dancing with full hearts to family members lingering together, not quite ready for the night to end. The string lights overhead made everything feel cozy and magical.
This Ohio garden wedding was all about connection. From start to finish, it celebrated the people who matter most and the beauty of being fully present together. We felt so lucky to witness it all.
Dreaming of a coastal celebration? Don’t miss this St. Simons Island wedding, a relaxed, elegant day filled with Southern charm.
Planning Your Own Ohio Garden Wedding?
Truly, this Ohio garden wedding was filled with meaningful touches, peaceful moments, and so much love from start to finish. From handwritten notes to a shared dinner under the trees, every part of the day felt personal and true to the couple. It was the kind of celebration that reminds us why we love what we do.
Planning a wedding that feels relaxed, personal, and full of intention? We’d be honored to capture the real joy and connection it brings.. From quiet vows to golden hour dinners, we focus on the moments that matter most. Take a look through our galleries to see how we tell love stories like yours, or come say hi over on Instagram. We’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.
Vendors:
Venue: Kingwood Center Garden
Photo: Kindred Light Studios
Planning: The Yellow Rose Weddings (Isabel)
Cake: Sugar Shananigans
Catering: Buehler’s
Florals: The Flower Petal
Hair: The Veil Society
MUA: Aesthetically Ashlee
Dress: Madi Lane
