There are weddings that leave a lasting impression on our hearts, and Sydney and Dimitri’s wedding at The Palomar Cincinnati is one we’ll be gushing over for years to come! As Cincinnati wedding photographers (and proud University of Cincinnati alums like this sweet couple), it was such a joy to capture their love story from their engagement session (shot in UC’s stadium!) to their vibrant and heartfelt wedding day.
This wedding was packed with personal touches, bold colors, and sentimental moments that perfectly reflected who Sydney and Dimitri are as a couple. From their sweet first looks to their epic reception surprise!
But before we dive in, let us introduce ourselves! At Kindred Light Studios, we’re Cincinnati wedding photographers with a passion for capturing love stories. Whether they unfold at stunning venues like The Palomar Cincinnati or any other spot close to your heart. Wherever your dream wedding takes you, we’d be honored to be part of your journey. Take a look at our portfolio and reach out today if you think we’d make a great team!
Now, let’s dive into all the details that made Sydney and Dimitri’s wedding day unforgettable!
Getting Ready: The Calm Before the Celebration
Sydney started her day surrounded by her five bridesmaids, her mom, and her mother-in-law. There was laughter, a few tears, and that unmistakable pre-wedding excitement as she prepared to step into her stunning dress. Speaking of the dress, Sydney chose an ethereal A-line gown with organza sleeves that billowed beautifully. (As photographers, we lived for the sleeves and how this dress caught the light!). The sweetheart neckline added a touch of romance, and her vibrant bouquet of pink, orange, and yellow blooms tied the whole look together in the dreamiest way.
Before her first look with Dimitri, Sydney shared a private moment with her dad that melted all of our hearts. She gave him a personalized tie with a photo of the two of them from when she was a baby stitched inside (cue the happy tears!). This was such a thoughtful detail, and it’s moments like these that remind us why we love capturing weddings so much.
The bridesmaids looked effortlessly chic in black, off-the-shoulder ankle-length dresses that perfectly complemented Sydney’s gown. Their bouquets matched Sydney’s but were smaller, creating a cohesive yet elegant look for the bridal party.
Dimitri and his groomsmen were the picture of classic sophistication. Dimitri wore a timeless black tuxedo with a bowtie, while his five groomsmen sported matching suits but wore ties instead. This subtle difference set Dimitri apart as the groom while keeping the group’s look polished and uniform.
First Look at The Palomar
Sydney and Dimitri’s first look inside of the Palomar was nothing short of magical. This intimate moment gave them a chance to connect before the whirlwind of the day, and we captured some of our favorite portraits of the couple here.
Oh, and did we mention their sweet dog Gouda made an appearance? Dressed in a white bandana that read “I do too,” their furry family member was the star of these photos (besides the couple, of course!). We’re seeing more and more couples include their pets in their wedding day, and honestly, we’re obsessed.
After the first look, we took formal photos of the couple and their bridal party outside the venue. Everyone looked incredible, and the setting added a timeless feel to their portraits. By doing their portraits before the ceremony, Sydney and Dimitri were able to enjoy more time with their guests later in the day—a trend we’re seeing more modern couples embrace.
A Greek Orthodox Ceremony at St. Nicholas
The ceremony itself was steeped in tradition and meaning, held at St. Nicholas Church in a Greek Orthodox service that celebrated the groom’s faith and heritage. Afterward, we gathered their family for group photos to ensure everyone was included in this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Bold, Bright, and Beautiful Reception (With a Surprise Guest!) at The Palomar Cincinnati
If you haven’t had the chance to visit The Palomar Cincinnati, let us paint a picture for you. This venue is a newly renovated space with roots as an old Irish Catholic church. Its high ceilings, grand arched windows, and warm natural light make it an absolute dream for any wedding photographer (seriously, we could have stayed here all day!).
Sydney and Dimitri’s reception decor was the perfect mix of bold and sleek. The tables were draped in crisp white linens and topped with vibrant floral centerpieces featuring bright oranges and pinks. Colorful taper candles in glass and gold holders added a romantic glow as the sun dipped lower in the sky.
The wedding cake was a two-tier masterpiece—a simple white design adorned with fresh flowers and a custom “Mr. and Mrs.” topper. It was the perfect blend of modern elegance and personal charm.
Sydney and Dimitri’s first dance was nothing short of magical. The natural sunlight poured through the windows at just the right moment (talk about a photographer’s dream!), creating the most stunning backdrop for this special moment. You could feel the love in the room as their guests looked on, soaking in the joy of the day.
The celebration continued with heartfelt father-daughter and mother-son dances before the dance floor officially opened up. But the real showstopper came when Sydney and Dimitri—proud University of Cincinnati Bearcat fans—got the surprise of a lifetime! The maid of honor arranged for the UC Bearcat mascot to crash the reception, and it was pure magic.
The mascot joined the dance party, adding an extra burst of energy and excitement to an already incredible evening. Watching the bride and groom tear up the dance floor with their college mascot? Now that’s a moment we’ll never forget!
Why We Loved This Wedding
Sydney and Dimitri’s wedding was the perfect example of why we love what we do. The mix of timeless traditions, bold modern details, and deeply personal moments made this day so special—not just for the couple but for everyone lucky enough to celebrate with them.
The Palomar Cincinnati proved to be the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable day. We’re so excited to shoot there again in the future. If you’re planning a wedding at The Palomar Cincinnati, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. From documenting heartfelt moments (like Sydney’s father’s tie) to capturing stunning portraits in the natural light of this beautiful venue, we’re here to make your wedding photography experience seamless and joyful.
Let’s Capture Your Story!
Whether you’re planning a bold and vibrant wedding like Sydney and Dimitri’s at The Palomar Cincinanti, or dreaming up something entirely unique, we’d be honored to tell your story. Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can document your special day (and if your dog will be there, even better!).
At Kindred Light Studios, we’re all about turning your wedding moments into memories you’ll treasure forever. If Sydney and Dimitri’s stunning celebration at The Palomar Cincinnati inspired you, we’d love to hear all about your wedding plans! Learn more about working with us here, take a peek at our portfolio, and let’s chat to see if we’re the perfect fit for your day.
Vendor List:
Photography: Kindred Light Studios
Venue: The Palomar
Flowers: Floral V Designs
Cake: Spoon Fulla Sugar
Rentals: All Occasions Event Rental
Invitations and Stationery: Truly Engaging
Dress: Hyde Park Bridal
Tux: Mens Warehouse
DJ: DJ Thaddeus with Monster Beatz
Transportation: A Savannah Nite
Makeup/Hair: Terri at Incognito Salon & BrideFace OTR
Photo Booth: Signature PhotoBooth
