Cindy and Alex | Groesbeck Estate Wedding

A few weeks ago, I had the absolute privilege to photograph Cindy and Alex’s wedding at Groesbeck Estate at the Cincinnati Nature Center. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, and the day felt true to the beautiful relationship Cindy and Alex have built – intimate, understated, and caring – while also honoring the families and friends that have helped them to develop into the people they are today. In our conversations leading up to the wedding, Cindy specific commented on the fact that one of the things she loves most about Alex is that he models himself after his father who passed away when Alex was younger. Alex’s father was kind, funny, and generous, and Alex has endeavored to be that person for the loved ones in his life.

Cindy and Alex are both brilliant people. They met while they were in medical school at the Ohio State University and built their relationship throughout their time in residency. After several years of dating, Alex proposed to Cindy while on vacation in Portugal. As they began planning their wedding, they knew that they wanted to get married before their closest friends from medical school and residency graduated and scattered across the country to start their careers in the medical field. This desire to surround themselves with those closest to them speaks volumes about the degree to which both Alex and Cindy value and prioritize relationships with those closest to them.

Along these lines, despite the fact that Cindy and Alex live in Columbus, they decided to get married in Cincinnati since it’s closer to Alex’s family. After searching for wedding venues, they quickly decided on Groesbeck Estate, being drawn to the gorgeous aesthetic of the estate itself as well as the beauty of the manicured gardens and grounds surrounding it.

Both Cindy and Alex got ready at the estate, taking advantage of the private spaces in different parts of the estate’s main building. After capturing portraits of Cindy in her dress, Alex and I set off for the pond near the nature center at the entrance of the park to get him in position for his first look with Cindy.

While not right for every couple, I’ve come to love it when couples choose to have a first look before the ceremony. Not only does it give us more time for portraits, it also provides a private moment for the bride and the groom on a day that can feel hectic at times. When Alex turned to see Cindy in her dress, he was at a loss for words, quickly pulling her into an embrace that spoke what words can’t.

Throughout their portrait session, Cindy and Alex kept beaming at each other and laughing nervously, revealing both their reserved natures as well as their excitement at getting to marry the love of their lives. Bringing in their wedding party brought out a different side, highlighting their fun and (for Alex, at least) goofiness.

Cindy and Alex celebrated their ceremony in the rock garden out front of the Groesbeck Estate. As the sun passed in and out of white, fluffy clouds, they spoke their vows and committed their lives to one another in front of the people who matter most to them in this world.

As we moved into the reception under the white tent on Groesbeck’s patio, Cindy and Alex wowed their guests with their choreographed first dance, punctuated with a lift that left Cindy cracking up and their guests cheering.

After enjoying some delicious ice cream delivered by the Graeter’s Ice Cream truck, the party really took off as DJ Vince K spun up the dance tunes. The highlight of the night came when DJ Vince busted out the gas cannon. Alex took the first turn and exercised what I would describe as a healthy degree of caution. When Cindy took over, though, she quite literally emptied the tank, screaming in absolute joy the entire time as her friends danced to the beat of the music.

In all, it was a joy and privilege to get to document Cindy and Alex’s wedding, preserving precious memories of one of the most important and joyful days of their lives. Feel free to check out the full gallery below.