Gorgeous Urban Wedding || Nicole + Travis Clark

Lima, Ohio | St. Gerard Church | Veterans Memorial Civic + Convention Center | Clark Wedding

5/2/2021

the love story

They could have had a really romantic story and been High School Sweethearts. Instead they were just goofy kids, that became friends after three long years of Travis’s corny jokes and Nicole’s impatient banter. They developed something deeper in late night talks on the swings at St. Charles, through prom dates senior year. After LCC graduation, Nicole and Travis took separate paths to separate colleges. But they kept their friendship alive by reconnecting on Christmas and summer breaks, with the occasional school year visit....Then it all changed in fall of 2017. Any true Ohioan remembers the game: the Buckeyes faced a heart wrenching loss to Oklahoma. Nicole, always pretending to be a sports fan, was at Little Bar watching the game. Travis, being a real fan, was at the same bar drinking his sorrows away. So, fate had it that they ran into each other. And just like that, Travis and Nicole found their way back to each other. Drunken nights out and long text conversations soon melted into calls and FaceTimes and regular weekend visits. And somewhere between the talking and laughing, real life and love started to happen. It’s a simple story really: Boy and Girl become friends, then Boy and Girl fall in love. So, no, they aren’t high school sweethearts. But their hearts stay young and their love continues to grow. And that’s the best kind of story in their book. Oh, and remember those late night talks on the swings at St. Charles? That’s where Travis proposed to Nicole. Where the next chapter of their lives together begin, in a story they will write together: Travis adding those corny jokes, and Nicole editing them out. It's a love story that practically writes itself, with the ending we were all rooting for.

bridal prep

Bridal preparations for the ladies took place between Beauty by Jill Salon and The Studio on High. I can't sing enough praises about both of these vendors! The Beauty by Jill team is always quick and professional. This time Jill even called me to make sure we were all set for our EARLY and tight timeline. The Studio on High is a new AMAZING space in Lima created by a photographer friend of mine. It is a gorgeous space with beautiful natural light that can be rented by the hour. When she announced she was opening this space a few months ago I knew it was going to be the perfect place for Nicole to get in her dress! Nicole wore a stunning flowy gown, with a intricately beaded, shear bodice with a high neck line. Her shoes and earrings were a beautiful dark green. She wore her hair pinned up at the nape of her neck, finished with two delicate hair pins and a beaded fingertip veil.

first looks

Nicole decided on not one, not two, but three first looks! One with her lovely bride tribe, one with her father and brother, and last but certainly not least, with her stunning groom. Each one was special and you could see how much Nicole is loved by the people around her.

the squad

Nicole + Travis had a gorgeous day of weather and opted for an urban look when it came to their images. This group was so easy going and fun! I don't normally do a jumping picture unless requested but I just knew this crew would be up for it. Ladies thanks for participating.... but the guys really took the cake on that picture 😆 and I give the best man an A++ for that killer hurdle jump!

mr + mrs

the ceremony

the party

This crew knows how to have a good time! A common theme in all the speeches throughout the night, was how fun + kind this couple was, and that an energy + light flows from Nicole, and Travis amplifies that in her. These words are so true and there was nothing but good vibes everywhere we went that day. After the ceremony we hopped on the party bus where I had flash backs to Nicole's sister's, wedding. I vividly remember watching the 4 siblings stand in the middle of the bus belting out Love On Top, and thinking oh pretty please let me photograph this fun family again 🤞. We made a stop at the Sugar Shack where family and friends were waiting to spend time with the couple before heading to the reception.

Walking into the reception space was a DREAM!! Joyous Occasions hit it out of the park again! I am over the moon in love with the planter signing area for the guests 😍 what a cool idea and gorgeous set up! The ballroom was absolutely breathtaking with all the greenery, florals, and candles. As guest started to filter in they were greeted by AMAZING live tunes played by a two man Irish band, that played through dinner. After dinner heart felt speeches were made to the couple finished by a killer rap performed by Nicole's sisters, also a nod to Andrea's wedding when Nicole and Lauren had an epic mic dropping moment at the end of their speeches. This time Nicole as the bride was in on it and had her moment in the rap too!