Stephanie and Michael Cincinnati Wedding Photographer

I knew there was something special about Stephanie the second I met her.  It was her smile, it was so warm and so sincere.  We sat in our meeting and she told me about Michael and how their relationship grew through many years of their life.  Michael, who is the military has been stationed in Germany.  They have spent hours communicating via Skype and phone calls.  It was tough, but their love got them through it.  I first met Michael the week of the wedding when he got into town.  We set up a last minute engagement shoot and I got to know this wonderful man Stephanie told me all about.  This was one of the most heartfelt weddings I have had the opportunity to be part of.  These two have so many people in their lives who care deeply for them.  Every conversation I had at their reception was about how genuinely kind they are.  I am so thankful they asked me to be part of this special time in their lives.  Stephanie and Michael I wish you the best of luck in your new adventure as husband and wife in Germany. :)

I had to post this picture first because it is one my favorite wedding photos to date.  I love this barn, I have driven past it 100's of times.  When I was thinking of locations for Stephanie and Michael's photos I knew it would be the perfect backdrop to use since Michael is in the military.  It turned out better than I could have imagined.

Stephanie and the girl's got ready at Stephanie's parents house in Ft. Thomas.Stephanie's dress from Fabulous Bridal was a perfect fit for her personality.Stephanie wore her grandmother's earrings.This amazing sash was hand made for Stephanie by one of her friends.  Unbelievable!Michael and the guys hanging out at his parent's house before the ceremony.  Michael seeing Stephanie for the first time.The ceremony was held at St. Therese in Southgate, KY.I love this one taken right after they walked out of the church.  Ft. Thomas Florist did a wonderful job on the flowers.  I love the colors Stephanie chose.The reception was held at Riverside Gardens in Dayton, Ky.   A very sweet father daughter dance.The toasts got a little emotional. :)

Love+Bash

Sunday was a proud day for me, I had a smile plastered on my face all day long.   I still cant believe Jen and I did it.  We came up with the idea for Love+Bash 6 months ago and Sunday we made it happen.  We couldn't have done it without the help of some of the most kick ass wedding vendors, hair stylists, make-up artists, stylists, and models in the city.   Our goal was for all of these creative people to showcase their work in a setting where the sky was the limit.  They took it to the moon!  I  am so thankful for all of the amazing people who helped us create such a spectacular event.  Everyone brought it and everyone should feel as proud as I do.  I also want to thank everyone who came.  It was great to meet so many new people and to also see so many of my clients and friends there.  I wasn't able to get very many pictures, I was so busy and my hands were shaking from nerves.  Luckily Andrew Ducker Photography was there to document the day for us.  Thanks Andrew!  Head over to the Love+Bash website to see his pictures.

The floral designers made these fabulous bouquets for the fashion show. Row One by: Inspired Floral Design and Marti's Floral Designs Row Two by: Yellow Canary Row Three by: Inspired Floral Design

The 70's Inspired table designed by Your Wedding by Jen, Inspired Floral Design, and Sweet Cakes, Ltd. Events.Katie of Inspired Floral Design made this dream catcher out of embroidery hoops and hemp string.Jen found these squirrel place card holders at a thrift store.  How perfect! These little guys were the stars of the show.  From the Kitschy table designed by Your Wedding by Jen, Marti's Floral Designs, and Five Dot Design.This was my display.  I brought in my record player and used records for my signage.Sweet Cakes Ltd. EventsLewis&Cruse Jewelry made from your wedding flowers.

Gowns by BeartieMy sister grabbed this picture of all of the vendors.

Free Wedding Photography

If you are  planning a  kick ass hippy/punk rock/romantic/home grown wedding I want to photograph it!

In honor of  Love+Bash, Cincinnati's first alternative wedding expo,  I am giving away free wedding photography to one special couple!!!

Here are the Details

Included is 8 hours of wedding photography by me and my assistant. I will be shooting digital and film photography (Holga, 35mm, Polaroid)  Digital Negatives, albums, additional time, and prints can be purchased.

Contest ends MAY 8, 2011 11:00 p.m.  I will announce the winner at Love+Bash on May 15, 2011 at the Leapin'Lizard.  You must be present at Love+Bash to win.

I am looking for a wedding that is unique, alternative, and loaded with character and charm.

To Enter send the following info to nikita@nikitagross.com with Love+Bash Giveaway in the subject line.

1. Your Name and date of your wedding
2. Wedding location
3. 2-3 pictures of you and your mate :)
4. A little about your love story
5. Unique ideas you have planned for your wedding. (DIY projects, clothing, colors, flowers, decor, etc.)

The type of weddings I love to photograph are

• full of antiques and vintage finds
• eclectic
• take place on a farm,  in your backyard,  in your home, at a gorgeous park, on a boat, at an alternative space such as a bar,  loft, or art gallery
• overflowing DIY projects
• green/eco friendly
• full of crazy tattooed people ;)
• full of people who love to dance and have a good time
• romantic and covered in flowers

**Update**  This wedding giveaway just got even better!!  Inspired Floral Design,  Your Wedding by Jen, Five Dot Design, and Cinci Makeup just sweetened the deal  bringing the total value of the giveaway to $8500!

Cinci Makeup will be providing free makeup services for the bride.

Five Dot Design will be giving away a $500 credit toward the purchase of your  paper goods!

Inspired Floral Design is offering complimentary florals for this kick-ass wedding, up to a $2000 value.  Here's the deal:

• You cannot currently be under contract with any other floral designer... we certainly don't want to offend another designer.  If you've already booked another floral designer, we'd be happy to help style an amazing engagement, bridal sitting, day-after or trash the dress session with complimentary florals.
• You agree to contract Inspired Floral Design for your wedding flowers.  The first $2000 of the order will be complimentary, anything in excess of that will be your responsibility. Depending on your "concept" we can absolutely work with you to keep you under budget if need be.
• Of course we want to know what you like and your vision for your wedding, but a whole lot of creative liberty from there is what we're expecting.  Trust us... we'll make it awesome, promise!
• All we ask in return is permission to use the images from your wedding after the fact for blog/website galleries and possible submission to other wedding publications.

Your Wedding by Jen is offering a Full Planning Package valued at $4000 which includes:

• Unlimited consultations via phone, email or in person during business hours
• Budget development and management
• Planning itinerary
• Assist in selecting and booking of ceremony and reception venues. (Must have final approval from client)
• Event design, theme, and décor concept development
• Etiquette advise
• Invitation, stationary and favor selection
• Recommend suitable budget appropriate vendors. (Music, florist, officiant, caterer, cake, photographer, videographer, ect.)
• Unlimited vendor referrals
• Arrange vendor appointments and accompany them with you if needed
• Contract review and negotiation
• Manage vendor relations
• Assist with menu selections
• Final site walk through
• Provide information on how to obtain marriage license and name change assistance.
• Assist with guest accommodations such as hotel and shuttle.
• Ceremony planning
• Rehearsal coordination and instruction
• Assist with rehearsal dinner location and arrangements
• Creating and distributing wedding day timeline to bridal party and all vendors
• Final vendor confirmation and distribution of driving directions
• Day of Coordination

**Date must be available and agreeable on other vendors participating. **

Love+Bash Promo Shoot

Love+Bash tickets are on sale!  They are $6 pre-sale and $10 at the door.  Head over to Cincy Ticket and get yours now.

Last week I had the pleasure of  photographing one of my favorite models, Ashley, for the Love+Bash promo shoot.  I love, love, love photographing her.  She is not only smoking hot, she also has the best wardrobe ever!  See more images of Ashley here and here.  Thanks for being so awesome Ashley!  I also want to thank Marti's Floral Designs for allowing me to borrow the colorful brooch bouquet for the shoot.  You will be able to see much more of Marti's work at Love+Bash, she just signed on as one of our featured vendors! :)