Backyard Wedding Package Cincinnati Wedding Photographer

Sometimes I get emails from people who are having a creative, homegrown wedding I know I would be a perfect fit for, but my price does not fit within their budget.  It breaks my heart when this happens.  Because I never want to turn down the opportunity to photograph a wedding where I get to really use my creativity, and because I understand that sometimes great wedding photography is not affordable for couples on a tight budget,  I have decided I want to provide a package that is designed for creative couples who are having a Backyard/Homegrown/DIY wedding.  It is designed for couples who  might not be able to afford a full day of wedding photography.

Here's the deal...

This package is for weddings that take place at home, at a friend's home, in a park, on a farm, on a boat, or any other unique  location.  Destination weddings are included, but travel fees will apply.  This is only eligible for weddings with less than 100 guests.

Included is 6 hours of photography by me.  I will not have an assistant or second shooter.  Additional time, a second photographer, and an engagement session can be added to this package.  You will receive a high resolution disc of edited images.  The 2013 package price is $2000 and it is non negotiable.  Feel free to email me with any questions or if you would like more details nikita@nikitagross.com.

Natash and Hank's DIY farm wedding has been my inspiration for creating this package.  It was a true DIY wedding.   Their budget was around $5000.  Their wedding is still one of my favorites.  Family and friends helped with food and decor.  It was laid back and full of creativity.

See more of their wedding here on my blog.  Or here on Borrowed and Blue where they got a two part feature.

 

Torri's Burning Man inspired shoot Cincinnati Photographer

Torri, a friend of mine, took an amazing road trip to the notorious Burning Man festival with a group of friends last year.  When she got back and told me all about it, I had this crazy idea of setting up a shoot inspired by the clothes she wore there.  It was a ton of fun.   I am so happy to finally have time to edit the images.  Our friend Maggie did a fantastic job with Torri's hair and makeup.

First up is an image I shot and processed on my iPhone.

Stephanie and Chris' Kentucky Engagement Session

I met Stephanie and Chris at their house on one of those rare warm winter days we had right before Christmas.  We took a few pictures with their sweet dog, Lola and then headed out Route 8 along the river in Kentucky.  It was nice getting to know them.  After about 5 minutes in the car I felt like I was hanging out with friends.  ;) They are getting married in a few months in a friend's backyard in Campbell County, my favorite kind of wedding.  Stephanie has so many neat ideas, I cant wait to see it all come together.  Thanks for the fun day Stephanie and Chris, cant wait until the wedding.    

Christina and Brandon's Fall Cincinnati Wedding

This is my last wedding of the year and it is another beautiful one!  Christina and Brandon were married at The Bell Event Centre.  It was a gorgeous fall day full of lots of color and sunshine.  Christina looked stunning in her dress from Kotsovos.  These two currently live in Chicago, but are originally from the Cincinnati area.  Friends and family came from all over the country to help celebrate their love.  It was a classy night filled with tons of fun, I was happy to be part of it!

I started the day at Christina's parents house, where the girls got ready.  As soon as I saw this window I knew I had to use it for a dramatic bridal portrait.

So pretty!  Christina's makeup is by Brideface and Jen Nally styled her hair.   We had to include a little bit of Cincinnati into their pictures. The guys looked sharp in their gray suits and paisley print ties. I love the way the color of the girl's dresses popped with the fall colors. The beautiful Bell.

Jacalyn

  This shoot was fun!  Jacalyn is also a wedding photographer, she needed some new promo pictures and asked me to help her out.  It is a very nice compliment when another photographer asks you to take their picture.  I love Jacalyn's personality, every time I see her she is smiling.  She is full of sass and style.  Thanks to Kelly of Cinci Makeup for the beautiful makeup, love those red lips!!

After the shoot we headed over to Jacalyn's studio, 915 Monmouth.  She shares the space with some of my favorite wedding vendors.  It was nice to unwind with some wine and good conversation with the 915 girls.  Their studio is comfortable and stylish.  Head over to their website and check it out.  They rent it out for parties, meeting, and events.

Sarah and Karen's Bell Event Centre Wedding

"The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was.  Lovers don't finally meet somewhere, they're in each other all along." - Rumi

It all started with a date and a kiss.  They went out for coffee and and then for drinks.  While standing in the bar Sarah leaned over and kissed Karen and for the first time, Karen felt free.  She felt free to be herself, to love without worry.  She saw the strength she was searching for in Sarah and she was in love.  Their love story is so inspiring to me.  I knew the second I met them that I wanted to be part of it.

Sarah and Karen committed themselves to each other on a beautiful fall day at the gorgeous Bell Event Centre.  They were surrounded by 200 of their closest friends and family.  It was a glorious night full of laughter and love.  These two women have the kindest hearts.  Karen is a chaplain at a local hospital and Sarah works for a non-profit.  They are a perfect balance for each other.  Sarah has a carefree spirit and loves to go with the flow, while Karen is very organized and needs order to feel comfortable.  Together I know they are going to do wonderful things in this world.  They have already touched my heart so deep with their kind words and loving spirit.  The quote above was printed on the last page of their programs and I think it sums things up just perfectly. Thank you Sarah and Karen, for not only choosing me to photograph your wedding, but for being my friend, and helping me show the world that as Sarah says, love is love, it has no boundaries.  I wish you two a lifetime of happiness together.

Sarah and Karen made their commitment official in New York, where they got engaged.

Rachel Lisa did a fantastic job on both Sarah and Karen's makeup.  She even came to the ceremony and touched them up for the reception.Karen went from a chaplain to a princess in a matter of minutes. Beautiful.Karen wore Toms wedges while Sarah wore her cowgirl boots.Seeing each other for the first time.The next two crack me up.  Sarah's relative Kevin Brunsman did a wonderful job on the flowers.  When choosing bouquets Karen said she wanted tightly wound...and Sarah wanted loose and wild.  So fitting for their personalities! ;)  You cant see it in this image, but there is a mushroom hiding in that bouquet! The programs were handmade by Sarah, each one was unique. Going over their vows right before the ceremony.Since a marriage certificate in Ohio was not possible, they made their own.  All of the guests signed it.  I love it!The Bell Event Centre, amazing!  Thank you to my awesome assistant Andrew for capturing these. Sarah is also a bee keeper.  For favors they gave honey jars with "meant to bee" printed on them.  Such a cute touch.I always get super excited when I find out I get to eat BonBonerie cake! :)

I won! Raw Artist Cincinnati Photographer of the Year

I am so excited to announce that on Thursday I was named Raw Artist's Cincinnati Photographer of the year!  Raw Artists is a nationwide,  independent art organization for artists by artists. Their mission is to provide independent artists within the first 10 years of their career with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity.  I was asked to participate in one of their monthly  shows back in July.  It was a ton of fun.  At the end of their show season they held an online contest and people had to vote for their favorite Raw Artist to represent their city in the national contest.  I was chosen as one of the four finalists.  Thursday was the semi final round where I was judged by the audience and a panel of three local judges.  I was only allowed to display 5 pieces.  I choose to show some pieces from this body of work.  My good friend Marti, of Marti's Floral Designs helped me create an awesome display for my work.  I was so proud to see it all come together.  I hope to have some pictures to post to my Facebook Page soon.  I was a nervous wreck that night... One of my favorite sayings about art is that it is not a competitive sport, but man I wanted to win. :)  At around midnight after all of the voting they announced the winners from each category and I couldn't believe it when they announced my name!  YAY!!!  So the next step is the national awards.  My online portfolio will be judged and the winner will be announced later this year...fingers are crossed!

I want to thank everyone who came out and supported me that night.  You made me feel so special.  This has been a crazy emotional year for me, so I also want to thank all of my friends and family for supporting me and encouraging me to keep fighting for my dreams.  I love you all so much!! xx

Megan and Ryan's Williamstown Lake Kentucky Engagement

Megan and Ryan's love story is so sweet.  Their parents have been best friends their entire life, so they pretty much grew up together.  It wasn't until they were stuck on a cruise ship together for a family vacation that they realized their life long friendship had turned into love.  And now they are getting married, how exciting!   We did their engagement photos at Megan's family lake house on Williamstown lake.  The wonderful thing about Kentucky is the farther south you go, the more beautiful it gets.  I love these photo.

Lindsay and David's Kentucky Wedding

I shot this super fun wedding at the Leapin Lizard in Covington last month.  Lindsay and David were a blast to be around.  Peacock feathers, jewel tones, an eclectic venue, a bride who sings beautifully, and a whole lot of love are what made this wedding so special.  I am thrilled they chose me to photograph it.

Venue: Leaping Lizard Wedding Coordinator:  Your Wedding by Jen Band:  The Chuck Taylors Bouquets: Marti's Floral Designs

Lindsay wore her late grandmother's ring.  So pretty.Stunning!  I loved her dress.Marti's Floral Design made the bouquets.  I like that she  added a twist on the brooch bouquet with the fabric flowers. Our transportation...a party on wheels.  So much fun!Lindsay's sister sang a song to the couple during the ceremony.  Highlight of my night seeing Lindsay sing.  She has a beautiful voice.  She and her sister are in a band called Tempted Souls.