Cincinnati Wedding Photography | Emily + Ian

Towards the end of the summer, Ian and Emily were wed at Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Kentucky and enjoyed a beautiful reception with their family and friends at Hotel Covington. This couple is the sweetest mix of adventurous, fun-loving, classic and kind. Their paths first crossed on a spring break trip in 2013 in Mexico! Although they were at two different schools, he at the Naval Academy and Emily at Miami University, they continued to talk after meeting, and she joined Ian at the Naval Academy Ball. And in her words, “the rest is history.”

Fast forward 7 years, including 3 years living apart as Ian, a Naval Officer, was deployed on a submarine, and several moves up and down the East Coast, and we find Emily and Ian on a lovely hike with their 2 golden retrievers. Because their trip to Europe (where Ian originally intended to propose) was cancelled due to covid, Ian had to alter his course and devise another plan! Little did he know that Emily truly wanted a private and low-key proposal, which is exactly what she got as Ian popped the question on this hike with their pups! In fact, what makes this even more on point for these two dog lovers is that they were actually on their way to pick up a rescued golden retriever when they stopped for this hike. So, while their trip across the world was cancelled, they enjoyed a sweet and intimate engagement on their way to get their puppy, whom they named Tripp. 🙂 As Emily explained in telling me their story, “It was perfect!”

Ian and Emily are pros at adjusting gracefully when the plans change! Not only did the weather mess with our original engagement session plans, the rain showed up fierce and strong (and quite unexpectedly) for their wedding day! The storms held off while Emily and Ian and their bridal party prepped for the day at Hotel Covington, and even for their first look in the courtyard! Even though the rain came down as the day went on, it couldn’t dampen the joy these two had! Emily and Ian were calm as could be, we adjusted plans and photo locations swiftly, and their wedding day was absolutely gorgeous!!

When I think about Ian and Emily’s wedding day, one thing that stands out to me is the the classy, but light-hearted, sentimental theme. When you look through their wedding photos, you will notice the elegance that graced every detail. From Emily’s wedding gown and double layered cathedral veil to the venues they chose, the color scheme and list goes on. However, they brilliantly paired their sophisticated style with sentiment. Obviously Emily and Ian are total dog lovers (they have three!), and they incorporated their Goldens in the most tasteful way! I just loved the gold (the color mindfully selected I’m sure!) wax emblem and the simple, black silhouette of a golden retriever that were displayed on their invitation suite, wedding ceremony programs, and reception table menus and signage, and even on the thoughtful, handwritten thank you note Emily mailed me after their wedding!!

These two are just real kind souls, and their love for others and each other was so obvious throughout the whole day: from the way they interacted with their family and bridal party as they got ready that morning, to the sweet glances they shared during their ceremony, to how Ian helped fix her veil, and how he helped carry her dress multiple times while holding an umbrella to help shield Emily (and her gorgeous dress and fabulous shoes!) from the rain, to the thoughtful words that their family members shared during their toasts (including a song written and performed by Emily’s aunts/family), and finally to the lively dance floor where fun was shared by all!

I just loved documenting your wedding day, Emily and Ian! Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Gray!