What could be a more perfect time of year to get married at The Taft Museum of Art than summer? Ann and Matt picked the best time to bring all their family and friends together during peak summer blooming. The garden was lush and full of life and color. There were bees buzzing around to each bloom, but they were never an issue to guests. I even saw a butterfly or two. The set up was perfect for the flow of the day and what Ann and Matt had in mind for their guests and experiencing it with them. If you are wanting a Taft Museum of Art wedding, keep reading all about Ann and Matt’s summer wedding here.
Getting Ready
Ann got ready across the street at the Residence Inn by Marriott. There is also The Lytle Park Hotel across the street as well, for getting ready and guests. Ann had a very relaxing and laid back getting ready vibe. Ann didn’t have a wedding party but she did invite her closest friends to hang out with her while her and her mom got ready. When I got to her hotel room, Ann’s mom was steaming her dress while Ann hung out with everyone. We captured a few fun photos with everyone and Ann had an informal and natural first look with her dad.
First Look & Portraits
Matt met Ann at the front of the Taft Museum in front of the pillars and steps. They were so giggly and excited to see each other. They hung out and talked about their day while I photographed some candids of them. We took some portraits of the two of them out front and then headed for a drink at The Lytle Park Hotel across the street to loosen up. We walked back over to the Taft Museum of Art and took the last of their portraits in the garden & courtyard where the ceremony and cocktail hour would take place.
Family Portraits
I absolutely loved the way they did their family portraits. It was a beautiful mix of traditional portraits with that natural and laid back energy I feel family portraits should be. Read more about what it means to be present and get awesome candids here. It was so sweet to end Ann and Matt’s portraits with the family entering the courtyard. So many hugs and smiles. All the corsages and boutonnieres got passed out and placed and we casually went through our portrait list in between conversations.
Ketubah Signing
This was my second time photographing a Ketubah signing and they are just so heartwarming and special to watch. I love how everyone sits around the couple with warmth and honor and takes part in a reading. After the signing, we all hung out by the windows, watching as guests arrived for the ceremony. Some even spotted us spying from above. There were also some intimate and private talks among the chatter that I couldn’t hear but felt as I photographed.
The Ceremony
Before the ceremony, it felt like a mini cocktail hour. Ann and Matt had a couple drinks passed around and the guests loved it. You could tell this was a wedding of reunions as a lot of friends hadn’t seen each other in quite some time. Guests signed the guestbook, took selfies, drank a glass (or two), hugged, and found their seats.
With the gardening being so lush and green, it allowed the chuppah to stand out with all the colorful florals from Wood Floral Studio. The florals were gorgeous with orange, pink, peach, and pops of yellow.
Ann and Matt both had their parents walk them down the aisle. They both linked arms with their parents and really took in this moment with them, smiling at guests as they walked down. Ann and her moms hug before she joined hands with Matt made me tear up. I loved how the garden had enough room for me to (quietly) jump around the ceremony. I was able to get angles of the ceremony I normally wouldn’t be able to. It made for some heartwarming photographs. The ceremony ended with Ann stomping on the glass, a Jewish ceremony tradition. They practically ran down the aisle with excitement and waited to hug everyone as they also exited the ceremony.
The Cocktail Hour
This was honestly my favorite part of their day. A whole hour of my couple minging, eating, and drinking with their favorite people. Since we did all the portraits before the ceremony, they were able to enjoy the cocktail hour. The catering team, Delightmore, did amazing rotating around the garden serving champagne, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. There was a tuna hors d’oeuvre that never stayed full, they were a crowd favorite. I saw one of the servers come out with a fresh platter and a group pick them off one by one in a matter of seconds. I was barely able to capture it on camera but the giggles as everyone snagged one, was so funny. There were also these amazing mini tacos, puff pastry, and a charcuterie board spread.
The Reception
Amy, the owner of Glass and Grace Events, absolutely knocked the design and setup out of the park with her assistants, Ashley and Allison. The team at Glass and Grace are such a powerhouse. So helpful to anyone who had a question or needed help. The design board Amy created had greenery, the iconic blue and white porcelain called delftware, tiles as place cards, and so much more. Fun fact, delftware originated from China in the 14th century and became in demand in Europe after.
All the details were fresh and gave me a mediterranean vibe. It was perfect for the garden courtyard. They held the reception under a white tent with greenery throughout the ceiling. The tables had those beautiful blue and white vases, colorful blooms from Wood Floral, greenery inspired cloth napkins, and those tile place cards from their design board. Instead of a Dj/MC, Ann and Matt hired a band, The Bluewater Kings Band. They were a blast. The rest of the night was spent with emotional speeches, a welcome speech from Ann and Matt, a delicious dinner, and the traditional hora dance. The beautiful dance of the hora and energy afterward is what made this reception so fun to photograph. This Taft Museum of Art Wedding was one for the books. I can’t wait to be back.
About The Taft Museum of Art
Getting to and around the Taft Museum of Art was both straightforward and easy. For parking, you pull into the drive with their beautiful gate and pull around to the underground parking garage exclusively for the museum. It is free parking and leaving was just as easy. Regardless if you are there for a wedding or a visit, you will check-in and go through security as you enter the doors. The courtyard and garden is just 20 steps from the front door. The reception, ceremony, and cocktail were all in the courtyard. They have bathrooms through the reception space so you don’t have to go inside the museum. The staff were awesome with any questions any of the vendors or guests had. If you are wanting a garden inspired wedding, The Taft Museum of Art would be perfect for you.
Vendors:
Planning: Glass and Grace Events
Photos: Inquire here
Venue: The Taft Museum of Art
Florals: Wood Floral Studio
Rentals: Lost and Found Event Rentals
Entertainment: Bluewater Kings Band
Catering: Delightmore (formally Funky’s)
Lighting: Fitz The Occasion
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
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