Columbus Ohio LGBTQ+ Wedding at Wagnalls Memorial Library

Some wedding days aren’t defined by elaborate timelines or big traditions. Instead, they’re remembered for how they make everyone feel.

Cheyenne and Dallas’s intimate wedding at Wagnalls Memorial Library was filled with thoughtful moments, genuine connection, and a celebration that stayed true to who they are. There were no expectations to follow traditions just because they’re traditions. Instead, they built a wedding day that felt relaxed, meaningful, and centered around the people they love most.

As an LQBTQ+ friendly Columbus Ohio wedding photographer, documenting weddings like this is one of the greatest joys of my job! Every couple deserves to feel celebrated, respected, and completely themselves on their wedding day, and Cheyenne and Dallas created exactly that kind of atmosphere.

When Your Original Wedding Plans Change

Originally, Cheyenne and Dallas had planned to get married at the Kelton House. Unfortunately, after a fire made the venue unavailable, they had to quickly find a new location.

Thankfully, Wagnalls Memorial Library turned out to be such a beautiful fit!

With its historic charm, stained glass windows, and lovely garden spaces, it perfectly complemented the whimsical fairytale garden inspired vision they had imagined for their wedding.

A Wedding Day That Felt Completely Like Them

One of my favorite parts of the day happened before the ceremony even began.

Rather than getting ready separately, Cheyenne and Dallas chose to get ready together. They helped each other into their dresses, shared quiet moments together, and eased into the day side by side. It set the tone for a celebration that felt incredibly calm, intentional, and genuine.

Their guest list was intentionally small, with around thirty of their closest family members and friends. Instead of a large wedding party, each had one special person by their side. Cheyenne chose her mom, and Dallas chose her best friend. It was another thoughtful detail that reflected what mattered most to them.

Their decor carried soft fairytale garden vibes with sage green accents, summer florals with pops of pink, and stacks of thrifted books that served as charming centerpieces throughout the reception.

Rain Didn’t Stop the Celebration

Like so many Ohio wedding days, the weather had other plans.

Rain meant moving the ceremony indoors instead of exchanging vows in the gardens as originally planned. While that wasn’t the vision they had started with, the ceremony in front of Wagnalls’ beautiful stained glass windows was every bit as meaningful.

As soon as the rain eased, we stepped outside for family portraits, wedding party photos, and couples portraits among the gardens. It was the best of both worlds, allowing them to still enjoy the outdoor scenery they had fallen in love with while keeping everyone comfortable throughout the ceremony.

Choosing Connection Over Tradition

One thing I loved most about Cheyenne and Dallas’s wedding was how every decision created more opportunities to spend time with their guests.

After family photos and some outdoor couple portraits, they attended part of their cocktail hour so they could hug loved ones, catch up with everyone, and actually enjoy the celebration they had worked so hard to plan.

As soon as they finished eating dinner, Cheyenne and Dallas moved throughout the room, sharing conversations and celebrating with every table.

Later, instead of a traditional cake cutting, they chose to serve dessert themselves. Guests were treated to slices of tiramisu, brie with jam, and champagne, all handed out by the newlyweds themselves! It was such a thoughtful reflection of who they are.

One moment that especially meant a lot to me was discovering they had set aside and decorated a table just for me during dinner! It was such an unexpected act of kindness and such a beautiful example of how intentionally they care for the people around them.

Handmade Rings and a Dance Filled With Laughter

Another meaningful part of the day was seeing the rings they had created together at The Smithery. Rather than purchasing finished rings, they made them themselves, giving them another piece of their wedding day that was uniquely theirs.

After dinner and a couple of toasts, they shared their first dance. Like many couples wearing full wedding gowns, they spent part of the dance giggling as they carefully navigated their dresses. It wasn’t perfectly choreographed, and that’s exactly what made it so sweet.

Then everyone else joined them on the dance floor to celebrate the beginning of their marriage!

Looking Back

I also had the joy of photographing Cheyenne and Dallas’s engagement session at Inniswood Metro Gardens, and getting to see their story come full circle on their wedding day was incredibly special!

Whether you’re planning a large celebration or an intimate gathering, following traditions or creating entirely new ones, your wedding day should reflect your relationship.

If you’re looking for an inclusive wedding photographer in Columbus, Ohio who will celebrate your relationship exactly as it is, I’d love to tell your story.

Vendor Team

Venue: Wagnalls Memorial Library
Officiant: The Uncommon Officiant
Hair: Alyssa Waldsmith
Makeup: Always Elegant LLC
Dress Boutique: Wendy’s Bridal Columbus
Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero Designs
Florals: DIY flowers from Costco
Catering & Dessert: Knife, Herb and Fire
Wedding Rings: The Smithery
Stationery: Truly Engaging
Videography: Cinemachine Studios
Photography: Magical Minutes Photography – that’s me!