Victoria & Blake | The Monastery Event Center Cincinnati, OH Beauty and the Beast Romantic Wedding Photographer

When Victoria and Blake first met, their fairytale began. In true prince charming style Blake proposed to Victoria in Florida on the Disney boardwalk in front of the lighthouse at night. It was from that moment plans for a Beauty and the Beast themed wedding, surrounded by friends and family in Cincinnati, OH began. We captured their engagement photos in a library surrounded by books which helped to set the scene for the big day. See more of their engagement session click here!

I was lucky enough to travel with my sister, Lauren, to photograph Victoria and Blake’s magical day. We spent the morning with the wedding party as they prepared for the occasion. I had so much fun hanging out with Victoria and her bridesmaids eating pizza and drinking champagne while they got ready. It was the perfect start to the day!

Every little detail that Victoria had planned for herself and her girls fit perfectly with her theme. Dressed in a simple, but beautifully scalloped gown with matching veil Victoria really did look like a Disney princess. Her hair was tied in a bun and the look was finished with a crown. She made for the perfect Belle! Victoria’s maid of honor dressed in a long red sequin dress and her bridesmaids in matching gold, wearing custom-made red rose earrings, and each holding lavish red rose bouquets to match the bride’s.

The wedding took place in a small community – a quaint area called Mount Adams, overlooking the city of Cincinnati. At The Monastery, next to a beautiful fountain, Victoria and Blake had their first look by the fountain. We had perfect weather and it was definitely an enchanting moment as I was transported to the courtyard in Beast’s castle. I loved the locations Victoria picked out for her bridal party photos in a nearby park with European architecture. Like a true prince, Blake dipped his princess, Victoria, on more than one occasion making for the perfect Beauty and the Beast photo. The wedding party too were so much fun to work with. Victoria’s girls were so sweet and attentive and Blake’s groomsmen helped whenever asked. What supportive friends and family these two are blessed with.

At the ceremony, five sets of grandparents sat proudly in the front row. Victoria and Blake had a traditional Catholic ceremony at Holy Cross-Immaculate Church, an adorable church at the bottom of a hill. Victoria’s dad beamed with pride as he walked his daughter down the aisle.

After the ceremony, one of my favorite parts of the day, we were escorted by a marching band, up the hill to The Monastery, for cocktail hour. This was such a unique twist and one I truly loved. The Monastery was jaw-dropping. Victoria’s mom had planned every detail, sticking to the Beauty and the Beast theme. It was truly a stunning setting and a pleasure to photograph. The seating chart was affixed to the doors of the wardrobe filled with trinket favors of handmade flowers created from the pages of books. Each table was themed after a character in the movie with large candelabras filled with red roses. Books with cutouts spelled the name of the characters and candlelit teacups were added for very clever touch. The film’s soundtrack played during dinner service and Victoria and Blake welcomed friend to “Be Our Guest”. I felt like we were right in the movie!

The head table was set in front of a large wrought iron gate that entered the castle surrounded by evergreen trees. A custom 10-foot mural of the library in Beast’s castle, created by Victoria’s mom, hung above the entrance to the room. Each guest received a crystal rose as a reminder of the special day.

Victoria and Blake shared a beautiful first dance together that was captured by an artist who painted the scene as it unfolded. Victoria surprised her dad with a medley of his favorite songs for their dance, which was fun to watch. Blake shared a sweet dance with his mom too. The dancefloor was then opened up to the guests who partied all night long until sending Victoria and Blake off with a sparkler exit. It was a truly magical day planned down to every last detail. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to be part of it and share in Victoria and Blake’s happily ever after!