Cincinnati Art Museum & Ault Park: A European Feel Close to Home
Jordan and Sarah, the husband and wife team behind Every Atom Photography, share Kitty and Scott’s engagement session at the Cincinnati Art Museum and Ault Park.
We’re Jordan and Sarah, the husband and wife team behind Every Atom Photography. Kitty and Scott are getting married abroad, and they wanted their engagement photos to reflect the feel of their wedding. They came to us looking for something historic, classy, and sophisticated—almost like a photo session in Italy—and trusted us to choose the locations.
Sarah and I paired the outdoor areas of the Cincinnati Art Museum with Ault Park. The architecture at both places gave us the European feel they had in mind, with enough variety to make each part of the session feel distinct.
They wanted a slightly lighter look but loved our editing style. We were able to shoot a little lighter while keeping the deep tones and intimate feeling that characterize our usual work. Kitty and Scott were thrilled with the results.
For couples drawn to elegant architecture and a European feel, these are two Cincinnati locations we love to consider.
Explore our engagement photography, or tell Sarah and me about your plans.
How to Feel Comfortable in Your Wedding Photos
Camera-shy? Five gentle ways to feel more comfortable in your wedding photos, from getting to know your photographers to settling in during an engagement session.
“We’re awkward in front of the camera.” If that sounds like you, you don’t need to become different people for your wedding photos. You need room to settle in, a little guidance, and a photographer who helps you feel like yourselves.
We’re Jordan & Sarah of Every Atom Photography. Our approach is warm, candid, and calm. The engagement photographs throughout this post show a few of the things we love: laughter, easy movement, and quiet connection. Here are five ways to bring that same comfort into your wedding day.
1. Choose photographers you feel comfortable talking to
Look beyond a favorite photograph. Notice how you feel during the conversation, too. Can you tell your photographers that you’re nervous? Do they listen to what matters to you? Share whether you prefer gentle direction, time to warm up, or fewer moments looking straight at the camera.
We photograph weddings together, so you’ll be spending time with both of us. Getting to know each other helps the camera feel less like a stranger on your wedding day.
2. Use an engagement session as a chance to settle in
An engagement session gives you space to experience being photographed before the wedding. You can see what a little guidance feels like, learn which movements feel comfortable, and spend time together without a wedding-day schedule around you.
You don’t have to arrive knowing how to pose. Walking together, leaning into each other, or taking a quiet seat can be enough to start. Explore our engagement photography for more ideas.
3. Give yourselves something to do
Standing still and wondering what to do with your hands can make the camera feel louder. Small, familiar actions can help: hold hands, take a short walk, tell each other something funny, or pull close for a hug.
The goal isn’t to perform a perfect moment. It’s to give you somewhere comfortable to begin, then let your own connection lead. A laugh and a quiet glance can both belong in the story.
4. Leave a little breathing room in your day
A rushed portrait window can make it harder to relax. Talk through the photography timeline while you’re planning, including the moments you want to protect and the people you most want to spend time with.
Rather than trying to squeeze in every possible photograph, start with what matters to you. A little room to pause, walk, or catch your breath can make being photographed feel more natural.
5. Let yourselves be present
You don’t need to watch the camera all day or keep checking whether you look right. Enjoy your people. Look at each other. Let the hugs, happy nerves, laughter, and quieter moments happen.
We’ll offer gentle guidance when it helps, then give you space. Comfortable wedding photos begin with a day you’re allowed to experience.
Planning your wedding?
Explore our selected wedding stories and photography approach. We work in the Cincinnati and Dayton area and travel for weddings, from neighboring states to destination celebrations.
Tell us about your wedding plans, your date, and what would help you feel comfortable. Still deciding on a venue? Share what you know so far.
Tony & Kelsey’s Romantic Winter Wedding in Loveland, Ohio
Tony and Kelsey brought a nostalgic film-inspired vision to their Loveland winter wedding, from getting ready at Bishop’s Quarter to celebrating at The Landing Event Center.
Ceremony & Reception at The Landing Event Center.
Getting ready at Bishop’s Quarter.
Kelsey laughs with her bridesmaids while getting ready for her wedding at Bishop’s Quarter in Loveland, Ohio. The group gathers around a wooden table in matching black pajamas as they share a relaxed and joyful moment before the ceremony.
Newlyweds Tony and Kelsey enjoying a drink and a quiet moment together at their wedding at Bishop’s Quarter in Loveland, Ohio.
Tony and Kelsey reached out to us with a specific vision for the look of their winter wedding in Loveland. They loved the old-school film aesthetic—photos taken with flash in dark rooms, with a little flash burn and a rough-around-the-edges feel. That gritty, nostalgic style immediately appealed to us, and we jumped at the chance to create something a little different for a change.
Tony and Kelsey steal a kiss at the bar during their winter wedding reception at The Landing Event Center in Loveland, Ohio, photographed with direct flash to create a nostalgic film-style look.
The chemistry between Tony and Kelsey made these photos come together effortlessly. Their connection brought a romantic, elegant, and undeniably sexy vibe to the images—something we absolutely loved capturing.
Tony stands by a window during his wedding at Bishop’s Quarter in Loveland, Ohio. Soft natural light falls across his face as he looks out thoughtfully, creating a quiet and cinematic moment before the celebration continues.
Kelsey stands by a window holding a champagne glass during her wedding at Bishop’s Quarter in Loveland, Ohio. Soft natural light highlights her smile and wedding dress, creating an elegant and relaxed portrait moment before the celebration continues.
Tony laughs with his groomsmen as they share drinks while getting ready for his wedding at Bishop’s Quarter in Loveland, Ohio.
Tony and Kelsey sit together on a wooden staircase Bishop’s Quarter in Loveland, Ohio. The intimate portrait captures the couple smiling and leaning close together as they take a quiet moment away from the celebration.
Tony and Kelsey got ready just about a block away from their ceremony venue at The Landing Event Center in Loveland, Ohio. Since The Landing has limited getting-ready space, many couples choose to prepare nearby at Bishop’s Quarter. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful light made it the perfect spot for candid moments with the bridal party before heading over to the ceremony.
Tony and Kelsey stand together outside Bishop’s Quarter in downtown Loveland, Ohio during their winter wedding day. The historic brick building and glowing evening lights create a warm backdrop as the couple pauses for a portrait just a block away from The Landing Event Center where they were married.
Kelsey laughs as Sarah ties a blindfold over her eyes during a playful reception game at The Landing Event Center in Loveland, Ohio. The moment unfolds in front of a stone fireplace decorated with candles and greenery as guests enjoy the celebration.
The DJ came up with a fun idea for a game during the reception. All of the men at the wedding who had beards sat in a line of chairs while Kelsey was blindfolded. One by one, she had to feel each beard and try to figure out which one belonged to her husband!
Bride Kelsey recognizing her husband Tony by his beard while blindfolded during a reception game at The Landing Event Center in Loveland, Ohio.
She found him! It didn’t take long for Kelsey to find Tony. The room erupted with laughter and cheers as she confidently grabbed his face, proving that after all this time together, she knows her husband better than anyone!
This day was full of laughter, love, family, friends, and creativity. It’s exactly the kind of wedding Sarah and I love to photograph.
So much more to look forward to!
In this March 2025 reflection, Jordan looks ahead to wedding season and shares how Caitlin and Jake settled into their engagement photos.
I woke up this beautiful morning and thought about just how incredibly blessed we truly are. Not only do Sarah and I have the joy of working together as a devoted husband and wife team, providing for our family through something we used to consider merely a cherished hobby, but we have also turned our passion for storytelling into a fulfilling career.
We are especially fortunate to have the GREATEST couples walking into our lives. These amazing individuals are consistently kind and always ready to break out of their comfort zones to enjoy a wonderful experience with a couple of photographers, many of whom they have never met in person before!
People are generally shy by nature, so when we first started our business, I was convinced that capturing genuine, natural reactions would prove to be more than just challenging. However, God has sent us the most outgoing and lively individuals to be creative with. The amusing thing is that almost every person we encounter tells us they are shy or introverted at the outset of our meeting. But, after just the first five minutes of our session together, that initial shyness melts away completely, and we are off to the races! Caitlin and Jake, pictured above, are no exception to this delightful trend. With their upcoming wedding on May 9th, we have no doubts that we will capture some absolutely STUNNING, memorable, and priceless moments for them to take home and cherish with smiles for decades to come. Welcome to wedding season 2025; we truly can’t wait to meet you all!
Spring Photography season is on the horizon!
A March 2025 update from Jordan and Sarah, looking back on engagement sessions and ahead to another season of weddings and creative work together.
I stepped outside into this beautifully bright morning and immediately took a deep, refreshing breath of warm, fresh air. In that moment, I realized with a profound sense of joy that spring is truly here! While it might not be the official day marked on the calendar, Mother Nature seems to have other plans and is already showcasing the vibrant spirit of the season in every corner.
As I reflect on all of the wonderful engagement sessions we conducted last year, I am filled with anticipation for the wedding season ahead. Each session was filled with connections and shared moments with our lovely new brides and grooms. With wedding dates quickly approaching, we are eager to dive into new journeys filled with excitement.
Sarah and I have been fortunate to pursue professional wedding photography as husband and wife for over a decade now. Each passing year brings not just growth in our craft but also a deeper understanding of our unique photography style. With the photography season on the horizon, our optimism and enthusiasm are at an all-time high. We look forward to the artistic freedom, creativity, and enjoyable experiences that await us.
This year promises to bring forth some of the most remarkable work we've ever created. We cherish the opportunity to collaborate with our clients, forge new friendships, and create stunning photographs that will be cherished for generations to come. As we step into 2025, we embrace the journey ahead, ready to capture memories and enjoy every moment along the way.
2025, LETS DO THIS!
Maternity session Inspiration
Find ideas for including your partner, children, and pets in maternity photos, along with outfit inspiration, setting ideas, and small keepsakes to bring.
Happy Spring from Every Atom Photography! 🌸
Spring is in the air and Sarah and I are filled with excitement here at Every Atom Photography! While we bid farewell to the chilly winter days, we can't help but look back on all the wonderful memories we've captured with our amazing clients.
Winter brought us so many heartwarming opportunities, especially as we witnessed our past brides and grooms embark on their journey into parenthood. The joy of photographing newborns and expecting mothers has truly filled our hearts with positivity and inspiration.
From the amazing "I do" moments to the tentative selection of baby names and beyond, we've been fortunate to be a part of countless families' milestones. As we sit back on this last winter day, we can't help but marvel at the incredible journey we've shared with our clients. Time truly flies, and soon we'll be capturing senior and graduation photos for these little ones!
Life is a beautiful whirlwind of precious moments and we are grateful to be able to freeze these memories in time through our photography. Although we primarily serve the Cincinnati area, if you reside elsewhere and can't book a session with us, we hope our work can serve as inspiration for your future photo sessions with your local photographer.
Without further ado, we present a few of our favorite captures from our last two sessions. 📸✨ Let's embrace the new season and the endless possibilities it holds!
Get everyone together!
Capturing Love in Every Atom: Maternity Sessions
During a maternity session, it's natural to focus on capturing the radiant glow of the mom-to-be. But hey, let's not forget about the other little love bundles eagerly waiting to meet their new sibling! Just like you, they are bursting with joy and anticipation for their upcoming playmate. Including them in the photoshoot will add an extra layer of sweetness and excitement that you'll cherish forever.
Oh, and let's not overlook our furry friends! Pets can bring such warmth and comfort to a maternity session. Their presence reminds us that the arrival of a new baby is a momentous occasion for the whole family, including our beloved four-legged companions.
So, embrace the chaos, the giggles, and the paw prints in your maternity session. Trust us, you won't regret it. These photos will be treasured reminders of the love and anticipation that surrounded the journey to welcoming your newest family member.
Let's delve into the romantic side of things now. Despite the joyous anticipation of starting a family, it's important to cherish the love and passion between you and your special someone that sparked this beautiful journey. Ensure your photographer captures these heartfelt moments and gives dad his well-deserved time in the spotlight during the session. It's all about celebrating love, family, and those tender connections that make your story truly special.
Romantic maternity session in Dayton Ohio
Embracing Winter Vibes!
While some of our clients lean towards cozy studio sessions during winter, others can't resist the allure of the moody, magical outdoor look. Don't shy away from the chill! Bundle up, and let's create unforgettable moments together. You'll love the results, we promise! 📸❄️
Braving the cold for this moody maternity session in Waynesville, Ohio.
Celebrating Our Mom-to-Be
Let's shine the spotlight on our incredible mom-to-be! In the world of maternity sessions, she is truly the star of the show. Capturing her radiance is not only a priority but a joy. It was capturing the beauty of individuals that led me to pursue this career, making this part of the session a personal favorite. And when our mom-to-be arrives in style like Katie with her stunning long green dress, it simply adds that extra touch of magic to the whole experience.
Long Flowing Green Maternity Dress
Effortlessly stylish long green maternity dress for glowing moms-to-be, blending elegance with comfort and natural beauty.
I have found the perfect dress that I absolutely adore on Amazon!
Lifestyle Maternity: Embracing a Casual and Charming Look
Given the scenario of lifestyle maternity photography, the emphasis is on capturing a laid-back and natural aesthetic. The fashion style in this setting leans towards casual outfits that reflect what you would typically wear around the house. This approach adds a unique level of charm and authenticity to the images, embodying a sense of realism and comfort.
Capturing Sweet Beginnings
Infusing your photos with timeless charm is as simple as adding a sprinkle of nostalgia. Props like baby's first shoes, a cuddly teddy bear, a soft blanket, or even an ultrasound photo not only bring delightful pops of color and texture but also weave a heartwarming tale of the beautiful journey that is about to unfold. By incorporating these precious mementos, your images come alive with a touch of sweetness, capturing the essence of a new chapter waiting to be written.
Thank you for checking out our photos and ideas! We hope they bring a smile to your face and give you wonderful memories to cherish for years to come. If you're in our area, Sarah and I would be thrilled to chat with you about planning your next photo session. Just head over to our contact page whenever you're ready. Let us know what type of session catches your eye! God bless and happy spring!
Crafting the Perfect Wedding Album
Choose photos that tell the story of your wedding, from getting ready to the reception, with room for the expressive moments and people who matter most.
Happy Monday everyone! Today's blog is short but important. Today we are talking about picking the best images for your wedding album. Over the past 12 years of doing wedding photography Sarah and I have designed hundreds of wedding albums. After a time we started to develop a philosophy when it came to how these albums should be built. Similar to our business philosophy, which is to revolve everything we do around love, our photo album method is to tell a love story.
It is very easy to grab 30 or so of your favorite photos and drag them into a folder and hit the place order button. It’s fine to do that if that's what you want but realize that your photo album could be so much more. Your future granddaughter could pick this book off the shelf and see either a common book of old photos or they could be reading a fairy tale. The difference is that one book is made up of good photos and the other of course tells a story and has the potential to be a time machine!
When you're designing your book remember that you're weaving a narrative. Additionally not as many photos fit into a standard album as you might think. In my opinion that is a good thing. You might have 700 photos in your wedding album and have to narrow that down to 30-40. That means that only the cream of the crop are going to make the cut.
There are 5 main parts of a wedding day when it comes to photos.
Preparation ( getting ready shots. Make-up, getting into the dress, first look with bridesmaids etc… )
Couples and bridal ( Immediately after the first look if you have a first look. If you do not have a first look they will should be done immediately following the ceremony. )
Formals and bridal party (Bridal party shots followed by your more formal family posed shots )
Ceremony
Reception ( Cake cutting, dancing, speeches etc…)
I would recommend picking 4-5 photos from each part of the day and then fill the remainder of the book with couples shots as they are going to be the star of the show in this story book.
Personally I like to pick the photos which are the most expressive whether or not they are the best photos because they are the ones that tell the best story. As an example a grainy photo of your grandfather laughing and having a moment with your fiance is worth more than a perfectly lit and staged photo of your rings.
So, to sum this up I would say to keep the mindset of telling a story and imagine someone picking this book up in 30 years. Be in their shoes as you design and think about how they will read it. Will they be looking through old photos or will they be transported back to a special time and place in your life and in the history of your family.
Sarah and I are open for bookings in the Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky area as well as traveling sessions. If you’re interested in possibly booking a session just hop over to the contact page and shoot us an email!
If you enjoyed this read, please leave a like and consider subscribing for more photo session advice. Follow us on Instagram at the link below to keep up with our most recent photo session samples and reels.
If you want to learn more about Sarah and I you can click the link below to check out our about us page and hop over to the contact page if your interested in setting up a shoot or a consultation!
Thanks for reading!
- Jordan Epperson
4 tips for perfect getting ready photos
Four practical ways to prepare for your wedding photos: plan breakfast, look for natural light, keep the room tidy, and leave time to relax.
Plan a Calmer Wedding Morning
Hello again! Let’s talk about getting ready for your wedding photos. Over the past 10+ years of doing wedding photography in Ohio and around the country I have done hundreds of weddings and taken getting ready photos with all types of people. Almost every wedding falls victim to the same issue and today I hope to help raise awareness to help you get the most out of your wedding photos.
Great getting ready photos don’t just happen naturally!
If you look online at getting ready photos you will see gorgeous well lit photos of the bridal party before the ceremony. Most people love these photos but don’t take the time to look into what they really love about them. If you notice the little things that make up the photo you will usually see the following.
The Dream.
Everyone is mostly dressed and in makeup already.
The room is well lit, preferably with natural light.
The room is clean!
People are happy and smiling
The Truth.
Most everyone is running behind.
The room is poorly lit due to small windows.
The room is full of trash from cosmetic wrappers, shoe boxes and half eaten food and coffee cups.
There is a lack of smiles due to the high tense rushed energy.
Don’t worry though, with a little planning these issues are simple to eliminate. For starters, everyone should have a decent breakfast! This cuts down on the need to eat during the getting ready phase of the day. This is extremely important as one of the biggest issues with photos is clutter from food wrappers and also cuts down on the time that people are eating instead of focusing on the task at hand, which is make-up, hair and having a great time!
I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t take a time out to tell you about a great Ohio wedding venue in Franklin, Ohio. The above photo was shot at Stone Valley Meadows ( Link Below ) This venue offers a great getting ready space in the upstairs loft. Large double doors open to let in tons of natural light and the walls are painted a great shade of white which works with any color scheme. The above photo was taken on their patio which is covered perfectly to provide a well lit space while keeping the photos away from harsh unflattering sunlight. They also provide a great guest house for the guys to get ready which they call “The Guy’s Barn.”
Alright, back to it!
Second, if you have not yet picked a location to get ready I highly recommend, if at all possible, to pick a location with big windows which let in a flood of natural light. It’s very common that we end up doing prep photos in a hotel with everyone crammed into a room with one window. Any photographer worth their salt will bring good lighting equipment so they will make it work as we do, but no amount of flash will compare to natural window light. A nice Air-bnb or a venue with a large bridal suite is a great place to start. Having a space with a nice outdoor area helps as well. That way “weather permitting” your photographer has the option of taking the party outside for photos of the girls in their robes or the first look with the bridesmaids. Also I should mention that most people don’t usually realize that an air-bnb is close to the same price as a hotel when all is said and done.
Thirdly, let’s talk about clutter. Believe it or not the morning of most weddings is a hot mess. Everyone is both excited and busy. Cleaning the bridal suite is not on their radar. The floor will likely be littered with things like catering boxes, shoe boxes, cosmetic cases, and boob tape while the table tops will be covered in used starbucks cups and water bottles. The best solution to this is to first, make everyone aware of your wish to keep the space tidy for photos. Second, designate one or two people to keep an eye out for clutter and periodically go around and tidy up. Don’t feel bad, remember these are your friends and family. They are there to celebrate your love and are eager to help make your day perfect!
Lastly, let's talk about smiles. I write about stress all the time on this blog as weddings can be stressful for all involved. Like I say all the time “ stress kills creativity” but also stress kills that positive mimosa energy we all want on the morning of our wedding. As always the solution to this is planning and buffer room. However much time you think you will need, add at least an hour. The reason the morning of a wedding can be unpleasant is almost always a time issue. Rushing. Driving home to pick up something that was forgotten, no one had breakfast so everyone needs to eat first, everyone is moving slow ( maybe from a long night. ) The list of things that cause prep to run late is endless and totally unpredictable but leaving buffer time for things to go wrong is incredibly freeing on such a busy day. On your wedding day, time is your best friend! And if everything goes well you end up with extra time to enjoy yourself and relax a bit before the eventful and exciting day ahead.
I hope this article serves you well in your planning and helps to make your wedding day and wedding photography a little bit better.
Four Things to Remember
Make time for breakfast.
Choose a getting-ready space with plenty of natural light.
Keep the space tidy, with one or two people helping to clear clutter.
Leave extra time in your schedule so you can enjoy the morning.
Sarah and I photograph weddings in Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky, and we also travel. Tell us about your wedding plans if you’d like to talk about working together.
If you enjoyed this read, please leave a like and consider subscribing for more photo session advice. Follow us on Instagram at the link below to keep up with our most recent photo session samples and reels.
Thanks for reading!
- Jordan Epperson