Wedding Dress Inspiration from Real Ohio Brides

Stories Forever Weddings

Nov 4

3 min read

Every bride we photograph chooses her dress for her own reasons, and no two have ever been the same. We went back through our real weddings and pulled together some of our favorite gowns, along with the moments that showed them off best.

If you're shopping for your dress, or just dreaming, here's a little inspiration from brides across Northeast Ohio and beyond.

Lace and Soft Details

Lace never goes out of style. It catches window light beautifully and looks just as good up close as it does across a field.

Anastasia in her lace gown and tiara in window light

From Anastasia & Thomas at Westfall Event Center

Elizabeth in a lace-edged veil lit by soft window light

From Elizabeth & Langston at The Tudor Arms Hotel

Ashley's long lace train spread across the grass beside a barn door

From Ashley & John at Nickajack Farms

Veils and Long Trains

A long veil or a cathedral train turns a simple portrait into something dramatic. Give yourself a few extra minutes for portraits so we can let it flow, whether it's across a garden path, a conservatory floor or a lawn by the water.

Bride and groom in the glass conservatory at Stan Hywet, her long veil spread across the floor

From Taylor & Blaine at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Bride's long train spread across the grass in the woods

From Anastasia & Thomas at Westfall Event Center

Bride and groom walking together, her train flowing

From Kyndall & John at Stone Valley Meadows

Elise & Ron framed by her veil beside the willow tree

From Elise & Ron at White Birch Barn

Close-up of Jenn looking over her shoulder through her veil

From Jenn & Stephen at Hale Farm & Village

Don't Forget the Back

Buttons, low backs and long trains are made for being photographed from behind, and a staircase or a chandelier makes the perfect frame.

Bride in her wedding gown beneath a chandelier, showing the back of the dress

From Katie & Trent at Tudor House at Mason's Cove

Riccela in her wedding gown on a winding wooden staircase

From Riccela & Matt's Cleveland wedding

The Dress Before the Dress

Some of our favorite getting-ready photos are of the gown on its own: hanging in an arched window, by tall leaded glass, or on a red barn door.

Bride in her gown by tall leaded windows at Stan Hywet Hall in Akron, Ohio

From Taylor & Blaine at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Cierra's wedding gown hanging in an arched window at Bella Amore on Enchanted Acres

From Cierra & Joshua at Bella Amore on Enchanted Acres

Wedding gown hanging on a red barn door while the bride's family looks on at The Little Red Barn

From Grace & Darryn at The Little Red Barn

Bold and Different

Not every bride wants the classic look, and we love that. A black gown for a Halloween elopement, a short dress for a ceremony on the town square, or a strapless gown with a bright red bouquet all tell you something about the person wearing it.

Aurora in a black wedding dress with Mitch by the lake, holding a red and orange bouquet

From Aurora & Mitch's Halloween elopement in Medina

Tricia smiling in her short white wedding dress on Chardon Square

From Tricia & Alex's Chardon Square elopement

Bride laughing as she lies on her gown in the grass with her red bouquet, her groom beside her

From Maria & Matthew at Firestone Country Club

Tips for Wedding Dress Photos

Hang your dress somewhere with natural light before you get into it. Bring a nice hanger. Plan a few minutes for us to photograph the back, the train and any details you love, and if you're wearing a long veil, keep it on for portraits even if you take it off for the reception.

Planning Your Own Northeast Ohio Wedding?

We photograph and film weddings, engagements and proposals across Northeast Ohio. See our photo + video packages, the venues we've worked at and Tara & Trevor's winter church wedding, then check your date with us.