Wedding at Stambaugh Auditorium

It’s not everyday that you get the opportunity to photography your neighbor’s daughter and her fiance on their wedding day! Yet here I am today, sharing a wedding I am so thrilled about. When Lindsey and Bryan got engaged, her mom mentioned “I think the neighbor is a photographer.” Immediately Lindsey rolled her eyes – how legitimate could the neighbor across the street be? Coming from a family of photographers, Lindsey had high standards for what would pass for professional photography. Fast forward, Lindsey’s sister went on my instagram and verified that I knew what I was doing. And the rest, so they say, is history.

I’m truly so honored that L & B chose me to photograph their wedding at Stambaugh Auditorium. I had never worked there any it is truly stunning. If you are bride in the Youngstown area, be sure to consider it for your ceremony — it’s stunning! So thankful to Lindsey and Brian’s families for welcoming me in to the fold. Best wishes to you both!

What was your inspiration behind your Wedding at Stambaugh Auditorium?

Classic, timeless and romantic with a touch of Italian!

Advice to share with brides planning now?

Stay patient and try to keep calm as best you can! Drink water, get sleep when you can and take mental rest days with zero planning to allow you a healthy balance! Accept the help when it is presented to you, your vision will come to fruition if you allow others to help you, it takes a village after all! Utilize your spouse-to-be as best you can, they can assist with planning more than you think possible! Also try to remember at the end of the day, the aesthetics are not what is important, marrying your person is the entire purpose of the day and should be your main focus day-of!! That is all that matters. Take the time to stop & smell the roses so you can capture every second of the day with your person <3

How did you and your spouse meet?

We met on a Hinge date in Columbus in February of 2021! My sister was my DD for the evening and Bryan & I met at a cocktail bar called Antiques on High.  As soon as we sat down and started chatting it instantly felt as if we had known each other for years! After hours talking together we both knew this was something different and very special, and the rest was history! Since we both happened to be from Youngstown, OH which was an extra bonus, once we got engaged it was a no brainer to us that we would get married in the area that made us who we are (:

Proposal Details! How did it happen? 🙂

Bryan & I planned a trip to Italy in Sept 2024 after years of us talking about wanting to go there (it was my dream country to visit)! We started our trip in Varenna, Italy which is off of Lake Como.  On the second day of the trip, Bryan took me to the “Walk of Lovers” which is right on the lake. It was a beautiful evening, we grabbed to-go beers and walked around for a bit, and after awhile Bryan wanted to find a spot to watch the sunset together since we love to do this on trips.  After a bit of investigating spots we landed on a concrete slab used as a boating dock right in the water.  Golden Hour was hitting over the water and before I knew it Bryan grabbed both of my hands and professed his love for me, and then got down on one knee and pulled out of his pocket the most beautiful ring I had ever laid eyes on! I cried (of course) and without hesitation said YES!! We hugged and a bunch of on-lookers nearby cheered for us! Then I realized a man with a nice camera was taking pics, Bryan had hired a photographer to document the proposal! We had a mini photoshoot around the city and afterwards had a very fancy dinner that Bryan had arranged for us. It was a beautiful dream of a day <3

What was your favorite memory from your Wedding at Stambaugh Auditorium?

Our favorite memory was when we got to enjoy some quality time at the reception hall before the reception began with our parents, grandparents & our wedding party with the jazz band performing for us!

Wedding at Stambaugh Auditorium Vendors

Photographer: Steven Dray Photography

Ceremony: Stambaugh Auditorium

Ceremony Musicians: Columbus Musicians, LLC

Reception: Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center

Florist: Brian Hood

Wedding Dress Designer: Dany Tabet

Wedding Dress Style: Custom Made

Wedding Dress Boutique: La Jeune Mariee

Hairstylist: Brooke Renaker

Make-up Artist : Katina Wolf

Bride’s Shoe Designer: Jimmy Choo

Bride’s Ring Designer: Diamond’s Direct

Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer:Birdy Grey

Groom Attire Designer:Men’s Wearhouse

Groom Ring Designer:Diamond’s Direct

Videographer Company/Name:David John Ciavarella

Paper Goods Company:City Printing

Entertainment:DJ Jordan with Selective Sound Entertainment

Bakery: Das Dutch Haus