Taft Museum of Art Wedding in Cincinnati Ohio | Ell + Logan

A Dreamy Black-Tie Garden Wedding at the Taft Museum of Art

When Ell and her fiancé set out to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted something truly unique, a celebration that felt both whimsical and elegant. Inspired by the fantastical world of Alice in Wonderland and the natural beauty of a garden, their big day was a perfect blend of vibrant colors, sophisticated black-tie style, and personal touches that made it uniquely theirs. And where better to host this dream wedding than the timeless, refined setting of the Taft Museum of Art in Ohio?

A Tale of Two Homes

For Ell, the wedding day began in the very place where so many of her childhood memories had been made—her childhood home. Surrounded by her bridesmaids, all dressed in mismatched dresses that were a playful mix of textures and shades within a pink and orange palette, Ell's morning was filled with laughter, love, and a bit of nervous excitement. The dresses—some floral, others silky, and a few more structured—were all chosen to add a sense of whimsical charm to the day. Their varied colors and textures, all anchored by the pink and orange hues, felt like a nod to a fantastical garden blooming in full force.

Meanwhile, just down the street at a family friend's home, the groom Logan and his groomsmen were kicking back tossing around a football and throwing bags. When it came time to get ready, the guys were dressed fully in classic black suits, with the groom himself making a bold statement in a white suit. The contrast between Ell’s vibrant bridal party and the sleek sophistication of the groom and groomsmen set the tone for a wedding that would be both refined and fantastical, a fusion of elegance and playfulness.

The First Look: A Moment of Intimacy

The first look is always a magical moment, but for Ell and Logan, it was especially special to share it in the backyard of her childhood home. Surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of a place that had been central to her life, this intimate moment between the couple felt grounded, full of love and emotion. As Ell approached Logan, the lush greenery of the backyard and the soft light filtering through the trees made the scene feel like it was straight out of a fairytale.

Their first look was the perfect moment to pause before the whirlwind of the day began—a time to take in the reality of what was about to unfold. The couple exchanged smiles, quiet words, and the excitement of what was to come. The garden theme was already beginning to blossom, as if their love were in full bloom. Among the lush greenery I loved that they both chose to wear all white to stand out from everything else and shine as the center of attention of their perfect wedding day.

A Wedding Fit for Wonderland

After the first look, the couple and their guests made their way to the Taft Museum of Art, where the wedding ceremony would take place. The venue itself is a masterpiece, a blend of history, art, and sophistication, but Ell and her team transformed it into something truly enchanting. The theme was something out of an Alice in Wonderland novel, but with a grown-up, chic twist. Think vibrant colors, whimsical details, and elegant black-tie sophistication. Tons of candelabras, fairytale gold details, and boasting with vibrant and colorful florals everywhere. The name of the game was texture with the deep blue tablecloths, velvet napkins, and cascading pink ribbons everywhere.

The vibrant pinks and oranges from the bridesmaids' dresses echoed throughout the floral arrangements, which featured a riot of color—roses, peonies, and dahlias all coming together in an otherworldly yet refined display. The guests were transported into a dreamlike world where every detail—from the florals to the table settings—felt like part of a larger magical story.

The ceremony took place in the museum’s lush gardens, just under the large mature tree in the outdoor courtyard of the venue. Ell walked down in her gorgeous lace gown, with a flowing cape behind her. The slickback bun highlighted her whole look and stunning face makeup so well, I really have got to start recommending capes instead of veils to everyone from now on! I also appreciated that their wedding party was non traditional in that their friends did not stand up next to them, but instead were able to sit and be a guest at the wedding. Everyone watched Ell and Logan as they exchanged their heartfelt vows for one another under the magic of the garden in the Taft Museum lawn.

As the couple exchanged vows under a canopy of greenery and flowers, the atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation. The sun gently set behind the garden, casting a golden glow over the ceremony. It was a moment of true connection, a celebration not only of Ell and her groom’s love for each other but of the community of family and friends who had gathered to witness this special day.

Portraits in the Museum

When you have tablescapes this good, you can’t not have your couple pose with them. I wanted to focus on a mix of the classic and timeless areas around the Taft Museum like on the front stoop and in the gallery. But I also felt it was really important to showcase the personality of the wedding by having E + L with the bright pops of color at the reception tables.

Dinner and Dancing: A Whimsical Celebration

After the ceremony, guests were greeted with an open bar and a dance floor under a sheltered tent with a fabulous live band. The wedding cake began to melt on a hot day and the couple chose to do a more private cake cutting during the cocktail hour so the staff had extra time to prepare the food and dessert for guests.

The reception continued with the lively speeches that made everyone laugh until they cried, and ate a multiple course dinner while enjoying the company of friends who had travelled from near and far. I love that weddings feel like a reunion and you get to hear people catching up over years of not seeing one another while rejoicing in the company of new friends as well.

Dinner was a beautifully prepared multi-course affair, complete with signature cocktails that added a touch of quirky charm. The couple’s first dance was a magical moment, as they swirled together under the soft glow of chandeliers, and the music filled the room with the sounds of celebration. Ells dance with her dad started out traditional and turned into a party anthem where they summoned the dance energy for the night. Logan had a heartfelt moment with his mom, holding her close and spinning her in their precious moment surrounded by loved ones.

The night was filled with laughter, dancing, and plenty of joyful moments, but it was the couple's shared joy and radiant smiles that made the evening unforgettable. The band absolutely brought the funk and no guest was left at the tables sitting down, seriously! The guests reveled in the beautiful atmosphere, where each element of the wedding—whether it was the bold colors, the imaginative theme, or the intimate moments—blended seamlessly to create a truly remarkable event. Towards the end of the night Ell’s brother got up on stage and sang Blink-182 and all the millennials alike scream sang along watching one of their own perform for them.

A Perfect Day

Ell and her groom’s wedding was a perfect reflection of their personalities: fun, elegant, and full of love. From the intimate first look in Ell's childhood backyard to the breathtaking garden ceremony at the Taft Museum of Art, every detail of the day was thoughtfully crafted to create a sense of wonder and joy. The mismatched dresses and vibrant color palette created a magical garden atmosphere, while the black-tie elements kept the entire event grounded in sophistication.

It was a day that felt like stepping into a dream—a dream where love, family, and beauty all came together in a celebration that will never be forgotten. The memories of this enchanted day will live on, not only in the couple’s hearts but in the hearts of all who had the privilege to witness it.

This wedding wasn’t just a celebration of Ell and Logan’s love; it was a reminder of the magic that exists when we bring our dreams to life—when we step into the wonder of the world, hand in hand with the people who matter most. A wedding like no other, a bright pink fairytale with a modern twist.

The Team:

Photography – Madeline J Studios
Event Planning – Melissa Lohr
Venue – Taft Museum of Art
Floral Design – Courtenay Lambert Florals
Catering – Delightmore
Cake – Janie Cakes
Live Music – The Touchables
Invitation Design – Otto Printing
Makeup + Hair Styling – Reign Beauty Studio
Wedding Dress – Emma & Grace
Dress Alterations – Maven Sewing Co.
Groom’s Apparel – Suit Supply
Rings – Trice Jewelers
Rentals – Advantage Tent Rentals
Transportation – Jimmy’s Limo
Lighting – Clear Lighting

Feel free to take a scroll through all the details of the wedding day to find more inspiration: