A Romantic Wedding at Nazareth Hall | Ohio Wedding

Mr. & Mrs. Alex Stokes

Sometimes a couple’s story feels beautifully simple.

Not simple in the sense that it lacks depth, but simple in the way that everything just feels right.

That was exactly the feeling surrounding Alex and Alex’s wedding day at Nazareth Hall. Yes—both of them share the same first name, which might be one of my favorite wedding fun facts ever.

Their story began on Hinge while Alex was living in Dayton, Ohio. Soon after they met, life took them in different directions when he moved to Michigan and she stayed behind to finish graduate school. What followed was two years of long-distance dating, balancing busy schedules and miles apart.

Then everything finally aligned.

When she finished school and moved to Michigan last May, it didn’t take long before he proposed. As they shared with me, once they found each other it became clear they had found their forever.

And their wedding day reflected that same feeling—simple, joyful, and centered on what mattered most.

Getting married.

The Venue

There’s something undeniably special about Nazareth Hall.

The historic venue is full of character, with sweeping architecture, scenic grounds, and an incredible staff that keeps the entire day flowing smoothly. Having photographed a wedding here previously, I already knew how beautiful the spaces were and how many hidden pockets existed for portraits.

It’s one of those venues that effortlessly blends elegance with warmth—making it perfect for couples who want their wedding day to feel relaxed while still being stunning.

For Alex and Alex, it was the ideal place to gather family and friends for a celebration that felt simple, minimal, and fun.

A Quick Start to the Day

Weddings rarely unfold exactly according to plan—and this day began with a little unexpected adventure.

Despite leaving plenty of time for the drive and to pump in the car upon arrival, I ran into heavy construction on my way to the venue and arrived a bit behind schedule. But once I checked in with Mrs. Alex to let her know I had arrived (and to see if she needed anything at all), I quickly got to work.

I began by walking through the venue capturing the space and the thoughtful details scattered throughout the hall.

Then it was time to photograph the groom and his side of the wedding party as everyone finished getting ready for the day ahead.

A Private First Look

One of the most meaningful moments of the day came when Alex and Alex met outside the front of the venue for their first look.

Standing together with the historic building behind them, they shared a quiet moment away from the rest of the celebration. It was just the two of them—and me quietly moving around with my camera.

Here they exchanged private vows, words meant only for each other before the ceremony officially began.

It was emotional, joyful, and deeply personal.

During our consultation, I had asked them my favorite question:

If you could only walk away from the day with one photograph, what would it be?

Their answer was simple—an intimate photo of just the two of them together in front of their venue.

So after their first look, we spent a little time capturing exactly that.

And many more moments like it.

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place inside the chapel at Nazareth Hall, and it truly felt like stepping into another era.

Earthy green tones lined the walls, rich wood framed the room, and the original marble altar stood beneath beautiful stained glass windows. The entire space felt timeless and reverent—perfect for the moment Alex and Alex had been looking forward to most.

But before the vows began, the ceremony kicked off with one of the most entertaining processions I’ve seen at a wedding.

Instead of a traditional flower girl, two of their best men stepped into the role of “flower dudes.”

Not only did they enthusiastically toss petals down the aisle, but they also passed out the couple’s favorite beer to guests along the way. The moment was completely unexpected and absolutely hilarious, instantly setting the tone for the kind of celebration Alex and Alex had envisioned—fun, playful, and full of personality.

And then the ceremony itself began.

When I asked them during planning what they were most looking forward to on their wedding day, their answer was simple:

“Getting married.”

And in that quiet chapel, surrounded by their closest family and friends, that’s exactly what they did.

The Reception

While many weddings run a little behind schedule as the day unfolds, this celebration was actually moving ahead of schedule. We went right across the hall to the Gabriel Ballroom.

Which meant Alex and Alex were able to enjoy some extra time together during cocktail hour before dinner even began. Instead of rushing from one event to the next, they had a moment to breathe, chat with guests, and soak in the celebration they had spent months planning.

The evening festivities were led by Jason Kent, who kept the energy flowing throughout the night.

Sweet treats for the evening were provided by Eston’s Gourmet Creations, who created a beautiful wedding cake that was both elegant and delicious. It was the perfect finishing touch before the evening’s festivities truly began.

Jason guided the couple through their cake cutting before inviting them to the center of the dance floor for a round of the always-entertaining shoe game, where the couple answered playful questions about their relationship while holding up each other's shoes.

Laughter filled the room as guests learned a little more about the newlyweds.

Soon after came their first dance, followed by the sweet and emotional father-daughter dance.

One thing that always stands out when working at Nazareth Hall is just how attentive and supportive their team is throughout the entire wedding day. The day-of coordinators, Sophie and Jordan, were absolutely phenomenal. From keeping the timeline moving smoothly to making sure Alex and Alex could simply enjoy their celebration, they handled everything with such professionalism and care. It’s one of the many reasons this venue is such a wonderful place for couples to get married—the staff truly takes care of their couples every step of the way.

When the Party Began

Once dinner wrapped up and the formalities of the evening were complete, the celebration truly came alive.

The dance floor quickly filled with friends and family ready to celebrate the newly married couple. Bright balloon decorations scattered throughout the reception space soon became part of the entertainment, with guests playing rounds of ‘keepy uppy’ (the balloon game from Bluey) as songs played late into the evening.

Meanwhile, a small group gathered around a table in the back where drinking games had quietly formed their own little party.

It was exactly what Alex and Alex had hoped for all along.

Not a rigid, overly formal wedding day—but a joyful celebration filled with laughter, music, and the people they love most.

A Celebration of Alignment

From their very first message to me, Alex and Alex shared that their priority for the day was simple:

To get married, and to celebrate that moment with the people who matter most.

After years of long distance, graduate school, and waiting for life to finally align, their wedding day felt like the natural beginning of a new chapter together.

And at Nazareth Hall, surrounded by friends, laughter, flower dudes, and a dance floor that stayed full all night, they celebrated exactly the way they hoped to.

Simple.
Joyful.
And full of love.