Can a winter wedding feel warm?

Like, truly cozy, candlelit, wrapped in a hug warm? Kayla and Justin answered that for me on February 21 at Darby House on Darby Dan Farm in Galloway, Ohio. Bare trees outside, a fire glowing inside, deep red dresses, and snow falling for their send off.


It was one of those days that reminded me why I love this work so much: it's all the little moments in between. If you're planning a winter wedding at Darby House, or anywhere around Columbus, grab a cozy drink and come see how beautiful February can be.


The details

Darby House already feels like a warm welcome, with soaring wood beams, iron chandeliers and a stone fireplace at the heart of the room. Kayla's gown hung right on that fireplace, framed by greenery and candles, and honestly I could have stayed there all morning. Every little touch felt so them, right down to the mirrored "Our Favorite People" seating chart.

Stone entrance sign for Darby Dan Farm featuring a Darby House marker topped with a horse and rider silhouette sculpture.
Elegant wedding seating chart on a gold-framed arch mirror with white cards labeled Our Favorite People.
Elegant wedding venue with vaulted wood beam ceiling, chandelier, white chairs, and brick fireplace altar.
Elegant wedding dress hanging over a white fireplace adorned with greenery and candles in a rustic venue.

Getting ready

My favorite surprise of the morning? Kayla's crisp white high tops peeking out from under all that tulle. Comfort and style, and the sweetest little detail. Her bridesmaids wore the most gorgeous deep red, and watching them zip, fluff and laugh together was pure joy.

Close-up of white sneakers with ruffled socks being tied, worn under a white tulle dress on hardwood floor.
Black and white photo of a smiling bride putting on earrings on her wedding day.
Bride in white gown laughing with bridesmaid in red dress while getting ready for wedding ceremony.
Smiling groom in dark suit with red boutonniere and glasses relaxing in leather chair before wedding ceremony.

Two first looks

Before Justin saw her, Kayla shared a first look with her dad in front of those big windows. That hug. I still get a little teary looking at it. Then it was Justin's turn. I take a few photos and then I step back, because that moment belongs to them. Under the chandelier, in that beautiful quiet room, they just got to be together for a minute.

Bride and groom share a first look moment inside an elegant wedding venue with stone fireplace.
A bride and groom share their first kiss in an elegant indoor wedding venue with white chairs and hardwood floors.
Bride and father share first look moment in elegant wedding venue with string lights and hardwood floors.
Bride in lace wedding gown shares emotional hug with father in black suit during wedding reception.
Bride in white gown stands with older gentleman in dark suit and red tie in elegant wedding reception venue.
Groom in dark suit clasps hands in awe seeing bride in white wedding dress during first look ceremony indoors.

Creekside portraits in winter

Darby House sits right along Big Darby Creek, and the stone terrace by the water is a dream in every season. In winter the bare branches and soft light make everything feel so peaceful. Kayla's gown and long veil against that quiet backdrop? My heart.

Smiling bride in flowing white off-shoulder gown holding colorful bouquet, posing by stone bridge near lake.
Groom lifts bride in flowing white wedding gown outdoors, sharing a romantic kiss near a stone building with string lights.
Bride and groom kissing outdoors with flowing lace veil, winter wedding venue with string lights.
Bride and groom share a romantic kiss under a flowing veil, bride holding a pink and red floral bouquet.
A bride in a white ball gown and groom in a dark suit pose together outdoors amid tall golden grasses.
Bride in off-shoulder white gown twirling with bouquet on stone terrace near river.

Fireside vows

They said their vows right in front of the stone fireplace, surrounded by greenery, candles and so many people who love them.

Bride in white gown with two groomsmen in dark suits and red ties at an elegant wedding venue.
Bride and groom walk down the aisle at an elegant indoor wedding ceremony with white chairs and candlelit decor.
Couple exchanging vows at elegant indoor wedding ceremony with candles, floral arrangements, and brick fireplace backdrop.
Bride and groom exchange vows before officiant at elegant indoor wedding ceremony with brick wall and candlelit fireplace.
Elegant indoor wedding ceremony in a rustic venue with brick fireplace, chandelier, and guests seated in white chairs.
Black and white wedding ceremony photo with bride and groom at altar before fireplace, surrounded by guests and candles.

The celebration

From a sweet kiss at the sweetheart table to their first dance under the chandeliers, the evening was full of laughter, hugs and a packed dance floor.

A bride and groom share a romantic kiss at their wedding reception table adorned with greenery and candles.
A bride and groom share their first dance at a wedding reception in an elegant wood-beamed venue with guests watching.
Bride and groom share a romantic first dance surrounded by cheering wedding guests in an elegant ballroom.
Woman in red dress dancing gracefully at an elegant indoor wedding reception with guests seated at tables.
Bride and groom share their first dance on a wooden floor in a rustic venue with exposed beams and chandelier.
Bride and groom share their first dance on a wooden floor in a rustic wedding venue with warm string lights.

A snowy send off

And then, to end the night, the snow came down. Kayla and Justin stepped outside under the twinkle lights and it felt like the whole day wrapped them in one last hug. Winter weddings, I adore you.

Bride and groom sharing a romantic kiss outdoors at night in the snow, with warm golden lights illuminating the venue.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom sharing a romantic moment in the snow at night.
Bride and groom share romantic first dance outdoors at night, surrounded by snow and twinkling fairy lights in trees.

Planning a winter wedding at Darby House?

A few little tips from this day:

Plan portraits around the light. February sunset comes early, so I love scheduling the first look and couple portraits before the ceremony.

Use the windows. The big windows at Darby House give gorgeous soft light for getting ready and first looks, even on a gray day.

Say yes to night photos. A few minutes outside after dark, especially if it's snowing, is pure magic.

Wear the comfy shoes. Kayla's high tops? Total genius.


Thank you, Kayla and Justin

Thank you for trusting me with your day, and for letting me be part of something so full of love. Kindness enhances everything in life, and your people were so kind.


Planning your own wedding at Darby House or around Columbus? I'd love to hear all about it. Let's chat about your day.


Vendor love

Venue: Darby House at Darby Dan Farm, Galloway, Ohio (@darbyhousefarm)

Events team: BTTS Events (@btts.events)

Catering: Gourmet Fresh Catering (@gourmetfresh.catering)

Florals: Fiori Florals (@fiori.florals)

DJ: Mike Forrest (@dj_mike4est)

Second photographer: Alyssa Poe Photography (@alyssapoephotography)

Photography: Lina Rae Photography