Taylor and Nico’s Bubble-Filled Wedding at The Shipyards in Lorain, Ohio

There are bubble exits, and then there are BUBBLE EXITS. After seeing the photos from Taylor and Nico’s summer wedding day at The Shipyards Event Center in Lorain, OH, you’ll see what I mean! With its massive windows and exposed brick, this incredible wedding venue felt built for breathtaking wedding photography. And the way the couple chose to decorate, particularly the custom altar decoration—two white french doors surrounded by ferns and florals—and the string lights, made for a stunning gallery. And don’t forget that bomb bubble exit! Let’s dive into Taylor and Nico’s chic Lorain wedding day!

The day began with the artistry of Annie Simeone of Westpark Style & Ink. She styled Taylor’s hair into simple waves falling over her shoulders as Breezys Beauty Bar took it away in the makeup department. It perfectly complimented one of the most beautiful lace gowns I’ve ever seen from Radiant Bride. As soon as she was wedding ready, we met her dad for the first first look of the day. Taylor’s mom knew his reaction was going to be one to remember, so she pulled out her phone to film, too. When he pulled her in for a huge bear hug and gave her a twirl, I was so glad Mom thought to film the moment as I documented it in still frames. Then, it was time to go see Nico.

In a classic black tux and white bowtie, Nico waited for his bride by the towering windows. When she appeared, glowing in the radiant morning light, I could almost feel their anxiety about the day ahead completely melt away. Nico couldn’t stop smiling, and Taylor basked in the joy of a perfect groom’s reaction. Then they were ready for wedding party portraits, which we also took inside the venue next to the huge windows. Taylor’s bridal party wore cream dresses in a mix of styles from Azazie and carried white and blush rose bouquets from Off Broadway Floral. I loved the clean, minimalist lines of the venue and how they complimented the simple, elegant style Taylor and Nico chose for their day. 

After the wedding party photos, we prepared for the ceremony. The guests were awed by the couple’s unique altar decorations that brought a natural touch to the industrial style of the venue. But the moment Taylor entered the room, she took everyone’s breath away. But the moment that took my breath away actually came thanks to the officiant. I’ve had the pleasure to work with some extraordinarily kind officiants, but Taylor and Nico’s took the cake. He actually thought to stand behind me during their first kiss as husband and wife so they’d be the only ones in frame for the moment! It’s something I’d never request as a photographer, but that thoughtful act of kindness made for some of the best first kiss photos I’ve ever taken!

Then, the guests snatched up containers of bubbles for a joyous bubble exit. The guests had some amazing lung capacity, because they were blowing those bubbles until the very last moment! It was definitely the best bubble exit I’ve ever seen in all my years of wedding photography, so props to the guests for the amazing moment. 

With the last of the bubbles still drifting through the air, the couple, the wedding party, my second photographer, and I loaded onto a trolley that took us down to the lakeshore for portraits. We took photos on the boardwalk and soaked in the bright June day. We also wandered down to the beach, where the wedding party made a tunnel with their arms for the couple to walk through. Taylor and Nico’s dogs even joined in on the photo sesh! Then, we headed back to The Shipyards for the party to continue.

The ceremony space had been totally transformed for the reception, and despite our photo adventure to the lake, the couple and wedding party were able to enjoy their cocktail hour with their guests! That’s one of the main advantages of having a first look—you get so much more photography time early on, and then everyone can just enjoy for the rest of the day! The overall flow of the day was very relaxing because no one was ever in a rush. Everything just flowed beautifully together, allowing the couple to truly enjoy the day!

The couple made their grand entrance into the reception to elated cheers, and when Nico swept Taylor into their first dance, all the guests’ eyes got misty. And did you spot their dogs snuggled in by the guest tables? Gotta love a venue that understands how important our four-legged family members are on our big days! But one of the sweetest moments of the celebration was when Taylor picked up the microphone to sing a song to her parents, whose anniversary was just a few days prior. It was so sweet knowing their anniversaries would be so close together! Then, as the sun dipped low, so did the guests as the dance floor filled. With a view through the massive windows of the breathtaking sunset painting the sky, Taylor and Nico hit the dance floor with their loved ones to celebrate the next chapter in their love story. 

I absolutely loved the opportunity to photograph this chic wedding at The Shipyards, and I hope to return soon! It’s the perfect venue for Loraine couples who want to bring a modern, minimalist canvas to their wedding day. And any kind thing I say about the staff there would be an understatement! So, if you’re considering a Shipyard wedding, I’d love to hear from you!

Congratulations, Taylor and Nico, on a beautiful wedding day, and I can’t wait to catch up with you soon!