A beautiful wedding day at the Dayton Art Institute. Filled with soft light, soft spring florals, and a couple with such joyous energy.

Nestled in the heart of Dayton, the Dayton Art Institute is a stunning venue where beautiful architecture, design, and art converge to create a beautiful wedding venue. Abbey and Tyler hosted their guests in the Shaw Gothic Cloister, featuring a magnificent glass-domed, cathedral-style ceiling and the ability to accommodate 250–300 guests. To top it all off, their wedding guests were given private access to the art galleries during cocktail hour, an incredibly unique touch that made their Dayton Art Institute wedding even more memorable. Designed with so much intentional thought, the Dayton Art Institute continues to shine as a truly beautiful place to celebrate a wedding day.

From the moment I arrived, the day felt rich in emotion, light, and design. Abbey’s bridal portraits began in the soft morning glow, but we leaned into boldness: harsh sunlight that sculpted form and shadow, creating editorial-style images that stood out in contrast to the traditional. I remember the light hitting her veil just so, casting a sharp line of brightness on her. It was a beautiful tension between classic bridal elegance and modern edge.

The Details

I start most wedding days by photographing the details, and this one was no exception. We found the perfect spot in the women’s getting ready area, soft natural light pouring through the windows and bouncing across every surface. It was the kind of light photographers dream about. One of my favorite details from the morning? Abbey’s stunning red-bottom heels which were elegant, classic, and such a fun pop of personality to photograph.

Next, we took some of my favorite bridal portraits of Abbey, the harsh light, her dress, everything came together perfectly.

Next, Abbey and Tyler shared a private first look before the ceremony. An emotional moment filled with big smiles and personal vows exchanged between just the two of them.

After their private first look and vows, we jumped straight into capturing some couples portraits and bridal party photos before the ceremony started!

The Ceremony

Their ceremony at Westminster Presbyterian Church carried a quiet sense of meaning that went far beyond the day itself. It’s where Abbey’s parents were married years ago: the same aisle, the same walls, the same soft light streaming through the stained-glass windows. And, in a way, it had been part of Abbey and Tyler’s story from the very beginning. On their very first date, they walked past the church, and Abbey told him (half joking, half certain) that she was going to get married there one day. Standing in that sanctuary together, surrounded by family and friends, that moment came full circle in the most special way.

The Reception

Following the ceremony, we made our way to the Dayton Art Institute for their wedding reception and got our first look at the space, and wow, it was breathtaking! The florals completely transformed the room, especially the installation hanging from the chandelier. It was such a statement piece and truly brought the entire space to life. It’s details like that that make a wedding feel uniquely you! While cocktail hour was going on, we also had the chance to sneak outside to Hale Cloister and take some beautiful photos of Abbey and Tyler plus their bridal party. The Dayton Art Institute truly is a spectacular place to host your wedding.

And finally, the part of the night everyone had been waiting for: the reception! Abbey and Tyler made their grand entrance before sharing their first dances, hearing a few heartfelt speeches, and cutting their cake. After that, the dance floor officially opened, and these two didn’t leave it all night. The energy was joyful, the laughter nonstop, and it was the perfect way to end such a meaningful day- surrounded by their favorite people, celebrating exactly how they wanted to!

Abbey + Tyler Wedding at The Dayton Art Institute

This day was overflowing with love and laughter from beginning to end and it ended just the same way. Abbey and Tyler, thank you for trusting me to capture your story and inviting me into such an incredibly meaningful day! Weddings like yours are the best reminder of why I do what I do: the joy, the emotion, the fleeting little moments that tell a bigger story. I’m so grateful I got to be a part of it all! Cheers to Abbey and Tyler and their magical day at the Dayton Art Institute! If you’re dreaming of a Dayton Art Institute wedding and still looking for a photographer, feel free to reach out to me here, I’d love to hear from you!

I want to give a shout out to all of the amazing vendors that helped make this day so incredible!

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kate Legters Photography
VENUE: Dayton Art Institute
FLORIST: Hollon Flowers
DRESS: Miss Stella York
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Dessy Group
DJ: Legacy Event Group
RENTALS: Prime Time Party and Event Rental
CAKE Ashleys Pastries
CATERING: Bernstein’s Fine Catering
HAIR: Jodi Schuh
MAKEUP: Kenzy Marie
INVITATIONS: Maria Gossard Designs
RINGS: Elizabeth Diamond Company