Elegant Black & White Wedding at The Transept
Getting Ready in the Bell Tower
Elly spent the morning in the bridal suite tucked inside the bell tower—a quiet, light-filled space. It was also where she and Matt chose to have their first look, making it one of the most intimate moments of the day.
Matt got ready in the lower-level lounge, surrounded by his closest friends, setting a relaxed tone before everything officially began.
Having everything in one location allowed the day to move naturally, without interruption—something that always makes a difference not just in the experience, but in how the story is documented.
Elly & Matt
A Timeless Wedding Day in the Heart of Over-the-Rhine
Elly and Matt’s wedding at The Transept was the definition of timeless. Every detail was intentionally chosen in a refined black and white palette—classic, elevated, and effortlessly cohesive from beginning to end.
From getting ready in the historic bell tower to a candlelit reception beneath soaring ceilings, the entire day unfolded within the venue, creating a seamless and immersive experience for both them and their guests.
A Ceremony Rooted in Meaning
Elly and Matt’s ceremony beautifully honored both of their backgrounds, blending Jewish and Catholic traditions in a way that felt deeply personal.
Their families each played a role—Elly’s parents included the traditional glass breaking, while Matt’s parents participated in a unity candle ceremony. These moments added layers of meaning that went beyond the visual, grounding the ceremony in something lasting and intentional.
It was a reflection of not just their relationship, but the families coming together around them.
Design That Speaks for Itself
The design of the day was understated in the best way—letting the architecture of The Transept shine while enhancing it with thoughtful details.
Black tuxes and mismatched black silk bridesmaid dresses
White and ivory florals by Thistle & Bloom
Crisp white linens with black accents
A striking black and white checkered dance floor
The result was a wedding that felt both modern and enduring—never trendy, just well considered.
The reception carried that same sense of intention into the evening.
One of the most meaningful moments came when Elly chose to dedicate her bouquet to her mom—a quiet, emotional gesture that replaced the traditional bouquet toss. It was unexpected, personal, and incredibly moving.
Later in the evening, her brother surprised guests by performing a song before the parent dances, adding another layer of connection and energy to the celebration.
With Blue Water Kings Band keeping the dance floor full, the night felt both elevated and alive—the kind of atmosphere that’s hard to manufacture, but easy to feel when it’s there.
A Reflection
Elly and Matt shared afterward:
“Brittany was hands down the best decision we made for our wedding. My husband and I absolutely loved working with her. Not only are her photos breathtakingly beautiful, but she also had a remarkable ability to pose us in such a natural, comfortable way while capturing all the candid, emotional moments. Our wedding photos are truly a dream and will be cherished by us, our families, and our future family for a long, long time. We are beyond grateful for her incredible work and truly, truly, truly can’t recommend her enough.”
It means everything to be trusted in that way—to not just document a wedding day, but to create something that continues to hold meaning long after it’s over.
Vendor Team
Venue: The Transept
Photography: Brittany Bays
Florals: Thistle & Bloom
Hair & Makeup: Blend Artistry
Band: Blue Water Kings Band
Cake: Tres Belle Cakes
Bridal Gown: VWIDON
Weddings like this are a reminder that timeless doesn’t have to mean simple—it just means intentional. Elly and Matt created a day that felt grounded, elegant, and entirely their own, all within one of Cincinnati’s most distinctive spaces.
