Pre-Wedding Cocktails in Cincinnati, OH — Red Herron Art Ann Arbor Wedding Photographer

Bride embraces groom and smiles at him during wedding reception

A Bridal Party Walks into a Bar…

On January 14th, Josh and Veronica got married at the Community Arts Center in Reading, Ohio— but before that, they kick-started the festivities at Sundry & Vice in Cincinnati and I am CONVINCED this is how every wedding should start. I’m not planning my wedding yet but when I do, it will be finding the coolest looking bar and packing my bridal party into it. This bar was where Josh and Veronica had their first date and it was a perfect spot to invade before the ceremony.

(Side note — my first date with my fiance was at Ashley’s in Ann Arbor and now I’m picturing how horrified the waitstaff would be if I pulled something like this there lol.)

The space is beautifully decorated and unique— like a cozy vintage apothecary from some bygone era. Don’t ask me to specify which era, i don’t know much about eras unless they somehow correspond with a Taylor Swift album— and is perfectly situated to embrace the late afternoon sun rays that pierce through their big, knick-knack adorned windows. I guess this is why I think it looks like an apothecary, because tiny colored glass bottles. And even though we were there while it was still light out, I can tell this is the type of bar that’s really good for lighting on a first date. No one needs to be under a spotlight on their first date (at least not a literal one).

The bartenders were pumping out the most delicious and creative cocktails, and even had little handwritten books filled with their own recipes and names for drinks that were off-menu. You can tell they are passionate about their craft and there is a real artistry about what they are doing. I had a Harvey Wallbanger because I had never had one. The only other time I have heard of that drink is when Catherine Tate screams it at David Tennant in an episode of Doctor Who while they’re playing charades because he’s trying to un-poison himself (long story) and I wanted to feel like I was in on the joke. Also, it was really good. Hats off to the bartenders! and Harvey, I guess.

I was not photographing this wedding (just attending) but as an Ann Arbor wedding photographer, I can appreciate a good backdrop for photos. Something about the window light and the relaxed, happy atmosphere surrounding the bridal party made it impossible not to take out my camera and grab a few shots. What I loved most about this experience is that everyone was so relaxed and happy to be having a great time with each other, which is a perfect way to experience your wedding day! I will always tell a bride and groom to spend the day doing something they love even if it’s different and goes against the grain of a “traditional” wedding (ok maybe even ESPECIALLY if it does that). (More about my wedding experience here).