An Ohio Statehouse wedding carries a certain presence — a sense of history, strength, and significance that you feel the moment you walk in.

Marianne and Colin’s wedding day in Columbus reflected that perfectly. From a sacred ceremony at Saint Mary Catholic Church to an estately, formal reception beneath the soaring architecture of the Ohio Statehouse, every part of their day felt intentional and meaningful.

It was an honor to capture it live on canvas as their live wedding painter.

Ohio Statehouse wedding live wedding painting by Caleb Thomas Art — An Ohio Statehouse live wedding painting created by *Caleb Thomas Art*

A Sacred Beginning at Saint Mary Catholic Church

The day began with a traditional ceremony at Saint Mary Catholic Church. It was reverent and sincere — the kind of ceremony where you can feel the weight of the vows as they’re spoken.

I always appreciate that transition point in a wedding day. The ceremony ends. Guests step outside. The quiet, sacred moments give way to celebration.

For Marianne and Colin, that celebration moved to one of the most iconic venues in Columbus — the Ohio Statehouse.

An Estately Reception at the Ohio Statehouse

An Ohio Statehouse wedding reception stands on its own. The architecture does a lot of the work — grand columns, expansive spaces, historic detail. It immediately elevates the atmosphere.

Marianne and Colin leaned into that setting in a way that felt natural and refined.

Their color palette of blue, pink, and yellow brought warmth into the stately space. The tables were layered and intentional. The florals complemented the scale of the room without overpowering it. Every detail felt thought through.

And the food — guests were still talking about it well into the evening.

It was luxurious, but not overdone. Formal, but still inviting. That balance is hard to pull off, and it suited them well.

Ohio Statehouse wedding decorations — Photo provided by *Hailey Lauren Photography*

The Moments That Defined the Night

One of the things I value most about live painting is the vantage point it gives me. I’m part of the celebration — talking with guests, answering questions, sharing laughs — but I’m also observing the moments that carry the most weight.

Marianne’s father, Dr. Bonanno, gave a speech that was deeply moving. You could hear the pride in his voice. It wasn’t flashy. It was sincere. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Later, her younger brother Mitchell sang a song that holds special meaning for their family. The room grew quiet in a way that only happens when something real is taking place.

Those are the moments I think about while I paint.

Because I’m not just capturing a beautiful room. I’m preserving the emotion that filled it.

Ohio Statehouse wedding father and daughter dance. — Photo provided by *Hailey Lauren Photography*

A Personal Detail Worked Into the Painting

After the wedding, I asked Marianne and Colin if there were any meaningful details they’d like incorporated into the final piece.

They mentioned their signature drinks.

His was an Old Fashioned. Hers was an Aperol Spritz.

So I painted both drinks subtly onto one of the reception tables. It’s not the focal point of the composition — but it’s there. A quiet detail that reflects how they celebrated together.

That’s one of the advantages of working with a live painter. The final artwork isn’t just decorative. It’s personal.

If you’re planning an Ohio Statehouse wedding, think about the details that represent you as a couple. The venue brings the grandeur. Your story brings the meaning.

When those two work together, the result is something lasting.

Why This One Meant a Lot

Marianne’s mother was the one who first reached out to hire me. She was warm, gracious, and genuinely excited to give her daughter something meaningful from the day.

When a family places that kind of trust in me, I take it seriously.

After the wedding, she left a five-star review that said:

“Great picture! Great job. Highly recommend.”

Simple. Direct. Appreciated.

That trust is something I carry into every wedding I paint.

Ohio live wedding painter painting during the reception of an Ohio Statehouse wedding — Photo provided by *Hailey Lauren Photography*

Considering a Live Painter for Your Ohio Statehouse Wedding?

If you’re planning an Ohio Statehouse wedding, you’re already choosing a venue with character and history. Adding a live wedding painter brings another layer to the experience.

It gives your guests something engaging to gather around.
It creates a focal point during the reception.
And it leaves you with a one-of-a-kind heirloom that will hang in your home long after the day is over.

My goal isn’t just to create a beautiful painting. It’s to serve you well, represent your day with integrity, and capture not only how it looked — but how it felt.

Marianne and Colin’s wedding was refined, emotional, and full of meaning. Capturing it was truly an honor.

If you’re planning your own Columbus wedding and want to talk about what a live painting could look like for you, I’d love to connect.

Reach out through my contact page, and let’s create something you’ll be proud to display for decades to come.