2026 Columbus Wedding of the Year | Hannah & Ben
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We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 2026 Wed Society Columbus Wedding of the Year! This fan-favorite celebration, featuring Hannah Riordan and Ben Belcher’s stunning wedding at The Ohio Statehouse, competed against other standout Columbus weddings on Instagram Stories and ultimately captured hearts with its unforgettable details and the showstopping talent of our incredible local vendors.
Up next, Hannah and Ben’s winning wedding will move on to be considered for Wed Society’s National Wedding of the Year 2026! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted, to our inspiring couple, and to the dream team of creatives who brought this unforgettable wedding vision to life!
Meet Our 2026 Wedding of the Year Winners
- Couple: Hannah Riordan & Ben Belcher
- Wedding Date: May 16, 2026
- Venue: The Ohio Statehouse
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
- Wedding Style: Romantic, Garden-Inspired, Timeless Elegance
- Color Palette: Ivory, Sage Green, Dusty Rose & Burgundy
- Photography: Ashley Tracy Photography
From Vows That Wow to Wedding of the Year
Each year, Wed Society Columbus celebrates extraordinary local weddings through our Vows That Wow series, highlighting meaningful love stories and the talented wedding professionals who bring them to life.
For our annual Wedding of the Year competition, our community came together to vote for their favorite celebrations in a bracket-style competition on Instagram Stories. After three exciting days of voting, Hannah and Ben’s wedding earned the title of 2026 Wed Society Columbus Wedding of the Year!
Set against the timeless architecture of The Ohio Statehouse, their celebration was the perfect balance of elevated design, romantic details and personal touches. Captured by Ashley Tracy Photography, each moment reflected the beauty of the day and the incredible team behind it.
More than a beautiful wedding, this celebration is a testament to the creativity, collaboration and talent of Columbus wedding professionals.
A Love Story Rooted in Columbus
Long before their wedding day, Hannah and Ben’s story began in Ohio. The two attended the same high school, but it wasn’t until college at The Ohio State University that their relationship officially began.
Years later, they returned to the heart of Columbus to celebrate their marriage at one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
The Ohio Statehouse offered a grand setting for both their ceremony and reception, bringing together historic architecture and a romantic wedding design that felt entirely their own.
The Details That Made This Wedding Unforgettable
One of the most memorable elements of Hannah and Ben’s celebration was the thoughtful way every detail came together.
A romantic color palette of ivory, sage green, dusty rose and burgundy softened the Statehouse’s grand architecture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Aisle & Co. led the full-service wedding planning, bringing the couple’s vision to life while coordinating the many moving pieces of their celebration.
The design featured garden-inspired arrangements by Sweet Blossom Floral, including lush hydrangeas, roses, greenery and rich burgundy accents. Statement floral installations and a beautifully styled head table added a romantic contrast to the historic surroundings.
Aiden and Grace provided decor, rentals and lighting that transformed the reception space. Wood cross-back chairs, velvet lounge seating and elegant chandeliers created an inviting atmosphere, while a black-and-white dance floor became a focal point of the celebration.
Personalized details carried throughout the wedding, thanks to On Paper Press. The couple’s custom “HB” monogram appeared on everything from invitations and matchboxes to the statement bar. Coordinating signage, floral patterns and stationery brought a beautiful sense of consistency to the wedding design.
For couples looking to personalize their own celebration, explore our Columbus wedding signage inspiration for more creative ideas.
Timeless Bridal Style
Hannah’s bridal look was the perfect complement to the celebration’s romantic setting.
She wore a strapless Watters gown from La Jeune Mariee Bridal Collection, featuring a structured bodice, floral lace and a full skirt. A long veil and Lola Cruz shoes from Anthropologie completed her look.
Denise Chesser styled Hannah’s hair in soft, polished curls, while Erica Eigensee created her bridal makeup.
Ben complemented the timeless aesthetic in a classic black tuxedo from The Black Tux. Wedding bands from Worthington Jewelers completed their looks.
For more bridal fashion inspiration, explore our guide to the best wedding dress shops in Columbus, Ohio.
A Special Note From the Photographer
For photographer Ashley Tracy, capturing Hannah and Ben’s celebration was especially meaningful, making this Wedding of the Year recognition even more exciting.
“Hannah and Ben’s wedding was the kind of day that reminds me why I love what I do. They and their families were incredible, the vendor team was phenomenal, and working alongside Aisle & Co. is always such a pleasure. I was especially excited to photograph the Ohio Statehouse in a way that felt fresh and unexpected. I’m so grateful to Hannah and Ben and the entire vendor team for trusting me with such an important day, to my own team and family for their support, and to every client and friend who voted for us. Having so many people believe in and show up for our work makes this recognition even more meaningful.”
— Ashley Tracy, Ashley Tracy Photography
A Special Note From the Wedding Planner
For Sarah Straty, Senior Executive Planner at Aisle & Co., bringing Hannah and Ben’s wedding vision to life was about creating an experience that felt beautiful, meaningful and personal from beginning to end.
“Full-service planning allows us to think about a wedding as a complete experience: how it looks, how it flows, and how it feels to be there. For Hannah and Ben, the goal was to bring those pieces together in a celebration that felt personal and beautiful. Seeing all of that come to life, with the people they love gathered around them, is the most rewarding part of what we do.”
— Sarah Straty, Senior Executive Planner, Aisle & Co.
A Celebration to Remember at The Ohio Statehouse
Following their ceremony, guests gathered in the Statehouse Atrium for an evening of dinner, entertainment and celebration.
Milo’s Catering provided the wedding meal, while L.A. Catering handled bartending. Columbus Musicians brought live music to the day, and Luminary Productions provided entertainment for the reception.
Guests could capture their own memories with Social Booth Columbus, while Our CupCakery added a sweet finishing touch with the wedding cake.
Throughout the celebration, Ashley Tracy Photography documented the meaningful moments, intricate details and joyful atmosphere that made Hannah and Ben’s day so memorable.
The Secret Behind a Stress-Free Wedding Day
While the wedding’s incredible design made it a standout, Hannah’s reflection on the planning process reveals something equally meaningful.
When asked which vendor made the greatest difference, Hannah immediately recognized the team at Aisle & Co.
“They made the entire planning process and day of stress free. Everything turned out better than I ever could have imagined,” Hannah shared.
With full-service planning support, Hannah and Ben were able to focus on celebrating their marriage rather than managing the details.
Looking back, Hannah shared an important reminder for other couples:
“All the things I was concerned about did not even cross my mind the day of. It was a good reminder that the small details aren’t what you remember most.”
Her advice for couples planning their own celebration is just as meaningful:
“Have fun, trust your vendors, and enjoy every second because it goes by so fast.”
For couples beginning their wedding planning journey, discover our guide to wedding planners in Columbus, Ohio and learn how professional planning support can transform the experience.
Honoring Denise Chesser of Denise Does Bridal
We would also like to take a special moment to honor the memory of Denise Chesser of Denise Does Bridal, whose beautiful hairstyling was part of Hannah and Ben’s award-winning celebration.
Denise’s artistry, passion and dedication to her craft made her a cherished part of the Columbus wedding community. We are incredibly honored to have her work represented in our 2026 Wedding of the Year and to celebrate the lasting impact of her talent.
Her beautiful work and the memories she helped create will continue to be remembered and celebrated.
Planning Takeaways From Our 2026 Wedding of the Year
Hannah and Ben’s celebration offers inspiration that goes beyond the photographs.
- Create a cohesive design. Repeating a custom monogram, color palette and floral details across invitations, signage and reception decor can make every part of the wedding feel connected.
- Make a grand space feel personal. Soft florals, comfortable lounge seating, layered lighting and thoughtful rentals can create an inviting atmosphere within a historic venue.
- Invest in the right wedding team. Experienced wedding professionals help coordinate logistics, execute the design and give couples more freedom to enjoy their day.
- Remember what matters most. Beautiful details make a celebration memorable, but being present with the people you love is what makes the experience unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wed Society Columbus Wedding of the Year?
Wed Society Columbus Wedding of the Year is an annual recognition celebrating a standout local wedding previously featured through our Vows That Wow series. The winner is selected through community voting on Instagram.
How was the 2026 Columbus Wedding of the Year selected?
The 2026 competition took place October 19 through October 21, featuring bracket-style voting on Wed Society Columbus Instagram Stories. Hannah and Ben’s wedding received the winning vote in the local competition.
Where did Hannah and Ben get married?
Hannah and Ben hosted their ceremony and reception at The Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The historic venue provided a memorable backdrop for their romantic spring celebration.
Who planned Hannah and Ben’s wedding?
Aisle & Co., a Wed Society Columbus member, provided full-service wedding planning. The team helped bring the couple’s vision to life and coordinate the celebration.
What happens after winning Columbus Wedding of the Year?
Hannah and Ben’s wedding becomes Columbus’s national nominee and will be considered by the Wed Society Headquarters editorial panel for the 2026 National Wedding of the Year.
Featured Wed Society Columbus Wedding Vendors
We are especially proud to recognize the talented Wed Society Columbus members who helped bring this award-winning celebration to life.
Wedding Planning: Aisle & Co.
Aisle & Co. specializes in personalized wedding planning and design. Their full-service approach helped Hannah and Ben enjoy a thoughtful, beautifully coordinated celebration from beginning to end.
Decor, Rentals & Lighting: Aiden and Grace
Known for their curated rental collections and elevated event design, Aiden and Grace brought texture, warmth and elegant details to The Ohio Statehouse reception.
Invitations & Signage: On Paper Press
On Paper Press creates custom wedding invitations, stationery and signage. Their personalized paper details helped establish Hannah and Ben’s signature wedding aesthetic.
Bridal Fashion: La Jeune Mariee Bridal Collection
La Jeune Mariee is a luxury bridal boutique in Columbus known for its carefully curated designer collection and personalized bridal styling experience. The boutique helped Hannah find her romantic Watters wedding gown.
Complete Creative Team
- Ceremony Venue: The Ohio Statehouse
- Reception Venue: The Ohio Statehouse
- Full-Service Wedding Planning: Aisle & Co.
- Photography: Ashley Tracy Photography
- Floral Design: Sweet Blossom Floral
- Decor & Rentals: Aiden and Grace
- Lighting: Aiden and Grace
- Invitations: On Paper Press
- Wedding Signage: On Paper Press
- Catering: Milo’s Catering
- Bartending: L.A. Catering
- Live Music: Columbus Musicians
- DJ & Entertainment: Luminary Productions
- Wedding Cake: Our CupCakery
- Photo Booth: Social Booth Columbus
- Bridal Boutique: La Jeune Mariee Bridal Collection
- Wedding Gown Designer: Watters
- Bridal Shoes: Lola Cruz via Anthropologie
- Bridal Rings: Worthington Jewelers
- Groom’s Ring: Worthington Jewelers
- Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Revelry, Azazie, Dillard’s, Petal & Pup, Lulus
- Bridal Hair: Denise Chesser
- Bridal Makeup: Erica Eigensee
- Wedding Party Hair: Denise Chesser
- Wedding Party Makeup: Erica Eigensee
- Officiant: Chase Waits
- Accommodations: Hotel LeVeque
- Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Understory
- Rehearsal Dinner Catering: Understory
- Transportation: Urban Express Charter
Celebrating the Best of Columbus Weddings
Hannah and Ben’s wedding is a beautiful reminder of what happens when a meaningful love story meets an exceptional team of wedding professionals.
From the first thoughtfully designed invitation to the final moments on the dance floor, their celebration reflected the creativity and care that make the Columbus wedding community so special.
Congratulations to Hannah and Ben, our 2026 Wed Society Columbus Wedding of the Year winners!
Thank you to everyone who voted and to the incredible vendors who helped make this unforgettable celebration possible. We are so proud to celebrate this wedding as it represents Columbus on the national stage.
