Blog
August Wedding at Manakiki Golf Course
Megan and Ryan are a laid-back, fun-loving couple, and that is just what their wedding day was. They spent a relaxing morning surrounded by family and friends, both golfing and sipping champagne. Once they were looking dapper and gorgeous respectively, they headed over to Voinovich Park for some Bridal Party pictures. The family and bridal party then gathered in the wooded area of Manakiki for pictures and laughter. Once pictures were over, the girls headed upstairs to the bridal suite to freshen up, while the guys enjoyed a drink at the bar. The guests arrived and walked over to the shaded Ceremony retreat that was set in the woods near the golf course. The music began to play and the bridal party made their way down the aisle. Everyone stood while Megan and her dad made their way down the aisle, and the lace and organza on her dress billowed in the breeze. Megan and Ryan exchanged vows as the smell of flowers carried through the air, and the cool breeze softly blew through the trees. When the ceremony was over, everyone cheered and blew bubbles onto the newly married couple as they made their way back up the aisle. The guests walked over to the Clubhouse and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on the stone patio. When cocktail hour was over, everyone was invited into the reception ballroom to find their seats at the golf course named tables. The evening began with some great speeches, especially a speech about how the couple met and fell in love, which was given by the Groom. The evening rolled on as the laughter and music poured out of the wall of glass doors and into the warm night air. The guests left the wedding remembering the smell of the wooded and floral ceremony, the spins they took on the dance floor and the Arnold Palmer drink mixes they received to enjoy later with their memories of this fun night.
Ceremony Site: Manakiki Golf Course
Reception Site: Manakiki Golf Course
Caterer: Dino’s Catering
Floral: The Red Twig
Photography: Jason Thomas Crocker
Music: Jesse Web Entertainment
Dessert: Crave
Dress: A Bride’s Design
June Wedding at Ariel International
Julie and Dan began their wedding day relaxing with friends and family in separate locations. As the limo dropped the separate groups off at the church, they were ushered into different rooms. The anticipation built in the bridal suite, the groom suite, and the church full of family and friends. The organ music started, the finishing touches were made to both the bride and groom, and the ceremony was about to begin. The guests rose as the double doors swung open to reveal Julie in a soft, flowing, and beaded gown. Julie and Dan’s eye met, and the guests were all swept up in their love while the ceremony commenced. After vows, rings, and a kiss; the guests spilled out into the hot afternoon while the bride and groom ran through a cloud of their bubbles. The bridal party continued on to some of the landmark Cleveland photography locations, while the guests arrived at the cocktail hour. To beat the heat, everyone sipped cocktails on the roof of The Ariel International Center. They enjoyed the relaxing cocktail hour by looking out over Lake Erie, playing yard games, and snapping Polaroids in front of the Cleveland skyline. Everyone was ushered down stairs to the reception, where they were greeted with individual homemade bottles of wine. The sun set through the panoramic windows, while the guests enjoyed barbeque, cake, ice cream, and homemade desserts. The stars started to came out as everyone hit the dance floor. After all the cocktails were consumed, the music died down, and the desserts were enjoyed; everyone drove away with memories of family, friends, love, and laughter.
Ceremony Site: St. Rocco’s Church
Reception Site: Ariel International Center
Caterer: Old Carolina Barbeque
Floral: Roses for Weddings
Photography: Leann Christine Photography
Music: The Bearded DJ
Dessert: Homemade cake and desserts
Dress: Watters
October Wedding at The Renaissance Cleveland Hotel
Lindsey & Will were married on a perfect fall day. They started their day sipping champagne and being pampered at a downtown hotel, while they got ready. They shared a first look at the Cultural Gardens in University Heights. After they spent their last moments together as an engaged couple, they headed off to the Greek Orthodox Church, St. Demetrios. Their family and friends watched in awe as the traditional Greek ceremony commenced. When the vows were exchanged and the rings were placed, the bride and groom were then showered with love and lavender blossoms as they exited the church. The happy couple drove off in a vintage Rolls Royce to meet their guests at their evening reception. During the reception everyone enjoyed Greek and American music, wedding cake, and a Greek dessert bar. The evening continued on with lots of drinks, dancing, and laughter. The guests left the festivities with the lights from downtown glittering off their windshields, their feet sore from all the dancing, and the incredible memories bouncing in their heads.
Ceremony Site: St. Demetrios
Reception Site: The Renaissance Cleveland Hotel
Caterer: The Renaissance Cleveland Hotel
Floral: Urban Orchid Floral
Photography: Richelle Hunter Photography
Videography: Eric Frank Cinema
Music: Music Therapy (DJ Scott)/Dimitri (Greek Band)
Dessert: Wild Flour Bakery
Dress: Inbal Dror
May Wedding at The Old Courthouse Cleveland
Bridget and Kyle spent the morning of their wedding surrounded by family and friends in separate hotel rooms. After some pampering, a little lunch, and lots of photo ops, they headed to the church for the ceremony. The guests arrived in the pews of the ornate church, and watched Kyle enter in his crisp black tux. Everyone rose as Bridget processed down the aisle in a vintage satin gown with embellished capped sleeves. The couple exchanged their vows in front of a tearful and loving group. When the ceremony was over, the couple was escorted back up the aisle by a traditional Irish bagpiper. The bridal party went off to enjoy some drinks and photos in the downtown spring weather, while the guests headed to The Old Courthouse for cocktail hour. Guests sipped on Mint Juleps (garnished with horse drinker stirrers, for Derby Day of course!), and walked around the second floor balcony of the vintage building, while peeking down on the reception area as it received its final touches. The Bride and Groom arrived at the reception, and the evening festivities kicked off. The guests were entertained with speeches, indulged in a delicious plated meal, and then hit the dance floor. The night rolled on as the bar mixed-up cocktails, the band packed the dance floor, and the guests splurged on the mini donuts bar. Everyone departed the reception just before midnight with full belly's, tired feet, and lots of memories made.
Ceremony Site: St. Colman Church
Reception Site: The Old Courthouse
Caterer: Taste of Excellence
Floral: Al Wilhelmy Flowers
Photography: Jason Thomas Crocker
Music: Shout! Wedding Band
Dessert: Peace, Love, & Little Donuts
October Wedding at Westwood Country Club
Kristen and Mike started their wedding morning spending time with family and friends at different houses. When everyone was dressed and ready, the bride and groom met up to share an intimate moment for their first look. After the bridal party and family pictures were complete, everyone headed over to Communion of Saints Parish for the ceremony. The bridal party lined up in the back of the church while Kristen's dad sang a special song for his daughter. The ceremony continued as the guests watched on with love. After the bride and groom said "I Do" and shared their first kiss, the guests were invited to a family home in Cleveland heights for a "Cocktail Open House". The bridal party traveled to various stops in University Circle and Cleveland to take pictures, and the guests traveled to Westwood Country Club to attend a formal cocktail hour. The warm, autumn, family centered, theme continued in the decor throughout the reception hall. There were pictures of family member's weddings, homemade accent pieces from various family and friends, and vintage furniture set out on the veranda. The bride and groom sat cuddled up close at their sweetheart table, while their family and friends gave toasts and speeches. In lieu of a wedding cake, the bride and groom opened up a doughnut buffet for their guests after dinner. Kristen changed into a lace cocktail dress and comfy shoes so she could enjoy the rest of the night mingling and celebrating with her loved ones. The band played late into the night, as the guests packed the dance floor inside and sat under the stars outside on the veranda. A late night snack ended the night before the bride and groom were sent off as happy newlyweds.
Ceremony & Reception Site: Communion of Saints & Westwood Country Club
Caterer: Westwood Country Club
Floral: Roses For Weddings
Furniture Rental: Borrow Rentals
Linens: L'Nique
Photography: Emily Millay Photography
Videography: Kevin Chuey Photography
Band: We are the Radio
Dessert: Peace, Love, & Little Donuts
Late Night Snack: Sliders and Fries Bar (Westwood Country Club)
September Wedding at Westwood Country Club
Katie and Kyle set the date of their wedding for the end of September, when the weather would be sunny and warm, and that is exactly what they got. Katie was escorted down the aisle at St. Bernadette's church, by her two brothers. She carried a bouquet of hydrangeas and orchids embellished with her late fathers police badge. The smile on Katie's face, the expressions from the guests, and the look in Kyle's eyes, all showed the love and devotion that these two have for each other. The couple said their vows and shared their first kiss as the guests erupted with joy. When the ceremony was over, the bridal party went off to the beach to take pictures, while the guests were invited to cocktail hour on the veranda at Westwood Country Club. The guests mingled while listening to live piano music, sipping on the couples signature "McMillan Mules", and playing games on the rented Foosball tables. The bridal party was announced into the room to kick off the reception. After speeches, cake cutting, and the bride and grooms first dance; the band filled the room with some high-energy tunes for the rest of the night. Everyone spent their evening splitting their time between cutting loose on the dance floor, indulging in the late night nacho bar, and making memories in the photobooth.
Ceremony & Reception Site: St. Bernadette's Church & Westwood Country Club
Caterer: Westwood Country Club
Floral: Vase to Vase
Photography: Emily Millay Photography
Band: Bluewater Kings Band
Cake: Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes
Photobooth: Clear Choice Photo & Video
Late Night Snack: Nacho Bar (Westwood Country Club)
September Wedding at Keystone Pavilion
Candis and Brian's wedding day started out with clear sky's and excited hearts. Candis sipped champagne while getting ready for the big day. Brian checked weather reports while spending quality time with friends and family. The bride and groom headed over to their ceremony at the Cleveland Metropark's Music Mound where their family and close friends were gathered. Before finding their seats, all in attendance were asked to add their own line to a "Drip Painting" . When everyone was settled in their seats, Candis was escorted down the aisle by her Mother and Father, in a vintage inspired satin and lace dress. The couple exchanged vows and completed the "Drip Painting" by adding their lines. The clouds started rolling in right after the the Bride and Groom were showered with love, applause, and birdseed. As the bridal party went off to take pictures, the guests made their way to cocktail hour at the pavilion. They were escorted under umbrellas to the large wooden structure. Everyone took Polaroid pictures for the Bride and Groom to enjoy as a guest book, and sipped cocktails while they watched the rain come down. Once the bride and groom arrived, the guests lined up to enjoy globally inspired cuisine from a local food truck. Just as the rain subsided, an ice cream truck arrived with after dinner snacks. The rest of the night was spent dancing on the moonlit dance floor, roasting s'mores in the stone fireplace, and playing giant sized Jenga. The guests then grabbed a late night snack of grilled cheese sandwiches and fries while they headed off to a downtown bar for an after party.
Ceremony & Reception Site: Music Mound & Keystone Pavilion
Caterer: Motor Mouth Food Truck
Floral: Sunshine Flower
Photography: Rosey Red Photography
DJ: Brad Petty
Dessert: East Coast Frozen Custard Truck
Late Night Snack: Melt
September Wedding at Avon Isle
When Dena and Todd started planning their special day they knew that they wanted it centered around their family and friends. Avon Isle was the ideal backdrop for their rustic and charming wedding. Their four kids were the perfect addition to the ceremony as their bridal party. Dena was radiant in a lace dress and carrying an assortment of wildflowers, while being escorted down the aisle by her son. There were tears in everyone's eyes as the couple signified blending their families together, by having Todd's father perform a "hand tying ceremony". Once the I Do's were said and the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the guests were ushered to an outdoor cocktail area for hor d'oeuvres and refreshments. The reception began with an announcement of the bridal party and some affectionate speeches. The guests enjoyed the rustic, eggplant and grey landscape of the reception venue, while indulging in their Italian cuisine. When dinner was over the DJ packed the dance floor for the rest of the evening, the guests only leaving to enjoy a gourmet cupcake, or a break on the outdoor veranda. The night ended with a sing-along of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" (a tradition for the groom's family), and all the guests wandered out into the perfect September evening.
Ceremony & Reception Site: Avon Isle
Floral: The Hen in the Ivy
Photography: Shannon Ahlstrand Photography
Catering: Bruno's Ristorante & Catering
Cake: Sweet's by Maggie
June Wedding at Western Reserve Historical Society - Crawford Rotunda
Stephanie and Tom started their wedding morning overlooking University circle in their separate hotel rooms. Tom enjoyed quality time with his groomsmen and father, and Stephanie chatted with her bridesmaids and mother while having her hair styled. Their ceremony was held at Holy Rosary church in the heart of Little Italy. The flowers girls peeked from the bridal suite while holding their floral pomanders, anticipating the ceremony to start. As Tom made his way to the front of the church the ceremony began, and Stephanie made her way down the aisle in a dress and headpiece that sparkled as she walked. The ceremony ended with a kiss and many cheers and tears from family and friends. The couple was greeted with a streamer send-off, before driving away to take pictures. The cocktail hour was held at the Hanna Garden on the grounds of the Western Reserve Historical Society. The guests made their way through the vintage building out to a lush two story garden that was decorated with lavender and spa colored flowers. Everyone enjoyed cocktails while touring the garden and playing with the various lawn games (Giant Jenga, Corn Hole, Giant Connect Four and Giant Tic-Tac-Toe). The Bride and Groom greeted the guests in the garden and lead them through the vintage cars and airplanes to the reception area. The reception began with speeches and a "Kissing Menu" where guests would have to perform a task to obtain a kiss from the Bride and Groom. All the guests enjoyed a delicious sit down dinner underneath a clear rotunda. As the night drifted on guests split their time between the packed dance floor and the ever popular, full sized, vintage carousel.
Ceremony & Reception Site: Holy Rosary Church & WRHS Crawford Museum
Floral: Roses for Weddings
Photography: Mystic Image
Catering: Normandy Catering
Cake: How Sweet It Is
June Wedding at Tom's Country Place
Jessica and Theodore got married on a warm summer day in June. Their wedding day started with a 1st look between the bride and groom, followed by pictures of the bridal party. The ceremony was held at an outdoor garden patio on the property of Tom's Country Place. The bride and bridesmaids carried bright, summer colored flowers tied with sleek black and white striped bows. During the ceremony, the bridal party coordinated a "ring warming". All the family of the bride and groom said prayers and well wishes while the wedding bands were passed around through the guests. After a beautiful ceremony, the guests were invited into the reception venue. They were greeted with bright colors that were contrasted against the bold black and white accents. Glam met organic in this "Kate Spade in the Garden" themed reception. After cocktails and dinner, the guests enjoyed their time spinning on the dance floor and indulging in gourmet cupcakes.
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Tom's Country Place
Photography: One Red Door Photography
DJ: A Bride's DJ
Winter Baby Shower
Hannah's baby shower took place at Bain Park Cabin on a unseasonably warm winter day. The weather made the winter woodland theme seem rather ironic, but awfully inviting. The guests were greeted at the door with a chance to write out some well wishes for the coming baby, which they tied to an evergreen tree. The guest tables were covered in fresh picked greenery, an eclectic sampling of bronze candlestick holders, and charger plates sliced from an oak tree. There was also a hot beverage bar where guests could enjoy a coffee, hot tea, or hot cocoa; which was served up in mismatched vintage tea cups. After all the presents were opened, the guests indulged in a slice of the Sicilian vanilla flavored cake with buttercream frosting that was presented in a "naked cake" style. Each guest was able to take home a small s'more kit that they could enjoy at a later time.
Bakery: Family Secrets Cookies & More
September Wedding at Hillbrook Country Club
Lauren and Brent's wedding took place on a gorgeous fall day in Chagrin Falls, OH. The bride started her day with a yoga session in front of the historic mansion, while the groom relaxed with friends and family. Lauren and Brent's color scheme consisted of greens, neutrals, blushes, and pops of oranges (the bride's favorite color). The bride and groom shared their first look on the top tier of the back garden. The ceremony took place under an arch of flowers, branches, and candles. The guests were then escorted to the back stone patio for cocktail hour, yard games, and to relax on rented vintage furniture. The reception was held in the ballroom surrounded by lush floral pieces, large open windows, and hundreds of candles. The guests enjoyed their night dancing under a ceiling filled with a projection of stars, snacking on hand scooped ice cream, and heading home after a late night snack of burger and fries.
Ceremony & Reception Site: Hillbrook Country Club
Floral: Plantscaping Blooms
Photography: Andrew Smith Photography
DJ: East/West Collective
Rentals: Borrow Rentals
Linens: L'Nique
Cake: Luna Cake Shop
August Wedding at Private Residence
Sarah and Sam's wedding took place on a warm and sunny day in Shaker Heights, OH. The bride spent her morning playing baseball with her dad, then returned to her childhood home to get dressed and ready. The brides casual two piece gown and minimalist style set the tone for this classic and unassuming garden affair. When guests arrived, they found their seating assignments attached to vintage baseball cards. The garden ceremony was held under bold red and blue drapery, and ended with guests exploding multi-colored steamers onto the newly married couple. After a group champagne toast that was poured by the bride, groom, and their parents; the guests were seated at tables named after baseball positions. Once speeches and dinner was over the guests spent their night dancing under the stars on a vintage black and white dance floor, and snacking on the East Coast Frozen Custard truck that arrived on the property. When the band finally stopped playing for the night, everyone was shuttled home in private coach buses.
Linens and Rentals: Party Safari
Ice Cream Truck: East Coast Frozen Custard