We ache for gorgeously elegant ballroom weddings over here at SMP Headquarters, and we know so many of you out there do too. So when a classically chic celebration pops up in our submissions like this one from Ely Bros. Photography, there is a collective squeal from each and everyone of us. And maybe even a jump up and down. Ok, we definitely jump up and down. It’s timeless, yet personal and there is a pair of fab shoes thrown in to keep you ballroom wedding lovers jumping up and down throughout the rest of the feature. Of course, you can see what all the squealing is about (and join us) in the full gallery of images!
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From the Bride…Dana and I met at Ohio University when his fraternity was paired with my sorority for a Greek fundraising event. We dated while I went to graduate school, but once I graduated, I was offered a great opportunity to work in Washington DC. I knew Dana was special when he encouraged me to take the job and announced that he would move. I followed my professional dreams to DC where we both now live and work, but once we were engaged, we knew we wanted to have our wedding with family and friends in Ohio.
The goal for the wedding was to add details and memorable touches but to not have anything too over the top. I wanted it to look like we threw a fabulous dinner party with full flowers in a variety of shades of pink flowing over their vases. We chose slate grey for the bridesmaid dresses and settled on classic tuxedos for the men. We had a catholic ceremony at St. Joseph cathedral in downtown Columbus followed by a reception at the Westin hotel. The Westin has a beautiful marble ballroom with stain glass windows and gold trim, which required minimal decorations. The table numbers were displayed in corks, we added labels to Godiva chocolates for the favors, had personalized drink stirrers made, and my cousin designed invitations that matched our décor perfectly. The escort cards were accented with pink cotton flower pins that guests then wore as the evening went on, and we displayed photos of our parents and grandparents at their weddings on either side of our guest book, which was filled with pictures of us as children and with family and friends through the years.
Moving away made it clear how important the relationships with our friends and family are to us. Our wedding came together exactly as we had planned but was amazing because of the people. I looked around at the end of the night and was surrounded by my friends and family, and standing next to my husband.
Wedding Photography: Ely Bros. Photography / Wedding Videography: Columbus Wedding Videos / Ceremony Location: St. Joseph Cathedral / Reception Location: The Westin Columbus / Wedding Dress: Lea Ann Belter Bridal Boutique via Le Jeune Mariee / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Hair Flowers: Twigs and Honey / Tuxedo: Calvin Klein / Bridesmaid Dresses: Priscilla of Boston / Flowers: Flowers on Springtree Lane / Escort Card Flowers: Emerson Made / Wedding Cake: Piece of Cake / Band: Greg Lee and the Chuck Taylors