Ohio Weddings

For these New Yorkers, planning a wedding meant one thing and one thing only. That being? It was time to return to their roots. Swapping the concrete jungle for the Ohio Countryside, this lovely pair headed to the Midwest to celebrate their truly beautiful beginning. With Studio Elle Photography behind the lens snapping up every stunning second, we’ve got it all waiting for you in The Vault!

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From the Bride…Nathan and I have known each other since 7th grade! Nate played on the Junior High basketball team and I was a cheerleader for the team. We met and the butterflies began! We dated the summer going into 8th grade in one of those classic teenage romances! I can even remember him at my 13th birthday party and have pictures to prove it! We had a wonderful summer together, but like most teen romances, we soon came to an end. Our young love was short and sweet just like other young love summer romances. We went on to continue Junior High and High School together. We were friends, but not in the same “groups”. We both went our separate ways and different colleges, in different states. The day after college graduation, I moved to NYC to start my career in the Fashion Industry. I didn’t know a single soul in New York and dated around. A few months later I got a Facebook message from my long lost teenage love Nathan Spoden! Nate was living in NYC during a consulting job and saw that I was living in NYC by a post I had written on Facebook about Central Park. Moments later, he Facebook messaged me asking to go out for drinks. The next week, we met at Jack Dempsey’s Pub in Midtown and haven’t left each other’s side since. That was almost 6 years ago! We both knew that night that this was it. We immediately felt the chemistry and connection. My friends and family even nick named Nathan “Chemistry” because that’s all I could talk about!

One of my favorite things to do is plan vacations. I had planned an incredible trip to France where Nathan and I would visit Paris, Loire Valley, Provence, and French Riviera. We started the trip in Paris, which had been one of my life long dreams! On our second night, we decided to have a late night picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower. We had wine, cheese, bread, all of the fixings! We laid our blanket directly in front of the Eiffel Tower, and Nate poured me a glass of the white wine. I laid down, belly to the ground and couldn’t take my eyes of the tower. He then just sat, crouching in front of me with the biggest smile I had ever seen! At the time, I thought he was just taking in the moment! I continued to just look up and gaze at the beautiful Eiffel Tower, while sipping my wine. It was then that Nate decided to do a photo shoot of me. He took multiple pictures and I casually posed while keeping my eyes glued to the Tower. He then crouched back down with a massive grin. I continued to sip on my white wine. I didn’t think anything of it. Then, at 1am the back lights to the Eiffel Tower turned off. We thought the night was over! But then!

All of the shimmering lights eliminated the Eiffel Tower! My mouth dropped to the ground, and then before I knew it, Nathan was reaching into my glass! I looked down in the white wine and saw a ring!! He grabbed it out of the glass and I immediately jumped up! He got down on one knee and asked if I would spend the rest of my life with him! I instantaneously started balling my eyes out! I had no idea this was going to happen! Weeks before our trip, Nate told me that we probably wouldn’t get engaged for another two years! I even told my mom! He tricked me! He completely caught me off guard and it was absolutely incredible! I had no idea! After I obviously said yes! We ran to the nearest restaurant to drink champagne! It was one of the best moments of my life and led on the most magical engagement vacation!

Living in NYC, I tend to really miss nature. When I envisioned our wedding, I wanted to get back to our roots. I wanted to be in nature and surrounded by trees, grass, and flowers. I envisioned a beautiful rustic barn. The setting of our venue was pretty much the complete opposite of what we see on a daily basis living in New York. It was incredible and it felt like home. The Conrad Botzum Farmstead was exactly what we needed! Being directly in the middle of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, we couldn’t have asked for a more rustic, green venue! It was incredible and everything I could have ever dreamed of!

Our photographer, Studio Elle Photography was probably one of the easiest decisions I had ever made! When looking for a photographer, I knew one thing. I wanted someone who could capture honest, pure, moments, and the beauty of nature. Renee does just that! After looking for photographers in the northeast Ohio and seeing Renee’s work, I simply knew! She was and is incredible! The abundance of pictures that we had to pick from was incredible! We are so blessed to have had such a wonderful, talented, photographer! Picking out our videographer was a long process. I decided to pick a day and just sit in front of the computer and watch wedding videos. I grabbed a box of Kleenex, and got started. As I watched dozens of videographers, I just wasn’t getting the looks that I was hoping for. Then, I looked at the photographers that Renee, our photographer recommended. JFray Photography was on that list. I pulled up the website and began to watch the films. I immediately started sobbing! Jessica’s films are absolutely incredible! I didn’t even know the people I was viewing, yet I couldn’t stop crying in joy for them! She truly captured raw moments that will last a lifetime! I can honestly say I picked my videographer by who made me cry them most!

One of my favorite memories of planning is talking with my mom. She helped so incredibly much, I will never be able to repay her! Or thank her enough! We would talk daily on planning, and things we needed to do and it was just such a fun experience to share with my mom!

One of my favorite day-of memories, was walking down the aisle. I realize that is very cliché, but it is something that I will never forget. The second I turned the corner, I didn’t see a single person in the room except Nate. It was like everything around me went dark, except him! It is a feeling that I will never forget.

Photography: Renee Lemaire Photography | Cinematography: JFray Productions | Floral Design: Bleil's Secret Garden | Wedding Dress: Bliss Bridal | Cake: Cakes by Maria & Joe | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Weddington Way | Catering: A Taste Of Excellence | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Venue: Conrad Botzum Farmstead

A classically elegant spring wedding but add in bright pops of pretty pink and yellow, and the whole celebration takes on a chic twist. I have a feeling these pics by Lauren Gabrielle are going to be popping up all over Pinterest within minutes (my boards might have already gotten a boost of beauty themselves). Join me in the treasure chest of our VAULT right this way!

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From the Bride… I’ll always remember that first date. I hadn’t been that nervous since I was a teenager. I slowly walked up to the sushi restaurant and took a deep breath. There he was. Handsome, smiling ear to ear and standing to pull out my chair. When dinner was over, we headed next door for yogurt where we sat on the patio, talking and laughing for hours. I’ll never forget when Kevin ran into a little Greek restaurant next door and bought grape leaves; which I thought was a little odd, but moved past it quickly. He later told me he had watched the owner looking out the window with no customers and felt compelled to give him a little business. I was already falling in love with this man.

Kevin later asked me, “When did you know?” I told him, “Date two.” On date two, I was even more nervous than that first date. My heart raced as I approached him, but there was something so calming about his demeanor and presence. Our cheeks hurt so much from laughing so hard for hours on end. As the restaurant was closing and he walked me to my car, we made plans for the next night. From that moment on, we both knew something magical was happening.

Eight months later, on our way home from a family vacation, Kevin stopped at Tiffany & Co., saying we should look at rings. That day was just as I would’ve imagined. Kevin’s challenge in a proposal was that I just wanted to be surprised. 11 months into our relationship, I arrived at Kevin’s for an ordinary Saturday night of dinner and a movie. He had a beautiful bouquet and box of truffles waiting for me; which didn’t strike me as odd; he’s no stranger to romantic gestures. As usual, he asked if we could have a chocolate before dinner. I opened the box to find he had already eaten a truffle…and replaced it with a stunning engagement ring. Completely surprised, I turned to find him on one knee.

11 months later, all of our planning came together in a beautiful, flawless, incredibly happy day. There may have been flaws or mishaps, but if there were, we never knew. From the intimate garden ceremony to the cocktail hour behind a beautiful, historic mansion to the tented reception… everything was perfect to us. Our team of vendors had come together to create a fairytale wedding including personal touches. Our favors were jams brought in from my favorite Santa Barbara farmer’s market from my time living there, sushi appetizers reminiscent of our first date, truffles to remind us of our engagement and surprise groom’s cupcakes with words Kevin’s friends and family used to describe him were just a few of the personal touches. And this begins our story…

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Find more magical Midwest weddings here!

Photography: Lauren Gabrielle Photography | Photography: Ana Lui Photography | Event Planning: Merren Events | Floral Design: Molly Taylor and Co. | Wedding Dress: Augusta Jones | Rings: Tiffany & Co. | Catering: A Taste Of Excellence | Makeup: MKleinman Artistry | Hair: Jackie Renee Salon | Band: Cleveland Music Group | Groomsmen Ties: Louis Vuitton | Venue: Stan Hywet Hall And Gardens | Cake + Cupcakes: White Flower Cake Shoppe | Chandeliers: All Occassions | Chocolate Truffles: Honadle's | Jam: Mama's Preserves | Linen Rentals: L'nique Linens | Tent Rentals: Everything Tented

Is there anything sweeter than high school sweethearts? Straight from the the lens of Leo Timoshuk Photography every moment of this elegant affair is sure to bring a sweet smile to your sunny day. From their young love that blossomed into a lifelong adventure, their sweet ceremony is forever immortalized in a gallery that is just waiting for you right here!

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From the beautiful Bride… One rainy April evening, our Ukrainian church youth gathered at a local bowling alley after our all-day regional conference. I was 15 and it was the first time I had ever been out. We all congregated together in a billiards room, and I stood by watching a pool game that was in progress. I had never played before, but somehow a friend of mine convinced me to join a game of two on two. My partner promised to show me how to play and did he ever! It was a moment out of a movie script; I was so shy I could not look him in the eyes. If I remember correctly, we won that game! As he shook hands with me to tell me: “Good game. By the way, my name is Victor” I look up and my goodness, he was the cutest guy ever!

I came home that night and told my family of the encounter. It was so poignant and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had met “the one.” I was so young that I resigned myself to think that it couldn’t be so. Over the next few years, we grew to be very good friends before dating. “High School Sweethearts,” if you will.

Two years of dating and what had been placed on my heart came to fruition. Victor proposed to me by a beautiful spot near my old high school: a little bench where we first talked of dating all those years back. I was so overjoyed when he was delivering his proposal speech that I interrupted him saying “yes, yes, yes!”

Perhaps what I noticed the first day we met, is what I love most about Victor. He has such a beautiful, peaceful aura about him. In many ways we complete each other, but I think what makes him so special is that he feels like home.

Photography: Leo Timoshuk | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Cake: Patisserie 42 | Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas | Ceremony Venue: Church Of Evangelical Faith | Reception Venue: Stan Hywet Hall And Gardens | Shoes: David's Bridal | Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Catering: Church Of Evangelical Faith | Makeup Artist: Chanelle Walker Beauty | Groom's Attire: Dillard's | Groom's Shoes: Perry Ellis | Jewelry & Rings: Jared | Veil & Hair Accessories: David's Bridal

Farm weddings rock, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. They are fantastically fun, yet also surprisingly chic, taking an everyday, American image and turning it into something extra special with some “I do’s” and sparkle. This celebration at the Conrad Botzum Farmstead is my new go-to example for such farm soiree style and Studio Elle Photography captured it all. Join me in the farm fan club right here.

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They chose a wonderfully talented list of vendors to bring their ideas to life. The flowers and decor from the Budding Tree were nothing short of spectacular! Erin really went above and beyond putting all of the small touches together, including the hand-lettered seating assignment on old windows. The catering from The Good Fork was not only delicious, it was visually amazing! I love the rustic elements they incorporated into the spread to compliment the rest of the wedding decor. Aside from their gorgeous wedding day vision, these two were absolutely wonderful to work with. They have such fabulous style, laid back personalities, and a great sense of humor!

From the Bride… Dan and I wanted a wedding that felt like us (we are not fancy, formal people!), but also felt special. I think we ended up accomplishing that; the location was rustic but beautiful, and the decorations were a little vintage, but still put together (I give most of the credit to our florist!). One of my favorite details were the tissue paper flowers my mother-in-law and sister-in-law made; I am not very crafty, so I really appreciated the effort they put into them, and I thought they looked beautiful. I also loved the table numbers. For each number we had side-by-side pictures of me and Dan at the corresponding age. Choosing all the photos with my mom and my mother-in-law was so fun (and I totally would have had a crush on Dan if we had met at any time in our lives!). A couple of my favorite memories of the day itself were Dan getting frosting all over his tux from leaning in our cupcake tower when we cut the cake; getting heckled by some of the groomsmen when we were taking pictures after dinner; and getting back to the hotel and realizing Dan had been so flustered that he had forgotten to take his gym shorts off before putting on his tux – he had been wearing them underneath the whole time! 

Photography: Renee Lemaire Photography | Floral Design: The Budding Tree | Wedding Dress: Jenny Yoo | Cake: KB Confections | Invitations: Splash Of Silver | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: The Good Fork | Make Up: Shelly Theilling | Hair: Georgie Salon & Spa | DJ: Beach Boyz Entertainment | Grooms Attire: The Black Tux | Officiant: Tim Greathouse | Wedding Venue: Conrad Botzum Farmstead | Bridal Robes: Silk And More

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Jenny Yoo

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When rich colors, refined textiles, luxe details, and gorgeous images all get together they make layer upon layer of romantic wedding style. Brought to us by the lovely and talented, Arielle Doneson Photography and Baci Designer this Anna Karenina themed photo shoot is enchanting inspiration for a totally couture celebration. The florals are positively bursting with beauty. The bride’s style is glamorous and captivating all at once (p.s. her hair is divine!). Every ounce is truly delicious and you can see the rest of this masterpiece right here in the gallery.

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From Arielle Doneson… A collaboration between Arielle of Arielle Doneson Photography and Amanda of Baci Designer, this Winter Styled shoot is inspired by the look of the new Joe Wright film of Tolstoy’s masterpiece, Anna Karenina. We wanted to showcase the lush, aristocratic style of 19th Imperial Russia so beautifully captured by Mr. Wright (the mastermind behind visually stunning films like Pride and Prejudice and Antonement.) We chose to shoot on medium format film and we are so excited to share the resulting images with you!

Amanda of Baci Desiger headed the event design for the shoot – consulting and collaborating with us all along the way. We found the most perfect location right in the heart of Akron – The Perkins Stone Mansion. Completed in 1837, the Mansion is now an historical house museum full of so much beauty and charm. The grounds are even more breathtaking – the perfect place for an intimate ceremony and reception! We then decided on a wintery color palette of ivory, silver, red, oxblood and black – we also knew we wanted to incorporate as much luxe textile as possible with fur, feathers, silk, and velvet. We truly wanted the shoot to exude the richness and luxury of 19th Century Russian opulence.

Baci Designer created the stationery for the day. Starting with the invitation suite printed in black ink on silvery gray textured stock – each piece became an inspiration for the shoot itself. The invitation was completed with a layer of maroon linen backing, a black velvet ribbon and a beautiful fleur de lis wax seal with just the perfect touch of feathers. The main and reply envelopes – both in a soft ivory – were finished off with reproduction Russian postage. Baci Designer also created a simple, yet gorgeous escort card display incorporated into the mansion’s beautiful outdoor arbor.

The florals, by Amy of Bouquet Studio, featured white and red ranunculus, red and white roses and garden roses, burgundy calla lilies, white and ivory snowberry, burgundy scabiosa, white & chocolate queen Anne’s Lace, white,ivory & green dendrobium orchids along with mixed foliage of clemantis, ivy, mixed herbs & silvery dusty miller. Amy created not only the arbor florals, but all the designs on the main and dessert tables.

The main table, a gorgeous eight foot farmhouse table provided by Borrow Vintage + Eclectic Rentals, was topped with three scrollwork black runners and burgundy napkins from Sitting Pretty Linens. Each place setting of Lenox Lace Couture Dinnerware was finished with a simple white ranunculus and feather combination. A gorgeous silver footed floral piece, pillar candles and cranberries came together as the perfect centerpiece. Adding finishing touches to the main table were a wax seal and feathered table number, Russian “husband” and “wife” chair signs tied with lace and quite possibly the most fabulous pomegranate place cards!

Bittersweet’s Chocolate and Pastry’s nearly three-foot tall beauty of a cake was the main highlight of our dessert table – an authentic millstone repurposed from the mansion’s earlier times. The silver and red fondant cake was topped with an incredible faberge-like egg made all of chocolate! Bittersweet’s also provided gorgeous handmade truffles (topped with matryoshky nesting doll or fabergé egg images,) and Russian Tea Cakes that were not only great to look at, but delicious to snack on throughout the shoot! The dessert table was accented with a black pin-tuck runner, vintage novels, fruits, florals, fur and lovely hand painted Ukranian pysanky Eggs.

Something White Bridal Boutique lent us so many beautiful items! From the stunning Madeline gown and Dana lace jacket, to the jeweled sash, feathered fascinator, pearl necklace, and deep jade green earrings, we turned our bride into an updated version of a princess at an imperial ball in Tolstoy’s time.

Ramona Dauksa Studio provided the hair and makeup look for our shoot. Inspired by images in Vogue magazine of a recent shoot with Keira Knightely, we went with a berry stained lip and a subtle yet soulful smoky eye in plums and browns. One of the universally favored aspects of the shoot was the half-updo Ramona created, using some of the model’s natural wavy texture with small chignons at the crown to add a touch of drama.

Victorian Trading Co. offered to lend us some period appropriate outdoor accessories to complete the look of our 19th Century Russian scene.

Photography: Arielle Doneson Photography / Venue: Perkins Stone Mansion / Event Design: Baci Designer / Floral Design: Bouquet Studio / Cake + Pastries: Bittersweet’s Chocolate and Pastry / Stationery+ Paper Goods: Baci Designer / Wedding Dress + Bridal Accessories: Something White Bridal Boutique / Vintage Rentals: Borrow Vintage & Eclectic Rentals / Hair+ Makeup: Ramona Dauksa Studio / Winter Accessories: Victorian Trading Co. / Linens: Sitting Pretty Linens