Columbus Weddings – Fall/Winter 2023 issue

Photo:CapturedbyKaitlin|capturedbykaitlinandmitch.com

first look

Welcome to Columbus Weddings

Many editors find writing a column like this a challenge, and I count myself among that group. This issue’s letter has proven especially difficult, however, because it’s my last.

It’s no understatement to say that running Columbus Weddings has been one of the great honors of my professional career thus far. I joined what was then called Columbus Bride as an assistant editor, fresh out of college, in 2010; left briefly but continued to write for the magazine as a freelancer; then returned as editor in 2016. Throughout that time, I often described the role as my dream job, and I stand by that description. There’s nothing quite like knowing you’re helping couples plan for one of the most important days of their lives, then showcasing those days after the fact to inspire others. It is a privilege I don’t expect to replicate in the future.

Still, the time has come for me to move on to new things and pass this torch to another editor, who I’m sure will treat the role with the same solemnity and enthusiasm that I have.

One of my proudest achievements as editor— alongside the 2020 redesign I completed with then-art director Alyse Pasternak—is conceptualizing, launching and maintaining our annual reader poll, Best of Columbus Weddings, which debuted the same year. That was a difficult time for the wedding industry, with large-scale events postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it felt wonderful to honor the hard work of so many local vendors. Things have changed significantly since then, but our poll continues to recognize readers’ favorite vendors

in more than 50 categories, culminating with a photo shoot featuring many of the winners (Page 27).

My other favorite recurring feature, our Real Weddings section, highlights the big days of six local couples in this issue (Page 43). Narrowing down the submissions to decide whom to feature here and throughout the rest of the issue can be an agonizing process, especially as the number of submissions we receive continues to grow. For this issue, we had nearly 100, and I’d include each and every one of them if I could. Sadly, we only had space for 38 couples this time—but be sure to keep an eye on columbusweddingsmag. com, where you’ll find extended features of the couples in this issue and others we couldn’t squeeze in.

Our website will also host expanded photo galleries from other stories in this issue, like the Best of Columbus Weddings photo shoot, the trend piece on wow-worthy floral arrangements (Page 20) and the fascinating dive into the ways local couples incorporate their cultural backgrounds into their days (Page 24). And that’s just a small taste of all that this issue, and our online presence, has to offer those planning their wedding days in Central Ohio.

Thank you, Columbus newlyweds, for trusting me to tell your love stories. It has been an honor.

For the last time, I wish you all happy planning.

Emma Frankart Henterly, Editor

PHOTO: ROB HARDIN

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Michelle Crossman

EDITORIAL

COLUMBUS WEDDINGS EDITOR

Emma Frankart Henterly

COLUMBUS MONTHLY EDITOR

Dave Ghose

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mandy Shunnarah

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laurie Allen, Peter Tonguette, Jennifer Wray

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION/DESIGN DIRECTOR

Betsy Becker

DESIGNER

Lauren Kuntz

DIGITAL EDITOR

Julanne Hohbach

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO EDITOR

Tim Johnson

ADVERTISING

MULTIMEDIA SALES EXECUTIVES

Tia Hardman, Jackie Thiam

PRODUCTION DESIGNER

Rebecca Zimmer

MARKETING

MARKETING MANAGER

Lauren Reinhard

LETTERS: letters@columbusweddingsmag.com

PRESS RELEASES: pressreleases@columbusweddingsmag.com

ADVERTISING: advertise@columbusweddingsmag.com CUSTOMER

WANT MORE WEDDINGS?

Looking for more tips on planning your perfect day? Or maybe you just can’t get enough of the insider looks at local weddings found throughout this issue. Whatever you’re after, we have it at columbusweddingsmag.com. There you’ll find an expanded Venue Guide database of 200-plus options for your ceremony or reception, an online Marketplace of reputable local vendors who partner with us, web-exclusive content we couldn’t squeeze into the issue and more.

Submit Your Wedding

Here’s your chance to have your wedding featured in the pages of an upcoming issue of Columbus Weddings! If you got married in Franklin County or any of the six counties surrounding it, consider this your official invitation to submit your event for consideration in a future issue. Learn more at cbuswedmag.com/submit

INSTA-STARS

We feel your love! Here are our top Instagram posts since the last issue. Follow us @cbusweddings for daily #weddinginspo and more.

JOIN THE CLUB

Don’t forget to join our free membership program, the Countdown Club. Members receive a free subscription to the magazine, our newsletter and more! Join now at cbuswedmag.com/countdown

As ever, our followers were just as excited about our new issue announcement/sneak peek as we were, giving this post the most likes for the issue.

Cassie and Blake’s stunning event, shot by @jennagreenawalt at @magnoliahillfarm, garnered the third-most likes in our roundup.

Still want more? Let’s connect on social; we’re on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest ColumbusWeddingsMag cbusweddings

PHOTO: LEFT, STARLING STUDIO

The styled shoot from @anniedarrphoto and @thymeanddetails at @retreat21venue, featured in our last issue, made a big splash on social, taking the second spot.

first look

WORTH THE WAIT

It’s no surprise that planning a wedding is a ton of work, often for months on end. But, Katie Cohen says, don’t be discouraged. “The planning, the sleepless nights, the nerves—all worth it to be surrounded by your loved ones as you marry the love of your life!” She married Alex Cohen in October; see more from their wedding on Page 96.

PHOTO: LAUREN LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

In the Details

Sometimes, tiny touches can make a massive impact.

When it comes to guest experience, some couples employ extravagant details like massive floral installations, oversized centerpieces or a statement-making Champagne tower. Others dream up unique, smaller-scale elements that are nonetheless impactful. Read on for examples of how local newlyweds have done the latter in recent months. —Emma Frankart Henterly

Samantha & Eric Sutton

With a wedding theme mixing “winter whites” with “elegant Western-chic,” the Suttons had plenty of opportunity for fun guest experiences at their Dec. 30, 2022, wedding at the Athletic Club of Columbus. Their custom branding station served as an interactive way for guests to get their favors: cowhide coasters and leather koozies branded with the newlyweds’ wedding logo. “Our wedding was personal to Eric and I in so many ways,” Samantha notes. “All the details made it so special, but the people made it perfect.”

Cameron & Evan Mack

The Macks included a thank-you letter on the backs of menu cards at each place setting for their Oct. 22, 2022, wedding at 1883 Locale. Each person’s name was affixed to the note with a custom wax seal bearing the couple’s initials. “We feel so fortunate to be surrounded by so many of our loved ones who have helped to shape our lives; you have made us who we are and we appreciate you taking the time to be here with us today,” the note read. “We love you and we hope you enjoy tonight’s celebration.”

McKenzie & Kayla Oberstadt

Couples have been putting a twist on the traditional guest book for ages. The Oberstadts did just that for their Oct. 21, 2022, wedding at Jefferson Country Club by asking guests to sign Jenga blocks … and then took things a step further with their centerpieces. “Each table number was an empty wine bottle, where guests were encouraged to leave us a message in a bottle. For table one, notes will be read on our first anniversary, while table two’s bottle will be opened on our second anniversary,” McKenzie explains. “We look forward to opening the final bottle in 18 years!”

Cara & Jeff Schaffer

For Cara, the most important detail of her and Jeff’s Nov. 19, 2022, wedding and reception at Irongate Equestrian Center was displaying the wedding attire of those who came before them. She worked with the venue’s coordinator, Rachel Nyhart, to create a museum-esque showcase featuring Cara’s and Jeff’s mothers’ wedding gowns, as well as Cara’s father’s Marines dress blues and her great-grandmother’s velvet wedding dress from 1939. “Jeff and I are both nostalgic people and felt we wanted to honor our parents, who have been collectively married for 81 years,” Cara says. “Many of our guests commented that they had never seen something like it before.”

PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: DERK’S WORKS PHOTOGRAPHY (2), AMY ANN PHOTOGRAPHY (2), JENNA RENEE PHOTOGRAPHY (4), HENRY PHOTOGRAPHY

From hair to makeup to nails, we’ve got your big day covered. We can even bring our bridal-glam squad to your home or wedding venue so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your special day.

OUR EVENT COORDINATORS ARE READY TO MEET YOU!

Nice to Meet Hue

Every year, the Pantone Color Institute announces its Color of the Year—a hue to define and inspire for the seasons to come. The 2023 pick, Viva Magenta, “vibrates with vim and vigor,” according to the institute’s website. “In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real,” wrote executive director Leatrice Eiseman on the site. The shade was inspired by cochineal dye, a natural element that is both vibrant and beautiful.

To accompany the top pick, Pantone released an accompanying palette it’s calling “the Magentaverse,” and it looks tailor-made for weddings. The soft pastels provide a delicate contrast to Viva Magenta, giving engaged couples plenty to work with—regardless of whether they choose to actually incorporate the main color. —Emma

Frankart Henterly

Pale Dogwood Gray Sand Gray Lilac

Viva Magenta

Pale Khaki Fields of Rye Agate Gray Plein Air

TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: ASTERIA PHOTOGRAPHY (2), LAUREN LEE PHOTOGRAPHY, DERK’S WORKS PHOTOGRAPHY; SECOND ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: PHOTO 243 (2), JULIA JUSTICE PHOTOGRAPHY, AMY ANN PHOTOGRAPHY, PHOTO 243; THIRD ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: J. HANNAH PHOTOGRAPHY, ASTERIA PHOTOGRAPHY, J. HANNAH PHOTOGRAPHY, ASTERIA PHOTOGRAPHY; FOURTH ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: THE BRAUNS, NATIVE LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY; FIFTH ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: AMY ANN PHOTOGRAPHY, ABIGAIL REEDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Derk’s Works Photography

New & Noteworthy

Openings, closings and changes in the Central Ohio wedding industry

BY EMMA FRANKART HENTERLY

OPENINGS

For the Gram Photo Booth Co. opened in March, with bookings starting in April. Offering live galleries, GIFs, green screens, gallery analytics and more, the open-airstyle photo booth company is owned by Morgan Jeter. If her name sounds familiar, you probably are a frequent reader—she and her husband, James, were featured in the Real Weddings section of our last issue. forthegramphoto.com

Beyond that, several venues have opened in recent months:

First up is the long-awaited Genesis Downtown , which we first reported on more than a year ago. The Black-owned, woman-owned venue began hosting its first events in May. Its leadership team

isn’t new to weddings, though; co-owners Taylor Keene and Karima Crawford are a former events manager with Hilton hotels and the owner of the Planning Bee wedding planning company, respectively. A major tenet of the venue is couples’ ability to bring in any vendor they choose, rather than working solely with preferred lists. 17 E. Long St., Columbus; 614-726-7360; genesis-downtown.com

Franklinton is home to the region’s newest independent lifestyle hotel, the Junto, w hich opened in May. It features more than 13,000 square feet of event space; warm and inviting décor; and indoor and outdoor spaces, many with views of the Scioto River and Downtown Columbus skyline. Meeting spaces offer capacity for groups of 15 to 300; the hotel also offers

198 guest rooms and multiple on-site dining options, including a rooftop bar. 77 Belle St., Columbus; 888-976-2106; thejuntohotel.com

The former Municipal Light Plant on the edge of the Arena District is now MLP Events Live, an industrial-chic venue with multiple rooms and capacity for up to 300. Of note is the rooftop space, which boasts views of the Downtown Columbus skyline and Lower.com Field, gas-powered fire pits and space for up to 75 for a seated dinner. 589 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus; 614-647-5483, mlp-events.live

Columbus Hospitality Management— operator of several area hotels and event venues, including Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center and the Grand Event

PHOTO: RED GALLERY PHOTOGRAPHY/COURTESY BTTS HOLDINGS

The Cove at WatersEdge Event + Conference Center in Hilliard

Center—debuted its latest offering in May. Located in the University District near Mirror Lake and the Wexner Center for the Arts, Vitria on the Square boasts two ballrooms with capacity for up to 350. The venue offers in-house catering and event coordination, space for décor storage, group hotel rates at nearby Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU and more. 14 E. 15th Ave., Columbus; 614-540-3436; vitriaonthesquare.com

CLOSINGS

Longtime staple bakery (and frequent winner/runner-up in our annual Best of Columbus Weddings poll) S hort North Piece of Cake shuttered abruptly in March after 25 years in business. Emails to the company were met with an autoresponse promising to refund deposits on current orders but offering little by way of explanation, while its phone line went unanswered. The business opened in 1998 under Brian Hotopp, who sold it to former manager Laura Harter in 2013. Bryce M i namyer purchased the business from Harter in 2021; since then, reviews posted to Yelp and Google complained of issues with customer service, product quality and store sanitation.

CHANGES

Grove City bakery Capital City Cakes closed its storefront after more than a decade and transitioned back to a homebased operation late last year. Citing a renovation project in Grove City’s Town Center that resulted in the loss of their lease, owners Gary and Sue Baisden are using the change as an opportunity to redirect their business model. Moving forward, they will focus only on custom wedding and specialty cakes. 614-2779338, capitalcitycakesoh.com

Three other area vendors changed addresses in recent months. J’s Sweet Treats and Wedding Cakes moved its storefront from Polaris Fashion Place to the Greater Columbus Convention Center in January, while Dublin Bridal moved a mile east along West Bridge Street/Dublin-Granville Road. Its sister company, By Vesna, took over its former storefront and changed its name to Dublin Formals. The change also saw bridesmaid and mothers’ gowns shift from the bridal storefront to the formals one; wedding gown alterations now take place at Dublin Bridal, while suit and other formal gown alterations have stayed with Dublin Formals. J’s Sweet Treats, 400 N. High St., Columbus, 614-906-8888,

jssweettreats.net; Dublin Bridal, 4545 W. Dublin-Granville Road, Dublin, 614-5537146, dublinbridal.com; Dublin Formals, 313 W. Bridge St., Dublin, 614-726-9477, dublinformals.com

After a devastating accidental fire nearly destroyed it last October, Buxton Inn is once again open for business. The more than 200-year-old hotel and event space reopened in early April with newly renovated guest rooms; its Tavern also reopened for drink services only, Thursdays through Saturdays. Work continues on the renovation of the on-site restaurant’s kitchen, which was gutted in the fire. Jennifer Valenzuela, who co-owns the property with her father, Bob Schilling, says the devastation has a silver lining where the kitchen is concerned: “It was very compartmentalized; it wasn’t [a] very productive, usable space,” she told ABC-6 in January. “So I see a huge opportunity here to make really long-lasting improvements.” 313 E. Broadway, Granville; 740587-0001; buxtoninn.com

Fiori Florals Design Studio, the floral arm of BTTS Holdings, is now the preferred florist for Vue Columbus and Retreat 21 (both owned by Liz and Carl Seiley). The Seileys and Fiori Florals’ Kristen Pulcheon share values of sourcing locally grown flowers and reducing environmental impact, according to a joint press release.

To that end, the companies will source flowers grown on acreage at Retreat 21, and a tree-planting initiative will direct a portion of proceeds from both businesses to the purchase and planting of trees. (Read more about this partnership on Pag e 22.) Fiori Florals Design Studio, 659 Lakeview Plaza Blvd., Suite E, Worthington, 614-255-0206, fioriflorals. biz; Retreat 21, 11433 Industrial Pkwy., Marysville, 614-321-1713, retreat21.com; Vue Columbus, 95 Liberty St., Columbus, 614-454-1877, vuecolumbus.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WatersEdge Event + Conference Center has expanded to add the Cove at WatersEdge, bringing the venue’s total space to 20,000 square feet. Mixing midcentury and industrial aesthetics, the Cove features floor-toceiling windows overlooking the on-site lake, two spacious suites for couples and their wedding parties to get ready in, an adjacent patio and capacity for up to 200. 4643 Trueman Blvd., Hilliard; 614-4501545; watersedgeevents.biz

Cincinnati-area venue owner Angela Norman is coming to Central Ohio with White Willow Meadows, slated to open in February 2024. The upscale barn property will feature three individual buildings, an onsite Airbnb and florist, and more. 10260 Ballah Road, Orient; 513-507-0005; whitewillowmeadows.com

A rendering of the Franklin Gallery at the Junto hotel in Franklinton

unveiled

TREND 20 SUSTAINABILITY 22 CULTURE 24

CHILD’S PLAY

Caitlin Ho Woitovich and Drew Woitovich go way back—all the way to elementary school, when their classrooms would pair up for reading circle. “We always had mutual friends, but were never really close with each other,” Caitlin notes. That is, until college, when the pair reconnected and began their love story. Read more about their wedding day on Page 24.

PHOTO: ASTERIA PHOTOGRAPHY

Fabulous Florals

Want to wow your guests? Be ready to go big on blooms.

BY EMMA FRANKART HENTERLY

After several years of minimonies and budget-friendly events brought on by the pandemic’s health and fiscal concerns, couples are embracing extravagance and luxe, large-scale floral installations.

“Our team loves creating large-scale installations,” says Heather Edgar, owner and lead designer at Evergreen Flower Co. “It’s a really rewarding type of design because of the sheer scale, but it’s also rewarding because these designs are so appreciated by clients and guests alike.”

Wedding planner and designer Natasha Churches, owner of Aisle & Co., agrees.

“People are really into the idea of statement florals” as a guest experience, she says. It can be economical, too: “Instead of spending $400 per table [on centerpieces], they’re investing $1,500

on a massive installation that can be repurposed [throughout the day].” Think: a piece that hangs over the couple during the ceremony and the dance floor during the reception.

“[We’re] seeing a lot of couples … really want to do something different and really shake up the design for their wedding,” says Michael Miller, owner and designer at Vessel Floral and Event Design. “Often, they come in with the mindset of wanting their day to be truly unique and to wow their guests.”

That was the case for Ashley and Matt Pedroza, who worked with Vessel and Aisle & Co. to deck out Revery at North 4th Corridor with airy florals for their Sept. 16, 2022, wedding. The Pedrozas knew from the start they wanted an abundance

PHOTOS: LEFT AND TOP RIGHT, STARLING STUDIO (2); BOTTOM RIGHT, STORYTELLER ADAMS

of all-white flowers to match their wedding’s theme of classic elegance with a modern slant, and they wanted to keep the lightfilled vibes that Revery offers.

The result?

“We were overwhelmed by the beauty of how the space was transformed. It was simply magical,” Ashley says. “I couldn’t get over the hanging baby’s breath bouquets!”

Because the Pedrozas’ ceremony and reception were in the same space, Vessel employed the tactic of double-duty pieces.

“All of the aisle pieces could be pulled apart and be used as individual centerpieces, completely transforming the look,” Miller says.

If repurposing impact floral pieces isn’t an option—maybe the church hosting your ceremony doesn’t allow for big installations— Churches advises making your reception install something that guests can experience instead of just look at, like a floral-and-greenery wall that serves as a backdrop for photos.

“I always prefer to have a big statement [piece],” says Meleka Jolliff, owner of the design and planning company MMJ Events. “Any sort of installation is such a ‘wow’

impact in a room.” MMJ Events worked with Evergreen Flower Co. to design Lucy and Tony Tanner’s Aug. 6, 2022, wedding at the Columbus Museum of Art.

“My wife had dreamed of this since she was a little girl in Brazil and had a very distinct vision in mind from the start,” Tony says. That vision came to life in the form of a 13-foot floral arch, flanked by matching arrangements lining the aisle—something that guests “are still talking about to this day,” Tony says. “The big arch was something we will never forget. We still go back to pictures now to relive the experience.”

When the Tanners’ guests moved into the reception space, they were met with another visual treat: an elevated showcase piece on the head table, floor arrangements accenting the dessert tables and statement-making greenery suspended from the ceiling.

Such hanging pieces “can add drama and

impact to an otherwise cavernous space … creating more of a romantic atmosphere,” Miller says.

For Chelsea and Steven Katz, filling the cavernous rooms of the Ohio Statehouse for their Oct. 29, 2022, event called for multiple moderate-impact moments that tied together several spaces.

“I was drawn to photos of baby’s breath and white blooms and wanted to incorporate them throughout our ceremony and reception,” Chelsea says. To that end, she worked with Aisle & Co. and florist Prema Designs to create several scenes that incorporated the timeless elements of her vision with clear acrylic accents for a modern feel. There was the chuppah in the Rotunda for the ceremony, and at the reception in the Atrium, a head table with “clouds” floating above it and “my favorite, which was the bar statement cloud with a disco bar ‘chandelier,’ ” Chelsea says. “The team did an amazing job taking my inspiration photos … and making [them] a reality.”

If the idea of incorporating these types of designs into your own wedding has your wallet in a tizzy, the pros and newlyweds alike have a few pointers to help.

Both Churches and Jolliff note that for a ceiling installation or similar piece that will be out of guests’ reach, faux florals can be an affordable—and indistinguishable—alternative to the real deal. As a bonus, silk flowers can be installed well in advance of the event, without the worry of wilting.

For live blooms, Ashley Pedroza says she and Matt received a key piece of advice from the folks at Vessel: Whenever possible, opt for flowers that are in-season and available locally or in abundance.

“We loved showcasing florals that aligned with our September nuptials,” Ashley says, adding that choosing in-season options “helped us expand our initial budget to allow for a larger installation.”

PHOTOS: STORYTELLER ADAMS

Ashley and Matt Pedroza (opposite page, far left and top right) used baby’s breath and other all-white blooms to decorate their space, while Lucy and Tony Tanner (opposite page, bottom right) incorporated greenery into their installations; their head table and ceiling installation can be seen on this page, bottom left. Above left and right, Chelsea and Steven Katz mixed classic blooms and cloudlike accents with modern touches, like acrylic pillars and a disco ball “chandelier.”

See more photos of these installations at columbusweddingsmag.com.

All of the décor at Mikayla and Tim Jacino’s wedding was chosen with sustainability in mind, Mikayla says. The couple thrifted, handmade and borrowed items whenever they could, and they worked with vendors that had a similar mindset about protecting the Earth.

Go Green

You don’t have to sacrifice style to have an eco-friendly wedding.

BY PETER TONGUETTE

About a decade ago, before she settled on a career in wedding planning, Dana Watts got her first taste of the industry when she worked seasonally for a number of area planners.

“As I was working with different venues and planners, just seeing the backend side of things, I was liking it—but I was also seeing a lot of opportunities to do better, especially when it comes to waste,” Watts says.

From flowers to food to decorations, numerous elements of weddings tend to get thrown away or discarded in a manner unlikely to please Mother Earth. Sustainability is seldom a priority.

By 2020, when she opened Thyme & Details, Watts had resolved to run her wedding planning business in a more eco-friendly manner than what she had seen firsthand years earlier.

“I wanted to do something different and bring a different perspective to planning,” she says. “It’s about doing better, not about making people feel bad for what they’re not doing already.”

Thyme & Details is part of a broader shift within wedding planning. Elegance and style

remain important, but couples are increasingly considering environmental impact.

“People are caring a lot more about intention and what’s meaningful to them; not just what’s going to make a good memory, but what’s a legacy,” Watts says.

Earlier this year, Fiori Florals announced that they had embarked on a partnership with Retreat 21 in Marysville, a popular venue for weddings. Amid the site’s 64 acres, already encompassing a

vineyard and orchard, will be a new flower farm from which couples’ floral designs can be created.

“It’s something that we can only do for a few months out of the year, but we really go all-in for it,” says Kristin Pulcheon of Fiori Florals, which is now a preferred florist for Retreat 21 and its sister company, the event space Vue Columbus. “We’re cutting down on carbon; we’re trying to grow agriculture here in Ohio.”

“As we’re trying to be more sustainable and locally grown as well, it’s a natural fit for us,” says Liz Seiley of Retreat 21 and Vue Columbus.

Floral designs can be a surprising contributor to carbon emissions. Sometimes encouraged by social media, Pulcheon notes, couples attempt to create elaborate designs with flowers that may be unavailable locally; therefore, the flowers have to be shipped in.

“In order to offset some of that, it’s very important, whenever possible, to try to source locally,” Pulcheon says. “Truthfully, there is too much waste, especially in the wedding world, especially in the floral world.”

Planted in late spring, flowers from the new farm will start becoming available for couples in the fall.

“Who doesn’t want to get married and see the flowers that are going to be used in their wedding right outside the door?” Pulcheon says.

Another local florist, the Flowerman, also focuses on reducing waste, sourcing product from fair-trade growers and reusing floral boxes for repackaging and storage. “In addition, we offer rentals for weddings to reduce the enormous cost of purchasing new vessels weekly,” says Erin Geyer, director of marketing and media for the Flowerman. “Above all, we repurpose any leftover product and donate to local charities to help reduce the waste to the landfill and repurpose florals so others can enjoy them.”

When Clintonville resident Mikayla Jacino was planning her wedding, she knew she wanted a sustainable event.

“I grew up in a family that talked about sustainability and nature,” says Mikayla, who married her husband, Tim, last August at Everal Barn in Westerville. “My dad actually was a zoology major. ... Everything I do, I always think about the life cycle of everything we buy and what happens when we throw something away.”

To that end, the couple not only repurposed tablecloths and décor from past weddings of families and friends, but also worked exclusively with local vendors, many of whom shared her same sense of purpose.

“I have a friend who works for High Bank Distillery, and he was able to give me their used bottles,” she says. “We used a lot of their bottles for the centerpieces.”

Mikayla and Tim chose utensils made of bamboo (or other materials that would break down easily) and made ample use of thrift shops and antique stores. Since she owns a stationery business, Wildflower Press + Paper, Mikayla made paper goods from sustainable sources. Glassware was taken home by family members to be recycled.

“We can have an elegant wedding and still take care of the Earth as well,” Mikayla says. “I was pretty impressed when looking back on our photos.”

Watts says there are commonsense ways to combat waste when planning a wedding. For example, search Facebook Marketplace for gently used wedding decorations.

“Maybe they need a little bit of cleaning, but they’re basically brand-new products—and then [you can] resell them after your event,” Watts says. “It’s a really costeffective, beautiful way to use high-quality items without having to spend a bunch of money.”

Plated meals are preferable to buffets, because they involve less food waste to start with, Watts says.

“It makes it easier to donate food, because if this person didn’t show up, that food is not being served and it can be put in a box and donated,” she says.

Although it can be a challenge to find green-friendly venues, such as those that use solar panels, Watts says that couples should consider multi-use sites that aren’t reserved exclusively for events or weddings.

“Try to find places that are not just in business to do Friday-Saturday weddings, but provide services to the community all week long,” Watts says. «

“Green” details at Mikayla and Tim’s wedding included post-consumer recycled paper products; thrifted brass candlesticks and flowers used on the arch behind the ceremony and head table; and more. Mikayla credits her family, especially her father (pictured with her, top left), for raising her with a sustainability mindset.

Family Ties

Four couples who turned to their heritage to help their day best represent them

BY LAURIE ALLEN

When two people come together to wed, they bring not only themselves, but generations of families before them. To honor those who came before, many couples are choosing to pay homage to their heritage on their wedding day.

“I’m not only American; I’m Chinese as well,” says Caitlin Ho Woitovich, who included several elements of her Chinese culture on her wedding day. Caitlin and her husband, Drew Woitovich, are among many newlyweds who incorporate their cultures into their weddings in various ways. Here’s a look at how culture played a part in several local wedding celebrations.

STEEPED IN TRADITION

For pre-wedding pressure, it’s hard to top Drew Woitovich, who had to complete a 90-minute mental and verbal obstacle course before marrying his bride, Caitlin Ho Woitovich, on Oct. 8, 2022. It was a lighthearted yet symbolic contribution

to honor Caitlin’s heritage on their wedding day.

The challenges in traditional Chinese door games are meant to demonstrate that the groomto-be is willing to do anything to prove his love, says Caitlin, whose parents hail from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Bridesmaids set up the tests for the groom and his groomsmen, who participate to show their support for the marriage. Drew’s tests included singing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and answering trivia questions where wrong answers resulted in push-ups.

The last obstacle was to get through a phalanx of bridesmaids in order to find Caitlin, who was hiding in their Delaware, Ohio, home.

Following the game, the couple took part in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony to honor and show respect to their elders. Wearing traditional attire and draped in gold jewelry to symbolize good luck, they knelt as they served tea to their parents and those closest to them. In exchange,

PHOTO: ASTERIA PHOTOGRAPHY

they received red envelopes containing money to wish them good fortune.

The tea ceremony, held at the Beverly Mansion in Marengo (which also hosted the American ceremony and reception), was especially meaningful for Caitlin, who poured from the same teapot her sister and mother used in their own weddings.

Drew appreciated all the Eastern influences that made his marriage day unique. “I liked learning about the traditions,” he notes. “I value tradition.”

AN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIR

Paige and Auggie Heschmeyer’s Sept. 9, 2022, wedding had an multi-country flair, with Polish and Gaelic traditions coming together at the Tuscan-influenced Club at Corazón in Dublin. The couple, a self-proclaimed “Tinder success story,” incorporated Auggie’s Polish heritage with Paige’s Irish ancestry for a celebration in which family figured prominently.

In keeping with a Gaelic custom, the couple participated in a handfasting ritual performed by Paige’s mother, who tied colored cords around their hands. When they removed their hands, the cords formed a knot, signifying the strength of their union. The colors themselves had meaning: orange for warmth and cheer, gold for a wealth of happiness and security, and green for new beginnings and a fruitful life.

Auggie and Paige also incorporated a bread, wine and salt ceremony that’s performed in many Polish weddings. Bread

represents hope that the couple never goes hungry and always has enough; wine symbolizes the hope that the pair never goes thirsty and that their lives will be filled with sweetness and joy; salt serves as a reminder that life will not always be easy, but that facing difficulties together will strengthen their union.

Polish culture was part of Auggie’s life growing up in Youngstown, where his family often hosted visiting relatives. He attended Polish summer camps, learned Polish folk dancing and celebrated nearly every holiday with traditional customs and food.

“It’s a very big part of my life, and it was really important for me to incorporate that into our wedding day,” he says. To that end, the newlyweds put polkas in the reception mix. Auggie and his mother got the ball rolling, but even polka novices joined in.

For the mother-son dance, Auggie surprised his mom with a special song, “Tell the Boys,” which was his parents’ first polka at their wedding.

INCLUSION AND PURPOSE

Diversity and inclusion were a central theme in Lisa Delacruz Combs’ and Ryan Peiffer’s wedding, which honored Lisa’s Filipino heritage and purposefully incorporated multicultural elements, including vendors.

“We wanted people to feel seen,” says Lisa, who works with mixed-race students at Ohio State University as part of her doctorate program.

Ryan and Lisa, whose mother is from the Philippines, found several ways to weave her family’s culture into their Sept. 4, 2022, ceremony and reception at Vue Columbus. As is traditional in Filipino nuptials, the couple had two sponsors, who placed a unity cord and veil around them during the wedding. Ring bearers carried arras coins, which represent prosperity in finances and in life.

Lisa surprised her mother with a traditional Filipino dance performed by the Ohio State University Pilipino Student Association’s dance team. Food included appetizers from Bonifacio and a cake from Filipinoowned Three Bites Bakery. The couple chose

OPPOSITE PAGE AND ABOVE, Caitlin Ho Woitovich and Drew Woitovich included elements of Caitlin’s Chinese heritage in their wedding.

ABOVE, LEFT AND BELOW, Paige and Auggie Heschmeyer each brought cultural traditions to their wedding day, incorporating Polish and Gaelic elements into their ceremony and reception.

other vendors owned by LGBTQ+ people and other minorities.

“We wanted a ceremony that was about nuance and intentionality,” Ryan says, “so when guests leave, they’re thinking, ‘Yep, that was Lisa and Ryan.’ ”

Another bow to Lisa’s Filipino heritage came prior to the wedding day. For the rehearsal brunch, she wore a vintage Filipino dress that belonged to her academic advisor’s mother, whom she’d never met. “That’s kind of how Filipino culture is—you just show up for each other,” she says.

YEARS IN THE MAKING

From the henna and jewelry she wore to a sacred ceremony requested by her grandfather, Monica Henkel carried her Indian culture with her she married Jake Henkel on Aug. 27 last year.

Jake says Monica’s Indian heritage “is part of who she is, and something I wanted to honor.”

Monica was still a girl when her paternal grandmother began planning for her wedding, purchasing special pieces of jewelry over many years for her and her sister to wear on their wedding days. When Monica married Jake, “we were able to incorporate the jewelry my grandmother and grandfather brought over from India,” she says. “It meant a lot.”

In addition to golden bangles and a mangalsutra necklace, Monica wore a traditional maang tikka headpiece on her forehead when she and Jake wed at WatersEdge in Hilliard.

A few days earlier, close family and friends gathered for a mehndi ceremony, wherein guests have henna designs applied to their hands. “It was a great opportunity to con-

nect with my culture, introduce friends and family members, and connect others with our culture,” Monica says. Traditionally, only women attend the event, but she and Jake also invited men to share Indian food and fellowship.

On their wedding day, the pair made another slight adjustment in a ceremony called the Sacred Seven Circles walk, which her grandfather had asked them to perform. During the ceremony, couples walk around a sacred fire seven times to finalize their union. Because their suburban venue wasn’t conducive to a fire, they used a candle instead.

The walk led to one of the most comic and memorable moments of the day, they say. “We had practiced the walk during the rehearsal, but I wasn’t wearing my dress then, and when we actually did it, my train kept kind of catching in the trees,” Monica says. “We laughed through the whole thing.”

Another lighter moment came when the mangalsutra Jake placed on Monica got caught in her veil. “We just kept going,” he says. “These are the good problems.” «

ABOVE AND RIGHT, Lisa Delacruz Combs and Ryan Peiffer incorporated Lisa’s Filipino heritage through ceremony customs, vendor choices and reception entertainment. They also made inclusivity a priority by choosing LGBTQ+ and minority vendors.

ABOVE AND RIGHT, Henna designs, traditional jewelry and ceremony elements all allowed Monica and Jake Henkel to honor her Indian ancestry in their wedding.

PHOTOS: FROM TOP, J. HANNAH PHOTOGRAPHY (2), 808 STUDIOS (2)

We asked, and you responded. Here are the top wedding vendors in Central Ohio, as chosen by Columbus Weddings readers.

PROFILES BY Emma Frankart Henterly

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Tessa Berg of Starling Studio

STYLING BY Natasha Churches of Aisle & Co.

THE VENUES

CEREMONY: INDOOR CEREMONY: OUTDOOR

RECEPTION: GARDEN/GREENHOUSE

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

(26.88%, 28.65%, 42.27%)

The conservatory takes top honors in all three of these categories for the fourth consecutive year—that’s every year since Best of Columbus Weddings began. Its numerous indoor and outdoor spaces can accommodate weddings of just about any size, and the vibrant botany and greenery make for a pictureperfect backdrop that needs very little additional decoration.

INDOOR RUNNER-UP:

Columbus Museum of Art (11.56%)

Indoor Honorable Mention:

Oak Grove at Jorgensen Farms (10.33%)

OUTDOOR RUNNER-UP: Park of Roses (10.45%)

Outdoor Honorable Mention:

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (8.72%)

GARDEN/GREENHOUSE RUNNER-UP:

Oak Grove at Jorgensen Farms (21.11%)

Garden/Greenhouse Honorable Mention: Park of Roses (12.19%)

RECEPTION: HOTEL/EVENT CENTER

Le Méridien Columbus, the Joseph (10.57%)

The Joseph is another four-time winner, though it shared the title in a two- or threeway tie during the first two years of the reader poll. The venue’s interesting art collection,

stunning floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking High Street, and prime Short North location make it an ideal option among hotel venues.

RUNNER-UP: Granville Inn (9.66%)

Honorable Mentions: Hilton Columbus Downtown (9.02%), Westin Great Southern Columbus (8.77%), The Estate at New Albany (8.14%)

RECEPTION: HISTORIC

Ohio Statehouse (13.59%)

Our readers are nothing if not consistent; the Ohio Statehouse is another four-time winner in its category. When it comes to historic venues, you can’t go wrong with Ohio’s 160-plusyear-old seat of government—an architectural gem in its own right.

RUNNER-UP:

The Athletic Club of Columbus (10.78%)

Honorable Mentions: Granville Inn (9.28%), The Vault (9.07%), High Line Car House (8.51%), Darby House (8.46%)

RECEPTION: INDUSTRIAL/URBAN

Strongwater (12.69%)

Another recurring favorite, Strongwater is also a four-time winner—though last year it shared the spotlight. Concrete finishes, exposed steel beams and just the right level of romanticism thanks to café lights and other touches make this Franklinton venue an urban-chic dream.

RUNNER-UP: The Ivory Room (11.93%)

Honorable Mentions: Edison777 in Italian Village (10.21%), High Line Car House (10 12%), Vue Columbus (10.1%)

PHOTO SHOOT VENDORS

PHOTOGRAPHER: Starling Studio

DESIGN AND COORDINATION: Aisle & Co.

VENUE: Pinnacle Golf Club

FLORIST: The Flowerman

RENTALS: Aiden & Grace

TABLE LINEN: Sourced by Aisle & Co.

GRAZING SPREAD:

Boards by Brooke

CAKE:

Lavender and Honey Wedding Cakes

GOWN: Wendy’s Bridal

JEWELRY: Diamond Cellar

SUIT: Pursuit

HAIR: Tyler of Penzone Salons + Spas

MAKEUP:

Tallullah of Penzone Salons + Spas

OFFICIANT: Run to an Elopement

STATIONERY: Ink & Ivory

WINE BOTTLE AND LIVE PAINTING: Rachel Good Art

VIDEOGRAPHY: Columbus Wedding Videos

MODELS: Rachel and Alejandra Esson

All shoes and Rachel’s earrings are models’ own.

THE PROS

EVENT PLANNER/DESIGNER

Aisle & Co. (13.68%)

The name of this category has changed a bit over the last four years, but its winner hasn’t. Natasha Churches and her team of talented designers and coordinators are readers’ top pick for event planning for the fourth year running. After four years of working with them on our winners’ photo shoot, we’re inclined to agree.

RUNNER-UP: Ava Ari Design Co., formerly Adrienne Ruff Event Co. (10.79%)

Honorable Mentions: Thyme & Details (8.24%), MMJ Events (7.52%)

TRAVEL ADVISER

Grandview Travel (16.77%)

Coming in as a dark horse on this year’s ballot, Grandview Travel makes its Best of Columbus Weddings debut as readers’ No. 1 pick for travel planning. Owner Rob Elking opened the agency on Grandview Avenue in 1989, though its home base moved to German Village in 2003. His small team boasts 100 collective years’ experience in travel planning.

RUNNER-UP: Bliss Honeymoons & Destination Weddings (15.76%)

Honorable Mention:

Wanderlust Travel & Tours (14.07%)

DJ Buckeye Entertainment (15.67%)

After tying for first place in 2020, Buckeye Entertainment struggled to outdo Josh Staley Productions in recent years … until this year, when it eked out a win by just over half a percentage point. Buckeye Entertainment’s team of DJs (plus photographers, an officiant and a coordinator) can be found at more than 400 weddings a year on average.

RUNNER-UP:

Josh Staley Productions (15.12%)

Honorable Mention: D and M DJ Entertainment (8.92%)

THE VENUES

RECEPTION: MUSEUM/GALLERY

RECEPTION: CONTEMPORARY/MODERN

Columbus Museum of Art (55.75%, 20.33%)

Earning more than half of the vote in the museum category for all four years of Best of Columbus Weddings, the grand dame of art in the city easily retained its title in both that and the contemporary category this year. The abundant natural light in Derby Court makes it equally suited for ceremonies and receptions, while other spaces offer plenty of modern style as well.

MUSEUM RUNNER-UP: COSI (14.72%)

Museum Honorable Mention: Le Méridien Columbus, the Joseph (10.35%)

CONTEMPORARY RUNNER-UP: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (17.86%)

Contemporary Honorable Mention: Oak Grove at Jorgensen Farms (12.45%)

RECEPTION: RUSTIC/BARN

The Gardens at Jorgensen Farms (28.32%)

Formerly known as Jorgensen Farms Historic Barn, this fellow four-time winner has a newbuild ceremony space to complement the rustic charm of its adjacent barn. Pair that with beautiful outdoor spaces for a ceremony or cocktail hour, and it’s clear to see why this one’s a winner.

RUNNER-UP: Magnolia Hill Farm (14.18%)

Honorable Mention: Wells Barn at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (11.82%)

RECEPTION: GOLF/COUNTRY CLUB

Pinnacle Golf Club (14.32%)

With its second win, Pinnacle unseats former champion Scioto Reserve for readers’ favorite golf or country club. From the charming ceremony garden to cocktails on the patio to dinner under the chandeliers of the ballroom, this Grove City gem has everything you need for an upscale day. And with a name like Pinnacle, who can be surprised?

RUNNER-UP:

Scioto Reserve Country Club (13.95%)

Honorable Mention: The Country Club at Muirfield Village (12.03%)

MICRO VENUE

Hotel LeVeque (20.8%)

Since we debuted this category in 2021, Hotel LeVeque has been a clear winner each year. The gorgeous lobby and mezzanine level are ideal for portraits, while the meeting rooms offer privacy for intimate ceremonies. A small dinner party in a private space at on-site restaurant The Keep completes the day.

RUNNER-UP: The Kitchen (11.77%)

Honorable Mentions: The FIG Room (11%), Flat 51 (10.05%)

THE PROS

BAND/MUSICIANS

The Conspiracy Band (12.29%)

The Conspiracy Band have been playing for more than 30 years, and they’ve dominated our ballot for four. Readers love the band’s diverse set list covering everyone from Aretha to Notorious B.I.G. Expect multiple vocalists and even a horn section when booking the band, which can vary in size from nine to 14 members.

RUNNER-UP: MojoFlo (11.61%)

Honorable Mention: Columbus Musicians LLC (9.44%)

FLORIST

The Flowerman (12.3%)

After some back-and-forth with Prema Designs, The Flowerman pulls ahead in 2023 for its third win—this year with a healthy lead. The florist is known for its DIY options, which are a fan-favorite among the cost-savvy, but house designers can create some gorgeous arrangements in their own right. (The proof is on these pages: The Flowerman styled all the florals for our shoot.)

RUNNER-UP: Petals & Leaves (8.31%)

THE VENUES

OHIO DESTINATION

Hocking Hills Wedding Chapel (18.99%)

Is it the convenient proximity to Central Ohio, the gorgeous environs of the Hocking Hills, the beautiful grounds of the venue—or a combination of all three—that kept this four-time winner at the top of its category? Whatever the reason, Hocking Hills Wedding Chapel easily defended its title this year.

RUNNER-UP: Gervasi Vineyard (11.89%)

Honorable Mention: The Hangar by Hocking Hills Scenic Wedding (10.49%)

REHEARSAL DINNER

Lindey’s (17.09%)

Readers love the Upper East Side flair and quality cuisine at Lindey’s, a staple of the Columbus dining scene. Three private dining rooms upstairs make for a perfect rehearsal dinner locale, whether booked individually or as a group.

RUNNER-UP: Marcella’s (9.13%)

Honorable Mentions: Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse (8.73%), Wolf’s Ridge Brewing (8.57%)

NEXT-DAY BRUNCH

Kitchen Social (15.32%)

Relative newcomer Kitchen Social unseated reigning champion Lindey’s this year, pulling just ahead of the German Village eatery for title of best spot for brunch the morning after the wedding. With locations in Polaris and Dublin’s Bridge Park, locals have options for hosting their guests.

RUNNER-UP: Lindey’s (14.45%)

Honorable Mentions: The Pearl (13.27%), Cap City Fine Diner (12.84%)

Honorable Mentions:

Prema Designs (7.5%), Fiori Florals Design Studio (6.56%)

BAKER: CAKES

Lavender and Honey

Wedding Cakes (15.17%)

Lavender and Honey takes home its second win this year, after sharing the top spot last year with the now-closed runner-up, Short North Piece of Cake. Owner Kelly Jo Jackson’s process starts with a box of individually packaged samples of cake, filling and frosting delivered to your home, so you can test flavor combinations in comfort, followed by a virtual design session to bring your sugary vision to life.

RUNNER-UP: Short North Piece of Cake, now closed (11.1%)

Honorable Mentions: Pattycake Bakery, (8.42%), Capital City Cakes (7.43%)

THE DETAILS

CATERER: DINNER

Cameron Mitchell

Premier Events (23.37%)

Cameron Mitchell, a name long synonymous with fine dining in Columbus, has maintained that same level of quality in the catering arm of his company. Readers voted Cameron Mitchell Premier Events the top caterer for the fourth year in a row.

RUNNER-UP: Carfagna’s Catering (10.25%)

Honorable Mentions: The Berwick (9.34%), Milo’s Catering (8.77%)

CATERER: CHARCUTERIE/GRAZING BOARD

Boards by Brooke (24.06%)

Originally founded in February 2020, then relaunched in May 2021, Brooke Hohlbaugh’s charcuterie side hustle is now her full-time job … and the first winner in this new category. Her focus on “helping other people create welcoming spaces they can share with people they love” has helped launch her to the top of readers’ lists.

RUNNER-UP: Sprig & Brie Charcuterie (21.48%)

Honorable Mention: Sharecuterie Grazing Boxes and Boards (16.45%)

CATERER: MOBILE BARS

Typsy Gypsy Traveling Bar (29.6%)

Also new this year, in response to growing trends, is a category for mobile bars and drink carts. Winner Typsy Gypsy Traveling Bar “brings the party to you,” as its website boasts, providing everything from drink menu planning to cleanup at the end of the night. Bonus: Add some floral arrangements to the all-black trailer, and you have a cute photo backdrop!

RUNNER-UP:

The Sippin’ Stable Mobile Bar (13.37%)

Honorable Mentions: Sunshine Wine Mobile Bar (12.03%), Drank Tank (11.14%)

CATERER: LATE-NIGHT BITES

Mikey’s Late Night Slice (20.92%)

It’s in the name: Mikey’s Late Night Slice is No. 1 for tackling the evening munchies before a reception’s end. This is its third win, only briefly falling behind runner-up Buckeye Donuts back in 2021. Just make sure you tuck a napkin over your gown or tux before slamming that slice of Spicy A-- Pepperoni.

RUNNER-UP:

Buckeye Donuts, OSU Campus (15.37%)

Honorable Mention: Roosters Wings (11.42%)

THE PROS

BAKER: SPECIAL DIETS

Bake Me Happy (24.83%)

After two years as runner-up, Bake Me Happy overtook Pattycake Bakery this year as readers’ pick for a baker that focuses exclusively on special diets. Bake Me Happy’s ingredients may be restricted—everything is gluten-free, and many items avoid other common allergens like dairy—but they’re never short on flavor.

RUNNER-UP: Pattycake Bakery (22.01%)

Honorable Mentions: Happy Little Treats Bakery (12.45%); Moonflower Bakery, now closed (12.33%)

OTHER DESSERTS

The Cheesecake Girl (17.79%)

The Cheesecake Girl takes home its second win this year, offering options for the non-cake lovers out there. Cheesecakes are the draw at its Dublin storefront and stalls at Buddy Dairy Food Hall and Center Street Market, of course, but cookie sandwiches and trifle jars are also worth considering for your dessert spread.

RUNNER-UP:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (10.47%)

Honorable Mention: Buckeye Donuts, OSU Campus (9.97%)

PHOTOGRAPHER

Starling Studio (11.99%)

For the third year, Starling Studio’s Tessa Berg has been readers’ choice for top wedding photographer. Her experience as a photojournalist, plus more than a decade shooting weddings, combine with her bright and airy editing style to document couples’ days through both editorial-style portraits and candid moments.

RUNNER-UP: Kismet Visuals (7.7%)

Honorable Mentions: Melissa Chu Photography (6.63%), The Brauns (6.29%)

BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER

614 Boudoir Photography (16.08%)

Among Columbus readers, one boudoir photographer stands out: Kristin Gibson’s 614 Boudoir Photography. The 10-year-old, Gahanna-based studio has held the No. 1 spot in our poll annually since its inception. Gibson, like our general photography winner, prefers a light and bright editing style—a departure from the dark, moody photography often seen in boudoir shoots.

RUNNER-UP: Nicole Leoné Miller Photography (11.22%)

Honorable Mention: Picture the Love After Dark (10.92%)

THE DETAILS

RENTALS/DÉCOR

Aiden & Grace (22.24%)

For the finest in furniture, décor and more, readers have one name—er, two names— in mind: Aiden & Grace. From a bar to the glassware on it to a chic lounge area where you’ll sit to sip your drink, Aiden & Grace can bring your aesthetic vision to life.

RUNNER-UP: Petals & Leaves (10%)

Honorable Mentions : Lasting Impressions Event Rentals (9.94%), Got Ya Covered Linens (9.91%), Serendipity Designs (9.52%)

TRANSPORTATION

Fun Bus (18.43%)

Unseating last year’s two-time champ, Columbus Trolley/Coach Quarters, is Fun Bus out of Lancaster. Its fleet includes three 30-seat trolleys, as well as buses ranging from 14-seat mini coaches or Mercedes Sprinters to motorcoaches that can seat up to 54—perfect for everything from bachelor and bachelorette parties to the big day itself.

RUNNER-UP: Xtreme Limo (13.21%)

Honorable Mentions: Cardinal Transportation (11.62%), Columbus Trolley/Coach Quarters (11.41%), Columbus Coach/ Supreme Limousine (11.23%)

HOTEL: NEWLYWEDS

Hotel LeVeque (18.76%)

The hotel in this art deco architectural gem Downtown has been just as successful in this category as it has in the micro venues category, taking home its fourth win this year. With romantic celestial themes and thoughtful touches in the rooms, readers love Hotel LeVeque for the newlyweds’ wedding night.

RUNNER-UP:

Le Méridien Columbus, the Joseph (12.88%)

Honorable Mention: Hilton Columbus Downtown (11.16%)

HOTEL: GUESTS

Hilton Columbus Downtown (13.79%) For guests, on the other hand, readers prefer the prime location and beautiful environs of the Hilton Columbus Downtown, choosing it for the top spot for the fourth time this year. Since its second tower opened last fall, there’s even more to love: It now boasts 1,000 guest rooms, as well as more dining options and event space.

RUNNER-UP: Hotel LeVeque (10.79%)

Honorable Mentions: AC Marriott Columbus Dublin (9.3%), Hilton Columbus at Easton (9.06%), Le Méridien Columbus, the Joseph (8.81%)

THE DETAILS

BACHELOR PARTIES

Pins Mechanical Co. (19%)

Pins easily defended its title against Topgolf this year, winning for the second time as bachelors’ favorite place for a local stag party. With locations Downtown, at Easton and in Dublin’s Bridge Park, planning an evening of duckpin bowling, giant Jenga or yard pong at a nearby Pins is a snap.

RUNNER-UP: Topgolf (14.87%)

Honorable Mention:

16-Bit Bar + Arcade (11.68%)

BACHELORETTE PARTIES

Lincoln Social (13.7%)

With Pins as a close second, readers kept Short North rooftop bar Lincoln Social in the top spot again this year. The Cameron Mitchell restaurant’s Insta-worthy environs, small plates, shareables and fun cocktails make for a great ladies’ night out.

RUNNER-UP: Pins Mechanical Co. (12.37%)

Honorable Mentions:

Big Bang Piano Bar (8.62%), Howl at the Moon Columbus (8.2%), Pedal Wagon (8.13%)

THE PROS

VIDEOGRAPHER

Columbus Wedding Videos (12.12%)

After two years as a runner-up, Columbus Wedding Videos returns to the No. 1 spot for the first time since its 2020 win. Owner Nathan Schivley has filmed more than 200 weddings in the last decade; he got into the industry after earning a degree in video production and recognizing the cinematic opportunity that wedding videography offers.

RUNNERS-UP, TIE: Little Tree Studios, ALC Productions (9.74% each)

Honorable Mention: Prodigy Weddings (9.09%)

PHOTO BOOTH

Fizzy Cat Photobooth (12.63%)

After making its Best of Columbus Weddings debut as a runner-up last year, Fizzy Cat Photobooth moved into readers’ top spot this year for photo booths. The sister business of Night Music DJ is an open-air-style offering that features a professional-grade DSLR camera, and a portion of proceeds are donated to area organizations like Columbus Humane and Charity Newsies.

RUNNER-UP: The Selfie Spot 614 (11.98%)

Honorable Mentions: Buckeye Entertainment (11.94%), Josh Staley Productions (11.42%)

THE PROS

ALTERNATIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Rachel Good Art (23.08%)

This newcomer to our ballot easily unseated Studio Von, the reigning champion of the last two years. Rachel Good’s primary focus for weddings is live painting, but after we commissioned her to paint our Champagne bottle for this year’s photo shoot, we think she has a new offering for engaged couples.

RUNNER-UP: Studio Von (13.94%)

Honorable Mentions: FunFaces by Steve Campbell (11.46%), Kurt Dreier Caricatures and Illustration (11.41%)

CALLIGRAPHER STATIONER

Ink & Ivory (22.54%, 18.72%)

Ink & Ivory takes home the gold in the calligrapher category for the third time this year, and does the same for the second time in the stationer category. With more than a decade of experience under her belt, owner Kaitlin Sockman creates custom invitation suites and ancillary products like programs, menus and thank-you cards that are always thoughtfully designed.

CALLIGRAPHER RUNNER-UP: Lovely Arrows Designs (14.9%)

Calligrapher Honorable Mention: Calligraphy by Keri (10.09%)

STATIONER RUNNER-UP: Paper Betty (10.3%)

Stationer Honorable Mentions: On Paper Press (9.92%), JesMarried (9.26%)

OFFICIANT

Run to an Elopement (13.36%)

Winner Run to an Elopement and runnerup Wows and Vows have been neck-andneck in our poll for a few years now, sharing the top spot twice since the first year and often coming within half a percentage point of one another. This year, Windi Noble returns to the top by the closest margin to date with her humanistic and inclusive approach to officiating weddings.

RUNNER-UP: Wows and Vows (13.23%)

Honorable Mentions:

Columbus Wedding Officiants (12.57%), Simply I Do Ceremonies (12%)

THE SHOPS

WEDDING GOWNS: NEW BRIDESMAID GOWNS

Wendy’s Bridal (17.98%, 17.41%)

After a couple of years in the runner-up spot, Wendy’s Bridal ekes out its second win in the wedding gowns category this year with less than half a percentage point to spare. The Dublin shop has a more comfortable lead in the bridesmaid category, where it tied last year with Gilded Social (which stopped selling bridesmaid gowns in December.) After 40 years in business, the shop still aims to offer gowns to fit a wide range of body types and budgets alike.

GOWNS RUNNER-UP: La Jeune Mariee (17.43%)

Gowns Honorable Mention: Dublin Bridal (12.59%)

BRIDESMAIDS RUNNER-UP: Henri’s Bridal (15.68%)

Bridesmaids Honorable Mention: Off White 14.59%)

WEDDING GOWNS: CONSIGNMENT/RESALE

Luxe Redux Bridal (40.97%)

Luxe Redux Bridal—sister concept of new gowns runner-up La Jeune Mariee—takes home its fourth win in the consignment/resale cat-

egory. The shop offers a curated collection of designer sample gowns off-the-rack at a fraction of the cost, including a $500-and-under category. Those who aren’t able to visit the Short North boutique can take advantage of online shopping and the Luxe in a Box at-home try-on program for gowns and accessories.

RUNNER-UP: Off White (39.52%)

Honorable Mention: Bendora Worn Once Bridal Boutique (10.75%)

GOWNS: CLEANING/PRESERVATION

Dublin Cleaners/ New Albany Cleaners (31.84%)

For the fourth year, Dublin Cleaners and sister branch New Albany Cleaners easily claim the top spot in wedding gown cleaning and preservation. Unlike some other cleaners, which often outsource wedding gown preservation to national companies, co-founders Margaret and Greg Butler personally manage cleaning and preservation of each gown, right here in Central Ohio.

RUNNER-UP: Columbus Lace Dry Cleaning (15.81%)

Honorable Mention: Swan Cleaners (12.71%)

THE SHOPS

SUITING AND ACCESSORIES

Pursuit (16.07%)

This Short North shop and four-time winner in the suiting category is readers’ top pick for suits, tuxedos and accessories—regardless of gender identity or expression, as seen in this year’s winner photo shoot. Whatever your role is in the wedding, from officiant to parent to wedding party to person of honor, Pursuit offers modern style, old-fashioned customer service and price points to fit a variety of budgets.

RUNNER-UP: What the Tux (13.32%)

Honorable Mention:

Romanoff’s Classic Tuxedo (12.88%)

LOCAL GIFTS & FAVORS

Cheryl’s Cookies (19.72%)

The company may have gone corporate, but our readers’ favorite option for guest favors and more is still based here in Central Ohio, with storefronts at Easton, the Shops on Lane Avenue and its Westerville headquarters. This two-time winner in our reader poll still uses the original cookie and buttercream recipes its founder developed 40 years ago.

RUNNER-UP: Krema Nut Co. (11.96%)

Honorable Mention:

Al’s Delicious Popcorn (11.49%)

THE PROS

SALON: HAIR

SALON: MAKEUP

SALON: SPA SERVICES

Penzone Salons + Spas (12.86%, 11.88%, 17.51%)

Local chain Penzone Salons + Spas has dominated these three categories since their inceptions (the spa category was added in 2021). Founded more than 50 years ago, the brand now boasts five Central Ohio locations, nearly 500 employees and a motto that self-care is not an option—it’s a necessity.

HAIR RUNNER-UP:

Lauren Wolff Hair Design (9.83%)

Hair Honorable Mentions: The Blowout Bar (8.79%), Kenneth’s Hair Salons & Day Spas (8.3%)

MAKEUP RUNNER-UP:

Le Rêve Makeup & Hair (10.77%)

Makeup Honorable Mention: 614 Beauty (9.62%)

SPA RUNNER-UP:

The Woodhouse Day Spa (16.07%)

Spa Honorable Mentions: The Spa at River Ridge (11.37%), Paloma (10.51%)

SALON: NAILS

W Nail Bar (17.69%)

FINE JEWELRY

Diamond Cellar (23.01%)

Fine jewelry is another category whose name has changed over the years, but no matter what we call it, the winner has remained consistent. Diamond Cellar’s past wins have been in our categories for rings (2020-2022) and accessories and custom designs (2021-2022). Now among the largest independent jewelry companies in the country, Diamond Cellar has been building its reputation in Central Ohio for more than 75 years.

RUNNER-UP: Worthington Jewelers (14.24%)

Honorable Mention: Diamonds Direct (8.25%)

JEWELRY BOUTIQUE

Red Giraffe Designs (24.8%)

For the third time, Red Giraffe Designs shows up as readers’ top pick for more casual jewelry pieces. The modern, handmade pieces in Kate Stevens’ three area stores are perfect for everything from personalized bridesmaid gifts to funky wedding-day accessories.

RUNNER-UP: Honey Rose & K (18.61%)

Another long-time reader favorite, W Nail Bar joins the numerous other four-time winners on our list. The brand was started by sisters Lauren Hunter and Manda Mason in 2015 with a focus on sustainability, sanitation and customer service. An all-natural salon, W Nail Bar eschews services like acrylic and dip applications in favor of ones that keep nails strong.

RUNNER-UP: Lacquer Gallery (13.46%)

Honorable Mentions: Penzone Salons + Spas (11.84%), Posh Nails (11.69%)

SALON: AESTHETICS/MEDSPAS

Boss Gal Beauty Bar (21.84%)

The first winner in this new category has four area locations offering facials; injectables like Botox, Kybella and fillers; laser services; microneedling; chemical peels; microblading and more to help you look your best for your big day. Bridal packages are designed to target specific concerns, whether you have a year to go or just a few weeks.

RUNNER-UP: The Facebar (18.59%)

Honorable Mentions: Roxy Med Spa (10.46%), The Skin Center (10.42%), The Medspa at CAPS (10.1%)

Get Inspired

Follow these industry experts on Instagram for wedding inspiration

@sweetandshiny_columbus

The Estate at New Albany @theestatenewalbany

WatersEdge Events @watersedgeevents

Asteria Photography @asteriaphoto

Sweet & Shiny

Studio 614 @thestudio614

Real Weddings

CROSS-COUNTRY LOVE

Ali and Ed Copeland lived in different states and met through the competitive horseback riding circuit, but didn’t start dating until after a fateful run-in while competing in Florida. The proposal took place in South Carolina, and it all came together for a lavish event right here in Central Ohio.

A peek inside the wedding albums of six local couples

PHOTO: NICOLE DIXON PHOTOGRAPHIC

Oct. 8, 2022 |

Ali Wolff & Ed Copeland

BY LAURIE ALLEN | PHOTOS BY NICOLE DIXON PHOTOGRAPHIC

Ali Wolff and Charles “Ed” Copeland don’t remember exactly when they met, but they’ll never forget the day he proposed.

They were paddle boarding in Isle of Palm, South Carolina, where the couple was on vacation with family in 2019. Ali was on a board while Ed stood in waistdeep water, holding on for dear life to a waterproof bag containing the engagement ring. “I was so nervous the whole day,” says Ed, who had told Ali’s parents of the plan the night before.

He distracted her with a few false dolphin sightings before popping the question. Ali accepted the proposal, but not before teasing her groom-to-be. “I told him, well, you’re not on one knee,” she says.

Ali and Ed, both horse trainers, knew each other for more than 10 years through the competitive circuit, which took them around the country. Beyond that, their paths never crossed, with Ali living in Ohio and Ed in New Jersey. “I’d always had a little bit of a crush on her, so one day, I just walked up and introduced myself,” Ed says.

Their early fall wedding came together impeccably, thanks to the efforts of the couple’s wedding planner,

Jennifer Kontomerkos, and Ali’s mother, Columbus business and philanthropy leader Tanny Crane. “We are not the best at planning, and her mom was the driving force behind the wedding. She corralled us,” Ed says, laughing.

The couple chose Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club in Gahanna for their wedding and reception because it combined their love of horses and nature.

“We wanted there to be a little bit of a horse theme, but not over the top,” Ali says. “We wanted it to be relaxed and nice and cozy.”

For Ali, the most special moment of the day came immediately after the ceremony, when the sun dipped and temperatures fell. Organizers carted the chilly newlyweds to a room at the hunt club, where a cozy fire and hors d’oeuvres awaited. “It was the first time we were able to be alone and take it all in,” she says.

Ed holds lasting memories of walking through the Short North, where they spent their wedding night, still wearing their wedding clothes. “People came up to us, asking if we had just gotten married and congratulating us,” he says. “It was very cool, and it was a surreal moment.” «

the details

PHOTOGRAPHER: Nicole Dixon Photographic

PLANNER: The Finer Things Event Planning

CEREMONY, RECEPTION AND CATERER: Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club

FLORIST: Dalay Ket Event Design

CAKE: Enticing Icings

MUSIC: The Bluewater Kings

VIDEOGRAPHER: Studio 213 Films (Dayton, Ohio)

ACCOMMODATIONS: Le Méridien Columbus, the Joseph; AC Hotel Columbus Downtown

REHEARSAL DINNER: Lincoln Social

SUNDAY BRUNCH: The Pearl

BRIDE’S ATTIRE: Ines Di Santo gown and a veil from La Jeune Mariee, Badgley Mischka shoes, necklace from Lugano Diamonds (Palm Beach, Florida), earrings from Diamond Cellar

BRIDE’S HAIR: Goode Beauty

BRIDE’S MAKEUP: Full Face Artistry

GROOM’S ATTIRE: Indochino suit and accessories, Rolex watch

RINGS: Engagement ring from Lugano Diamonds, wedding bands from Diamond Cellar

BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE: Jenny Yoo gowns from Gilded Social (no longer carrying bridesmaid attire)

FLOWER GIRL’S ATTIRE: David’s Bridal

GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE: Own suits

Columbus Weddings partner vendor

real weddings

the details

PHOTOGRAPHER: Starling Studio

PLANNER: MMJ Events

RECEPTION: Ohio Statehouse

FLORIST: Prema Designs

RENTALS: Bolkem Event Rentals, Rent Wedding Chairs, Aiden & Grace

CATERER: Milo’s Catering

DESSERTS: Lavender and Honey Wedding Cakes, Sadie Baby Sweets

MUSIC: Columbus Musicians LLC; DJ George Zaffeh

VIDEOGRAPHER: Sound + Light Creative

STATIONERY: Ink & Ivory

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel LeVeque

REHEARSAL DINNER: The Refectory

SUNDAY BRUNCH: The Keep

BRIDE’S ATTIRE: Eve of Milady gown and a veil from Bridal and Formal (Cincinnati, Ohio), Manolo Blahnik shoes

BRIDE’S HAIR: The Hair Extraordinaire

GROOM’S ATTIRE: Armani tuxedo from Neiman Marcus, Movado watch, Brooks Brothers cufflinks, Tom Ford bow tie

RINGS: Diamond Cellar, Diamonds Direct

BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE: Various

GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE: Tuxedos from the Black Tux

Columbus Weddings partner vendor

Dinah & Omar Hazimah

BY PETER TONGUETTE PHOTOS BY STARLING STUDIO

The relationship between Dinah (Diab) and Omar Hazimah unfolded at its own particular pace.

The couple first met in the 2010s, when Dinah, then a student at Ohio State University, was introduced to Omar, then a student at the University of Toledo and visiting friends in Columbus.

Even then, there was a spark between the two, but the ensuing long-distance relationship didn’t ignite.

“We just had this really strong connection from the start, but it wasn’t the right time,” says Dinah.

Years later, in December 2019, she and Omar met again by chance in the Short North. “We talked the whole night and reconnected, and it kind of went on from there,” says Omar.

When the COVID pandemic hit a few months later, “we had a lot of time to not do much but hang out with each other,” Omar says.

Their connection confirmed, Dinah and Omar then began planning their eventual wedding, which included incorporating elements from their cultural backgrounds: Dinah is Syrian and Palestinian, and Omar is Lebanese.

“In both of our cultures, typically when you know that this is the person, ... we do what we call a tolbe,” Dinah says. “His parents come to my parents’ house and ask for my hand in marriage. It’s like a commitment to the family and to each other that we want to move forward.”

Even after their tolbe, the couple still wanted to include the American tradition of an old-fashioned proposal, so Omar popped the question at the Refectory restaurant in March 2021. Exactly one year later, the couple was married in a small religious ceremony.

But their journey wasn’t done yet. The newlyweds held off on celebrating their union until later that year—also common in Dinah’s culture—and hosted an extravagant reception at the Ohio Statehouse that July. Taking advantage of the high ceilings and grand staircases of the historic building, Dinah worked with Rebecca Miller of MMJ Events to plan a lavish affair.

“Arab weddings are super-extravagant,” Dinah says. “I definitely wanted that feel to it, but I also wanted it to feel super-romantic and light and airy.”

Although they had already been officially husband and wife for months, Dinah and Omar still felt some “wedding-day” jitters the morning of the reception.

“Just seeing him, [I] felt like I could breathe again,” Dinah says. “We were finally together and we were starting the day together.” «

FEB. 18, 2023

|

Johnny Mandujano & Ryan Bowles

BY LAURIE ALLEN | PHOTOS BY ASHLEY MERCER PHOTO

Although neither of them is Irish, Johnny Mandujano (at left in the photo above) and Ryan Bowles call St. Patrick’s Day their lucky day. That’s the day they met in 2011 and—11 years, 11 months and one day later—when they married.

The pair met while working in fashion retail. Ryan, who lived in Cincinnati, popped into a sister store in Columbus where Johnny was working. It wasn’t until months later that Johnny, then visiting Cincinnati, invited Ryan and another co-worker out for the evening. So began the first of what they endearingly call many more “non-dates” that ultimately led to a wedding proposal in 2021.

Known among their friends as the ultimate hosts, Johnny and Ryan more than lived up to that reputation on their wedding day and those preceding. From the smallest detail to grand gestures, the couple wanted to make sure all their guests felt both welcome and wowed.

“It was important that there was a vibe to keep it fun from minute one of the weekend,” Johnny says, starting with a Friday night welcome dinner. “Everybody was invited, and I do mean everybody. We wanted everyone to show up [to the ceremony feeling] like they already had friends there.”

For the reception, they opted for a “lounge-y” feel, with informal seating, thoughtfully planned heavy hors d’oeuvres and music from beginning to end. “We paid a lot of attention to breaking things up, so there were no long periods of being seated,” Johnny says.

With walls of glass and clean décor, Oak Grove at Jorgensen Farms was the site for the evening wedding and reception. Ryan and Johnny chose 5:55 p.m. as their wedding hour, because they wanted to end the ceremony with lights sparkling against the dark night sky. When Ryan saw Johnny walking down the aisle with his mother, he “got pretty emotional.”

He and his new groom later surprised their guests with an elaborately choreographed dance to “Backstage Romance,” a song from the musical “Moulin Rouge,” which they saw in New York City the weekend they got engaged. After weeks of intense practice, they performed the nearly 5 ½-minute song, which combines seven different dances into one. “It was a huge hit,” and one of the most memorable parts of the day, Johnny says.

For Ryan, “it was really overwhelming that all these people traveled from all over the country to be with us.” «

the details

PHOTOGRAPHER: Ashley Mercer Photo

CEREMONY, RECEPTION AND CATERER: Oak Grove at Jorgensen Farms

FLORIST: Prema Designs

RENTALS: Aiden & Grace

DESSERTS: Michele Ciminello, Parable Coffee

MUSIC: Urban Strings Columbus, The Bluewater Kings

VIDEOGRAPHER: Time Capsule Collective

STATIONERY: On Paper Press

TRANSPORTATION: Xtreme Limo

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel LeVeque

REHEARSAL DINNER: Understory

SUNDAY BRUNCH: Antiques on High, food from Freedom a la Carte

GROOMS’ ATTIRE: Gucci tuxedo from Farfetch and Burberry tuxedo

RINGS: Monique Péan

Hana & Ryan Pajor

BY MANDY SHUNNARAH

PHOTOS BY DERK’S WORKS PHOTOGRAPHY

In early 2020, Hana Abu-Kwiek’s world was already in flux. Her job required her to fly back and forth between Ohio and Jacksonville, Florida. She was in Jacksonville for a five-month stint when the COVID pandemic struck.

“It was like, ‘I’m going to be here for a while, so I’ll get on Bumble.’ Then I met Ryan,” says Hana, now Hana Pajor.

It was serendipity from the beginning. Their first date happened to be at the apartment complex pool of Ryan’s friend and old college roommate, who Hana knew from high school in Columbus. Additionally, when Ryan’s uncle worked at Ohio State, he lived above Hana’s grandmother. The two families interacted, never knowing they’d one day be merged.

These moments of connection made Ryan’s naval deployment––six months long and starting two months after the couple met––a little easier.

“That deployment was the end-all, be-all for us. We were talking every day regardless of time zones. He was in Bahrain, and I was in Ohio,” says Hana. “The fact that I still wanted to be with him after only two months and he’s deployed so I couldn’t even see him—that says a lot.”

When Ryan was stateside again, he met Hana’s family and knew it was time to pop the question. But first, he had to ask many others a question.

“There were many people I had to ask for a blessing from,” Ryan says. “Hana’s dad isn’t around anymore, so I asked her mom, her brothers and her uncle who was closest to her dad, and they all gave their blessing.”

He proposed on the beach in Jacksonville and the pair started planning their big day, set for New Year’s Eve 2022. But this was no traditional NYE wedding.

“With New Year’s Eve weddings, there’s a lot of black, gold and sparkles, but I didn’t care about that,” says Hana.

Hana loves flowers, so she knew she wanted the venue decked out with as many blooms as possible. They opted for a reception-only event, common in Palestinian Muslim weddings, and chose the Vault, which has a massive staircase.

“I said, ‘Drown it in flowers,’ ” Hana says. “It was like walking in a garden of the gods.”

Other highlights of the big day paid homage to Hana’s Palestinian heritage. A dabke group––Palestinian folk dancers––performed with drums, bagpipes and scimitars. Guests wore scarves with the Palestinian flag and a keffiyeh design, a symbol of freedom and solidarity. And while Hana and Ryan included in their playlist bangers from their middle and high school days, everyone wanted more Palestinian music.

“It was exactly what I wanted and more,” says Hana. «

real weddings

the details

PHOTOGRAPHER: Derk’s Works Photography

PLANNER: Aisle & Co.

RECEPTION: The Vault

FLORIST: Dalay Ket Event Design

RENTALS: Got Ya Covered Linens, Serendipity Designs, Rent Wedding Chairs

CATERER AND CAKE: Catering by Scott

MUSIC AND PHOTO BOOTH: Lime Lights Entertainment

VIDEOGRAPHER: Little Tree Studios

STATIONERY: Zola and DIY

TRANSPORTATION: Xtreme Limo

ACCOMMODATIONS: Residence Inn Columbus Downtown

GETTING-READY AND FIRST LOOK SPACE: GH Hospitality

BRIDE’S ATTIRE: Justin Alexander gown from Henri’s Bridal, Dareth Colburn veil, Sam Edelman shoes, Ring Concierge necklaces

GOWN CLEANING/

PRESERVATION: David’s Bridal

BRIDE’S HAIR: Gabriella Oster

BRIDE’S MAKEUP: Eigensee Artistry

GROOM’S ATTIRE: Vera Wang tuxedo from Jos. A. Bank

RINGS: Deerwood Jewelers (Jacksonville, Florida)

BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE: Azazie gowns

GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE: Pronto Uomo suits

OCT. 8, 2022 |

Rick & Justin Simmons

BY EMMA FRANKART HENTERLY | PHOTOS BY MAGICAL MINUTES PHOTOGRAPHY

You’re probably familiar with the nursery rhyme: First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage. Rick (Lehman) and Justin Simmons (at left in the photo above) didn’t want to follow that order of events, though.

They met via online dating in April 2020 and got to know each other during lockdown. While waiting for a table at their first post-lockdown date, the conversation grew serious with surprising speed. Justin knew he wanted kids—he’d made a pact with his sister, Jasmine, in their youth that when the time came, she would donate eggs for in vitro fertilization—and brought the topic up with Rick.

“I never thought it would be something that I could do, so it was nothing I’d ever considered,” Rick says. “And Justin just opened this whole world of possibility, of fatherhood.”

The pair moved forward with their relationship and that process, scheduling fertilization of Jasmine’s eggs for October 2022. But the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last summer caused concern about their right to get married and to both be listed as parents on the birth certificate.

“We decided to get married in late July, and had to get it all together, somehow, before the embryos were

fertilized in October,” Justin says. “We somehow managed to get it all together in time, with a lot of help from some amazing vendors.” (They now have five fertilized embryos and are searching for a surrogate.)

Because they didn’t have a traditional proposal, Justin hadn’t gotten a ring for Rick. Throughout their short engagement, Justin insisted the time wasn’t right. When he still hadn’t presented a ring by the wedding morning, Rick worried that he’d forgotten. But during their first look, Rick turned to see his husband-to-be on one knee, ring in hand.

“That was a very big surprise,” Rick says.

The couple hired an ASL interpreter for the entire wedding day; Justin and several of the wedding guests are Deaf. “Having an inclusive [event] and having everybody understand what we’re saying—that’s important to me,” Justin says.

“The love and support of our families and friends, coupled with the love and commitment we have to each other, made this the most important day of our lives,” he adds. “Our wedding day marked the beginning of our journey together as husband and husband, and we cannot wait to see all the adventures, joys and challenges that lie ahead of us.” «

the details

PHOTOGRAPHER: Magical Minutes Photography

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: The Terrace

OFFICIANT: Boom Married Officiating Services

PLANNER, CATERER AND RENTALS: Cameron Mitchell Premier Events

FLORIST: Vessel Floral and Event Design

DESSERTS: Short North Piece of Cake (now closed), Macaron Bar Short North, Wake Coffee Roasters

CEREMONY AND COCKTAIL

HOUR MUSIC: Columbus Musicians LLC

RECEPTION MUSIC: Ryan Smith, DJ

ENTERTAINMENT: The Magic of Russo

STATIONERY: Zola

ACCOMMODATIONS: The Graduate Columbus

GROOMS’ ATTIRE: Suits from AlphaSuit; reception jackets from Amazon

RINGS: Brilliant Earth

real weddings

the details

PHOTOGRAPHER: Photo 243

PLANNER, FLORIST, RENTALS AND STATIONERY: B3 Events

CEREMONY: The Gardens at Jorgensen Farms

RECEPTION AND ACCOMMODATIONS: Hilton Columbus at Easton

CATERERS: Jorgensen Farms, Art of Flavors (Atlanta, Georgia)

DESSERTS: Our CupCakery, Le Gateau, Sadie Baby Sweets

MUSIC: DJ Shilpa

PHOTO BOOTH: Baci Booth

VIDEOGRAPHER: Weddings with Motion (Chicago, Illinois)

TRANSPORTATION: Columbus Coach, Willow Wind Carriage & Limousine (Springfield, Ohio)

SUNDAY BRUNCH: Dosa Corner

BRIDE’S ATTIRE: Falguni Shane Peacock and Mayyur Girotra lehengas from Studio East 6 (Chicago, Illinois), Ave India Design Collective (New York City, New York), Sari Palace (Los Angeles, California); accessories from ReeMat Designs

BRIDE’S HAIR: Pleij Salon + Spa

BRIDE’S MAKEUP: Shivali Gaba (Mason, Ohio)

GROOM’S ATTIRE: Kurta and sherwani from Shyamal & Bhumika, Hugo Boss tuxedo; Christian Louboutin accessories

RINGS: Diamond Cellar and Cartier

WEDDING PARTY’S ATTIRE: Various

Columbus Weddings partner vendor

Priya & Ravi Tripathi

BY JENNIFER WRAY PHOTOS BY PHOTO 243

It wasn’t the most auspicious time to go on a first date: Friday the 13th, at the height of the pandemic.

“I never leave the house on Friday the 13th,” notes Ravi Tripathi. And with COVID concerns putting a damper on social activities, “it wasn’t the time when either of us was, like, ‘Let me get into a relationship,’” adds Priya (Jhangiani) Tripathi.

Nevertheless, they gave it a go. In November 2020, Priya made the two-hour drive from Findlay, Ohio, where she was living and working, to Columbus to meet Ravi for dinner. The meal was good, but their connection was better, and the relationship grew serious. Priya relocated to Columbus in December 2021, “and in the midst of the move, my dad passed away,” she recalls. “We got to thinking, ‘What are we waiting for?’”

Ravi proposed in March 2022 and, with the help of B3 Events, they dove into wedding preparations. The wedding date they selected was notable not just for its shorthand—11/11/22—or because it fell near the anniversary of their first date, but also because of a romantic tradition.

“Priya would often text me and say, ‘It’s 11:11, make a wish,’” says Ravi. “When that date was available, we thought it was perfect.”

The Ohio natives celebrated their shared Indian heritage in nearly every element of their plans. The multiday affair included a turmeric ceremony on Tuesday, and, on Thursday, a combination sangeet and mehndi party (which is centered around henna application), singing and dancing—and plenty of Indian street food.

On Friday, there was a baraat, a celebratory wedding procession for the groom, at Jorgensen Farms, where Ravi—accompanied by drums and dancers— rode a white horse to the ceremony. There, they officially wed before about 250 of their loved ones.

They weren’t done. The next day, the newlyweds hosted a 650-person reception at Hilton Columbus at Easton that included an Indian buffet, henna artists, traditional dance performances, Indian music and more.

The Tripathis say they were moved by the tremendous sense of community they felt throughout their wedding events. And Priya says she was happily surprised by her friends’ enthusiasm for experiencing their culture. “They really embraced the Indian outfits, the Indian food, the Indian culture, the dancing—all of it,” she says. “That was really special.” «

Wish List

Alco-Haul Mobile Bar

Let the good times roll ... right into your special event space! You provide the alcohol and we provide the one-of-akind, 24-foot mobile bar (largest in Ohio), experienced and licensed bartenders, shopping list, signature drink menus, frozen drinks, signage, flavored water stations, yard games, bar seating, heaters, TV, fans, sound system and more. Now booking for 2023!

info@alcohaulbar.com alcohaulmobilebar.com

614-953-1053

The Bluewater Kings

The Bluewater Kings are live music experts, wedding enthusiasts and party-starters. A fully customizable three- to 14-piece band, they specialize in high-energy music for weddings, corporate events and private functions—at a sensible price. They infuse every event with fun and pride themselves on filling dance floors. bluewaterkingsband.com

810-214-0020

Ashley Stephan Weddings & Events

Our full service wedding and event planning team will make your special celebration stress-free and unforgettable! We help plan every aspect of your wedding; vision to concept, to vendor and timeline management, to execution. We are passionate about making your dream a reality!

ashleystephanweddings.com

info@ashleystephanweddings.com

Fiori Florals Design Studio

We are Fiori Florals, an innovative team of experienced floral and event industry professionals passionate about creating beauty and executing unforgettable events. We strongly focus on locally grown and sourced blooms while we strive to reduce our carbon footprint and provide our clients with the freshest product possible.

Follow us at @fiori.florals

hello@fioriflorals.biz

Wish List

Rachel Good Art

Live wedding painting adds a luxurious and memorable experience to your big day as your guests watch the painting come to life throughout your reception. Not only is it a unique entertainment option, but the bride and groom receive an heirloom-quality painting to start their lives together.

Run to an Elopement

Run to an Elopement offers celebrants unique, non-traditional, non-denominational wedding rituals. With over 9 years’ experience, Windi, officiant, knows the importance of a meaningful, yet entertaining ceremony; while also having lots of fun. Meditation, ring blessings, custom written ceremonies and unity rituals are just a few of the offerings available on your wedding day. Hope to connect with you soon!

rachelgoodart.com

rachel.good.artist@gmail.com

Social Booth Columbus

We use a state-of-the-art photo booth that captures highresolution imagery, creating both vivid colors that pop and glamorous black-and-white photos. Every image captured will also be sent to our couples as a cherished keepsake. We will be honored to help you celebrate. Congratulations!

runtoanelopement.com

614-495-6207

The Woven Aisle

Give your wedding day a custom feel with vintage rug rentals! Owner and decorator Lindsay Bluman expertly curates a selection of genuine, handmade rugs that is individual to your style and décor plan. She provides full service, from conception and design to delivery, styling and pick up.

socialboothcolumbus.com

614-207-4154

socialboothcolumbus@gmail.com

thewovenaisle.com

614-565-6313

venue guide

FAMILY REUNION

Now California residents, Evita and Jovi Hough met while living in Columbus. “To be back in Columbus ... and to be with all of our loved ones was literally surreal,” Evita says. “It felt like no time had passed!”

PHOTO: DERK’S WORKS PHOTOGRAPHY

venue guide

We’ve got you covered with details on more than 150 Central Ohio venues. Visit cbuswedmag.com/venues for even more information on these and other facilities.

CENTRAL

Arena District, Brewery District, Downtown, Franklinton, German Village, Olde Towne East

AC Hotel Columbus Downtown 517 Park St., Columbus; 614-227-6100 marriott.com/cmhad

With some of the hottest new venues in Columbus, their 2,400 square feet of event space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the city and Goodale Park, where 700 trees provide a dreamy backdrop. !! = + $ '

The Athletic Club of Columbus

136 E. Broad St., Columbus; 614-221-3344 accolumbus.com

An exquisite wedding venue in the heart of Downtown Columbus !!!!! = $ ' >

The Bluestone

583 E. Broad St., Columbus; 614-884-4646 liveatthebluestone.com

The Bluestone offers an unparalleled

experience for your wedding. This renovated 130-year-old church boasts three levels, four bars, soaring stained glass windows and a gracious outdoor patio. Enjoy an unforgettable experience at this stunning venue.

!!!! = + $ ' >

The Boat House at Confluence Park

679 W. Spring St., Columbus; 614-469-0000 boathouserestaurantoh.com

With more than 20 years of experience catering to the needs of clients in the Greater Columbus area, this vendor has the skills and know-how to help create your picturesque wedding day. !!!!! = + ' ( >

Columbus Athenaeum

32 N. Fourth St., Columbus; 614-222-6338 columbusmeetings.com

Striking architecture and vintage charm make this a historic venue for historic occasions. In-house catering, customizable bar, event design and on-site coordinator are provided.

!!!!! = $ ' >

Columbus Museum of Art 480 E. Broad St., Columbus; 614-629-0378 columbusmuseum.org

The CMA mission is to create a curated experience for all. Dramatic architectural details, access to 10-plus galleries, a secluded outdoor garden and a world-renowned art collection make this an ideal wedding location. !!!!! = + $ ' ( >

COSI

333 W. Broad St., Columbus; 614-629-3135 cosi.org

Treat your guests to an out-of-this-world experience under the starlit sky in COSI’s Planetarium, followed by cocktail hour in an exhibit and dancing the night away in one of the many reception spaces.

!!!!! = + $ ' >

Due Amici 67 E. Gay St., Columbus; 614-224-9373 due-amici.com

Enjoy exceptional Italian cuisine in a private

EVITA AND JOVI HOUGH | SEPT. 10, 2022

“We

are a very ‘nontraditional’ couple and wanted the

wedding to reflect that,” Evita says. She and Jovi balanced their style with traditional elements at the Columbus Museum of Art.

Pro Tip

In life and in celebration, don’t sweat the small stuff! Things will happen. Do your best to take it all in. Make memories that will last a lifetime, and celebrate with those you have loved for many years and those you will love for many more!

—Jonathan Krachenfels, The Club at Corazón

room, or reserve the entire restaurant. Each space can be transformed for any type of event. Hardwood floors, exposed brick and low lighting all accent this distinctive restaurant. !! = + ' >

Flat 51

79 Thurman Ave., Columbus; 614-558-1404 flat51.com

A large, naturally lit, white brick space in a 130-year-old building in historic German Village with modern kitchen and restrooms and free, on-site parking; white tables, chairs, couch and mobile bar are included in the rental fee. ! = $ ( #

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1777 E. Broad St., Columbus; 614-715-8100 fpconservatory.org

Four unique venues, including gorgeous indoor and outdoor garden settings, create timeless memories of your wedding. !!!!! = + $ ) >

Genesis Downtown

174 E. Long St., Columbus; 614-726-7360 genesis.downtown.com

This new Downtown venue features an industrial-chic aesthetic, seating for up to 150 and an on-site ready room. Couples can choose their own caterer, and setup/teardown are included in rental. !!! = $ ( >

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

505 W. Whittier St., Columbus; 614-545-5479 grange.audubon.org

Interested in a natural yet urban setting that supports conservation action? Grange Insurance Audubon Center, located 1 mile from the heart of the city, is the perfect venue, offering beautiful landscapes and spectacular city views. !!!! = + $ ) #

Graystone Wine Cellar

544 S. Front St., Columbus; 614-228-2332 graystonecolumbus.com

Visit Columbus’ most unique wedding venue, located in the hand-hewn limestone vaults of the historic Schlee Brewery. They offer fair and straightforward pricing, with quality menus and attentive service.

ful, natural-wood tables, high-top cabaret tables and a lovely view of Downtown. ! = +

High Line Car House

550 S. High St., Columbus; 614-882-7323 highlinecarhouse.com

Historic brick walls, high-beam ceilings and windows create a setting you’ll love. Its team ensures that every detail is thoughtfully considered, so your whole event is just as beautiful as your venue. !!!! = + $ ' >

Hotel LeVeque

50 W. Broad St., Columbus; 614-224-9500 hotellevequecolumbus.com

Let the stars bear witness to your wedded bliss. At Hotel LeVeque, your level of sophisticated radiance is limited only by the boundaries of your imagination. ! = $ ' >

Huntington Park

330 Huntington Park Ln., Columbus; 614-462-5250 clippersbaseball.com

Huntington Park is a unique setting that attracts couples looking for a one-of-a-kind experience that will have their guests talking for years to come. Consider hosting your bachelor/bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner and/or reception here. !!!!! = + $ '

Hyatt Regency Columbus

350 N. High St., Columbus; 614-280-3035 columbusregency.hyatt.com

This venue accommodates everything from intimate gatherings to lavish celebrations. They provide authentic service that caters to guests’ every need—exactly the kind of hightouch environment you want. !!!!! = $ ' )

The Ivory Room

2 Miranova Pl., Sixth Floor, Columbus; 614-848-4700

cameronmitchellpremierevents.com/venues/ the-ivory-room

Located in Downtown Columbus, the Ivory Room is a chic, polished, industrial space with a stunning, panoramic view of the city. The hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows create the perfect canvas for your event. !!!!! = $ ' >

The Junto Hotel

77 Belle St., Columbus; 888-976-2106

thejuntohotel.com

This stunning rooftop property opened in spring 2023 with versatile spaces that boast spectacular views of Downtown Columbus, making it the perfect setting for a chic city occasion. Bar and catering services are available on-site. !!! = + $ ' ) >

Kelton House Museum & Garden

586 E. Town St., Columbus; 614-464-2022 keltonhouse.com

ABOUT THE VENUE GUIDE

The information in these listings is based on details provided by the venues involved and staff research. A listing does not necessarily mean that Columbus Weddings recommends the venue. Submit listing updates and corrections at cbuswedmag.com/vgsubmit.

FIND

BY REGION

District, Brewery District, Downtown, Franklinton, German Village, Olde Towne

Clintonville, Italian Village, North Side, Old North Columbus, Short North, University District, Victorian

The Hickory Room

215 N. Fourth St., Columbus; 614-429-3926 wolfsridgebrewing.com

The Hickory Room can host up to 64 guests for a seated meal and 100-plus depending on the event. Private events include beauti-

This historic venue offers two perfect spots to host that intimate ceremony: outside under the beautiful pergola or in front of the roaring fire in the Carriage House. !! = + $ ' ) #

The Kitchen

231 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus; 614-225-8940 thekitchencolumbus.com

The Kitchen and the Studio are food lover’s

venue guide

paradises, offering delicious, customizable menus, flexible floor plans and a romantic backdrop so that you can relax and focus on making memories with friends and family.

!! = $ ' >

The Levee 670 Harmon Ave., Columbus; 614-358-5252 la-catering.com

This beautiful facility is named after the levees that were built on the historical site to protect the city as the Scioto River breached its banks in the early 1900s; located in Franklinton. !!!!! = + $ ' >

Lindey’s 169 E. Beck St., Columbus; 614-228-4343

lindeys.com

Featuring elegant, private rooms for dining, it’s perfect for small wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners or bridal showers.

! $ ' >

Pro Tip

The day before your wedding, be sure to gather all your details—both sets of rings, invitations and RSVP cards, jewelry, perfume/cologne, shoes, extra florals and anything else special you may have—for your photographer and videographer. Have them in a box or bag so it is easier to keep together and for them to grab the next morning.

—Becca Waltman, Tudor Rose Productions

River, this venue offers contemporary design and breathtaking views of Downtown. It’s fully customizable to make your big day unforgettable. !!!! = + $ ( >

Ohio Statehouse

1 Capitol Sq., Columbus; 614-728-9233

ohiostatehouse.org

The Ohio Statehouse is available to serve as your perfect wedding location. The package includes a wedding coordinator, security, parking, tables, chairs and equipment. Make a statement—make your wedding historic at the Ohio Statehouse. !!!!! = + $ ' (

Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center

RIDDHI AND BRENNON CAIN

Aug. 20, 2022

When asked what they remember most about their day at the Ohio Statehouse, the Cains both include dance floor moments at the top of their list. “Dancing to our favorite songs and Bollywood music ... was so fun,” Riddhi says. “Seeing everyone on the dance floor despite the genre was great, and introducing our family and friends to some staple Gujarati wedding songs was also very entertaining.”

MLP Events Live

589 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus; 614-647-5483

mlp-events.live

A unique and historic venue at the newly restored Municipal Light Plant. Book your event here for an unforgettable experience. !!!!! = + $ ( #

National Veterans Memorial and Museum

300 W. Broad St., Columbus; 614-427-2564 nationalvmm.org

Recognized internationally for its innovative design, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum offers a truly unique venue for a variety of occasions and special events.

!!!!! = + $ ) #

North Bank Park Pavilion

311 W. Long St., Columbus; 614-645-3337 columbusrecparks.com/facilities/rentals/ event-venues/north-bank-park-pavilion

Located in the Arena District with a premier riverfront location on the bank of the Scioto

139 W. Main St., Columbus; 614-636-3278 culturalartscenteronline.org

This venue features a beautiful garden, private courtyard and art gallery for an intimate summer wedding that you may customize; ceremonies available indoors or out. Not only is it artsy, it is urban-modern. !!! = + $ ) #

Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel 50 N. Third St., Columbus; 614-228-5050 renhotels.com

Indoor and outdoor space refreshed with a modern new look; beautiful city-view terrace on the fourth floor !!!!! = + $ ' ) >

Schmidt’s Banquet Haus

240 E. Kossuth St., Columbus; 614-449-4038 schmidthaus.com

Two beautiful banquet rooms are located above Schmidt’s Restaurant. Meals are served buffet-style; four individual menus and a single chair lift to the party rooms are available. You’ll find a professional, yet personal, atmosphere. !! = $ >

Station 67 Event Center

379 W. Broad St., Columbus; 614-564-9530 facebook.com/station67oh

This beautiful, historic venue combines an old train station with a modern space that’s perfect for a ceremony and reception with views of the Downtown skyline. !!!! = + $ ' >

Strongwater 401 W. Town St., Columbus; 614-928-3170 strongwatercolumbus.com

This multiroom space exudes an urban warehouse aesthetic. The venue includes private event entrances, day-of coordination support, wedding suites, ample parking,

PHOTOS: THE BRAUNS

indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, and exposed brick around every corner. !!!! = + $

The Vault

35 E. Gay St., Columbus; 614-225-1000 vaultbanquets.com

Historic and unique banquet facility on the last remaining partial Downtown Columbus street that has all the turn-of-the-century buildings still intact !!!!! = $ ( >

Vue Columbus

95 Liberty St., Columbus; 614-454-1877 vuecolumbus.com

Vue is located near Downtown in the heart of the quaint yet hip Brewery District, with a beautiful outside patio space featuring inspiring views of historic buildings and Columbus’ skyline. !!!!! = + $ ) #

The Westin Great Southern Columbus

310 S. High St., Columbus; 614-228-3800 westin.com/columbus

Elegant, timeless and iconic—enjoy the historic ballroom, intimate hotel, locally sourced and artfully prepared cuisine, and premier service. Staff will handle every detail to make your day perfect. !!!!! = $ ' >

NORTH (NEAR)

Clintonville, Italian Village, North Side, Old North Columbus, Short North, University District, Victorian Village, Worthington

Annunciation Banquet and Conference Center

555 N. High St., Columbus; 614-224-9020

downtownreceptions.com

Couples can choose from four preferred caterers and bring their own alcohol at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s banquet hall. !!!!! + $ ( > #

Antrim Park Shelterhouse

5800 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus; 614-645-3337 columbusrecparks.com/facilities/rentals/ event-venues/antrim-shelterhouse

This location is perfect for smaller weddings with up to 86 people. Design the space how you see fit, with an open floor plan and a main room fireplace. ! = + $ ( >

The Blackwell Inn

2110 Tuttle Park Pl., Columbus; 614-247-4000 theblackwell.com

On the campus of Ohio State University, the Blackwell Inn is an ideal wedding venue. With recently renovated guest rooms and chefcustomized menus that illustrate your love story, staff will create the day of your dreams. !!!!!

Brick & Mortar at North 4th Corridor

580 N. Fourth St., Columbus; 380-799-7499 north4thcorridor.com

Brick & Mortar showcases rich textures, exposed brick, dark wood beams and a manicured courtyard. The intricate history and beauty of the Smith Brothers’ building is brought to life in this unique, urban space.

Clintonville Woman’s Club

3951 N. High St., Columbus; 614-268-5525

clintonvillewomansclub.com

The Clintonville Woman’s Club is a private clubhouse located in the heart of Clintonville that offers full-service catering, on-site weddings and many other amenities. !!! = + ' > #

Edison777 in Italian Village

777 N. Fourth St., Columbus; 614-776-0017

edison777.biz

Edison777 in Italian Village is a modern industrial event venue near Downtown Columbus, featuring an open floor plan and an outdoor courtyard. !!! = + $ ' >

Fawcett Event Center

2400 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus fawcettcenter.com

Perfect for a Buckeye fan or alum, the Fawcett Center offers ballroom reception facilities for up to 250 with custom lighting, outdoor patio, creative cuisine, customized packages, ceremony spaces and complimentary parking. !!!!! = + $ ' >

The FIG Room

17 Brickel St., Columbus; 614-725-1212

figroom.biz

The FIG Room was created to be versatile for any small event needs. The combination of natural light and brick walls creates an ambiance that truly makes your event one your guests will never forget. ! = ' ( > #

Goodale Park Shelterhouse

120 W. Goodale St., Columbus; 614-645-3337 columbusrecparks.com/facilities/rentals/ event-venues/goodale-shelterhouse

Conveniently located close to Downtown in historic Goodale Park, this facility has the option to reserve an outdoor ceremony location at the picturesque gazebo situated next to a peaceful pond. ! = + $ ( >

Graduate Columbus

750 N. High St., Columbus; 614-484-1900 graduatecolumbus.com

Prepare to be inspired: In this hotel, little moments of surprise and discovery meet you around each corner. !! = + $ (

Greater Columbus Convention Center

400 N. High St., Columbus; 614-827-2500 columbusconventions.com

The Greater Columbus Convention Center offers an array of amenities to exceed your expectations, world-class hospitality and a variety of multipurpose ballroom options,

MELISSA AND SAMUEL GALLOWAY | Oct. 15, 2022

“We wanted the entire wedding to feel warm and full of love,” Melissa says of her and Samuel’s event at High Line Car House. “Having family and friends—from near and far!—all together to celebrate meant the world to us.”

including the largest in Ohio, the Battelle Grand Ballroom. !!!!! = + $ ' >

Hilton Columbus Downtown

402 N. High St., Columbus; 614-384-8600

hiltoncolumbusdowntown.com

Located in the Short North Arts District, the newly expanded Hilton Columbus Downtown features 1,000 guest rooms. Collectively, the hotel’s two towers boast 75,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

!!!!! = + $ ' ) >

J. Liu Restaurant & Bar

6880 N. High St., Worthington; 614-888-1818 jliurestaurant.com

From formal and extravagant receptions to laid-back, casual affairs, staff can make your day a reality. They will translate your personal and unique vision to an event that will mark the memory of every guest.

!!!! = ' ( >

Le Méridien Columbus, the Joseph 620 N. High St., Columbus; 614-456-7844 lemeridiencolumbus.com

Celebrate your vows while expressing individuality at Le Méridien Columbus, the Joseph. Experience art-inspired, chic design with impeccable culinary options from the

Guild House. Discover the center-stone gem in a community of beauty and vitality.

Ohio Stadium

411 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus; 614-247-1739 go.osu.edu/sgv

Host your special day inside one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of college athletics. From beautiful ceremony sites to large reception rooms, this is a unique venue that will provide a remarkable experience. !!!!! = + $ '

The Ohio State University Faculty Club

181 S. Oval Dr., Columbus; 614-292-2262 ohio-statefacultyclub.com

Faculty Club is a wedding/private event venue located on the scenic campus of OSU. Scenic décor includes chandeliers, spiral staircases, vaulted ceilings and a patio with scenic views of Mirror Lake and the Oval. !!!! = + $ ' >

Ohio Union at the Ohio State University

1739 N. High St., Columbus; 614-292-5200 ohiounion.osu.edu

Perfect for weddings of all sizes, this venue has one of the largest ballrooms in Central Ohio, as well as multiple intimate rooms to accommodate and personalize a couple’s special day. !!!!! = + $ '

Post 4 at North 4th Corridor

580 N. Fourth St., Columbus; 380-799-7499 north4thcorridor.com

This multilevel, industrial venue transitions outside through an oversized glass garage door. Vintage elements give this space a cozy, intimate feel while still allowing plenty of space for large groups. !!! = + $ ' > #

Revery at North 4th Corridor

580 N. Fourth St., Columbus; 380-799-7499 north4thcorridor.com

With a stunning, glass-enclosed rooftop, Revery boasts incomparable views of the Columbus skyline. Guests will be swept away in the dreamlike atmosphere, complete with a retractable glass rooftop. !!!! = + $ ' >

The Sanctuary on Neil 618 Neil Ave., Columbus; 614-816-4808 thesanctuaryonneil.com

Housed inside a 130-year-old church, the Sanctuary on Neil is centrally located in the heart of Victorian Village, within walking distance of the Short North Arts District’s dining, shopping and nightlife. !!!! = $ ( >

Studio 614

2487 Summit St., Columbus; 614-600-1614

studio614.com

A BYOB “paint and sip” studio located just north of OSU’s campus, Studio 614 offers affordable venue rentals, private classes, public classes and will also travel to your location. ! = $ ( #

The Terrace 711 High St., Fourth Floor, Columbus; 614-848-4700

cameronmitchellpremierevents.com/venues/ the-terrace

Located on the fourth floor of the Lincoln

Pro Tip

Don’t forget to tell the [officiant] to move out of the background for the “first kiss” picture!

—Christina Mollison, Thunderhead Pines

Building, the Terrace is a versatile, intimate, open event space just steps from High Street. Its wraparound terrace and views make for the perfect backdrop.

! = + $ ' >

Understory

2571 Neil Ave., Columbus; 614-972-6006 understorycbus.com

The events space at Understory is located on the top floor of the historic Open Air building in Old North Columbus. The room has a capacity of up to 120 and includes an outdoor terrace. !! = + $ ' >

Vitria on the Square

14 E. 15th Ave., Second Floor, Columbus; 614-540-3436

vitriaonthesquare.com

Vitria on the Square is located on 15th and High streets, surrounded by natural lighting and private terraces. !!!!! = + $ ' ) >

Whetstone Park Shelterhouse

3901 N. High St., Columbus; 614-645-3337 columbusrecparks.com/facilities/rentals/ event-venues/whetstone-shelterhouse

Connected to the Park of Roses and featuring gorgeous garden views and two fireplaces, the venue is customizable to fit your every need and has options for outdoor ceremonies in the rose garden.

!!! = + $ ( >

Worthington Hills Country Club

920 Clubview Blvd. S, Columbus; 614-885-9516

worthingtonhills.com

The banquet room is lined with windows, allowing for plenty of natural light. It overlooks the golf course. Staff are happy to customize your wedding.

!!!! = + $ ' >

NORTH (FAR)

Delaware, Lewis Center, Polaris, Powell and beyond

Alum Creek Farm

5887 Greasmar Dr., Delaware; 614-588-5461 alumcreekfarm.com

This is a beautifully appointed wedding venue near Columbus. Enjoy your ceremony in the vintage Lord & Burnham greenhouse and your reception in the 4,800-square-foot, all-white barn, all surrounded by 4,000 natural acres. !!! = + $ ( #

The Barn at Stratford

2690 Stratford Rd., Delaware; 844-369-2276

thebarnatstratford.org

Built in 1848, this venue is owned by the

EVENTS & CATERINg

From

lindeys.com/catering

weddings to special occasions, let us take the stress out of planning so you can focus on making meaningful memories at your next event.

venue guide

Delaware County Historical Society and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This venue boasts 6 landscaped acres, a dressing suite and an on-site museum.

!!! = + $ ) #

Bonner Barn at the Ohio Wildlife Center

9000 Dublin Rd., Powell; 614-734-9453

ohiowildlifecenter.org

The beautiful, restored barn from 1891 is a focal point at this scenic location. Set within 20 acres of wooded seclusion, the spacious, open-concept floor plan offers a blank canvas to create your perfect event.

!! = + $ ' #

Bridgewater Banquet and Conference Center

10561 Sawmill Pkwy., Powell; 614-734-9800

bridgewaterbanquetcenter.com

Bridgewater’s spacious ballroom is the perfect setting for a wedding reception of any size. The dedicated event coordinators will assist you with every step of the planning process. !!!!! = + $ ' (

Brookshire Event Venue

405 Greif Pkwy., Delaware; 740-548-8188 brookshire.biz

Featuring all-inclusive wedding packages, beautiful architecture, a garden, a vineyard, a fire pit and an indoor ballroom; catering,

KATE

BOLIG AND JOSLYN DESANTIS | Oct. 14, 2022

These brides “decided to have a semi-intimate wedding” at Understory, Kate says, “where we could surround ourselves with some of the most supportive people in our lives, who continuously show us so much love and acceptance.” Their wedding party consisted only of siblings: Joslyn’s brother and three sisters, plus Kate’s two sisters.

Pro Tip

Remember to soak it all in! Your day will be a beautiful whirlwind, so remember to be present. If you’re not intentional to take these moments with your new spouse, you will miss what the celebration is really about.

—Heather

Vincent, BTTS Holdings

bar, linens, DJ, cake, floral centerpieces and coordinator are included. !!!! = + $ ' ) >

Camp Mary Orton

7925 N. High St., Columbus; 614-885-1023

campmaryorton.org

This historic lodge features original wood floors, a high-beamed ceiling and a 14-footwide stone fireplace; the terrace overlooks the expansive lawn, ideal for outdoor ceremonies. !!!!! = + $ ( #

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell; 614-724-3679 columbuszoo.org

With beautiful, naturalistic settings that are perfect for both outdoor and indoor ceremonies, the zoo’s banquet and catering facilities provide both elegant surroundings

and outstanding service for unforgettable, worry-free receptions. !!!!! = + $ ' >

The Dempsey Event Center

123 Hyatts Rd., Delaware; 740-201-8849

dempseyevents.com

Experience the timeless elegance of the Dempsey Event Center. Lush rolling landscapes with a koi pond offer the picturesque wedding of your dreams. The quiet grace of shade trees envelope the east lawn.

!!!! = + $ ( #

Gather

53 N. Sandusky St., Delaware; 740-917-9038

gatherdelaware.com

A one-of-a-kind rental venue in the heart of historic downtown Delaware, this charming and versatile space is perfect for any gathering that strikes your fancy. ! = $ (

Glenross Golf Club

231 Clubhouse Dr., Delaware; 740-657-3752

glenrossgc.com

Overlooking the sparkling fountain and pond at the picturesque ninth hole, this newly renovated, 4,000-square-foot banquet facility is perfect for your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, anniversary, birthday, retirement or graduation parties and other special gatherings. !!! = + $ ' ( >

The Jessing Center

7625 N. High St., Columbus; 614-985-2215 boscandbrie.com

The Jessing Center is located on the beautiful campus of the Pontifical College Josephinum, featuring stunning barrel vault ceilings, a dance floor and catering by the award-winning Bosc + Brie. !!!!! $ ' #

Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club

3737 Village Club Dr., Powell; 740-881-6500

golfkinsale.com

The main room has hardwood floors, a large marble fireplace and French doors leading to a patio that overlooks the 18th green. A new outdoor event space overlooks the 18th hole and clubhouse. !!!!! = + $ ' ( >

Meekers Venue

385 E. William St., Delaware; 614-975-3441 meekersvenue.com

An elegant, affordable and flexible event venue in a renovated 1873 stained-glass church !!!! = + $ ( #

Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center

100 Green Meadows Dr. S, Lewis Center; 614-880-4169

nwhotelandconferencecenter.com

This classic, timeless, Georgian-style wedding venue sets the standard for romantic wedding venues in Central Ohio. Its villagelike setting provides event spaces with endless possibilities and stunning outdoor locations that beg to be photographed. !!!!! = + $ ' >

Scioto Reserve Country Club

7383 Scioto Pkwy., Powell; 740-881-9082

sciotoreserveweddings.com

This modern and elegant wedding venue boasts on-site suites, inclusive packages and indoor/outdoor ceremony options.

!!!!! = + $ ' ) >

Swan Lake Event Center

5900 Liberty Rd., Powell; 740-833-6024

swanlakeeventcenter.com

This campus-style venue offers a secluded environment with neutral colors, natural light and a romantic feel. It features multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, spacious on-site bridal suites and 20 acres for photos and exploration. !!!!! = + $ ( >

Wedgewood Golf and Country Club

9600 Wedgewood Blvd., Powell; 614-793-9600

wedgewoodgolfcc.com

The Grand Ballroom has gorgeous views of the renowned golf course, with neutral tones and large, ornate chandeliers that will transform the space into the wedding reception you have always dreamed of. !!!!! = + ' >

The Wenbeck at Little Bear Golf Club

1940 Little Bear Loop, Lewis Center; 740-953-7085

littlebearohio.com

This accessible waterfront property is situated on the grounds of the beautiful Little Bear Golf Club and provides an elegant and contemporary event space where you can celebrate your upcoming union.

!!!! = + $ ) >

venue guide

KRISTIN AND JASON LIESER | Oct. 21, 2022

island, then dance the night away under the café lights with your family and friends.

!! = + $ ( #

The Brook

3480 Benedict Rd., Marengo; 740-361-6348 thebrookvenue.com

The property’s 180 acres include lush forests, tranquil groves and, of course, a stunning brook winding throughout. It offers a range of on-site lodging options and activities guaranteed to leave you with lifelong memories.

!!!!! = + $ ( #

Clover Valley Golf Club

8644 Johnstown Alexandria Rd., Johnstown; 740-966-5533

clovervalleygolfclub.com

Charming, countryside venue for quaint weddings and receptions with wonderful food and staff ! = + $ ' ) >

Creekside Event Center

101 Mill St., Ste. 300, Gahanna; 614-416-8188 creeksidecec.com

Offering 9,000 square feet of dramatic architectural detail, awe-inspiring interior design, oversized windows, enchanting plazas, pristine parks and impressive waterways—your experience at Creekside will surpass your expectations. !!!!! = + $ ' ) >

The Estate at New Albany

5216 Forest Dr., New Albany; 614-423-5314

theestatenewalbany.biz

A secluded, premier event venue on more than 5 acres of beautiful landscapes, ponds and outdoor spaces, all easily accessed off SR-161. Staff make the wedding of your dreams customizable with all-inclusive options. !!!!! = + ' ) >

Everal Barn & Homestead

60 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville; 614-901-6515

parks.westerville.org/facilities/everal-barnand-homestead

York Golf Club

7459 N. High St., Columbus; 614-885-5968 yorkgc.com

Situated on 140 acres of rolling terrain on the Olentangy River and conveniently located just north of Worthington, this event space overlooks the 18th hole of the golf course and can comfortably hold 200-plus guests. !!!! = + $ ) >

NORTHEAST

Easton, Gahanna, New Albany, Westerville and beyond

The Barn of Hidden Valley

4212 Northridge Rd., Alexandria; 614-896-4309

thebarnhv.com

This venue is tucked away from the outside world in an inviting and secluded hidden valley—a country setting surrounded by large grassy areas, trees, streams and walking trails accessed across a rustic covered bridge.

!!!! = + $ ( > #

Bent Tree Golf Club

350 Bent Tree Rd., Sunbury; 740-965-5140, ext. 3

benttreegc.com

The banquet room features a beautiful golf course view and can accommodate up to 150 guests. !!! = + $ '

The Beverly Mansion

6681 State Route 229, Marengo; 419-768-5061

thebeverlymansion.com

This estate’s breathtaking acres offer the ideal setting for weddings and celebrations. Its stunning views in the spring, summer and fall and its arched footbridge, pond, trees and landscaping make for a perfect wedding venue. !!!!! = + $ ' #

Bloomfield Meadows

650 State Route 314, Centerburg; 614-354-8468 bloomfieldmeadows.com

An eco-friendly venue on a working berry farm in Centerburg; have your ceremony outside by the pond with the heart-shaped

This historic, 19th-century barn and homestead is the perfect location for any type of event. It features indoor and outdoor spaces with a brick patio, pond and fire pit. !! = + $ )

Four Seasons Barn

3310 Township Rd. 155, Cardington; 614-565-8045

fourseasonsbarn.com

A barn venue in a rural setting that features all of the modern luxuries and a genuine commitment to service !!!!! = + $ ( #

The Gahanna Sanctuary

82 N. High St., Gahanna; 614-414-2065

gahannasanctuary.org

The Gahanna Sanctuary is an affordable, nonprofit event venue on the National Register of Historic Places, located in Olde Downtown Gahanna near the Creekside District. Unforgettable moments belong in an extraordinary place. !!!!! = $ ( #

The Gardens at Jorgensen Farms

5851 E. Walnut St., Westerville; 614-855-2697

jorgensen-farms.com

Everyone at the Liesers’ wedding at Wedgewood Golf and Country Club wore black—except the bride, groom and flower girls. “It really made it feel black-tie without actually being black-tie,” Kristin says. She describes their official theme for the day as “moody boho.”

Pro Tip

Lift your gown or get assistance when you are walking over blacktop or asphalt surfaces, especially in hot weather. There are fluid stains from cars and blacktop stains that can be picked up on the bottom of your gown.

—Margaret Butler, Dublin Cleaners/ New Albany Cleaners

The Gardens boast a whimsical landscape for an unforgettable event experience. From serene ceremonies in the Arboretum and the Meadow to elegant receptions in the Barn, the Gardens will delight and charm your guests. !!!!! = + $ ' #

Glass Rooster Cannery & Old Hen Guest House

1673 S. State Route 605, Sunbury; 614-499-2958

glassroostercannery.com

A magical farm offering a restored historic dairy barn, two dressing areas, indoor bathrooms and a guesthouse 20 minutes from Columbus !!!! = + $ ' ( #

The Golf Club at Little Turtle

5400 Little Turtle Way, Westerville; 614-625-2934

littleturtlegolf.com

The Hawthorne Ballroom is a stunning space with high ceilings, modern chandeliers, a stone fireplace, rustic beams and floor-toceiling windows. Also included are bridal and groom’s suites and a patio overlooking the lake and golf course. !!!!! = + $ ' >

Gracefully Adorned Venue

12938 Worthington Rd., Pataskala; 614-499-7328

gracefullyadornedevents.com

This affordable and customizable wedding venue allows you to choose your own vendors and bring in your own alcohol, so you can set your own budget. Outdoor and indoor spaces are available. !!! = + $ ( #

Hilton Columbus at Easton 3900 Chagrin Dr., Columbus; 614-414-5000

hiltoncolumbus.com

Newly renovated hotel with ballrooms accommodating 50 to 700 guests; contact the catering team to discuss your wedding reception. !!!!! = $ ' >

Irongate Equestrian Center

12298 Croton Rd., Croton; 740-893-8001

irongateequestriancenter.com

Award-winning, luxury, rustic, private wedding and special event venue located just 20 minutes northeast of New Albany !!!!! = + $ ( >

La Navona

154 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna; 614-532-5711

lanavona.com

This perfect venue to tie the knot features a breathtaking setting with picturesque outdoor ceremony space and versatile interior

space, which can have rustic, bohemian, vintage or classic themes.

!!!!! = + ' >

The Lakes Golf and Country Club

6740 Worthington Rd., Westerville; 614-882-2582 lakesclub.com

Sprawling, Augusta-style clubhouse

!!!! + $ ' >

Landoll’s Mohican Castle

561 Township Rd. 3352, Loudonville; 419-994-3427

landollsmohicancastle.com

Landoll’s Mohican Castle is a resort and wedding venue located in Loudonville. This romantic venue is nestled on 30 acres of enchanted forests. !!!! = + $ ' >

Lane57 Event Venue

5481 Babbitt Rd., New Albany; 614-778-4312 lane57.com

Immerse yourself in the beauty and rustic elegance of Lane57 Event Venue. Lane57 is an upscale wedding and event venue in New Albany, near Columbus and all its amenities.

!!! = + $ ( #

Magnolia Hill Farm

6665 Johnsville Rd., Centerburg; 740-480-1885

magnoliahill-farm.com

A modern farmhouse venue north of

Columbus that’s been intentionally designed to fulfill the desires of the classic, romantic couple seeking a breathtaking venue, as well as the needs of their wedding creative team.

!!!! = + $ ) #

The Medallion Club

5000 Club Dr., Westerville; 614-794-6987 medallionclub.com

Situated amid a lush golf course with fountains and lakes dotting the landscape, the Medallion Club offers an ideal location to host anything from an intimate ceremony to a lavish reception. !!!!! = + $ ' >

Mill Street Grains and Gatherings

10 Mill St., Utica; 740-892-1086 millstreetohio.com

Located in the quaint village of Utica, this site of a beautifully restored 1812 grist mill includes indoor and outdoor options for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties or whatever you can imagine.

!!!!! = + $ ' )

The Mohicans Treehouse Resort and Wedding Venue

23164 Vess Rd., Glenmont; 740-599-9030 themohicans.net

This breathtaking indoor/outdoor venue is the perfect backdrop for couples looking for a unique and private location in the country surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, rustic design and touches of elegance and luxury. !!!! = + $ )

New Albany Links

7100 New Albany Links Dr., New Albany; 614-855-8532

newalbanylinks.com

New Albany Links offers a scenic atmosphere for events of up to 100 guests in the 2,700-square-foot banquet room featuring two gas fireplaces, or for larger groups in a beautiful event tent overlooking the course. !!! = + ' >

NorthStar Golf Club

1150 Wilson Rd., Sunbury; 740-965-3663

thenorthstargolfclub.com

NorthStar will provide you with the perfect atmosphere for your big day. The full-service facility offers first-class service at an affordable value. !!!! = + $ ' >

Oak Grove at Jorgensen Farms

7500 Harlem Rd., Westerville; 614-855-2697

jorgensen-farms.com

The historic Lord & Burnham greenhouse provides an open-air experience, surrounding your guests in natural light. The Main Hall provides stunning views and a glowing Edison bulb light installation, creating a warm ambiance from above. !!!!! = + $ ' #

The Peak at Edison 781 Science Blvd., Gahanna; 614-660-4866

thepeakedison.com

This modern, industrial venue features a rooftop patio with a beautiful view of Down-

ALI MCCATHERN AND JORDAN ZINK | Sept. 25, 2022

“Many elements of the wedding were handmade or products of donated time from our loved ones,” Ali says of her and Jordan’s day at Oak Grove at Jorgensen Farms. A bridesperson made the signature cocktail sign (featuring the couple’s cats, Benson and Rezzie), Jordan’s family baked treats for the cookie table, and Ali hand-wrote the table numbers, to name a few.

Pro Tip

Have an area that the photographer can set their equipment in. It doesn’t need to be a room, but a small, out of the way table will be appreciated.

—Cindi Parker, The Sanctuary on Neil

town Columbus; other amenities include bridal and groom’s suites, as well as Edison Brewing on-site for additional gatherings.

!!! = + $ )

Renaissance Columbus, Westerville-Polaris Hotel

409 Altair Pkwy., Westerville; 614-882-6800

facebook.com/renwesterville

Customize an unforgettable experience for your wedding weekend with an intriguing blend of elegance and comfort. The hotel will gift you with memories that last a lifetime. !!!!! = + $ ' >

Royal American Links

3300 Miller-Paul Rd., Galena; 740-965-1215

royalamericanlinks.com

A Scottish-inspired castle gracing the countryside not far from New Albany with delicious food and caring staff !!!! = + $ ' ) >

The Rural Society at Warwick Farms

16620 Wells Rd., Mount Vernon; 740-507-6663

theruralsocietyatwarwickfarm.com

The Rural Society is a charming, historical farm between Columbus and Cleveland. A beautifully restored glasshouse, 1800s bank barn, charming garden house, an outdoor kitchen and bar, and stunning Englishinspired gardens will delight your guests. !!!!! = + $ ' )

Valley Dale Ballroom

1590 Sunbury Rd., Columbus; 614-441-1907 valleydaleballroom.com

A landmark venue with iconic flavor for your wedding; the spacious balcony overlooks the largest dance floor in Columbus. Your love glows through the ballroom with the spectrum light package; brides adore the dressing room. !!!!! = + $ (

Villa Milano Banquet Center

1630 Schrock Rd., Columbus; 614-882-2058 villamilano.com

Elegant, Renaissance-style ballroom

!!!!! = ' >

The Woodward Opera House

107 S. Main St., Mount Vernon; 740-501-9293

thewoodward.org

Showcasing the perfect blend of vintage style with modern amenities, the Woodward is ready to make your event memorable. Its packages and space support outings from a few hours to a few days. !!! = $ ' (

NORTHWEST

Dublin, Marysville, Plain City and beyond

Brookside Golf & Country Club

2770 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Columbus; 614-889-2581

brooksidegcc.com

With banquet facilities open to nonmembers, Brookside is an ideal venue. The culinary staff caters to the most experienced palate while still presenting cuisine that will exceed the expectations of anyone attending your event. !!!!! = + $ ' >

The Club at Corazón

7155 Corazon Dr., Dublin; 614-504-5250

clubatcorazon.com

This gorgeous, Tuscan-style venue, surrounded by winding vineyards, fountains, terraces and cozy fireplaces, is a scene sure to make your special day unforgettable. !!!!! = + $ ' ( >

The Club at Tartan Fields 8070 Tartan Fields Dr., Dublin; 614-792-0900 tartanfields.com

Stunning wedding venue with indoor and outdoor options for ceremony and reception !!! = + $ ' ) >

Columbus Marriott Northwest 5605 Blazer Pkwy., Dublin; 614-791-1000 marriott.com/cmhnw

Staff are committed to your dreams coming true, with expert professionals who are on

DREAM WEDDINGS

1150 Wilson Road • Sunbury, OH 43074 •

top of the latest trends and dedicated to getting every last detail right. They’re also open to trying something new. !!!!! = $ ' )

The Country Club at Muirfield Village

8715 Muirfield Dr., Dublin; 614-764-1714

tccmv.com

This spacious banquet facility can accommodate up to 175 guests, with space for entertainment and dancing. The certified executive chef and professional service staff will attend to your every need. !!! = + $ ' >

Dorral Farm

11101 Hinton Mill Rd., Marysville; 614-889-9128 dorralfarm.com

Central Ohio’s best-kept secret is whimsical Dorral Farm, where the blue Midwest sky meets lush green lawns. Rustic yet chic, Dorral Farm sets an idyllic backdrop for your countryside wedding. !!!! = + $ ' #

Embassy Suites Columbus Dublin

5100 Upper Metro Pl., Dublin; 614-602-0114 columbusdublin.embassysuites.com

Pro Tip

When creating a guest list, think about who will be in your life five years from now.

—Stephanie Jones, Together Forever Wedding Officiant

Golf Club of Dublin

5805 Eiterman Rd., Dublin; 614-792-3825

golfclubofdublin.com

Gorgeous Irish manor with undeniable wedding panache !!! = + ' ) >

Homestead of Radnor

2866 State Route 203, Radnor; 740-361-0055

homesteadofradnor.com

This four-generation family farm features an all-season banquet facility that seats up to 300. The patio overlooks manicured lawns, a wooded wedding area, 100 acres of rolling fields and picturesque views that change with the seasons. !!!!! = + $ ( #

Love Me Knot

STACY MILLS AND DAVID BELL

Feb. 2, 2022

Stacy and David hosted a minimony with about 30 guests at Buxton Inn (pictured) and a larger reception later that year. “We chose the day [for the minimony] because of the abundance of the number two,” Stacy says. Their post-ceremony dinner took place in the same room as Stacy’s parents’ surprise 25th anniversary party a few years earlier. “We tried to replicate the surprised expressions on their faces as we walked into the room,” she notes.

Their award-winning staff will make your wedding weekend memorable and intimate. The beautiful atrium is perfect for your rehearsal dinner, cocktail hour or even a family breakfast the day after your reception. !!!!! = $ ' ) >

The Exchange 6520 Riverside Dr., Dublin; 614-848-4700

cameronmitchellpremierevents.com/venues/ the-exchange

A contemporary, open event space with hardwood floors and raw stone details in the Dublin Bridge Park neighborhood; the venue offers stunning views of the majestic Scioto River. !!!!! = + $ ' >

French Hen Farm

14458 Fladt Rd., Marysville; 614-306-6349

frenchhenfarm.com

French Hen Farm has a beautiful red barn filled with vintage chandeliers that overlooks a pretty pond, willow trees and gardens on 100 acres in Union County. The perfect place to say, “I do!” !! = + $ ( #

2628 Billingsley Rd., Columbus; 614-582-6672

lmkweddingstudios.com

This intimate venue for weddings accommodates up to 50 guests. Their packages are all-inclusive. ! = $

Retreat 21

11433 Industrial Pkwy., Marysville; 614-321-1713

retreat21.com

An immersive outdoor oasis, Retreat 21 merges modern luxury and hospitality for an unparalleled experience. Garden-chic patios, stunning interior spaces, panoramic views and breathtaking outdoor ceremony areas provide the backdrop you’ve been dreaming of. !!!!! = + $ ) >

The Silo Plain City 138 W. Main St., Plain City; 614-504-5500

thesiloplaincity.com

Tucked away in the attic of a historic downtown Plain City building, the Silo has been brought to life. Its team is ready for you to experience the space and all it has to offer.

!! = + $ ' )

EAST

Bexley, Granville, Reynoldsburg, Whitehall and beyond

1883 Locale

7349 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg; 614-282-6828

1883locale.com

A bohemian-industrial loft venue with 3,000-plus square feet and 20-foot exposed brick walls in the heart of downtown Reynoldsburg !!! = + $ (

Barn at the Backwoods 8572 High Point Rd., Thornville; 740-246-4709

barnatthebackwoods.com

This all-inclusive, licensed food and

PHOTOS: JESSICA MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

alcohol facility offers A/C and heat, setup/ cleanup service, linens and more included in its package. Email for details: info@ barnatthebackwoods.com !!!!! = + $ '

Bryn Du Mansion

537 Jones Rd., Granville; 740-587-7053 bryndu.com

Elegant mansion, landscaped patio areas and lawn site for tent; 7,200-square-foot, lodgelike facility; may bring in alcohol !!!!! = + $ ( #

Buckeye Lake Winery

13750 Rosewood Rd. NE, Thornville; 740-246-5665

buckeyelakewinery.com

Located on beautiful, historic Buckeye Lake, Buckeye Lake Winery is your go-to destination for great wine, food, sunsets and of course, your unforgettable wedding day. Contact them at events@buckeyelakewinery. com. !!! = + $ ' >

Buxton Inn

313 E. Broadway, Granville; 740-587-0001 buxtonhistoricvenue.com

Add a sense of elegance by holding your wedding at the oldest continuously operating inn and tavern in the state of Ohio. Work with an on-site coordinator to make your special day perfect. !!! = + $ ' >

Cherry Valley Hotel & Ohio Event Center

2299 Cherry Valley Rd., Newark; 740-788-1200

cherryvalleyhotel.com

Pro Tip

Regardless of the wedding reception venue and the various space offerings that are available, strive to keep the bar, desserts, late-night snacks and people in the same room. The energy at a wedding reception comes from people being together. When guests are separated into different areas, the energy is greatly diminished.

— John Pollock, Street Players Band

This venue offers plenty of space, including the 31,500-square-foot Ohio Event Center, two ballrooms and more. They also have 200 king bed hotel rooms, gardens, waterfalls, ponds and more. !!!!! = + $ ' ) >

Columbus Country Club

4381 E. Broad St., Columbus; 614-300-5199

columbuscc.com

With beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces bathed in natural lighting, the Columbus Country Club is a perfect setting for your special day. !!!! = + $ ' >

Combustion Private Event Space

80 W. Church St., Ste. 200, Pickerington; 937-360-7797

combustionbrewing.com

Situated above Combustion Brewery & Taproom, the 7,200-square-foot space features an abundance of sunlight, plenty of room to accommodate your group and the unique character of the historic Pickerington Creamery building. !!! = $ ( >

Granville Inn

314 E. Broadway, Granville; 740-587-3333

granvilleinn.com

Nestled in the heart of Granville, the warmth and charm of the historic Granville Inn create a one-of-a-kind setting for a memorable wedding weekend. Request a tour and experience its ambiance and stunning restoration yourself. !! = + $ ' >

The Greenhouse at Vista

2600 Hennessey Dr., Nashport; 740-453-4758

vistagolfcourse.com

Unique facility offering a one-of-a-kind experience; from May through November, the Greenhouse has a beautiful, live flower wall that is the perfect ambiance for any occasion, giving an outdoor feeling to your indoor event. !!!! = + $ (

Jefferson Country Club

7271 Jefferson Meadows Dr., Blacklick; 614-759-7500

jeffersoncountryclub.com

Jefferson is a prestigious country club offering spectacular views. It’s available to nonmembers for weddings, showers and rehearsal dinners. !!!!! = + $ ' >

venue guide

The music at Lynn and Grant’s wedding at WatersEdge Event + Conference Center “was all either pop/punk/emo classics or ’80s rock,” Lynn says. “We’re big music buffs—and my emo phase never ended—so having music that we both loved was really important for us.” They also included musical tributes to their parents in the ceremony and reception.

Jeffrey Mansion

165 N. Parkview Ave., Bexley; 614-559-4300 bexley.org/facility-rentals

The Bexley Recreation & Parks Department offers facility reservations for Jeffrey Mansion in Jeffrey Park. Reservations must be made in person weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Bexley Recreation & Parks Department. !! = + $ ( >

Phenix Banquet Center

2101 Noe Bixby Rd., Columbus; 614-260-8691 phenixeventvenuecolumbusoh.com

Phenix Banquet Center offers beautiful indoor and outdoor venues, complimentary parking, no service fees and a choice of four distinctly different spaces: the Athena Ballroom, Apollo Lounge, Atlas Hall and an outdoor area. !!!! = + $ (

St. Charles Preparatory School

Walter Commons

2010 E. Broad St., Columbus; 380-309-2222 stcharlesprep.org

Multipurpose space inside Saint Charles Preparatory School featuring high ceilings and brick details; Catholic affiliation not required !!!!! $ ) #

The Trout Club

2250 Horns Hill Rd., Newark; 740-366-2770 thetroutclub.com

Your ceremony will overlook some of the most beautiful scenery in Licking County. The Trout Club offers a truly unique setting with the perfect atmosphere for your wedding day. !!!!! = + ' >

Pro Tip

Years from now, guests will remember one thing: whether they had fun! Pour more of your budget into the music, and come up with a fun signature drink for guests to enjoy.

—Michael Shannon, Hotel LeVeque

Venue at 22

5455 Davis Dr., Newark; 614-570-5199 venueat22.com

This early 1900s barn is full of character and living a new life as a unique and private setting for your special day. Bring your own décor, or use theirs. No spending minimums, and pricing is transparent. !!!! = + $ ( #

The Virtues Golf Club

1 Long Dr., Nashport; 740-763-1100

thevirtuesgolfclub.com

The celebrated course and banquet facility in the Appalachian foothills has breathtaking views and is easy to get to, no matter where you’re traveling from. Available packages make planning your wedding easy and enjoyable! !!!!! = + $ ' >

Weatherington Woods

3625 Olde Falls Rd., Zanesville; 740-995-0374

wwvenue.com

This venue offers 9,700 square feet of space, a prep kitchen, bar, DJ loft, two prep suites,

forced heat and air, indoor restrooms, and many photo opportunities so you can have your wedding, your way. !!!!! = + $ ( #

Wolfe Park Shelterhouse 105 Park Dr., Columbus; 614-645-3337 columbusrecparks.com/facilities/rentals/ event-venues/wolfe-shelterhouse

Conveniently located close to Downtown, just outside all the hustle and bustle, the venue features lots of natural lighting, a fireplace and a bridal suite. It’s customizable to fit your needs. !! = + $ ( >

WEST

Fifth by Northwest, Grandview Heights, Hilliard, Upper Arlington and beyond

Amelita Mirolo Barn

4395 Carriage Hill Ln., Upper Arlington; 614-583-5330

amelitamirolobarn.com

Located in Sunny 95 Park, this unique facility blends the historic beams of one of the community’s oldest farm structures with an airy, modern space perfect for weddings and other special events. !!! = + $ ) #

Bloom Room of Columbus

1266 Goodale Blvd., Columbus; 614-785-9690 bloomroomcolumbus.com

Petals & Leaves is proud to present the Bloom Room, an event space for up to 49 people. The Bloom Room is also available for rent to photographers for photoshoots.

! = $ ( > #

LYNN LOUDIN AND GRANT NIEDZWEIDSKI | Sept. 4, 2022

Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU

780 Yard St., Columbus; 614-453-4420 marriott.com/cmhwg

The Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU is connected via an indoor corridor to the Grand Event Center. It’s an ideal location for your wedding reception and guest room needs. !!!!! = + $ ' >

The Fives

550 Reach Blvd., Columbus; 614-882-7323 thefivescolumbus.com

Surround your event with stunning views of the city’s skyline. The rooftop terrace and large social hall are flexible, modern and include a team of experts to bring your vision to life. !!!!! = + $ ' >

The Grand Event Center

820 Goodale Blvd., Columbus; 614-453-4300 thegrandeventscenter.com

The Grand blends desired amenities, functionality and modern style in one of Columbus’ most vibrant areas for a unique experience. Wedding packages and chefinspired menus are created with every detail of your celebration in mind. !!!!! = + $ ' >

Heritage Golf Club

3525 Heritage Club Dr., Hilliard; 614-684-7112 heritagegc.com

Heritage Golf Club is the perfect place to celebrate your special day. It offers beautiful private rooms and outdoor spaces with a picturesque setting for your wedding

Pro Tip

Make sure to organize your seating chart by last names in alphabetical order, instead of by table! This speeds up the process of guests being able to find their table.

—Nicole McCrate, Darby House

ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner and/or bridal shower. !!!! = + $ ' >

Lashutka Event Center

3479 Riverside Dr., Upper Arlington; 614-645-3337

columbusrecparks.com/facilities/rentals/ event-venues/goodale-shelterhouse

Located on Griggs Reservoir, this venue is perfect for intimate weddings. The Dam Tender’s House, built in 1816, was renovated to include a cozy event space and outdoor patio. Enjoy beautiful views of the reservoir.

! = + $ ( >

Makoy Center 5462 Center St., Hilliard; 614-777-1211

makoy.com

The Makoy Center’s experienced staff is dedicated to taking care of its couples and creating their design, from linens and cen-

terpieces to the food and beverage. A day-of coordinator will assist throughout the day.

!!!!! = + $ ' >

The Reception House by Schmidt’s 3860 Trabue Rd., Columbus; 614-276-6127

raymondreceptions.com

Located at Raymond Memorial Golf Course, this renovated facility is beautifully accommodating and priced for the cost-conscious family. Your event will be managed by Schmidt’s, one of the most reputable hospitality names in Columbus. !!!! = + ' >

WatersEdge Event + Conference Center

4643 Trueman Blvd., Hilliard; 614-556-4031

watersedgeevents.biz

An all-inclusive wedding venue located on 9.5 acres that now offers two spaces for your wedding and reception needs. Both the Lakeview and the Cove have everything to make your wedding day perfect.

!!!! = + $ ' ) >

Wren Farm

6150 State Route 187, Mechanicsburg; 937-206-1284

wren-farm.com

Wren Farm features a rustic, wooden barn and over 10 acres of meadows and green fields that give it a peaceful ambiance. Indoor and outdoor event spaces work well for intimate celebrations or grand affairs.

!!!! = + $ ( #

venue guide

ELAYNA AND JOE TOMKO | June 11, 2022

The Tomkos chose Crockett’s Run in the Hocking Hills for their venue “because we spent so many weekends camping and exploring, not only Hocking Hills, but in different states,” Elayna says. Other meaningful choices included pizza for dinner in honor of their pizza and wine date nights, and live music “because we feel most connected at concerts,” Elayna adds.

SOUTHEAST

Canal Winchester, Groveport, Lancaster, Lockbourne, Pickerington and beyond

Barn at Rush Creek

29310 Klump Rd., Sugar Grove; 740-746-2040 barnatrushcreek.com

Located in the beautiful Hocking Hills on a private, 200-acre working farm with breathtaking scenery that includes a pond, meadow and, of course, the hills; offering complete wedding packages and on-site lodging !!!!! = + $ ' ) > #

The Berwick

3250 Refugee Rd., Columbus; 614-235-7100

the-berwick.com

The Berwick has been a family-owned and -operated company since 1955, specializing in homemade Italian goodness and offering full-service banquet services, including all of the linens, china, silverware, glassware and service staff. !!!!! = '

Crockett’s Run

9710 Bauer Road, Logan; 800-472-8115

crockettsrun.com

Situated on 55 acres and surrounded by rock walls, pine trees and waterfalls, Crockett’s Run is a premier Hocking Hills wedding destination. Your wedding will be a weekendlong celebration surrounded by your family and friends. !!!! = + $ ) #

Harvest Adventures

1135 Locust Grove Rd. NE, Bremen;

740-503-5206

harvestadventures.com

This unique and rustic setting has been an Ohio agritourism provider since 2010. It features a relaxed, rural environment with beautiful views. !!!! = + $ ( >

The Haven at Cedar Grove

19555 State Route 664 S, Logan; 740-380-2209

thehavenatcedargrove.com

The Haven at Cedar Grove, in the heart of the Hocking Hills, is the location you dream of, with the amenities you want, for the memories you create. !!!!! = + $ ' )

The Henry Manor

1755 Cedar Hill Rd., Lancaster; 740-243-0718

henrymanorevents.com

This 150-year-old, Victorian-style property is located on 9 acres of beautiful, parklike surroundings. Guests may choose from single-day or weekend packages. Outside vendors are welcome. !!!! = + $ ( #

The Hitching Post Ranch

4904 Hamburg Rd. SW, Lancaster; 614-300-5376

thehitchingpostranch.com

Exceptional, extraordinary, timeless—the HPR experience !!!! = + $ ( #

Hocking Hills Wedding Chapel

29301 Klump Rd., Sugar Grove; 740-746-9934

hockinghillsweddingchapel.com

Featuring a stunning log chapel, gazebo, outdoor stone fireplace and professional landscaping, the venue’s customizable, all-inclusive packages will make your day unforgettable and stress-free. Lodging is also available on-site. ! = + $ ' ) #

Little Brook Meadows

100 Edgewood Dr., Lancaster; 740-215-8004 littlebrookmeadows.com

This beautifully renovated, 80-year-old, 20-stall horse barn provides an event coordinator, bridal suite, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, bar, photo area, children’s area, food prep area and numerous props. The house accommodates 20 overnight guests. !!!!! = + $ ( #

The Loft at Peck’s Hall

101 W. Main St., Circleville; 740-720-8999

theloftatpeckshall.com

The Loft is a beautiful piece of history. With massive original windows highlighting the character and natural beauty of this building from 1855, it’s the perfect place for weddings, parties, photography and corporate events. !!! = $ ( #

Retreat at Turnberry

11680 Refugee Rd., Pickerington; 614-645-3337

columbusrecparks.com

The perfect location for a rustic wedding feel; open space, a very large kitchen and a private park setting set this facility apart. This location is customizable to fit your every need. !! = + $ ( >

Pro Tip

If you are planning a winter wedding, bring boots, gloves, coat and long underwear for your outdoor pictures— and encourage your bridal party to do the same thing. This way, you’ll stay warm in between pictures.

—Ann Marie Orren, Scioto Reserve Country Club

Riser Barn

8988 State Route 180, Kingston; 740-497-8420

facebook.com/riserbarn

This modern barn, tucked away miles from the Hocking Hills, is the perfect place to host any of your party needs. !!!!! = + $ ( #

Stuart’s Opera House

52 Public Sq., Nelsonville; 740-753-1924 stuartsoperahouse.org

A new reception area accommodates up to 240 people; it also has a new catering kitchen and full bar. Hold your ceremony in the beautiful, 140-year-old theater to create an unforgettable wedding experience.

!!!! = $ (

The Wagnalls Memorial

150 E. Columbus St., Lithopolis; 614-837-4765 wagnalls.org

This 1925 Tudor-Gothic-style library and community center offers unique sites inside and in the gardens for the biggest day of your life, immersing your guests in this historic, authentic venue. !! = + $ ) #

SOUTHWEST

Chillicothe, Galloway, Grove City, Lithopolis and beyond

Aladdin Shrine Center

1801 Gateway Circle, Grove City; 614-475-2609 ext. 116 aladdineventcenter.com

The Aladdin Shrine Center is a perfect location for weddings from 50 to 250. A private patio and gazebo allow for an intimate outdoor ceremony, and an elegant ballroom is perfect for your reception. !!!!! = + $ )

Alton Farmstead

1200 Alton Rd., Galloway; 614-499-7190 altonfarmstead.com

Alton Farmstead is a working flower farm and historic barn wedding venue. The farm is a naturally beautiful and charming setting for a relaxed, flexible and affordable wedding, with multiple, picturesque indoor and outdoor options. !!!! = + $ ( #

Darby House

801 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway; 614-878-4527

darbyhouse.com

This private, gated, 1,200-acre estate features a tree-lined lane, wooden bridges

over tranquil creeks, open farmland, wooded paths and creekside views. No matter what your dream indoor/outdoor wedding looks like, you’ll find it at Darby House. !!!!! = + $ ) >

Flora and Field

21748 Deer Creek Rd., Mount Sterling; 614-600-7819

floraandfield.com

This storybook, 30-acre flower farm and venue offers full-service coordination, floral design, premium décor, executive home with bridal salon, luxury groom’s quarters and more elevated services. It provides a pampered destination experience for nature lovers. !!!! = + $ ( #

The Old Blue Rooster Event Center

11575 Lithopolis Rd., Lithopolis; 740-438-0717 oldblueroosterevents.com

Modern, rustic indoor venue with an abundance of flexibility !!!! = + $ )

Pinnacle Golf Club

1500 Pinnacle Club Dr., Grove City; 614-539-0722

discoverpinnacle.com

Beautiful and unique spaces, breathtaking views, exceptional service and outstanding cuisine !!!!! = + $ ' >

The Postmark

105 S. Paint St., Chillicothe; 740-414-4165

thepostmarkoh.com

Built in 1903, the Postmark is Chillicothe’s premier wedding venue. Located in the heart of downtown, this venue combines timeless, historic and modern details to make a grand statement for locals and out-of-town guests alike. !!! = + $ ' (

Westgate Park Shelterhouse

3271 Wicklow Rd., Columbus; 614-645-3337 columbusrecparks.com/facilities/rentals/ event-venues/westgate-shelterhouse

The venue’s open floor plan includes a fireplace, bridal suite and plenty of space to host your wedding. It also offers a beautiful patio with views of the recently renovated pond and mature trees. !!! = + $ ( >

White Willow Meadows

10260 Ballah Rd., Orient; 513-507-0005 whitewillowmeadows.com

This luxurious, modern barn venue is situated on 15 acres of farmland and has 35-foot ceilings, stunning glass walls and 7-foot crystal chandeliers. It seats 350 guests and features an on-site Airbnb and florist. Opens in early 2024. !!!!! = + $ ( #

Pro Tip

Make sure the meal indicators on guest escort cards are easy to read in low light. An icon in the corner of the escort cards of a cow, chicken, carrot (vegetarian), etc. in a dark color on a light background works really well for this.

—Kiki Koerner, Cameron Mitchell Premier Events

the essentials

INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE

Hilary and Jared Stroud met when they each booked a trip to Peru through Travendly. Jared noticed they each had 419 area codes and struck up a conversation. They ended up hiking to the top of Machu Picchu together. “Hiking up a mountain at 5 in the morning with only each other—well, you start to talk about everything and anything,” Hilary notes. She confessed her feelings for Jared not long after, and they began a long-distance relationship, eventually moving to Columbus together.

PHOTO: STYLE & STORY

HILARY AND JARED STROUD

OCT. 21, 2022

“During Jared’s brother’s best man speech, I think he said it best,” Hilary says. “In a world of social media and online dating, Jared and I took a leap of faith by going on a trip to a different country and meeting serendipitously. Our story is unique and special, and it is one of my favorite stories to tell.” The pair married at Franklin Park Conservatory.

the essentials

Nearly 400 area vendors comprising Columbus Weddings partners and editorial picks

ATTIRE

Alterations & Sewing by M.E.

101 Mill St., Ste. 109, Gahanna (inside Gilded Social Alterations & Wedding Dress Care Studio)

614-430-9659, shopgildedsocial.com

Alterations (not exclusive to Gilded Social)

Andi B Bridal

614-698-9848, andibridal.com

Plus-size bridal gowns

American Commodore Tuxedo

1500 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus (inside Polaris Fashion Place)

614-436-2889, actux.com

Suiting rentals and sales

Arne Boutique

2704 Billingsley Rd., Columbus 614-806-5613, arneboutique.com

Indian attire and accessories

Attelé Bridal

3219 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington 614-707-2284, attelebridal.com

Bridal gowns

B. Loved Bridal Boutique 36 W. Gay St., Columbus 614-395-4437, blovedbridal.com

Bridal gowns

Columbus Alteration Co. 396 S. Washington Ave., Columbus 614-641-0377, columbusalterationco.com

Alterations

Cori Lynn Co. corilynnco.com

Handmade veils and headpieces

Delana Muse 614-859-9631, delanamuse.com

Bridal gowns and custom designs

Designer Dream Collection 479-739-7417, designer-dc.com

Indian attire and accessories for women

Dublin Bridal 4545 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Dublin 614-553-7146, dublinbridal.com

Bridal gowns and accessories

Dublin Formals (formerly By Vesna) 313 W. Bridge St., Dublin 614-726-9477, dublinformals.com

Formal gowns, suiting rentals and alterations

Gilded Social Alterations & Wedding Dress Care Studio

101 Mill St., Ste. 109, Gahanna 614-266-8140, shopgildedsocial.com

Gown alterations, steaming, preservation and other services

Gilded Social Bridal

127 E. Elm St., Granville 614-460-9659, shopgildedsocial.com

ABOUT THE ESSENTIALS GUIDE

The information in these listings is based on staff research. To submit listing updates and corrections, or to inquire about getting your business listed here, email editor Emma Frankart Henterly at ehenterly@columbusweddingsmag.com.

New and consignment/sample wedding gowns and accessories

Godfrys Men’s & Women’s Clothier 8801 Lyra Dr., Columbus 614-433-0101, godfrys.com

Suiting and accessories sales, custom suiting

Henri’s Bridal

8597 Sancus Blvd., Columbus 888-823-9880, henris.com

Bridal and wedding party gowns and accessories

The Indian Trunk 2679 Federated Blvd., Columbus 614-767-9540; theindiantrunkus.com

Indian attire and accessories for women

Joan’s Bridal Couture

7374 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg 614-856-9848, joansbridalcouture.com

Bridal and wedding party gowns, custom designs and suiting rentals

Koudré by Anushka 4020 N. Hampton Dr., Powell 614-806-1056, koudre.com

Indian attire

La Jeune Mariee 139 E. Main St., Columbus 614-228-2700, lajeunemariee.com

Bridal gowns and accessories

Luxe Redux Bridal 642 N. High St., Columbus 614-787-2930, luxereduxbridal.com

Consignment bridal gowns and accessories

Marc White Bespoke 4449 Easton Way, Second Floor, Columbus 614-356-9650, marcwhitebespoke.com

Custom suiting and accessories

Off White 15 N. High St., Dublin 614-726-9445, offwhiteofdublin.com

Consignment bridal gowns, wedding party gowns and men’s accessories

BECCA AND BROCK DUPONT Aug. 6, 2022

“We incorporated our personalities in a number of ways throughout the wedding, including our music, choice of wood-fired pizza for dinner and popsicles for dessert, disco decorations and flowers that were bright and full of life,” Becca says of her and Brock’s day at 1883 Locale. They also commemorated having all their loved ones in the same place with a post-ceremony group photo.

Original Alterations 2676 Billingsley Rd., Columbus 614-203-6784, originalalterations.com

Alterations

Pursuit 937 N. High St., Columbus 614-321-7848, pursuityourself.com

Suiting sales and accessories

Romanoff’s Classic Tuxedos 6391 Sawmill Rd., Dublin 614-336-9247, dublinohiotuxedostore.com

Suiting rentals and sales and accessories

Rust Martin 614-769-5934, rustmartinlife.com

Custom suiting and accessories

Samson Men’s Emporium 694 N. High St., Columbus 614-504-8038, samsonmensemporium.com

Suiting sales and accessories

AUDREY AND JUSTIN

JORDAN | Sept. 16, 2022

“Everyone stated that their favorite moment was watching the groom react to his bride walk down the aisle,” Audrey says. “He promptly sobbed as soon as he laid eyes on me. I laughed, as my plan to blow him away worked flawlessly.” The two married at North Bank Park Pavilion. They first met at Otterbein University, where they also met their photographer and wedding singer.

SGE Bridal

1020 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna

614-649-6939, sgebridal.com

Consignment bridal gowns and accessories

Sofyano

344 S. High St., Columbus 614-804-1978, sofyano.com

Suiting sales and accessories

Threadwell Clothiers

500 S. Front St., Ste. 130, Columbus 614-284-7468, threadwellclothiers.com

Custom suiting and accessories

Ticknors Men’s Clothier

1500 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus (inside Polaris Fashion Place) 614-888-8668, ticknors.com

Custom suiting and accessories

Pro Tip

Ask your florist if they use magnets for boutonnieres. They are much sturdier, easier to use, and you won’t have any more floppy boutonnieres!

—Kelly Newman, The Flower Bee Blooms

Twirl Bridal 101 N. Detroit St., Kenton 419-674-4878, twirlbride.com Bridal and wedding party gowns, accessories and suiting rentals

Vincent & West vincentandwest.com

Custom suiting and accessories

Wendy’s Bridal 6339 Sawmill Rd., Dublin 614-336-9100, wendysbridal.com

Bridal and wedding party gowns

White of Dublin 23 N. High St., Dublin 614-791-2600, whitebridalboutiques.com

Wedding gowns and accessories

Worn Once Bridal Boutique 694 High St., Worthington (inside Bendora Wedding Gallery) 614-436-8400

bendoraweddinggallery.com/worn-once Consignment wedding gowns

BARBERS AND SHAVE PARLORS

Bates & Brown 6562 Longshore St., Dublin; 614-450-1080 5033 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus; 614-981-7930 batesandbrown.com

Blue Star Barbershop

2144 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus; 614-547-0690

1175 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus; 614-525-0719

4146 Seward St., Columbus; 614-470-6990 6708 Perimeter Loop Rd., Dublin; 614-389-7026 bluestarbarbershop.com

Goodfellow’s Tonsorial Parlor 860 S. High St., Columbus 614-754-1116, goodfellowscolumbus.com

Holy Moses 909 W. Fifth Ave., Ste. 2, Columbus 614-931-0101, holymoseshair.com

Modern Male 24 Darby St., Dublin 614-588-0550, modernmalespas.com Also offers spa services

Moses Barber & Groom 746 S. High St., Columbus 614-914-8282, mosesbarber.com

The Mug & Brush 153 N. High St., Gahanna; 614-414-6544 themugandbrush.com

Royal Rhino Club 993 N. Fourth St., Columbus 614-396-2199, royalrhinoclub.com

Travis Men’s Grooming 5583 N. Hamilton Rd., Columbus 614-532-5952, travismensgrooming.com

Turner’s Barber Shop & Shaving Parlor 1249 N. High St., Columbus 405 E. Mound St., Columbus 614-560-1238, turnersbarbershop.com

BEAUTY SERVICES

614 Beauty 614-563-7141, 614beauty.com

On-site hair and makeup services

Alea Beauty

866-922-1550, aleabeauty.co

On-site hair and makeup services

Angie Warren Makeup Artistry

614-226-1940, angiewarrenartistry.com

On-site makeup services

Beyoutiful Creations Bridal

614-622-0570

beyoutifulcreationsbridal.com

On-site and salon-based hair services

The Blowout Bar

1378 Grandview Ave., Columbus; 614-732-0965

3910 Townsfair Way, Columbus; 614-532-6918

7196 Muirfield Dr., Dublin; 614-389-2798

theblowoutbar.com

Salon-based hair and makeup services

Boss Gal Beauty Bar

122 Graceland Blvd., Columbus; 614-558-4881

4129 Worth Ave., Columbus; 614-698-9996

1300 Grandview Ave., Grandview;

614-312-0778

9878 Brewster Ln., Powell; 380-232-1277 bossgalbeautybar.com

Salon-based medspa

B-Rose Beauty Bar

50 S. Liberty St., Suite 116, Powell 614-846-7673, brosebeauty.com

Salon-based hair services

Bridal Beauty Co.

1500 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus (inside Polaris Fashion Place)

614-468-1250, bridalbeautycompanyllc.com

Salon-based hair, makeup, hair removal and spa services

Brides by Blake 623 Park Meadow Rd., Ste. M, Westerville 614-943-5008, bridesbyblake.com

On-site hair and makeup services

Columbus Wedding Makeup & Hair 614-802-1248

columbusweddingmakeup.com

On-site hair and makeup services

The Corbetts put careful thought into every detail of their day at the Athletic Club of Columbus, tailoring it into a perfect representation of them. Signature drinks paid homage to their ’80s babies identities, a pianist played covers of contemporary pop love songs during cocktail hour, Connor wore his grandmother’s ring on his right hand, and welcome bags for out-of-towners were filled with Columbusand “love is love”-themed goodies.

The Facebar

7901 Diley Rd., Ste. 255, Canal Winchester; 614-321-2065

765 N. Hamilton Rd., Ste. 235, Gahanna; 614-321-2065

3821 Attucks Dr., Powell; 614-797-0975 theface.bar

Salon-based medspa

Glow Nail Bar 5077 N. Hamilton Rd., Columbus 614-532-8558, glownailbarohio.com

Salon-based nail services

Goode Beauty 6047 Frantz Rd., Ste. 106, Dublin 614-578-6941

goodebeautyhairandmakeup.com

On-site hair and makeup services

Henna by Sangeeta

614-586-2288, hennabysangeeta.com

On-site henna services

Kenneth’s Hair Salons & Day Spas 10 Central Ohio locations 614-538-5800, kenneths.com

PHOTOS: STEPHANIE WEST PHOTOGRAPHY

MICHAEL AND CONNOR CORBETT | Feb. 18, 2023

Salon-based hair, makeup, nail, hair removal and spa services

Lacquer Gallery

444, 448 and 453 W. Third Ave., Columbus; 614-230-2589

1117 Michigan Ave., Columbus (inside The Gold Room Tattoo + Esthetics); 614-264-0696 lacquergallery.com

Salon-based hair, makeup, nail, hair removal, spa and spray tan services

Lauren Wolff Hair Design

1500 W. Third Ave., Columbus 920-680-7750, laurenwolffhairdesign.com

Studio-based and on-site hair services

Le Rêve Chateau

133 S. State St., Westerville 740-703-3116, lerevemakeup.com/chateau

Rentable beauty prep space

Le Rêve Makeup & Hair

133 S. State St., Ste. 201, Westerville 740-703-3116, lerevemakeup.com

On-site hair and makeup services; also offers rentable beauty prep space

Love & Luxe Co.

6047 Frantz Rd., Ste. 106, Dublin loveandluxedublin.com

Rentable beauty prep space from MM Creative Studios and Goode Beauty

Makeup by January

2590 Columbus St., Grove City 614-753-0441, beautybyjanuaryalicia.com

Margy, Lynsey and Quierston of On Paper Press

What sets On Paper Press apart from other stationers?

We’ve been doing this since 1997 and are known for our bespoke, hands-on design with high-end products, as well as our outstanding client service and reputation. We know traditional wedding correspondence etiquette and how it has evolved. We help direct, not dictate, how you choose to handle this personal and important correspondence and ensure that every detail is attended to properly.

What trends will we see in wedding stationery in 2024?

Interactive elements such as QR codes for guests to scan, grommets, unique folds, clips and more. Couples are loving

Pro Tip

Make sure to have your rings cleaned the week of your wedding so they look as good as they can for your weddingday photos!

—Chelsea Norris, Kimberly’s Diamond Corner

Salon-based and on-site makeup, hair removal, spa and spray tan services

MakeYou614

614-460-1784, makeyou614.com

On-site makeup services

MM Creative Studios

6047 Frantz Rd., Ste. 106, Dublin 330-412-3400, mmcreativestudiosllc.com

Studio-based makeup services; also offers rentable beauty prep space

Mukha Spa

980 N. High St., Columbus 614-294-7546, mukhaspa.com

Salon-based and on-site makeup, hair removal, spa and spray tan services

Penzone Salons + Spas 5751 N. Hamilton Rd., Columbus 967 N. High St., Columbus 548 S. Third St., Columbus 6645 Village Pkwy., Dublin 771 Polaris Pkwy., Lewis Center

onpaper.com | @onpaper.press

patterns and texture, whether its cotton paper, velvet elements, letterpress or thermography.

When should I order my wedding stationery?

An ideal timeline is as follows:

• 9 to 12 months before your wedding: order your save-the-dates

• 7 months before: schedule your consultation, select your invitation design and place your order

• 5 weeks before: order your day-of accessories

614-418-5350, penzonesalons.com

Salon-based and on-site hair, makeup, nail, hair removal, spa and spray tan services

Posh! Nails 202 S. High St., Columbus 614-456-7265, poshdowntown.net

Salon-based nail services

Refeyeance Makeup & Hair 937-550-3034

bestweddinghairandmakeup.com

On-site hair and makeup services

Replenish Society 124 S. Washington Ave., Columbus 614-429-3165, replenishwith.us

Salon-based makeup, hair removal and spa services

Simply Makeup & Hair simplymakeupartists.com

On-site hair and makeup services

The Spa at River Ridge 5555 Wall St., Dublin 614-766-9946, thespaatriverridge.com

Salon-based and on-site hair, makeup, nail, hair removal and spa services

Square One Salon and Spa 275 S. Fourth St., Columbus; 614-365-3333 5485 New Albany Rd. W, New Albany; 614-775-0505

squareonesalon.com

Salon-based hair, makeup, nail, hair removal and spa services

State of Face

614-296-0123, stateofface.com

Studio-based and on-site makeup services

Sunup Studios

45 Second St., New Albany sunupstudios.com

Rentable prep space from The Blowout Bar

TruGlam

355 E. Campus View Blvd., Ste. 195, Columbus

614-259-7119, truglam.com

Salon-based hair, makeup, hair removal, spa and spray tan services

Virtue Vegan Salon

3282 N. High St., Columbus; 614-725-2329

690 S. High St., Columbus; 614-400-9590 virtuevegansalon.com

Salon-based hair and makeup services

W Nail Bar

946 N. High St., Columbus; 380-210-2719

216 Thurman Ave., Columbus; 380-210-2720

16 Crossing St., Unit D, Columbus; 380-210-2433

3704 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Columbus (inside DSW); 380-210-2521

3710 Easton Market, Columbus (inside DSW); 380-210-2524

1200 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus (inside DSW); 380-210-2436

98 N. High St., Dublin; 380-210-2419

160 W. Main St., Ste. E, New Albany; 380-210-2535

thewnailbar.com

Salon-based nail and hair removal services

CAKES AND DESSERTS

2C’s Bakery 614-662-0066, 2csbakery.com Egg-free

3rd & Spoon

614-219-9374, 3rdspoon.com

108 Delectable Delights 614-315-0746, 108delectabledelights.com Lacto-vegetarian, gluten-free

Alice’s Piece of Cake 2433 Home Rd., Powell 740-917-9031, alicespieceofcake.com

Bakes by Lo 5354 Center St., Hilliard (inside Center Street Market)

614-641-6931, bakesbylo.com

Bake Me Happy 500 E. Whittier St., Columbus 6750 Longshore St., Dublin (inside North Market Bridge Park)

614-477-3642, bakemehappygf.com Gluten-free

Belle’s Bread

1168 Kenny Centre Mall, Columbus 614-451-7110, bellesbread.com

Pro Tip

If you’re trying to decide between having an entertainer for your wedding day or just using a playlist, remember that a professional DJ does much more than play music. They will work with you from the beginning to design the flow of your day and will ensure everyone is in place and ready for every event, freeing you and your guests up to relax and have fun.

—Kurt Mueller, D and M DJ Entertainment

The Cake Studio 9117 Francine Ln., Powell 740-881-6400, thecakestudio.net

Cakes Creatively by Crystal 194 W. Church St., Pickerington 614-783-4830, cakescreativelybycrystal.com

Capital City Cakes 614-277-9338, capitalcitycakesoh.com

The Cheesecake Girl 1086 N. Fourth St., Columbus (inside Budd Dairy Food Hall) 4345 Dublin-Granville Rd., Dublin 5354 Center St., Hilliard (inside Center Street Market)

614-787-1753, thecheesecakegirl.com

KATHY CHAPIN YANKUS AND ROBERT YANKUS | Aug. 25, 2022

Kathy and Robert found a love worth waiting for; they married at St. Brendan the Navigator church and hosted their reception at WatersEdge Event + Conference Venue. Kathy’s nephew’s wife, owner of Virginia Cookie Co., created the cookies to serve as guest favors. “It was a beautiful day, and we were surrounded by all of our family and friends,” Kathy says.

Cherbourg Bakery

541 S. Drexel Ave., Bexley 614-725-4560, cherbourgbakery.com Gluten- and nut-free

Cheryl’s Cookies

179 Easton Town Center (Station Building, First Floor), Columbus; 614-416-6610 1641 W. Lane Ave., Upper Arlington; 614-488-9157

646 McCorkle Blvd., Westerville; 614-901-0046 cheryls.com

Cookie Lady Columbus cookieladycolumbus.com

Cotton Sugar Co. cottonsugarco.com

Donna’s Delicious Dozen 5322 N. Hamilton Rd., Columbus 614-245-4859, donnasdeliciousdozen.com

Dough Mama

3335 N. High St., Columbus; 614-268-3662 dough-mama.com

Enticing Icings 740-363-1470, enticingicings.com

Fate Cakes

1360 Cherry Bottom Rd., Gahanna 614-219-9429, fate-cakes.com

Happy Little Treats Vegan Bakery 1203 N. High St., Columbus 614-372-5655, happylittletreatsbakery.com

Vegan

J’s Sweet Treats and Wedding Cakes 400 N. High St., Columbus (inside the Greater Columbus Convention Center) 614-906-8888, jssweettreats.net

Jan Kish La Petite Fleur 633 Oxford St., Worthington 614-841-9794, jankish.com

Kelly’s Cakery 614-321-9866, kellyscakery.com

Kennedy’s Kakes 65 S. Fourth St., Columbus 614-600-2253, kkakes.com

Kittie’s Cakes

495 S. Third St., Columbus; 614-754-8828 2424 E. Main St., Bexley; 614-929-5000 693 High St., Worthington; 614-992-2899 kittiescakes.com

Kuro Neko Cake Studio kuronekocake.com

Lavender and Honey Wedding Cakes 614-547-9851 lavenderandhoneyweddingcakes.com

Le Gateau

7978 State Rt. 605 S, Westerville 614-306-2594, legateau.net

Miam Cake 614-306-1700, miamcake.com

After you say Yes! to the dress and I do to your groom, bring your gown to the professionals at Dublin Cleaners or New Albany Cleaners. We will clean and heirloom your gown to preserve the memories of your special day!

• Gown and bridal party pre-wedding pressing

• Spot cleaning and overall gown cleaning

• Wedding Day Emergency Kits

Contact: Margaret Butler, Bridal Specialist 614-335-9206 • mbutler@dublincleaners.com

KRISTEN AND JUSTIN KUBISCH | Oct. 22, 2022

“We were so blessed to have the most perfect wedding day,” says Kristen. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of our family, friends and the amazing vendors who helped us curate the most perfect day. It was filled with so much love.” She and Justin married at the Gardens at Jorgensen Farms; the ceremony was in its new Arboretum building.

Mjomii

2560 Bethel Rd., Columbus mjomii.square.site

Our CupCakery 54 S. High St., Dublin 614-659-1555, ourcupcakery.com

Pattycake Bakery

3870 N. High St., Columbus 614-784-2253, pattycakeveganbakery.com

Vegan

Pistacia Vera

541 S. Third St., Columbus 614-220-9070, pistaciavera.com

Plenty O’Cookies plentyocookies.com

Sadie Baby Sweets

1171 W. Third Ave., Columbus 614-723-9323, sadiebabysweets.com

Sauer Cakes 614-428-9741, sauercakes.com

The Suisse Shop Bakery

2119 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus 614-846-5102, thesuisseshop.com

Sweet & Shiny sweetandshiny.com

Three Bites Bakery

999 Mount Vernon Ave., Columbus 614-372-5930, threebitesbakery.com

CATERING

A Catered Event 4654 Groves Rd., Columbus 614-863-9281, acateredevent.biz

Artisan Eats 614-906-8011, aeplatters.com

The Berwick 3250 Refugee Rd., Columbus 614-235-7100, the-berwick.com

Bleu & Fig

4622 N. High St., Columbus (event space) 1160 W. Broad Street, Columbus (catering pickup) 614-348-3328, bleuandfig.com

Boards by Brooke boardsbybrooke.co

Bosc + Brie 7625 N. High St., Columbus 614-985-2215, boscandbrie.com

Cameron Mitchell Premier Events 7619 Huntington Park Dr., Columbus

614-848-4700, cameronmitchellpremierevents.com

Carfagna’s Custom Catering 1440 Gemini Pl., Columbus 614-846-6340, carfagnascatering.com

Catering by Chani 2942 E. Broad St., Columbus 614-235-8070, chanicooks.com

Creative Cuisine 839 Busch Ct., Columbus 614-436-4949

creativecuisinecolumbus.com

Great Point Kitchen & Events 112 E. High St., Mount Vernon 614-274-8996, greatpointkitchen.com

Hudson’s Edge Catering & Events 3121 Spring Valley Rd., London 740-490-5591, hudsons-edge.com

L.A. Catering 670 Harmon Ave., Columbus 614-358-5252, la-catering.com

Metro Cuisine 6185 Huntley Rd., Ste. C, Columbus 614-436-6369, metrocuisine.com

Pro Tip

Make sure the place where you plan to get ready has plenty of space and ample natural light.

Milo’s Catering

980 W. Broad St., Columbus 614-224-0272, cateringbymilos.com

PC Events Catering

50 S. Liberty St., Ste. 100, Powell 614-792-3993, pceventsinc.com

Schmidt’s Classic Catering 614-444-5050, schmidthaus.com/catering

Sharecuterie Grazing Boxes and Boards

3967 Presidential Pkwy., Ste. H, Powell 614-300-5486, sharecuterie.com

Steven’s Catering

1221 Chesapeake Ave., Columbus 614-486-1221, stevenscatering.com

Tasteful Occasion

5855 Frantz Rd., Dublin 614-414-6120, tastefuloccasion.com

Together & Company

550 S. High St., Columbus 614-882-7323, togetherandco.com

DANCE LESSONS

Arthur Murray Dance Studios 5371 N. High St., Columbus 614-847-7541, ohiodanceinc.com

Columbus DanceSport

640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd., Ste. A, Worthington 614-759-0502, columbusdancecentre.com

DanceEdge

1400 Dublin Rd., Ste. 103, Columbus 614-321-2348, mydanceedge.com

Emerald City Ballroom

2809 Festival Ln., Dublin 614-726-9700, emeraldcityballroom.com

Fred Astaire Dance Studios

8885 Basil Western Rd., Ste. F, Canal Winchester; 614-833-3400

1089 Bethel Rd., Columbus; 614-459-8079 3499 Market St., Powell; 740-368-9040 101 Westerville Plaza, Westerville; 614-890-9790 fredastaire.com

DRY CLEANING AND GOWN PRESERVATION

Columbus Lace Dry Cleaners

49 Greenlawn Ave., Columbus 614-444-7847, columbuslace.com

Dublin Cleaners

6845 Caine Rd., Columbus;

614-764-9934

5772 Frantz Rd., Dublin; 614-761-1551

7112 Muirfield Dr., Dublin; 614-760-1992

9711 Sawmill Pkwy., Ste. A, Powell; 614-791-1552

dublincleaners.com

New Albany Cleaners 4778 Morse Road, Columbus 614-532-5050, dublincleaners.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Arch City Lights

archcitylights.com

Live band

Baci Booths 614-450-0883, bacibooths.com

Open-air photo booth

Beat Squad Entertainment 614-385-2799, beatsquadentertainment.com

DJ services, lighting, and enclosed and openair photo booth

The Bluewater Kings 810-214-0020

bluewaterkingsband.com

Live band

Buckeye Entertainment 2280 Henderson Rd., Ste. C, Columbus 614-707-7671, buckeyeentertainment.com

DJ services, lighting and enclosed photo

—Carla Welechuk Kowski, Alea Beauty

Photos by Samuel Walker Photography

booth; also offers photography, planning and officiant services

The Columbus Photo Booth Co. 2212 Sunleaf Court, Columbus 614-961-8648 thecolumbusphotoboothcompany.com

Enclosed, open-air and mirror photo booth; also offers caricature artists, henna artists, lighting, décor and equipment rentals, DJ services, photography and videography

Class Acts Entertainment 614-358-1888, class-acts.com

Live musician booking agency

Columbus Musicians LLC 423-284-2290, columbusmusicians.com

Live musician ensembles

Columbus Pro DJs 614-224-1945, columbusprodjs.com

DJ services, lighting, and enclosed and digital photo booth; also offers videography

Columbus String Quartet columbusstringquartet.com

Live musicians

The Conspiracy Band 614-203-0140, suttonentertainment.net

Live band

Pro Tip

One or two days prior to your big day: book a massage! Before even more of the craziness occurs, take an hour or two just for you. You’ll thank yourself later!

—Megan Davidson, Penzone Salons + Spas

D and M DJ Entertainment 614-604-9400 dandmdjentertainment.com

DJ services, live trios and enclosed photo booth

Encore Entertainment 614-871-6003, yourencoredj.com

DJ services, lighting and open-air photo booth

The Floorwalkers thefloorwalkers.com

Live band

FunFaces by Steve Campbell 614-279-0950, funfaces.com

Caricature artist

H&H Luxury Event Rentals

614-300-0314, hhluxuryevents.com Mirror photo booth

JENNIFER AND MATTHEW STELL | Nov. 12, 2022

The Stells had a destination wedding at the Bluestone in Downtown Columbus. They live in Chicago, where Matthew is from; Jennifer is from Pittsburgh, so they decided to meet in the middle. They placed a large emphasis on their first dance to Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful,” for which they took dance lessons for a full year.

iShine Music Production 614-490-2110, ishinemusicpro.com

DJ services

Jazz Arts Group 614-294-5200, jazzartsgroup.org

Live musician booking agency

Jill Wright Crist, Cellist 614-330-8033, jillcrist.com

Cello soloist

Josh Staley Productions

614-310-5860, joshstaleyproductions.com

DJ services, open-air photo booth, lighting, cold spark fireworks, live video mixing, event livestreaming

Kurt Dreier Caricatures and Illustration 740-221-2480, kurtdreier.com

Caricature artist

Luminary Productions 614-526-8533, luminaryproductions.co

DJ services, selfie station, lighting, cold spark fireworks

Mark Dantzer Productions 614-329-7042, markdantzer.com

DJ services and lighting

Megabeat Entertainment 614-545-8810, megabeatdj.com

DJ services, enclosed photo booth, lighting; also offers floral design

MojoFlo mojoflomusic.com

Live band

Night Music DJ/Fizzy Cat Photo Booth nightmusicdj.com

DJ services, lighting, open air photo booth

Party Pleasers

614-396-7017, partypleasersservices.com

DJ services, enclosed photo booth, lighting, décor rentals

Platinum Music Productions

614-407-6935, platinummusicdj.com

DJ services, mirror photo booth, lighting

Picture Perfect Photobooth Rentals

855-664-2425, pictureperfectohio.com

Enclosed, open-air and mirror photo booth

Pulse Entertainment Ohio 614-674-9191, peohio.com

DJ services

Rachel Good Art rachelgoodart.com

Live event painting

Rachel Vaught Art rachelvaughtart.com

Live event painting

Reflections Event Group

614-394-8800, reflectionseventgroup.com

DJ services and enclosed and open-air photo booth; also offers photography and videography

The Selfie Spot 614 614-578-3705, theselfiespot614.com

Open-air photo booth, balloon backdrops

Social Booth Columbus 614-207-4154; socialboothcolumbus.com

Open-air photo booth; also offers videography

Shutterbooth

888-780-8837, shutterbooth.com

Enclosed photo booth and video/GIF booth

Street Players Band 614-818-1718, streetplayers.net

Live band

SWAGG swaggmidwest.com

Live band

T.E.A.M. DJ

614-798-8794, teamdj.com

DJ services, open-air photo booth and equipment rentals

Tiffany Jones, Harpist 423-284-2290, tiffanyenvid.com

Harp soloist

Tommy Nutter Presents

Diamond Entertainment 614-572-7850, diamond-entertainment.com

DJ and band booking agency; also books lighting, transportation, photography, videography

CUSTOM LABELS

the essentials

614.490.2110

Info@doingjusticeishine.com www.ishinemusicpro.com

@ishinemusicpro

Traveling Sound Entertainment 614-905-2322

travelingsoundentertainment.com

DJ services, lighting, mirror photo booth

Turn Up Columbus 614-526-9212, turnupcolumbus.com

DJ services, lighting, selfie station

VIP Events Management

614-823-8300, vipeventsmgmt.com

DJ services, décor rentals; also offers photography, videography

FLORISTS AND EVENT DESIGNERS

Alchemy Styled 614-636-0320, alchemystyled.com

Event designer

Ampersand Flowers & Events

614-601-6445, ampersandflowers.com

Full-service florist; also offers officiant services

Ava Ari Design Co.

614-219-9041, avaaridesignco.com

Event styling and design

B3 Events 614-219-9354, b3event.com

Event design specializing in Southeast Asian and Indian weddings; also offers décor rentals, full-service planning, month-of coordination and destination wedding planning

Battiste LaFleur Galleria 825 E. Long St., Columbus 614-253-8000, blgflowers.com

Full-service florist and retail shop; also offers event design and décor rentals

Bear Roots Floral bearrootsfloral.com

Full-service florist; also creates living botanical jewelry

Blühen 1149 Goodale Blvd., Columbus 614-607-0523, bluhen.florist

Full-service florist

Blümen blumencbus.com

Full-service florist

Dahlia Occasions 5805 Chandler Ct., Ste. B, Westerville 614-893-9888, dahliaoccasions.com

Full-service florist and event design; also offers décor, event planning and coordination services, lighting packages, linens and more

Dalay Ket Event Design 614-270-1604, dalayket.com

Full-service florist and event designer; also offers lighting, draping, hourly design consulting

Evergreen Flower Co. 3477 N. High St., Columbus 614-558-0502, evergreenflower.co

Full-service florist

Florish 614-686-0408, loveflorish.com

Full-service florist

A PERSONAL AND CREATIVE SPIN ON WEDDING DJ SERVICES

ERICA AND MORGEN LEWIS

Oct. 14, 2022

Flourish Bespoke Floral & Event Styling

1147 Goodale Blvd., Columbus

614-581-5752, flourishbespoke.com

Full-service florist; also offers décor rentals

The Flower Bee Blooms 614-653-8030

theflowerbeeblooms.com

Full-service florist

The Flowerman 614-935-5832

flowermanflowers.com

Full-service florist; also offers DIY pricing

Hilliard Floral Design

4120 Main St., Hilliard

614-777-7795, hilliardfloral.com

Full-service florist and retail shop

Inspired Settings

937-578-8104, inspiredsettings.co

Full-service florist and event designer

Jewelweed Flower & Plant Shop

291 W. Rich St., Columbus; 614-372-5295

3045 Indianola Ave., Columbus; 614-373-5895

jewelweedshop.com

Full-service florist and retail shop

Madison House Designs

614-561-0135, madisonhousedesigns.com

Full-service florist

Natural Designs

614-395-3466, naturaldesignflorals.com

Full-service florist

Old Slate Farm

740-398-1279, oldslatefarm.com

Full-service florist

Orchard Lane Flowers

3378 Indianola Ave., Columbus

614-262-0880, orchardlaneflowers.com

Morgen’s father sketched the couple’s venue, the Columbus Museum of Art, for their invitation suite. They included their late grandparents in their stationery, too: Their photos and love stories were included in the ceremony programs. “It was a great way to connect both of our families’ histories and have our guests read about the people who were so important to shaping who we became,” Erica says. www.aleabeauty.co

Full-service florist and retail shop

Photo by Rachel Bush Photography

KATIE

AND ALEX COHEN | Oct. 8, 2022

Both Katie and Alex had grandmothers who couldn’t attend their wedding at the Athletic Club of Columbus, so Katie wore a sapphire ring and a broach that belonged to each of them. She cites a few dance floor moments as the most memorable parts of the day: dancing the hora, a groomsman’s breakdance moves and guests’ reactions to the latter!

Petals & Leaves

1266 Goodale Blvd., Columbus 614-785-9690, petalsandleaves.net

Full-service florist and retail shop; also offers DIY pricing and décor rentals

Petals That Inspire

655 N. Cassady Ave., Columbus 614-407-4355, petalsthatinspire.com

Full-service florist and retail shop

Prema Designs

2000 S. High St. #2425, Columbus 614-929-5117, prema-designs.com

Full-service florist and event designer; also offers décor rentals, lighting and draping

Rose & Berry

215 King Ave., Columbus

614-372-5537, roseandberryfloral.com

Full-service florist and retail shop

Shaffer Creative Co.

614-390-0093, shaffercreativeco.com

Full-service florist

Stem Floral Studio

614-301-8015, stemfloralstudio.com

Full-service florist

SunflowerKate Florals

614-285-3826, sunflowerkateflorals.com

Full-service florist

Vessel Floral and Event Design 539 S. Fifth St., Columbus

614-795-0936, vesselevents.com

Full-service florist and retail shop

GIFTS AND FAVORS

Al’s Delicious Popcorn

5354 Center St., Hilliard (inside Center Street Market); 614-451-9671

1500 Bethel Rd., Columbus; 800-396-7010 or 614-451-7677

alspopcorn.com

Flavored popcorn

American Nut Co.

59 Spruce St., Columbus (inside North Market)

212 Kelton Ave., Columbus (inside East Market)

400 N. High St., Columbus (inside the Greater Columbus Convention Center) 614-535-8200, americannutcompany.com Nuts, flavored popcorn and more

Anthony-Thomas Candy Co.

13 Central Ohio locations anthony-thomas.com

Chocolates, candies and nuts

Cascata Gifts

614-638-1006, cascatagifts.com

Pre-made and custom gift boxes

Celebrate Local 3952 Townsfair Way, Columbus 614-471-6446, celebratelocalohio.com

Apparel, foods, candies, chocolates, jewelry, décor, bath and body products, and more

Glean

614-906-3178, shopglean.com

Décor, jewelry, and bath and body products

Glenn Avenue Soap Co. 1166 W. Fifth Ave., Columbus 614-706-7221, glennavesoap.com

Bath and body products

Humraha Gifts

614-434-6066, humraha.com

Muslim-friendly apparel, jewelry, décor and home goods

Krema Nut Co. 1000 Goodale Blvd., Columbus 614-299-4131, krema.com

Nuts, nut butters, candies, chocolates and more

Pam’s Market Popcorn and Windy City Eats 955 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna 614-222-1850, pamspopcorn.com

Flavored popcorn

Penn & Beech Candle Co. 1255 Grandview Ave., Columbus; 614-488-2009

737 N. High St., Columbus; 614-949-1458 646 High St., Worthington; 614-433-9900 pennandbeech.com

Custom candles and bath and body products

Pro Tip

One of the best parts of hiring a live wedding painter is that you can include loved ones who have passed away (or pets!) in the painting. You can have your artist paint their portrait into the painting from a photo, or add a symbolic touch like their favorite bird or flower.

—Rachel Good, Rachel Good Art

Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Co.

15 N. State St., Westerville 614-800-4642, shirleyspopcorn.com Flavored popcorn

Winans Chocolates + Coffees

897 S. Third St., Columbus; 614-445-6464 1125 Yard St., Columbus; 614-429-3561 52 S. High St., Dublin; 614-766-7061 winanscandies.com

Chocolates, coffee beans and gift sets

JEWELERS

Alexander’s Jewelers

689 N. High St., Columbus 614-233-6666, alexanderscolumbus.com

Argo & Lehne

3100 Tremont Rd., Columbus 614-457-6261, argolehne.com

Carioti Jewelers

175 Cleveland Ave., Columbus 614-221-8588, jewelercolumbusohio.com

Denig Jewelers 677 High St., Worthington 800-601-2801, denigjewelers.net

Diamond Cellar

3960 New Bond St., Columbus; 614-923-6633

6280 Sawmill Rd., Dublin; 614-336-4545 diamondcellar.com

Dublin Village Jewelers

251 W. Bridge St., Dublin 614-726-9944, dublinvillagejewelers.com

Jack Seibert Goldsmith & Jewelers

1741 W. Lane Ave., Columbus 614-486-4653, jackseibert.com

Jeff Johnson & Co. 5025 Arlington Centre Blvd., Ste. 130, Columbus 614-459-8890, jjandcompany.com

Leo Alfred Jewelers 4115 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Dublin 614-889-5888, leoalfred.com

Meyers Jewelers

1494 Stringtown Rd., Grove City 614-594-8845, meyersjewelers.com

Sept. 3, 2022

Because many of Piyush’s relatives were unable to attend his and Jenna’s wedding at Understory, they incorporated elements that paid homage to Rajasthan, India, where he’s from. Guest favors were handmade notebooks from his hometown, and the meal and playlist included elements from both cultures. Jenna cites the dancing as a major highlight of the day. “Almost everyone joined in with enthusiasm,” she notes.

Sakasci Diamonds

39 E. Main St., Ste. 119, New Albany 614-721-5063, columbusohiojewelers.com

Sawchuk Jewelers

5093 Cemetery Rd., Hilliard 614-219-1385, sawchukjewelers.com

Star Jewelers 607 N. High St., Columbus 614-235-4333, starjewelersonhigh.com

Scott’s Custom Jewelers 6365 Perimeter Dr., Dublin 614-336-4111, scottscustomjewelers.com

Store 5a

3985 Morse Crossing, Columbus 614-454-4565, store5a.com

William A. Weidinger Goldsmith & Jewelry Design

1458 W. Fifth Ave., Columbus 614-481-8866, williamweidinger.com

Worthington Jewelers 692 High St., Worthington 614-430-8800, worthingtonjewelers.com

MOBILE BARS

Alco-Haul Mobile Bar 614-953-1053, alcohaulmobilebar.com

Cheers on Wheels

614-304-1279, cheersonwheelsusa.com

Drank Tank 504-782-7877, dranktank.fun

Short & Stout Mobile Bar 419-617-5271, shortandstoutbar.com

The Sippin’ Stable Mobile Bar Co. 614-832-2200

thesippinstablemobilebarco.com

Sunshine Wine Mobile Bar 614-204-8359, sunshinewinebar.com

Trailer Made Mobile Bar

614-937-5486, trailermademobilebar.com

Typsy Gypsy Traveling Bar 937-935-6161, typsygypsycolumbus.com

OFFICIANTS

Amy F. Aurore Weddings 617-990-7330, amyfaurore.com

As You Wish Wedding Officiant 614-759-0450

asyouwishweddingofficiant.weebly.com

Boom Married Officiating Services 614-321-5656, boom-married.com

Columbus Wedding Officiants chasewaits.com

Run to an Elopement 614-495-6207

runtoanelopement.com

Simply I Do Ceremonies 614-570-3855, simplyidoceremonies.com

The Uncommon Officiant 614-499-5802, theuncommonofficiant.com

United Marriage Services 614-546-9634, unitedmarriageservices.com

Wows and Vows 937-243-8144, wowsandvows.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS

222 Photography 614-940-9592

twotwentytwophotography.com

Photography

614 Boudoir Photography 614-636-1531, 614boudoir.com

Boudoir photography

Abigail Reeder Photography abigailreederphotography.com

Photography

ALC Productions

614-208-4710, alcproductions.org

Videography

Alson Photo alsonphoto.com

Photography and boudoir photography

Amy Ann Photography 614-245-5311, amyannphoto.com

Photography

Angela Woolridge Portrait 614-745-4710, angelawoolridge.com

Boudoir photography

Ashley Wallace Photography

614-746-3043, ashleywallacephoto.com

Photography

JENNA AND PIYUSH YADAV

Pro Tip

The recipe to a perfect photo experience: Great light (regardless of location) and having an amazing experience with the people you care about the most.

—Robb McCormick, Robb McCormick Photography

Asteria Photography 614-648-3967, asteriaphoto.com

Photography

Bear Creative Co. 715-413-1420, bearcreativeco.com

Photography

Blue Skies HD Video 614-890-4045, blueskieshd.com

Videography

Boudoir by Erica 614-582-8872, boudoirbyerica.com

Boudoir photography

The Brauns 937-768-3160, wearethebrauns.com

Photography

Capstone Cinema 614-746-5459, capstonecinema.com

Videography

Chris Bowman Photography chrisbowmanphotography.com

Photography

Cinemachine Studios 614-206-6165, cinemachinestudios.com

Videography

Columbus Boudoir 614-653-8114, columbusboudoir.com

Boudoir photography

Columbus Wedding Videos

614-725-0169, columbusweddingvideos.com

Videography

Comfort Photography 614-668-7609, comfortphotography.com

Photography

Derk’s Works Photography 614-887-7502, derksworks.com

Photography, videography and open-air photo booth

Eldon Wedding Films

614-623-3750, eldonweddingfilms.com

Videography

Emily Mollineaux Photography 513-520-2663, emilymollineaux.com

Photography

Emily Schutz Photos 614-747-1036, emilyschutzphotos.com

Photography and videography

Erica Kay Photography

513-502-9495, ericakayphotography.com

Photography

Gabriella Sutherland Photography 614-602-2562

gabriellasutherlandphotography.com

Photography

Grace E. Jones Photography graceejones.com

Photography, videography and stop-motion GIF-ideography

The Howard Brand 802-380-4035, thehowardbrand.com

Photography and boudoir photography

J. Hannah Photography jhannahphotography.com

Photography and boudoir photography

Jonah Epps Films 614-390-6486, jonahepps.com

Videography

Josh Dyer Films 740-816-4773, joshdyerfilms.com

Videography

Joslyn Crowl Photography 740-972-9891, joslyncrowl.com

Boudoir photography

Kismet Visuals 614-578-3705, kismetvisuals.com

Photography

the essentials

Kodjoarts Videography & Photography

614-226-1762, kodjoarts.com

Photography and videography

Little Tree Studios

614-886-3329, littletreestudios.com

Photography, videography and open-air photo booth

Maria Hall Photography 614-531-0176

mariahallphotography.com

Photography

Melissa Chu Photography 614-581-4246

melissachuphotography.com

Photography

Michelle Joy Photography michellejoyphoto.com

Photography

Morgan Whitney Photography

614-668-1230

morganwhitneyphotography.com

Photography and boudoir photography

Nathan Peppers Films

614-981-6874, nathanpeppersfilms.com

Videography

MERCEDES AND RAY DECKMAN | Oct. 15, 2022

“The whole weekend was something we will never forget. To have our friends and family travel to Hocking Hills to celebrate with us meant the world,” Mercedes says. “Crockett’s Run was a dream to work with, as well as all of our vendors. They made everything go smoothly and helped make the weekend something we will remember forever.”

Nicole Dixon Photographic 614-718-0892, nicoledixon.com

Photography

Nicole Leoné Miller Photography

740-501-7847, nicoleleonemiller.com

Photography and boudoir photography; also offers graphic design services

Olivia Doerfler Photography oliviadoerfler.com

Photography

Peak & Sparrow 937-578-8340, peakandsparrow.com

Photography and videography

Photo 243

614-804-5336, photo243.com

Photography

Picture the Love/ Picture the Love After Dark

614-323-6583, picturethelove.com

Photography and boudoir photography

Prodigy Weddings

614-321-9350, prodigyweddings.com

Videography

Pro Tip

When walking in the processional/ recessional, walk slower than you normally would—and also look up and smile.

—Lisa Waricka, Emergence Photography

Queen Anne’s Lace Photography 614-309-1719

queenanneslacephotography.com

Photography

Rachel Joy Barehl

racheljoybarehl.com

Photography

Red Gallery Photography 614-794-1113, redgalleryphoto.com

Photography

Robb McCormick Photography 614-834-4956, robbmccormick.com

Photography

Seth and Beth Wedding Photography

614-300-5050, sethandbeth.com

Photography

www.theflowerbeeblooms.com

the essentials

Pro Tip

Start your skincare early! The best glow-ups are a journey. We can’t sprint to greatness.

—Leslie McBride, The Facebar

The Simmons Photography 267-909-7006

thesimmonsphotography.com

Photography

Sound + Light Creative

614-859-2457, soundandlightcreative.com

Videography; also offers DJ services

Starling Studio

614-423-9094, starling-studio.com

Photography

Stephanie Kase Photography stephaniekase.com

Photography

Storyteller Adams 614-425-5010, storytelleradams.com

Photography

Time Capsule Collective 330-396-0012, timecapsulecollective.com

Videography

Tudor Rose Productions

419-575-8048, tudorroseproductions.com

Videography

PLANNERS AND CONSULTANTS

Active Travel

5064 Cemetery Rd., Hilliard

614-771-6200, activetraveldeals.com Travel planner/adviser

Aisle & Co.

614-735-3656, aisleandcompany.com

Full-service planning, month-of coordination and event design

Alexa Kate Events

614-579-8886, alexakateevents.com

Full-service planning/event design and month-of coordination

Andréa’s Occasions

614-259-8045, andreasoccasions.com Full and partial planning services and day-of coordination

Ashley Stephan Weddings & Events ashleystephanweddings.com

Full-service and partial planning, day-of coordination and destination wedding planning

Auburn & Ivory auburnandivorycreative.com

Full-service wedding planning and event design; also offers à la carte design and handlettering services

Berlyn Events

614-468-3595, berlyndesign.com

Event design, full and partial planning, and day-of coordination

Bliss Honeymoons & Destination Weddings

614-286-7799, blisshoneymoons.com

Travel planner/adviser and destination wedding planner

BurgundyGinger Events

614-285-5799, burgundygingerevents.net

Full-service and month-of planning; also offers balloon garlands and marquee letter rentals

Calyco Travel

614-266-0917, calycotravel.com

Travel planner/adviser

Camela Lynn Weddings & Events

614-467-0510

camelalynnweddingsandevents.com

Full-service and partial planning, month-of coordination and hourly consulting services; also offers dessert table design

Compass Travel 4182 Worth Ave., Columbus 614-454-1442, compasstravelagency.com

Travel planner/adviser

Devoted Columbus 5251 Norwich St., Hilliard 614-717-7526, devotedcolumbus.com

Full-service and partial planning and day-of coordination; also offers self-serve resource center

Distinct Event Planning

614-577-1844, distincteventplanning.com

Full-service and partial planning and monthof coordination

Events Held Dear 740-816-9541, eventshelddear.com

Full-service planning, event design and dayof coordination

The Finer Things Event Planning

614-330-8583

thefinerthingseventplanning.com

Full-service planning

Grandview Travel 1540 W. Fifth Ave., Columbus 614-486-1943, grandviewtravel.com

Travel planner/adviser

Joie de Vivre Events

740-825-0027, jdveventsllc.com

Full-service, partial and destination planning; also offers honeymoon/travel planning

MMJ Events

614-579-1092, mmjevents.com

Full-service planning, event design and dayof coordination

Red Letter Day Events

614-551-7594, redletterdayevents.com

Full-service and partial planning; also offers hourly consultations and officiant services

Rooted Together

7347 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg 614-309-1351, rootedtogether.co

Full-service planning and day-of coordination

614.653.8030

Inclusion, equality and flowers for all

STR Events

614-300-0139, strevents.com

Full- and partial-service planning and monthof coordination

Thyme & Details

614-859-2757, thymeanddetails.com

Full-service planning, month-of coordination and à la carte services

Uniglobe Travel Designers

614-237-4488, uniglobetraveldesigners.com Travel planner/adviser

RENTALS AND DÉCOR

Alpha-Lit Columbus alphlitletters.com/columbus

A Vision of Elegance Event Rentals

900 Bunty Station Rd., Delaware 614-915-6159, envision-elegance.com

Aiden & Grace

2000 S. High St., Columbus 614-400-5978, aidenandgrace.com

Design Exchange

88 Richards Rd., Columbus 614-946-0128, designexchangerentals.com

FlowerWalls of Columbus 614-783-4180, flowerwallsofcolumbus.com

Got Ya Covered Linens

723 Radio Dr., Lewis Center 614-396-9612, gotyacoveredlinens.com

Lasting Impressions Event Rentals

5080 Sinclair Rd., Columbus 614-252-5400, lirents.net

Light Up Columbus

614-832-3139, lightupcolumbus.com

Main Events Party & Event Rental

1015 Brice St., Newark 740-322-6355, maineventspartyrental.com

Sage Hill Rentals sagehillrentals.wixsite.com/sagehillrentals

The Woven Aisle 614-565-6313, thewovenaisle.com

STATIONERY AND CALLIGRAPHY

Avant-Garde Impressions

54 Dillmont Dr., Columbus 614-259-7082, agimpressions.com

BB Letters

614-582-5453, briannabarnard.com

Calligraphy by Keri 614-214-2610, bykeri.com

Ink and Ivory

326 E. Sycamore St., Columbus 740-501-1245, inkandivory.com

JesMarried jesmarried.com

Lovely Arrows Designs 614-512-4783, lovelyarrows.com

Lumaca Paper

400 W. Rich St., Columbus 419-889-8324, lumacapaper.com

On Paper Press

692 N. High St. #206, Columbus 614-935-9530, onpaper.com

Paper Betty paperbetty.com

Paper Occasions

55 S. High St., Ste. 104, Dublin 614-381-9297, paperoc.com

The Paper Vault

272 S. Drexel Ave., Bexley 614-859-5538, thepapervault.com

The Paper Vow thepapervow.com

Paxton Hale Design 614-581-9783, paxtonhaledesign.com

Script One Four scriptonefour.com

You’re Invited 614-989-0255, youre-invited.net

TRANSPORTATION

The BEAT 614-237-4216, bexleybeat.net

Cardinal Transportation 614-274-2500, cardinaltrans.com

Columbus Coach & Supreme Limousine 614-944-9920, columbuscoach.com

Columbus Trolley Co. / Coach Quarters 614-738-8889, columbustrolley.com

Fun Bus 740-653-4600, funbus.com

Grandiose Limousines 614-787-1409, grandioselimousines.com

Pedal Wagon 614-805-5497, pedalwagon.com/columbus

The Ride 614-747-0022, theridecolumbus.com

614-483-3300, xtremelimocolumbus.com

Pro Tip

Ask your florist to leave any extra petals for your photographer to photograph detail shots.

Ad Index

happily ever after

A WALK IN THE WOODS

When Maddie and Phil Applegate were planning their low-key backyard wedding on Aug. 13, 2022, they realized their top-pick photographer, India Jade Photo, was already booked. The solution, they decided, was capturing a few photos of the ceremony with another photographer, then scheduling a later portrait session with their wedding-day attire and photographer of choice. Together, the three hiked the Cedar Falls trail in the Hocking Hills two weeks postwedding for photos. “We really like being alone in the woods; we really like being surrounded by nature,” Maddie says. “[It was] a more intimate setting.”

PHOTO: INDIA JADE PHOTO

COLUMBUS WEDDINGS FALL/WINTER 2023