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A Vibrant Ohio Wedding Inspired by Monet’s Garden

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Location: Cleveland, Ohio, US
Setting: Historic Courthouse
The number of guests: 115
Wedding Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 14 months
Wedding theme/style: Old world, ornate, elegant, traditional.

Molly and Austin’s story began while studying at Arizona State University. Despite having mutual friends and attending many of the same events and gatherings, it wasn’t until their final semester at ASU that they truly connected during the Phoenix Open. They spent most of the day conversing, paying little attention to the golf tournament. After graduating, both Molly and Austin chose to stay in Phoenix, where their relationship blossomed. Three years later, Austin proposed to Molly in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.

While Austin wanted a traditional wedding, Molly preferred a more intimate gathering. After some convincing, Austin persuaded Molly to have a large celebration in Cleveland, filled with dancing and partying. To manage the logistics of planning a wedding from across the country, the couple enlisted the help of the planners at A Charming Fête. Their expertise and meticulous planning made the entire process smooth and stress-free.

Right before the wedding, the couple organized a rehearsal dinner to spend more time with their loved ones. For this special occasion, the bride wore the same hat that her mother had worn on her own wedding day. She also chose a dress that mirrored her mother’s wedding gown, featuring pleating, lace trim, and sheer sleeves.

The wedding morning was filled with warm emotions as Molly prepared for her special day. She wore a stunning Vivienne Westwood gown with a Chan Luu pearl necklace, and she opted for a dramatic cathedral-length veil with a blusher. The bride traveled to California in search of her perfect gown. Discovering LOHO Bride on Instagram, she instinctively knew it was the place where she would find her dream dress. Fortunate enough to secure an appointment with the owner and curator, Christy Baird, the bride was styled in the iconic Vivienne Westwood Cocotte gown paired with a Chan Luu pearl choker. From that moment on, the rest was history.

“It was very important to me to have my hair and makeup resemble my typical style. My makeup artist, Merideth, and hair stylist, Caitlin, were an absolute dream team,” shared Molly. She requested a soft glam makeup look with bronzy eyeshadow and plenty of blush and chose a classic, chic low bun for her hair. The result was a perfect blend of elegance and personal style, setting the tone for the beautiful day ahead.

Austin wore a classic black tuxedo and bow tie, completing his look with Jimmy Choo patent leather Derby shoes to match Molly’s Jimmy Choo heels. Adding a touch of personality, he wore Millennium Falcon cufflinks and gifted each groomsman a unique pair of Star Wars cufflinks to wear with their tuxes.

Molly and Austin’s first look was filled with anticipation and love. As Molly approached Austin, he was waiting with excitement and emotion. He turned around to see Molly for the first time, and their faces lit up with joy. The couple shared a tender embrace, their smiles reflecting their deep connection.

Molly’s bridal party was a radiant vision of joy and elegance. The bridesmaids, dressed in stunning white gowns, perfectly complemented Molly’s gown, creating a timeless and cohesive look. Each bridesmaid held a vibrant bouquet of colorful flowers, adding a beautiful pop of color against their classic dresses. The groomsmen, in their black tuxedos, walked alongside the bridesmaids, adding to the overall elegance of the group. Together, they created a picture-perfect scene highlighting the beauty of friendship and love on Molly and Austin’s special day.

Molly and Austin’s ceremony took place at the beautiful St. John Cantius Catholic Church. The church’s stunning architecture and intricate stained glass windows provided a perfect backdrop for this special moment. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows, sharing loving glances and smiles throughout the ceremony. Surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight and the support of their friends and family, they made vows to each other. As they exited the church, the newlyweds were greeted with cheers and applause, ready to start their new journey together.

The reception decor, masterfully orchestrated by A Charming Fete, was breathtaking. Drawing inspiration from Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny and the grandeur of The Palace of Versailles, the planners achieved a perfect fusion of garden elegance within a grand, historic venue. The reception’s focal point was a majestic 24-foot floral arch standing between marble pillars, a striking feature that drew all eyes. Tables were adorned with vibrant florals and fresh fruits, creating a lively, colorful display that radiated a natural, garden-like feel. The exquisite cake, with its floral decorations and painted details, stood as a centerpiece of its own, capturing the joyous and vibrant spirit of the celebration. The couple’s desire for an unforgettable wedding filled with abundant, colorful florals was beautifully realized, making their special day a memorable experience for all guests.

The wedding celebration was a splendid experience in an exquisite, grand hall adorned with soaring arches and elegant columns. The atmosphere was filled with joy and sophistication as the newlyweds entered the hall, radiating happiness and excitement.

A particularly touching aspect of the celebration was incorporating several sentimental items. The newlyweds used the same champagne coupes that the bride’s grandparents had received as a wedding gift and had used on the day of their engagement, bringing a sense of continuity and family heritage to their special day. Additionally, the couple cut their wedding cake with the same knife the bride’s grandparents used at their wedding, further honoring their family’s traditions. The cake itself was a work of art adorned with floral decorations that mirrored the vibrant blooms surrounding the venue. These personal touches added a deep meaning and connection to the couple’s joyous celebration.

The night unfolded with the newlyweds and their guests dancing the night away. Few things delight the groom more than a Disneyland churro, so he made sure bite-sized churros were on the menu for a late-night snack, providing a sweet treat to refuel everyone’s dancing shoes.

Advice from the couple:

• The most challenging part of our wedding weekend was not having enough time to spend with each guest to show our gratitude for supporting and celebrating with us! To help with this, we highly recommend hosting additional events, such as a welcome party or farewell brunch. This will give you more time to socialize with your guests throughout the weekend and alleviate some pressure on the wedding day.

• Do what makes you most comfortable and forget about all of the wedding superstitions and old traditions. Molly knew she would be extremely nervous the morning of the wedding, and Austin was the only person who could calm her nerves. Instead of following tradition and spending the morning apart, they decided to spend some time getting ready together, and it is one of their favorite memories of the day.