Columbus Weddings: Winter/Spring 2015-2016

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Say

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Presented by

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General Admission: $10 online • $12 at the door Bridal 3-Pack: $25 (admits 3)

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Visit ColumbusWeddingsMag.com for more information.

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T E 15 at m KE L R ine .co C SA E nl ag TI N B ts o M O EMicke ings !

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An event for all couples planning their big day!

Expert advice from Say Yes to the Dress and Randy to the Rescue star

Randy Fenoli!

Saturday, January 23 | 2 p.m.

Sunday, January 24 | 2 p.m.

Plus,

The Charles Penzone Fashion Show

featuring:

David’s Bridal, Joan’s Bridal Couture, La Jeune Mariee Bridal Boutique, Luxeredux Bridal, Men’s Wearhouse, Meyers Jewelers & Wendy’s Bridal.

Produced by Bliss Wedding & Event Design.

Saturday, January 23 | Noon & 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 24 | 1 & 3:30 p.m.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

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on.

ACHIEVERS

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Contents Winter/Spring 2015-16

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A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

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I DO Checklist, etiquette tips, color trends, budgeting advice, real talk from real brides, an engagement story, a wedding nonprofit

style

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24

GOWNS Boho gowns from B. Loved Bridal Boutique, stress-free shopping, gown tailoring, wearing a family gown, something blue

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ACCESSORIES Shoe spotlight, BOHINDI jewelry

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BRIDAL PARTY Bridesmaid dresses

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MENSWEAR Accessory trends, men’s grooming

58

BEAUTY Spa packages, emergency kits, hair and makeup trial questions

62

FLOWERS Minimalist bouquets, flowers by color, flower crowns

71

RINGS Custom rings, Grandview jewelry designers, ring trends

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main event

planning

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176 EXPERTS

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CEREMONY Decoding parts of a ceremony, writing your wedding vows RECEPTION Venue renovations, choosing a reception spot, venue spotlight, venue listings

124 CATERING Trends, post-wedding brunch, buffet versus plated meals, local alcohol options

132 REHEARSAL DINNER Unique Columbus spots

134 CAKES Floral and tiered cakes, dietary restrictions, cake costs, tasting 101

images 144 WEDDING-DAY

PHOTOGRAPHY Photography advice, favorite photos from this issue’s couples, photo checklist, black and white shots, winter wear

154 ENGAGEMENT Left: Karen Willis Holmes “Genevieve” gown, Karen Willis Holmes slip dress and Camilla Christine “Lanen” sash; all at B. Loved Bridal Boutique. 14-karat white and rose gold ring with bead-set diamonds, at Leo Alfred Jewelers. flower crown, at evergreen flower Co. (Will Shilling Photo) ABove: emma frankart and Matt Henterly share a first look on their May 9, 2015, wedding day. (Julian Allen Photography)

PHOTOGRAPHY Ideas and preparation

162 VIDEOGRAPHY Spotlight on AddVision

163 REAL WEDDINGS

Q&A with Randy Fenoli

179 CONSULTANTS Forget-me-not details from the pros

181 INVITATIONS Paper goods, addressing invitations, save-the-dates

185 MUSIC DJs’ thoughts on popular songs, spotlight on The Reaganomics, songs for a first dance

190 GIFTS Local shop registries, favorite gifts

192 CELEBRATIONS Columbus bachelorette parties

194 HONEYMOON European destinations

198 EXTRAS Changing your last name

resources 96

RECEPTION GUIDE

178 THE COLUMBUS WEDDINGS SHOW

199 ADVERTISER INDEX ON THE COVER: Our model, Alisa Smolyakova, in a Karen Willis Holmes gown from B. Loved Bridal Boutique. (Will Shilling Photo)

Columbus WEDDINGs |

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editor’s letter

Welcome to

Our goal is to stay on top of the bridal industry trends and deliver them in a way that makes your life as a bride- or groomto-be a little bit easier. So that’s why we’re evolving with the trends, too. You’ll notice the magazine has a new name: We’ve rebranded to Columbus Weddings. What does that mean for you as you’re planning your wedding? You’re still getting the same great content, and we’re continuing to deliver on our promise to be your No. 1 source for executing a stellar Columbus celebration.

If you’re inspired by bohemian beauty, don’t miss this issue’s fashion spread on page 24. A big thank you to everyone involved, including our gracious host, Jorgensen Farms. Learn about three European honeymoon destinations on page 194. If these spots don’t give you the travel bug, I don’t know what will. And for those still deciding where to host a ceremony or reception, we’ve rounded up some recently renovated venues in town ready to serve as the backdrop to your dream wedding. Find them on page 82.

For more information beyond this issue of Columbus Weddings, mark your calendars: We’re very excited for the annual Columbus Weddings Show, happening Jan. 23-24, 2016.

Headlining the event is Randy Fenoli, star of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress.” I had the opportunity to chat with Fenoli over the phone, and his bridal insight is just delightful. Read the full Q&A on page 176.

Whether you’re the bride or the groom, the maid of honor or the mother of the bride, I hope the pages of this magazine

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will shilling photo

Columbus Weddings

serve as a roadmap to your wedding happy.

It’s one of the most important days of your life, and we at Columbus Weddings want to be right there with you.

All the best,

heather weekley, Editor

| Columbus WEDDINGs

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62 E. Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-540-5900

coluMbusweddinGsMaG.coM volume 16 / number 2 Publisher/General ManaGer

Ray Paprocki

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associate Publisher/advertisinG director

Rheta Gallagher

editorial editor contributinG editors contributors

Heather Weekley Eric Lyttle Kristen Schmidt Nancy Byron Kristin Campbell Melissa Kossler Dutton Abby Feinknopf Katie Flowers Emma Frankart Henterly Jeremy Lahman Michele Lemmon Cassandra Merino Gina Mussio Brooke Preston Jenny Rogers Jessica Salerno Taylor Starek Taylor Swope Emily Thompson

PhotoGraPhy director of PhotGraPhy Photo editor

Will Shilling Tim Johnson

desiGn & Production Production/ desiGn director desiGner

Craig Rusnak Alyse Kordenbrock

diGital editor

Erin Edwards

account executives

sales assistants MarketinG ManaGer

Deborah Jackson Michelle Crossman Holly Gallucci Kelly Morris Jackie Vosler Alex Albrecht Chelsea Savage Lauren Reinhard

letters: letters@columbusweddingsmag.com Press releases: pressreleases@columbusweddingsmag.com

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Jan. 23-24, 2016 Columbus Weddings (ISSN 2333-407X) is published twice a year by GateHouse Media, LLC. All contents of this magazine are copyrighted Š 2015, all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials.

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Columbus WEDDINGs |

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ColumbusWeddingsMag.com Where We stOre All the reAl-Wedding PhOtOs, trend tiPs, styling insPirAtiOn, BeAuty Advice And venue infOrmAtiOn We cAn’t fit Within the PAges Of Columbus Weddings The Look

The images

Boutique spotlights, wedding hair and makeup ideas, and advice for finding the perfect gown

The deTaiLs

Invitation inspiration, menu creation and more

Real wedding inspiration, photography tips and more

The evenT

Venue listings, rehearsal dinner spots and wedding-day décor

The show

Everything you need to know about our bridal show, hosted annually in January

Follow Us! Check in weekly with Columbus Weddings via our website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. You’ll find: • Posts on the Bustled blog about local bridal events, promotions and tips and tricks from experts • Behind-the-scenes shots from our photo shoots • Our current bridal inspiration • And much more

columbusweddingsmag 10

@cbusweddings

@cbusweddings

cbusweddings

| Columbus WEDDINGs

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Weddings at Macy’s When it comes to finding the perfect diamond for your one and only, only one star will do! With an unparalleled selection and uncompromising commitment to quality and value, our in-store Fine Jewelry Specialists can help you find your ideal engagement and wedding rings. Plus, when you register at Macy’s, you’ll enjoy Perks & Privileges, our exclusive program that lets you save on everything you need — before, during and after the big day — including fine jewelry, too. To learn more about this registry program, visit macys.com/perks

Let Macy’s & fashion and lifestyle whiz, Clinton Kelly, help you make your wedding dreams come true. For more, visit macys.com/ weddingswith clintonkelly

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i do

Your No-Fail Wedding Timeline Groom: check. Now, it’s all about the dress, the flowers, the DJ and so much more. Take a deep breath and use this step-by-step guide—courtesy of our friends at Columbus Bride & Groom—and you’ll be on your way to a gorgeous day in no time.

9 to 6 months out ¨¨ Book your florist and discuss your vision.

Find custom rings from Grandview jewelers on page 72.

¨¨ Plan and schedule your honeymoon.

a year BeFore your Big day

¨¨ You’re engaged! Congrats. First things first: Start drafting (and whittling, if necessary) your guest list. It’s time to make the hard decisions. (Having trouble?

Try creating categories for your guests; it makes cutting easier.) ¨¨ Select a date. ¨¨ Decide on your general theme. ¨¨ Create your budget—and determine who’s paying for what.

12 to 10 months out ¨¨ Go gown shopping.

¨¨ Choose your bridal-party attendants, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearer and flower girl. ¨¨ Reserve your ceremony location and determine who will officiate. ¨¨ If you have pre-wedding wellness goals, start them now. ¨¨ Reserve your reception spot and select a caterer and cake baker. ¨¨ Book a videographer and photographer and plan your engagement shoot.

¨¨ Schedule your hair and makeup trials. ¨¨ Purchase your wedding bands. ¨¨ Plan your reception extras, from décor to favors. ¨¨ Reserve hotel-room blocks for out-of-town guests. ¨¨ Order your save-the-date notices—and send them to your guests! ¨¨ Find a band or DJ and select your ceremony and reception music. ¨¨ Research invitation and thank-you note wording.

1 month out

¨¨ Call your party to make sure everyone’s set for the big day. ¨¨ Have your final gown fittings. ¨¨ Send rehearsal-dinner invitations.

¨¨ Reserve any rental items.

¨¨ Order wine, liquor and champagne if desired.

5 to 4 months out

¨¨ Finalize your honeymoon trip plans.

¨¨ Order bridesmaid gowns and accessories and chat with the mothers (and fathers) about what they’ll wear. ¨¨ Provide a guest list to your shower host(s).

¨¨ Help the groom and his groomsmen pick out and order their suits or tuxes. ¨¨ Determine your wedding-day transportation. ¨¨ Order your invitations. ¨¨ Register for your wedding gifts. ¨¨ Begin planning the ceremony with your officiant.

3 to 2 months out ¨¨ Schedule your gown fittings.

Head to page 134 for stunning wedding cakes.

¨¨ Write your vows. ¨¨ Begin your shower-gift thank-you notes. ¨¨ Pick up your wedding bands. ¨¨ Finalize your décor, music and any last menu items, and review your order with your florist. ¨¨ Get your marriage license!

Final weeks until wedding

¨¨ Have your programs and table numbers printed. ¨¨ Plan, order and/or create your welcome bags for out-of-town guests.

¨¨ Address and mail invitations.

¨¨ Have your dress cleaned and pressed.

¨¨ Order wedding favors and purchase bridal-party gifts.

¨¨ Arrange for officiant payment and vendor gratuities. ¨¨ Pack for your honeymoon.

Like minimalism?

See more bouquets on page 62.

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10/29/15 12:17 PM

Andrew Hootman married Katie Brown on April 25, 2015. (AddVision)

Your Questions,

Answered

Tracie Zody, senior event planner for Bliss Wedding & Event Design and Oh So Lovely Events, responds to reader questions. —Heather Weekley What is a polite response when someone who was not given a guest asks to bring one?

You have a few options when this comes up, and which you choose depends on your facility, budget and personal preference.

If you have invited the maximum number of guests that can fit into your facility, simply tell your guest they may be able to add a guest if others cannot attend. If it is budget-related, the same answer would apply. If it just rubs you the wrong way, you can politely let them know you’ve chosen the guest list carefully and would like only to include those already invited.

What are some good gift ideas for my future husband/wife?

“Good” is a relative question. Some might define a good gift as something heartfelt and handmade. Others might view a good gift as something expensive and extravagant. At this point in your relationship, only you can decide what a good gift would be in the eyes of your

future spouse. If he or she appreciates creativity, a piece of art would be lovely (either handmade by you or purchased in a gallery or at an arts festival). If he or she likes jewelry, a watch or cuff links or earrings would be appropriate—even something found in a vintage store, if your partner is into antiques. If you fell in love in a certain city, a piece of memorabilia from that city is wonderfully sentimental.

If a friend asked me to be in her bridal party, do I have to include her in mine as well?

No. Some couples decide to have very a large bridal party and some prefer just a maid of honor and best man. Some couples come from large families and choose to only have their siblings in the wedding. It’s really up to each couple to decide what makes them comfortable. I bet your friend didn’t ask you to be in her wedding on the condition she is in yours, so this is probably something you don’t need to spend time worrying about.

Which vendors (DJ? Photographer?

Officiant?) should I include in the headcount for the meal at the reception?

Sometimes a wedding vendor will include meal and beverage requirements in the contract. If that is the case, then you must provide what is requested in the contract.

Your officiant or pastor is considered a guest at the reception and should be seated with other guests and served a meal. My rule of thumb is this: If the vendor is present during a meal, they should get one too. I always make sure the photographers, videographers, entertainment and wedding planners receive a hot meal. Keep in mind that some of these vendors are with you eight-plus hours on the day of the wedding.

Always have compassion in mind, because the wedding day is challenging for everyone involved and a good meal will keep us going with renewed energy and enthusiasm until the very end of the night.

What type of gift is appropriate for the officiant(s)?

If your officiant is a clergy member, a beautiful bookmark for their Bible or tie clip or cuff links would be a nice gesture. If you were married by a non-denominational officiant, a monetary tip is appropriate.

Either way, a heartfelt thank-you note should accompany the gift.

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i do

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4 3

5

Black 6

1. Jaquelyn Walker’s bridesmaids donned black dresses from Nordstrom. (kimberly Potterf Photography); 2. a floral detail from Heather and rob Hodge’s cake by michele ciminello. (Together We click); 3. Table accents from Jaquelyn and matt Walker’s June 13, 2015, wedding reception at columbus country club. (kimberly Potterf Photography); 4. a black monogram on andrew mccurdy’s white shirt on his Dec. 20, 2014, wedding day. (lambert Photographs); 5. matt Walker in a Men’s Wearhouse ensemble. (kimberly Potterf Photography); 6. The flowers at abby and Jeremy Holden’s nuptials are from Florabunda. (Nicole Dixon Photographic); 7. mini champagne bottles were the favors during Heather and rob Hodge’s New Year’s Eve wedding. (Together We click).

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Black color comBos

White & Black

Gold & Black

Blush & Black

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Pink

1

2 1. megan and craig laughlin’s wedding blooms featuring shades of pink and purple. (Julian Allen Photography); 2. Gena and bryan baillis’ wedding date is displayed on a flag held by the flower girl. (Derk’s Works Photography); 3. micaela Hartman’s bridesmaids wore pink dresses from David’s Bridal. (Julian Allen Photography); 4. courtney salcone’s bridesmaids show off their Wendy’s Bridal ensembles. (Julian Allen Photography); 5. When Jill Haberkern wed John Joseph on may 9, 2015, their flower girl’s pink dress and shoes matched the rose bredl flowers. (kimberly Potterf Photography); 6. sara and ben roger’s invitation. (ben barnes Photography); 7. sophia and roland’s flowers with various hues of pink. (martin Digital Photography).

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3

Pink color combos

navy & Pink

Purple & Pink

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6

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blush & Pink Columbus WEDDINGs |

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i do

Savvy SavingS

By Taylor STarek

Think one or two small changes to your planning won’t make a dent in your budget? Wedding experts disagree. Small edits, from DIY centerpieces to nixing bread at the table, can add up to big savings.

Your first, and perhaps most important, step toward cost efficiency is to head to the bank, says Cassandra White of CW Weddings & Event Planning.

“I recommend setting aside a wedding budget bank account so that you can keep yourself from going over budget,” she says.

A separate account allows engaged couples to easily keep track of wedding withdrawals and remaining balances so the effects of making those small changes are readily seen.

We asked two Columbus planners to suggest six simple ways a couple can cut costs—without sacrificing big-picture plans.

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The Décor

Rethink your tablescape—and get creative.

“Have fun with centerpieces,” says Jamie Rapavy of Columbus Bride & Groom. “A bride can make her own, using fruits or vegetables or books or different eclectic glass containers. This can save a bride a lot of money.”

The FooD Tighten your guest list—and switch to buffet-style service.

“Make sure you keep control of your guest list to keep the cost down,” White says.

“Maybe cut out the bread on the table … and the buffet option is much more economical.”

Ben Barnes PhoTograPhy

six ways to make your wedding budget not-so-scary.

location, so there is less time needed for travel between two locations.”

The InvITaTIons Go DIY—and get tech savvy.

“With today’s technology, you can go digital to some degree,” White says. “If you’re a do-it-yourself bride and you have the creative niche, you can create your own.”

The Dress Take your time—and wait for sales.

“Avoid the emotional buy,” Rapavy says about dress shopping. “This may result in overspending. Take your time and think it over, visit many bridal shops and wait for the one you dream about.”

The PhoTograPhy

The MusIc

Opt for less time—not fewer photographers.

“I recommend a photography vendor that will provide two photographers at your wedding,” Rapavy says. “You can save money on photography if you have your ceremony and reception in the same

Use your iPod for cocktail hour—and get a keyboardist.

“They’re very inexpensive, and they’re great,” Rapavy says of hiring a keyboardist.

“They can stop and start so nicely ... It adds a different feeling.”

| Columbus WEDDINGs

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Helpful Hints Oftentimes the best wedding advice comes from someone who has been there, done that. We picked the brains of five recent Columbus brides, who dished on dress shopping, day-of tips and more. —Heather Weekley

Martin Digital PHOtOgraPHy

Andrea Fischer

Andrea and Justin were married on November 1, 2014, at First Congregational Church.

Best advice you received?

Don’t forget to thank your wedding party, and I mean personally thank them. All of the time, planning, money, traveling for bridal showers, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, really adds up. Don’t be a Bridezilla. Giving your bridesmaids a list of three approved nail polish colors is crazy. I promise, no one will ever notice that the bridesmaids’ nails were all the same shade of light pink. Focus on what really matters … celebrating your life as a married couple with your future husband and family and friends.

Any dress-shopping tips?

I had no idea what style of dress I wanted, so the first time I went dress shopping, I went by myself. This helped me narrow down the shape of the dress I liked and made shopping with my family much easier.

How did you relax and remain stress-free on the big day?

I trusted my coordinator and vendors to work their magic. I felt confident in my organizational and communication skills before the wedding and trusted that they would do their part on the big day. I hired them for a reason and it was their turn to make it happen.

What are you happy you spent money on … and what could you have done without?

[I’m] happy I spent money on the dress and our photographer. Aside from memories that you have from the day, pictures and videos are the only thing that you will take with you. Those fancy Chiavari chairs you spent $2,000 on are gone the next morning and are nothing but a distant memory. Your photographer becomes part of your bridal party for the day, so make sure that you pick someone that meshes well with you, will have fun and keep you and the group in line and on time.

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Sarah and Jim wed on May 16, 2015, at Via Vecchia.

Best advice you received?

Figure out what is important to you and focus on those items.

Don’t worry about the rest ... no one will notice all the details except you.

Would you have done anything differently?

Let people help more when they asked. It’s so easy to try to do everything yourself because you have a certain look in mind and want everything to be just right, but it would have definitely made us less busy at the end to have some more help.

Any dress-shopping tips?

Bring at least one person that you know will be completely honest with you. I knew I could count on my sister Michelle to tell me exactly what she thought about each one.

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How did you relax and remain stress-free on the big day?

Having my two sisters and closest friends by my side.

At the beginning of the day, my sisters woke me up with a dance party which started the day off right and set the tone for everything else.

What are you happy you spent money on … and what could you have done without?

We are so happy that we spent money on a day-of coordinator.

She set everything for us and took care of all the small details that were important to us ... all while making sure we relaxed and always had a drink in hand. We tried to be really thoughtful about what we spent money on, so there’s really nothing that I feel that we should have done without.

martin Digital PhotograPhy

Kimberly Potterf PhotohraPhy

Sarah Penikas

Amber Pierson

Amber and Danny were married on March 14, 2015, at Linworth United Methodist Church.

Best advice you received?

Just relax! A wedding only happens once and comes and goes so quickly. Take the time to soak it up and enjoy the entire process.

day it wasn’t worth stressing over the small things and let them ruin the day. Having a schedule planned out in advance and given to the family and bridal party helped too.

Any dress-shopping tips?

The more dresses you try on can sometimes become too overwhelming. Have an open mind. You may think you know just what you want but you won’t really know until you put it on. You may end up getting a dress completely opposite of what you thought you wanted.

What are you happy you spent money on … and what could you have done without?

We are so happy we spent the extra money on videography. It was worth every penny. Also, [we’re] glad we got a photo booth. The funny pictures will be memories that will last us a lifetime. We were very particular on what we spent money on for our big day. I think the only thing that comes to mind we could have done without, if we had to, was our candy bar. Although, the guests loved it.

How did you relax and remain stress-free on the big day?

I was willing to let the little things go. I told myself that there was so much time and preparation that went into this

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Megan and Craig were married on January 17, 2015, at Graystone Wine Cellar.

Best advice you received?

Do what you want! I give this advice to everyone wedding planning now. At the end of the day it is your wedding, so don’t let other people convince you to do something you are uncomfortable with or skimp in areas you don’t want to. We had a small, intimate wedding with 60 guests. We spent a lot of our money per guest instead of inviting a bunch of people we never talk to.

Would you have done anything differently?

Not differently, but it’s interesting how your friends change even in a year. People we were not close to when we sent out save-the-dates were people we wished we would have invited. So if you are struggling about making a decision just invite them. You will be so happy they were there on your big day.

Any dress-shopping tips?

Only look at dresses in your price range. There is no point in falling in love with a $10,000 dress when you are budgeted for $1,000. That said, the cliché is true, you will know it when you see it on yourself.

How did you relax and remain stress-free on the big day?

I kept reminding myself that if at the end of the day I was married to my best friend and love of my life then it was a perfect day.

What are you happy you spent money on … and what could you have done without?

I am so happy we spent money on a photographer, live band and nice venue. We chose not to do big centerpieces we would throw away.

hillary Ferguson photography

Julian allen photography

Megan Laughlin

Michelle Witte

Michelle and Aaron wed on October 18, 2014, at Pinnacle Golf Club.

Best advice you received ?

Take the time to really enjoy the whole process of planning the big day, even when it gets overwhelming, because it’ll all be over before you know it and you’ll miss it when it’s gone. Then remember to relax when the day comes because it’s time to admire and appreciate all of the hard work.

Take a minute to look around and remember all the details because it will fly by.

Would you have done anything differently?

I would have worried less about how my guests were going to perceive our wedding and focus on getting to marry my best friend. I got too caught up in the details.

Any dress-shopping tips?

Be open to suggestions from others. I was about to call it a day after four shops and numerous dresses, when the

lady at the store pulled out a dress I didn’t really care for on the hanger and just said “Give this one a try.” It was the last dress I tried on and it was perfect.

What are you happy you spent money on … and what could you have done without?

I am so glad we spent money on our beautiful flowers. I feel like they pulled all the details together and made the wedding so beautiful. I’m also so happy about choosing the venue we did. It was more than we wanted to spend, but I couldn’t have pictured a more perfect place to get married. I absolutely loved how our cake turned out, but we definitely could have saved money there and done cupcakes. Also, while it got stressful at times, I was glad to save money by making my own invitations, card box, seating chart and guest book, and to leave the rest to the pros.

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i do

Kofi and Jenna Antwiagyei on the evening of their 2012 engagement.

Photos Courtesy Kofi And JennA AntWiAgyei

An Enlightening Proposal Annual trips to the Columbus Zoo’s Wildlights inspired Kofi to light up the night with his proposal to Jenna.

By NaNcy ByroN No one is allowed to touch the light switches at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium during Wildlights. Kofi Antwiagyei was the exception.

“I just froze, waiting for the whole zoo to shut down or something,” says Kofi’s then-girlfriend, Jenna, who was stunned when Kofi wondered aloud what the switch was and then brazenly flipped it. “Then I turned around and saw it.”

There, in looping white lights, were four simple words: Will you marry me?

“I’d never been so surprised—ever,” Jenna says. “I’m pretty sure I said, ‘Are you serious?’ I just couldn’t believe it.”

“By the time she turned back around, I was on my knee with the ring,” says Kofi,

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who had pre-planned the proposal with the zoo’s events manager.

To add to the jaw-dropping surprise, Kofi, who teaches at Sells Middle School in Dublin along with Jenna, also arranged for a coworker to be waiting nearby to photograph the big moment.

“She jumped out of the bushes and started going click-click-click, paparazzi style,” Kofi says.

And then, once Jenna recovered from the initial shock of the proposal, Kofi guided her into the aquarium where the rest of her family—and one other special guest—were waiting to congratulate them.

“Another coworker was scuba Santa that night,” he says. “So, I asked him if there was any way he could open up a sign for us under the water.”

Sure enough, when the couple arrived, they were directed to the glass as scuba Santa began his dive.

“He unwrapped the poster, we got a quick picture and then the sign disintegrated,” Jenna laughs.

The Antwiagyeis even got to share their

big moment with some of their students, who visited the zoo that evening, too.

“I’m surprised the whole day went without a hitch, because so many people knew about it,” Kofi says.

Kofi says he picked the zoo as his proposal site because he and Jenna went on one of their first dates to see the holiday lights display, and Jenna’s family made an annual trip to see the lights together, too.

It was the perfect decoy.

“When I heard the date 12/12/12 was coming up, I thought, ‘I’m not going to waste this,’ ” he says.

The couple wed on Dec. 14, 2013.

“We almost waited until 2014 to get married so it would be 12/13/14, but that was too long,” Jenna notes.

The Antwiagyeis still visit the Wildlights annually and have even returned to the scene of their proposal and flipped that light switch to see if it still works. (It did.)

“I’ve always loved the zoo,” Jenna says.

“I’ve been going there ever since I was a baby. So, it’s one more memory to have there on top of everything else.”

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Wedding Wishes

National nonprofit Wish upon a Wedding organizes weddings for couples facing illness.

By HeatHer Weekley Kasey Skobel-Conyers plans Columbus weddings. But the owner and principal designer of Bliss Wedding & Event Design also coordinates weddings on a national level: Skobel-Conyers is the national wish coordinator for Wish Upon A Wedding, a nonprofit started in 2010 by a San Francisco wedding planner. The goal is to provide weddings free of charge for couples affected by serious illnesses.

“It started as an idea for couples facing life-threatening illnesses, to give them a day of happiness and joy with family members,” Skobel-Conyers says. “The weddings are small; 50 or less people.

Sometimes, they are even smaller, maybe 15 people or less at a bedside. You can tell for some it is the end of the road.”

In order to grant a couple their special day, everything is donated: Wish Upon A Wedding calls on a network of vendors—named Wish Granters—to provide photography to flowers to food.

The organization has 10 chapters across the United States and can plan a wedding even if there isn’t a chapter in the couple’s immediate area.

With the help of Wish Upon A Wedding, Jeremy Smith and Jenifer Doughman celebrated their March 8, 2015, wedding in Cincinnati.

Photos courtesy NathaN Peel

“We have a pretty good-size database of vendors who sign up to help,” SkobelConyers says. “A lot of times, we have more vendors than wishes to grant.”

As national wish coordinator, Skobel-

Conyers is responsible for overseeing all of the wedding wish coordination throughout the country. To be considered, couples must go through an extensive online application process, which is then reviewed

by Wish Upon A Wedding’s national board. This year, Wish Upon A Wedding reached nearly 100 wishes granted since the organization’s inception. Five of those wishes have been in Ohio, including one in Columbus.

“Oftentimes, there’s no words to describe it,” Skobel-Conyers says. “Being able to tell a couple we are granting their wish is such a great moment. It is such a good phone call to make and to see it all come together … they are so grateful.”

Even if you’re not in the wedding industry, there are ways to help: Wish Upon A Wedding accepts monetary donations via its website, and you can volunteer your time to help with the preparation or coordination of a wedding.

“We partner with other organizations that can spread the word for us,” SkobelConyers says. “We know people can benefit, we just have to spread the word.

It’s such a great day to give couples and their families.”

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Kimberly Potterf PhotograPhy

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GoWNs 24 • ACCEssorIEs 47 • brIDAl pArty 50 • mENsWEAr 54 bEAuty 58 • floWErs 62 • rINGs 71 Columbus WEDDINGs |

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In the Garden Karen Willis Holmes “Caitlyn” gown, $2,944; and Camilla Christine “Madison” hair piece, $178; both at B. Loved Bridal Boutique. Red Giraffe Designs arm cuff, $12; at Red Giraffe Designs. Bouquet by Evergreen Flower Co.

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Boho

Beauty Story by HeatHer Weekley | PHotoS by Will SHilling

Lace details. Fishtail braids.

Deep-hued flowers.

We’re currently inspired by these elements, so we created oh-so-dreamy looks against the backdrop of Jorgensen Farms.

The end result? A beautiful bohemian bride.

STyLing: Lesley O’Reilly of B. Loved Bridal Boutique HAir AnD MAkeup: Parker Yocca and Catalina Shelton of The Charles Penzone Salons FLoWerS: Heather Edgar of Evergreen Flower Co. LocATion: Jorgensen Farms MoDeL: Alisa Smolyakova of New View Model Management

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lovEly IN laCE Karen Willis Holmes “Louella” gown, $2,183; Karen Willis Holmes silk slip dress, $1,036; and Camilla Christine “Isabella” church veil, $478; all at B. Loved Bridal Boutique. 14-karat white and rose gold ring with bead-set diamonds, mounting starts at $2,507 at Leo Alfred Jewelers. Bouquet by Evergreen Flower Co.

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FloWEr PoWEr Karen Willis Holmes “Genevieve” gown, $2,720; Karen Willis Holmes silk slip dress, $1,036; and Camilla Christine “Lanen” sash, $298; all at B. Loved Bridal Boutique. Flower crown, price upon request at Evergreen Flower Co. 14-karat white and rose gold ring with bead-set diamonds, mounting starts at $2,507 at Leo Alfred Jewelers.

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Blossoming Romance YolanCris “Janine” gown, $4,450 at B. Loved Bridal Boutique. Red Giraffe Designs earrings, $16 at Red Giraffe Designs.

Flower crown and bouquet, price upon request at Evergreen Flower Co. columBus WeDDings |

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I’ve Got SunShIne Karen Willis Holmes “Madelyn” gown, $3,196; Deepa Gurnani headband, $80; and Alyssa Kristin veil, $250; all at B. Loved Bridal Boutique.

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Flirty and Fresh Karen Willis Holmes “Madelyn” gown, $3,196; and Deepa Gurnani headband, $80; both at B. Loved Bridal Boutique.

Red Giraffe Designs arm cuff, $12; at Red Giraffe Designs.

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FrEE spIrIt Karen Willis Holmes “Caitlyn” gown, $2,944; and Camilla Christine “Madison” hair piece, $178; both at B. Loved Bridal Boutique.

Red Giraffe Designs arm cuff, $12 at Red Giraffe Designs. Bouquet by Evergreen Flower Co.

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bolD aND bEautIful YolanCris “Salomon” gown, $3,336 at B. Loved Bridal Boutique. Jewelry by Catherina 18-karat gold-filled necklace (shown as headpiece), $60 at Jewelry by Catherina. 14-karat white and rose gold ring with bead-set diamonds, mounting starts at $2,507 at Leo Alfred Jewelers. Bouquet by Evergreen Flower Co.

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Clair Sheridan wed Nick Wagner on Aug. 16, 2014, at Via Vecchia.

(Mia Jade Wedding Photojournalism)

Gown Shopping With Ease

bridal experts dish on how to make finding your dream dress a successful—and stress-free—experience.

By Kristin CampBell

T

here are many important components that go into a wedding: the heartfelt vows, the first dance, the perfect wedding favors. But if there is a single symbol that represents a wedding in most people’s minds, it has to be the gown.

When guests turn to see the bride entering the room, and when the groom spots her for the very first time, something magical happens. This moment deserves a special dress. But with so many styles, designers, price points and other considerations, it can be difficult to narrow the field.

Wedding experts are happy to share their considerable experience and help brides make the dress-buying experience a happy one.

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Who to take along Ann Kinder, a stylist at David’s Bridal Easton, recommends that brides not invite too many friends along on the gownshopping expedition.

“Choose your entourage wisely,” she says. “Too many opinions can confuse a bride. Bring only a few people that have your best interest at heart.”

Kinder says some brides have no problem shopping all alone, while others worry they’ll offend any friends they leave out. “If you fear offending someone by not inviting them, ask them to your fitting instead, or coordinate your bridal party

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appointment to coincide with the arrival of your gown and have a grand reveal.�

Jamie Rapavy, wedding specialist for Columbus Bride & Groom, agrees. “I think a dress is a pretty personal decision, and she should take a family member or close friend who can provide her with honest opinions,� she says. It’s not too common for a wedding planner to go along to choose dresses, she says, but a planner may be happy to be a surrogate friend for a bride who’s on her own. “When I have gone, it has been because they have no one in town to help them and they needed support,� she says.

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Know what you want, but be flexible Upon meeting a new bride, Kinder tells her two things: “Let’s find your dream dress, and let’s have fun.� Both parts of the equation happen more easily if the bride has some idea what she likes but is open to new ideas. “It definitely helps your stylist if you come prepared to answer questions about silhouettes and fabrics you like, and the amount of detail or beadwork you prefer,�

Kinder says. “Think about your style and the look you want on your wedding day.�

Visiting a few bridal websites will provide ideas about available styles, and get the bride thinking about comfort and practicality. A bride who plans to dance the night away may not want a gown that’s restrictive all the way to the floor, while another bride who plans to circulate through the guest tables all evening may want to opt for a removable bustle. The stylist will be happy to pull gowns as the bride attempts to narrow the choices, Kinder says.

Those choices may end up looking different as the process goes along. “When shopping for gowns, try on every style, even if you don’t like it on the rack,� Rapavy says. “Many brides see a dress they are unsure of and it ends up being the one. Trying on wedding dresses is like no other experience, so you never know what is going to best fit your style.�

This is another place the stylist’s expertise will be valuable. They have watched women try on thousands of dresses, while most brides are doing this

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Morgan and Nathan Hines were married on Oct. 11, 2014. (AddVision)

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The average American bride spends slightly more than $1,300 on her gown.

The price range can vary widely, from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. It is important to know what you can afford, to avoid falling in love with a $15,000 gown that cancels out any possibility of a reception or a honeymoon. “Determine your budget before you go shopping, and have a plan for how you will pay for your gown once you find it,�

Kinder says. Also, brides should do some research so they come equipped with knowledge of what gowns actually cost. “One common mistake is unrealistic expectations when it comes to the cost of wedding gowns,� Kinder says. “Don’t show your stylist a custom gown on Pinterest and say your budget is $200.�

Speaking of realistic expectations, know that bridal salons are often very busy, with dozens of women planning their own version of the perfect day. Always make an appointment so that you have your stylist’s undivided attention. “A bridal salon is always going to take a bride with an appointment over a walk-in, and you can’t try on dresses without the assistance of a stylist,� Kinder says.

Rapavy seconds the need for an appointment. She also tells brides to take along a camera and to come prepared with

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Andrea and Justin Fischer celebrated their nuptials on Nov. 1, 2014. (Martin Digital Photography)

beautiful hair and makeup in order to get the full effect of the gown.

Once the process has begun, brides should allow plenty of time to browse, sleep on their decision and browse again.

The process should begin as early in the engagement as possible.

“Brides should begin shopping for their gown at least a year before the wedding,” Kinder says. Ordering a custom gown can take anywhere from six weeks to six months, and alterations can add another four to six weeks, she says.

“If a bride is between sizes, alterations will be her new BFF, giving her dress a custom fit,” Kinder says. She also recommends that brides bring to the fitting the gown, corset bra, slip, shapewear and the shoes that will be worn on the wedding day. The first fitting should take place two to three months prior to the wedding, she says.

Be ready to fall in love Trying on wedding gowns makes every woman feel like a fairy princess, and the perfect, most magical gown is out there waiting for its future owner.

Rapavy tells her clients to be patient and wait for the moment to happen. “If you keep thinking of the dress and dream of it after you’ve tried it on, it’s most likely the one,” she says.

Kinder agrees that something special happens when a bride puts on just the right dress. “Eventually, you will put on a dress that you don’t want to take off, that no other dress matches up to. It’s then you know you have found the one,” she says.

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nicole Dixon PhotograPhic

The Perfect Fit

By Emma Frankart HEntErly

Unless you’re a magical princess with a model’s physique—and if you are, congrats!—you will likely need wedding gown alterations. Fear not; two local experts explain everything you need to know about achieving a perfect fit for the big day.

Begin at the Beginning “The alterations process for a wedding gown starts the minute you walk into the [bridal] store,” says Joyce Eubanks of Alterations on Lane. She compares wedding dress shopping to building a house: Both need a strong foundation.

With gowns, that means knowing what styles look best on you.

“If you start with the right [dress],” Eubanks explains, “the alterations are gonna go a lot smoother.”

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And if you’re between dress sizes, always go up.

“It’s always better to have the dress slightly bigger, because it’s easier to take in than to let anything out,” says Laura Stith of Creux Poche. Matching fabric from a store to your gown is nearly impossible, she explains, and Eubanks adds that manufacturers often charge hefty sums to buy extra yardage of their fabric.

timing is everything Your alterations timeline depends largely on how much work your dress needs. Eubanks suggests researching and interviewing seamstresses a few months before your wedding. Many bridal shops can recommend a house or contracted alterations specialist, but Eubanks says

recommendations from friends and family can go a long way, too.

During your research, ask about base costs for alterations you know you’ll need, like hems and bustles, and be sure to tell the seamstress the style and fabric of your gown.

If your wedding is in peak season, you might make your initial appointment eight or more weeks before the big day; it all depends on your seamstress’ schedule. Plan to pick up the final result a week or two before the wedding, says Stith, so you have time to get it professionally steamed.

Both Stith and Eubanks caution against picking up the dress too early; if your weight changes, you might have to pay extra for a last-minute fix.

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Photo Credit: www.comfortphotography.com

by appointment only (614) 742-7253 IvyBridalStudio.com Alvina Valenta, Alyne, Amy Kuschel , Hayley Paige, Mikaella, Modern Trousseau, Justine M Couture

Katie Brown prepares for her wedding to Andrew Hootman on April 25, 2015. (AddVision)

Who (and What) to bring “Sometimes [brides bring] the maid of honor … because she’s usually the person who traditionally bustles the dress, so I can show them how to do that,” says Stith. And Eubanks adds family members or friends who know how to sew can be helpful, too.

Eubanks and Stith agree that one of the most important things you should bring is the shoes you’ll wear, to ensure a proper hem measurement.

“Any supportive undergarments are especially important so you can make sure … that none of it shows, that it fits right and you don’t have any bulges,” says Stith. “Also if the dress needs any kind of crinoline or underslip, you want to bring that too, to make sure it hangs right and that the hem is the right length.”

For the ‘maids Bridesmaid dresses often only need to be hemmed. To avoid sticker shock that might accompany more drastic alterations, Eubanks suggests having your hardest-to-fit bridesmaid try on the options before you make a decision.

Bridesmaids can plan for turnaround in two or three weeks, depending on the season, but that doesn’t mean they can leave alterations to the last minute. They should contact seamstresses a month or two in advance to be sure someone can fit them in.

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All in the Family

TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM RIGHT: Diane Cochran, Erin Davis’ mother, on her 1981 wedding day. (Photos courtesy Erin Davis) TOP RIGHT AND BOTTOM LEFT: Erin Davis dons her mom’s gown on her 2012 wedding day. (Cait Rose Photography)

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A brIDE shArEs WIth Columbus Weddings hoW shE mADE hEr mothEr’s WEDDING DrEss hEr oWN, 31 yEArs lAtEr.

By HeatHer Weekley Shopping for a wedding gown has become almost a rite of passage—an essential part of planning the celebration. But there are some brides who are eager to make a family dress—worn by a mother, grandmother or aunt, perhaps—their own.

When Erin Davis was married on June 9, 2012, she walked down the aisle in the gown her mother wore 31 years prior.

“When I was little, my mom had her wedding dress and a few of her prom dresses,” Davis explains. “My sisters and I would look at them and try them on, and we thought it was cool. I always had it in my head that I would want to wear my mom’s wedding dress someday. The dress she bought wasn’t a typical ’80s’ poofy-sleeve dress … It was a bit more rustic and vintage for her time. It spoke to me and the theme of my wedding.”

Davis describes her Lancaster wedding as colorful and eclectic.

But to wear the dress, changes would have to be made to the original garment.

“I didn’t have any desire to look for another dress,” Davis says. “It was a matter of trying it on and figuring out if it could work, and what alterations we could have done.”

The challenge was this: Davis was getting married outside in June while her mother, Diane Cochran, was married inside in October. Davis knew she wanted General Admission: to remove the sleeves, and she also had to $10 online • $12 at the door lengthen the gown’s train since she is taller Bridal 3-Pack: $25 (admits 3) than Cochran. “We used lace and pieces VIP PACKAGES: of fabricThe from the train thatFashion I wasn’t going Charles Penzone Show: $20 to use to(includes add another ruffle underneath to VIP seating) make it Meet long & enough,” Davis says.

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Diane Cochran helps daughter Erin into her wedding gown. (Cait Rose Photography)

"My mom thought [wearing her dress] was a neat way to pass on the legacy."

—Erin davis

Davis says Cochran didn’t have any qualms as her youngest daughter was making the wedding gown her own.

“My mom was all for it,” Davis explains.

“She went with me every time we went to the seamstress. I originally talked about a couple different alterations that would be more major. She helped talked me out of it … not because it would upset her, but because it would drastically change the structure of the dress. She was right.”

At Davis’ wedding ceremony and reception, she displayed photos of Cochran wearing the original dress. Says Davis: “My mom thought [wearing her dress] was a neat way to pass on the legacy.”

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Saying “I Do” to my Old, New, Borrowed and Blue

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A Columbus Weddings contributor shares how she incorporated the age-old tradition into her 2015 nuptials.

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By EmmA FrAnkArt HEntErly I didn’t always know that I’d get married, but I’ve always known that if I did, I wanted something old, new, borrowed and blue. For some reason, I spent more of my teenage years wondering which items I’d choose than what my gown would look like.

My sister, Abby, got married in 2012. She was the first grandchild on my mother’s side to wed, and our grandmother visited us just before the ceremony. With her was the bridal belt that her mother had worn on her wedding day in 1933. The second Abby wrapped that piece of our family’s history around the stems of her bouquet, I knew I’d found my “something old.”

The rest of the pieces came easily during my engagement a few years later. When my now-husband, Matt, and I chose a color scheme of navy and silver, I realized my “something blue” would be a literal shoein. I embraced the colored bridal shoe trend with navy flats.

The “something new” is always easy for brides, I think; most of the ensemble is newly purchased. I chose a pair of drop earrings as my official new item, though my gown and DIYed veil also fit the bill.

That just left the “something borrowed.” I could have counted the vintage belt as both borrowed and old, but that felt like cheating.

A few weeks before the wedding, I called my mom and asked if she had earrings I could wear in my double-pierced earlobes. She came through with a lovely set of studs that completed my look perfectly.

On May 9, 2015, I felt the good juju of my old, new, borrowed and blue throughout the day. Armed with heritage, tradition and my mother’s earrings, I joyfully said, “I do.”

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Walk Way this

These statement shoes by Hey Lady are chic, yes—but they’re also comfortable: Each pair features shock absorbers for support. You’ll find them at Downtown gown boutique La Jeune Mariee. Go ahead, bring on the bling. —Heather Weekley

Hey Lady Twinkletoes in cobalt, $280; and Hey Lady Twinkletoes with crystals in white, $320; lajeunemariee.com

Will Shilling Photo

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Stunners Simple

State necklace, $45 each.

These handmade beauties from Upper Arlington studio BOHINDI are perfect for brides and bridesmaids alike to wear on the big day and beyond. bohindi.com —Heather Weekley

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CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT: Personalized three tag necklace, $98; personalized monogram Tiffany bracelet, $78; and personalized bar necklace, $78.

Photos courtesy BohINDI

COMFORTABLE, PERSONAL AND ALL ABOUT YOU.

A Couture Bridal Boutique Gowns starting at $2000.

23 N. High St. Dublin, OH www.whiteofdublin.com 614-791-2600 4

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Taking the Plunge Seeking bridesmaid dress inspiration? Try one of these necklines.

By HeatHer Weekley

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BUSTLED

CAPTURE EVERYTHING YOU NEED BEFORE YOUR BIG DAY AT

Top: Morgan Hines’ bridesmaids donned a one-shoulder dress from Jillian’s Formal Wear. (AddVision)

ColumbusWeddingsMag.com

BoTToM: When Andrea Rower wed Nick Bruckelmeyer, the bridesmaids’ dresses from Wendy’s Bridal featured a cap sleeve.

(AddVision)

Columbus Weddings Editor Heather Weekley’s all new blog, Bustled,

has weekly updates on the Columbus bridal scene, from store openings and sample sales to Q&As with local vendors.

It’s your source for inspiration, tips, trends and experts we can’t fit into the pages of the magazine.

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Celebrating Over 30 Years…

The Ultimate One-Stop Experience For Brides!

430 North Memorial Drive • Lancaster, Ohio 43130 (740) 654-4696 • PerfectWeddingsBridal.com

Subscribe to

Michelle Witte’s bridesmaids wore dresses from Wendy’s Bridal featuring a deep v-neck. (Hillary Ferguson Photography)

Subscribe or renew your annual subscription to Columbus Monthly for $18.

Go to columbusmonthly.com or call 877-688-8009 to subscribe.

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BRINGING THE BEAUTY TO YOU

Specializing in Onsite Bridal Hairstyling, Airbrush Makeup, and Hair Extensions with over 17 years of experience

614-316-6475 | columbustravelingbeauty.com

What is “Pure Romance”?

AS A CONSULTANT, I DO IN HOME PARTIES FOR LADIES LADIES NIGHT IN ONLY, 18+. WE SPECIALIZE IN BATH, BEAUTY, AND RELATIONSHIP ?

PRODUCTS. PURE ROMANCE IS ONE OF THE NATION’S LEADING SELLERS OF RELATIONSHIP ENHANCEMENT PRODUCTS. AT PURE ROMANCE, WE ARE ALL ABOUT HELPING FOSTER HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, WHETHER O NEED T T WAN H? THAT MEANS BETWEEN YOU & YOUR PARTNER, OR JUST TAKING SOME SOME FUN? LAUG MUCH NEEDED TIME TO FOCUS ON YOURSELF!

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book your free party today contact us at: 740-885-9908 or pureromancebridal@yahoo.com Whether you’re a bride, bridesmaid, or guest, a wedding is the perfect time to look your best while staying true to your personal style. With the hustle and bustle of the big day, let Jamberry take one thing off your mind. Because your nails should be as easy as they are beautiful.

Offering personal service for ordering, applications as well as available for bridal manicure pedicure parties.

jamtime100.jamberry.com jamtime100@gmail.com 614.596.6493

Charlotte Stevens

Independent Beauty Consultant Worthington, OH 43085 614.537.7704 mobile 614.846.1055 home charlottestevens@wowway.com www.marykay.com/cstevens1 Columbus WEDDINGs |

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Mia Jade wedding PhoToJournaliSM

For the Guys

By Cassandra Merino

It’s easy to get lost in the craziness of wedding planning, but don’t let decisions about gowns and flowers completely overshadow groomsmen attire. Not sure where to start? Here, Columbus Weddings tracks the trends.

The SuiT

VeSTS

“The biggest trend is gray tuxes and a slim fit,” says Heather Muller, area manager at American Commodore Tuxedo. “It’s a step outside of the traditional black-and-white look. It is more casual.”

Jackets are being left behind and vests are taking the spotlight. Vests are especially great for warm outdoor weddings; it allows your man to breathe while still looking dapper. You can add an elegant pattern or choose a vest that matches your wedding colors.

CufflinkS Cufflinks are a tradition worth spicing up.

From superheroes to favorite sports teams, there’s a cufflink to please nearly any groom. In need of a day-of wedding gift?

Personalized cufflinks—inscribed with your favorite inside joke or wedding date—make a sweet memento (and a great photo op).

Bow TieS One of the hardest decisions a groom will make is tie style. Go ahead, rock the bow tie; this look isn’t just for hipsters anymore.

SoCkS The groom can put his best foot forward by showing off his favorite colors and patterns. It’s also a great way to incorporate the wedding colors. “This is a way to add a little more fun for pictures and after the ceremony,” Muller says.

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BouTonniere With a boutonniere, you can go as simple as a flower from your bouquet or go all out with feathers, seashells, burlap and rhinestones. Another trend grooms have been sporting: antique watches and family medals to honor loved ones that cannot be a part of the big day.

PoCkeT SquareS For grooms less interested in getting too adventurous with the overall look, a vibrant pocket square provides a subtle pop of color.

SuSPenderS Some men are ditching the classic suit all together and going for a more laid-back look. Suspenders have been paired with dress pants, khakis and even jeans (for your true country boy).

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Groom The Well-Groomed

This one’s for The guys: Learn how To Look your BesT on The Big day.

By Jeremy Lahman As the bride prepares for the beauty regimen of her big day, it’s easy to forget the groom and his routine. A wedding is the perfect occasion to convince him to forgo his typical jaunt to Kwik Klips. Grooms: It’s time to treat yourself—or your groomsmen—to experiences worthy of the modern gentleman. Here are some suggestions as you prepare for the most important day of your life.

Jon Maupin gets ready for his May 2, 2015, wedding to Lindsay Fawley. (Together We Click) Columbus WEDDINGs |

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Columbus Grooming Go-Tos Grooming experiences in advance of the wedding are great for the groom and his groomsmen. Whether on his own, a gift from the bride or a day out with the boys, many shops in Columbus offer packages for wedding parties. Here, 10 favorite local spots.

The Art Of Shaving 4029 The Strand East, Suite 716, Easton; 614-337-1655 1500 Polaris Parkway, Polaris; 614-468-0154 theartofshaving.com Blue Star Barbershop 2144 Polaris Parkway, Polaris; 614-547-0690 1175 Olentangy River Road, Grandview; 614-525-0719 bluestarbarbershop.com MAX The Salon 548 S. Third St., German Village 640 N. High St., Short North 614-418-5350 charlespenzone.com

The Charles Penzone

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David’s Bridal, Joan’s Bridal Couture, La Jeune Mariee Bridal Boutique, Luxeredux Bridal, Men’s Wearhouse, Meyers Jewelers & Wendy’s Bridal.

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SHOW

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Greater Columbus Convention Center Battelle Hall | 400 N. High Street

Holy Moses 909 W. 5th Ave., Suite 2, Grandview 614-931-0101 holymoseshair.com Modern Male Spa 24 Darby St., Dublin 614-588-0550 modernmalespas.com The Mug & Brush 2433 N. High St., University District 614-263-5518 themugandbrush.com Old Familiar Barbershop 116 Parsons Ave., Olde Towne East 614-223-1325 oldfamiliarbarbershop.com Roosters Men’s Grooming Center 534 Polaris Parkway, Westerville; 614-901-4247 9733 Sawmill Parkway, Powell; 614-336-3666 roostersmgc.com Turner's Barber Shop & Shaving Parlor 1249 N. High St., Short North 614-560-1238 turnersbarbershop.com Well Groomed Spa 1332 S. 4th St., German Village 614-483-9755 mymalespa.com

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Establish a grooming routine several weeks before the wedding. When it comes to trying new products, it’s important to give skin and hair time to adjust (and time to get used to using them). Don’t introduce new products that might cause skin irritation right before your special day.

Get a proper haircut. See the same barber or stylist twice before getting your wedding haircut. This gives them time to make adjustments for the perfect trim. Get the last cut a few days before the big event to give it time to settle in. Strive to enhance a normal look rather than experiment with extremes.

Have an old-school shave from a professional barber. Not only will you be smooth, but it’s calming to be shaved with a straight razor (as good for your nerves as it is for your skin). A barber starts by applying a hot towel, cleanser and moisturizer. Proper skin prep helps avoid razor bumps. If

you’re bearded, a barber will shape it up and make it look its best, too.

LEFT: Ben Rogers sports his shades on his Sept. 13, 2014, wedding day. (Ben Barnes Photography)

Brighten your pearly whites. Be sure he schedules a teeth cleaning ahead of the nuptials. That smile is going to be staring back from your wedding photos for years to come, and you’re going to want those ivories to pop. Consider a whitening system for an extra boost.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Matt Henterly looks dapper for the camera as he wed Emma Frankart on May 9, 2015. (Julian Allen Photography)

TOP RIGHT: Daniel Buttress and Heather Hollern wed on Dec. 6, 2014, at St. Peter Catholic Church, with a reception at Scioto Reserve Country Club.

(Martin Digital Photography)

Get a manicure. This may be a tough sell and not something you’d opt for on your own. The photographer is going to take hand and ring photos, so you’ll want your hands to look their best. Schedule one a month before the wedding and another the week of.

Book a massage. Chances are you’re feeling the stress and tension of the wedding right along with your bride-to-be. There are several spots in Columbus with a masculine vibe t hat will make y ou feel right at h ome.

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Treat Yourself

style

Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph DISpATch MAGAzINES fILE phOTOS

The Woodhouse Day Spa

The Charles Penzone Salons

ThrEE Ways To GET your brIDal-GloW oN bEforE ThE bIG Day

By Jenny RogeRs

DOWNTOWN BLISS

ALL-DAY GETAWAY

RELAX AND REJUVENATE

Since opening last winter, Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph has been called a lot of things: a great place to grab drinks, the city’s best new art collection, the chicest spot for a staycation. We’re here to add “best spot to get your bliss on” to that list. Book one of the hotel’s grand spa suites for a totally immersive relaxation experience—you’ll have an entire room to yourself—that includes a customized consultation of your skincare needs, a soaking tub and steam shower and a flatscreen TV to enjoy post-treatment. Try: The Pumpkin Enzyme Facial Peel for a bright, wedding-day-ready complexion.

The Woodhouse Day Spa, located in Dublin, now combines the best of all its spa services into a five-hour experience, making it the perfect destination a couple weeks before your big day, when tension might be high—and you might need a cocktail or two. The package includes an aromatherapy bath, four-handed massage, the spa’s signature Minkyti Facial, a mani/ pedi and a meal. Try: While you’re here, get honeymoon-ready with a wax.

The Charles Penzone Salons’ menu of spa services is long—and beloved among Central Ohio beauty queens—and you can’t go wrong with a facial, hydrotherapy treatment or cut and color. But before your wedding day, consider giving your locks a serious conditioning boost with Penzone’s Alterna Caviar Rejuvenation treatment, a three-step process that repairs hair damaged by heat treatments (we’re all guilty) and the environment. Try: Opting for a major up-do? Add an extension consultation to your day to determine if the long-locks look is for you.

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Martin Digital photography

start your happily ever after with nurtur nurtursalon.com | brewery district | grandview | upper arlington | 614.487.3033

Planning Basics: EmErgEncy Kit What every bride should have in her big-day emergency kit. —Jenny Rogers ¨¨ Phone charger ¨¨ Hair spray ¨¨ Eye drops ¨¨ baby powder and blotting sheets to

take care of pre-ceremony sweating ¨¨ A miniature sewing kit (complete with spare buttons, safety pins and scissors) for snags, tears or— shudder—worse ¨¨ sunscreen—you’re better safe than tan-lined. ¨¨ A nail file and a clear top coat to ensure your manicure remains on point ¨¨ Just-in-case meds, including a pain reliever, allergy pills and antacid ¨¨ Extra bobby pins ¨¨ breath mints, not gum ¨¨ Floss and a miniature mouthwash bottle ¨¨ makeup, including the lipstick or gloss you’ll be rocking all day, eyeliner for touchups and matte-finish powder; Q-tips and a mini bottle of makeup remover are good bets, too. ¨¨ small band-Aids for wedding-shoe blisters (Pro tip: break those babies in before the big day!) or a friction stick for too-tight shoe straps ¨¨ Cash and your ID—being a newlywed might not get you out of showing your ID at the door, should you and your wedding party hit the bars.

VOW TO WOW

COLUMBUS 614-442-0900 europeanwax waxcenter.com

769 Bethel Rd.

DUBLIN 614-766-9299

6525 Perimeter Dr.

POWELL 614-766-5444

PICKERINGTON 614-626-0018

EASTON 614-337-1414

GAHANNA 614-532-9291

1682 Hill Rd North

4199 Weaverton Lane

4042 Powell Rd.

329 Hamilton Rd.

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Derk’s works PhotograPhy

Hair

Trial

& Error

You have your wedding-day hair appointment booked, and your Pinterest board is packed with updo inspiration. But what about your hair trial?

Kasey Kennedy, a stylist with the Charles Penzone Salons, says trying out your updo ideas a few weeks before your wedding is crucial for both you and your stylist.

“It puts a lot of pressure on us if they don’t have that practice,” she says. “It gives us stylists a peace of mind.”

And it should for you, too, especially if you ask these five questions, Kennedy says.

—Taylor Starek

E N J OY AT O UR

O UR B R IDAL SUITE

C O LUM B US

NEW ALBANY 614.775.0505

LO CATIO N

COLUMBUS 614.365.3333

Can my hair handle the updo I am requesting and envisioning?

Your hair may not be thick enough for the updo you want, but that doesn’t mean it’s not doable. Extensions and hairpieces provide added volume, Kennedy says.

How should my hairpiece and/or veil be placed into my updo?

If you can bring in your veil, you should, she says. Adding a hairpiece after the stylist has secured your updo may loosen bobby pins or shift your hairstyle.

When should I go get my color or cut done before the wedding?

This is especially important if you want all of your hair up, she says. “The dimensions

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of highlights really make updos with braids or curls look nice. You can see the detail.”

Will my updo last all day?

Humidity and rain may wreak havoc on your curls, so Kennedy suggests brides ask stylists about helpful products. “Make sure the bobby pins and hair ties are secure.

Send them home with hairspray.”

Does my updo complement my overall style?

Your hairstyle should flatter your face, neckline and accessories, but it should also reflect your persona. “It’s important to make sure the updo is what feels comfortable to them.”

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M i n i M a l M a s t e r p i e c e s On a day with so many details, sometimes keeping it simple is the best option.

Incorporating minimalism into your bouquet is in, and four local florists share their interpretation of the trend. —Heather Weekley

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HERE COMES the

BRIDE Our floral designers will help make your vision a reality. We have beautiful wedding packages featuring roses, calla lilies, gerberas, and more.

Visit cmlflowers.com/wedding for details.

A 4th generation, family-owned company operating since 1937

VISIT US AT CMLFLOWERS.COM/WEDDING 1-800-790-8980

DEsaNtIs FlorIst

Bexley Grove City Powell

2408 East Main Street 2033 Stringtown Road

614-237-8653 614-539-4000 740-548-4082

White dahlias, green hypericum berries, seeded eucalyptus, pittasporum

Florist Inc

• Fresh quality flowers and ideas • Wedding coordination • Customized designs

Personal Consultations 4460 Kenny Road • 614-451-4414 • 1-800-452-9110 Will Shilling Photo

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5th AvE FlorAl Co.

Stoneridge Plaza 1319 Stoneridge Drive Gahanna, OH 43230 614.858.0444 www.columbusbrideflowers.com Photo Credit: Julian Allen Photography

Green dendrobium orchids, seeded eucalyptus

A premier, locally owned florist florist providing memorable & exquisite wedding designs by our award winning staff!

Est 1901 • Family owned & operated www.5thavefloral.com 1877 Kenny Road • Columbus, OH 43212 (888) 458-4283 • (614) 488-1106 Will Shilling Photo

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Bloomtastic

flowers and events

614.538.1010 www.bloomtasticweddings.com

Bella Valentina Photography

botaNICa Floral artIsaNs Green mini cymbidiums, purslane

Happily Ever After Starts in a Home of Your Own Ohio’s average home price is $129,000. If your rent is over $620 a month, buying a home or condo may be better for you!* The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers down payment and closing cost assistance, mortgage tax credits and competitive interest rates to make your move even easier! *Home purchase price of $129,000, 3.5% down (includes 2.5% OHFA down payment assistance), 30-year FHA mortgage at 4.12%, assumes five year ownership.

57 E Main Street Columbus OH 43215 toll free 888.362.6432 fax 614.644.5393 The Ohio Housing Finance Agency is an Equal Opportunity Housing entity. Loans are available on a fair and equal basis regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, military status, disability or ancestry. Please visit www.ohiohome.org for more information.

Will Shilling Photo

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ExprEssions Floral dEsign studio White phalaenopsis orchid, aspidistra leaves, lily grass

Will Shilling Photo

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The blooms from Natalie and John Vanderveen’s bouquets were from EcoFlora. (Derk’s Works Photography)

In Living Color If you’re looking to incorporate specific hues into your wedding flowers, Columbus Weddings presents a guide to flowers by color.

By Katie Flowers

PURPLE Purple is a popular color scheme for weddings throughout the year. The purple and blue varieties of hydrangeas have a fullness and vibrancy that can make bouquets and arrangements eye-catching.

If flowers with large blooms are used, adding smaller flowers is a nice touch for delicate details. “[Purple] mini calla lilies are lovely,” Steven Sturdivant of Botanica Floral Artisans says.

He also suggests adding flowering kale.

It’s an option to give a unique and textured twist to flower groupings. Sturdivant’s other purple flower favorites include dahlias, veronica, stock, anemones and hyacinths.

CORAL If you’re looking to add a pop of bright color to the big day, Lynette Higginbotham of MadisonHouse Designs has a key palette she likes to use: coral colored flowers when bridesmaids’ dresses are darker colors.

“I love mixing various shades of peach, blush and coral when we’re doing coral weddings, as it softens the brightness of the coral, especially when it’s up against a dark dress like navy,” she says.

The Paper Daisy Flower Boutique 14 E Hubbard Avenue Short North Arts District (614)754-1697 thepaperdaisy.com

Her flowers of choice for coral schemes include flamingo calla lilies, cafe au lait dahlias, blush astilbe, peach Juliet garden roses, coral godetia, peach amaryllis and Amsterdam roses.

ORANGE Sturdivant says he likes to use rust-colored football mums when he is working with orange because they are nice and full.

He also recommends orange varieties of gerbera daisies, snap dragons, spray roses and lilies. For some unexpected contrast, mix in sunflowers with orange pallets.

RED Red is a timeless color choice for weddings. Sturdivant suggests roses as a classic option for bouquets. He also uses red dahlias, spray roses and gerberas, and incorporates tropical flower ginger.

Hypericum berries add a nice garnish and detail to flowers.

Flowers can also be matched to the colors of dresses. If bridesmaids’ dresses are a dusty rose, Higginbotham said she likes to use mother of pearl roses, amnesia and quicksand.

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Flower Crowning Glory

By Taylor STarek

Lavishli is a full scale service where we offer all things bling for your wedding needs Custom Bridal Party Tees/Tanks Personalized Bridal Robes Bling Decor Crystallized Shoes Crystallized Flutes and Wine Bottles And So Much More

www.lavishli.com info@lavishli.com 419-464-6320

Celebrate

your special day in The Dispatch Place your wedding and anniversary announcements in The Sunday Dispatch by emailing celebrations@ dispatch.com or by calling 614.888.8888.

Katie Harriman and her friends knew they were on to something.

Their fresh flower crowns, which they proudly donned to 2014’s Comfest, were drawing stares and questions, mostly of the where-can-I-buy-one kind.

“We should do this,” Harriman said to her group. As in, we should start selling these.

Fast forward to January 2015, when Harriman decided to launch Flowerheads.

Along with her sister, Paige Harriman, she’s touting her fake and fresh petalembossed head pieces to festival-goers and brides alike.

Want a custom crown of your own?

Prices range from $45 for fresh to $100 for the larger fake variety.

We talked with Harriman, 28, about how a bride can incorporate one of her pieces into her look.

What’s your creative process like?

If it’s a custom crown for a certain event and you have a certain look in mind or an outfit, we’ll come together, and I can tell you what I think would look good and go from there. We’ll start with what flowers you want and how big you want it to be.

I really like making big ones, but people seem to like the daintier ones because you can wear it with more.

Crowns by Flowerheads

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What makes a great flower crown?

The thing that’s been the most difficult is trying to make fake [flowers] look real.

That was where I saw there was a market for it … I was looking for something that was more natural, so that’s what I strive for. If someone’s like, “Whoa, is that real or fake?” ... that’s a good crown.

What are some of your favorite flowers to work with?

I really love using fake hydrangeas. I think they look natural. For real flowers, when we were at Comfest, we made flowers out of little pink roses and blueberries.

How should a bride work her flower crown into the rest of her look?

The flowers should all be within whatever you’re comfortable with within your vision for your wedding. If you’re one of those people that loves all kinds of wildflowers and you want everything to be wild then go for it. It depends on your look and what your vibe is. If you’re not someone who is comfortable wearing a statement piece on your head, wear something that’s dainty.

What’s the craziest crown you’ve made so far?

[My friend’s] wedding is Aug. 8 [2015]. She’s getting little animal figures that are going to be all of the bridal party’s spirit animals.

We’re going to spray paint them gold and attach them somewhere in the crown.

Derk’s Works PhotograPhy

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Rock on Rose gold, halo-style and emerald cut: That’s what’s on trend for engagement rings, says Gabe Truxall, bridal and diamond buyer at the Diamond Cellar.

Here, three stunning options from Diamond Cellar that fit the bill.

—Heather Weekley

Will Shilling photo

Top: precision Set 18-karat white gold semi-mount from the petite Flush Fit Collection; $2,340 without center stone Middle: Tacori rose-gold engagement ring with roundcenter diamond; $2,920 without center stone BoTToM: Christopher designs l’Amour Crisscut ring featuring 2 carats of diamonds, total weight; $10,396 Columbus WEDDINGs |

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GraNDvIEW spotlIGht:

Breaking the

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT: Men’s textured band ring of recycled 10-karat yellow gold; Mamed metal dots wedding band of recycled 14-karat palladium white gold with recycled 14-karat red-gold inlaid dots; Faceted gem wedding band of recyled 14-karat palladium white gold; Glacier engagement ring of recylced 14-karat white gold with antique diamond; all by The Smithery.

ring rules

By ABBy FeinknopF Though wedding planning is steeped in tradition, two Grandview jewelry designers eliminate the stress of ring shopping by offering custom designs that break the rules and leave couples loving their symbolic selections.

William Weidinger, goldsmith and jewelry designer, has been in business for more than 40 years and is a long-recognized source for traditional jewelry. He has built a family business (he’s married to a gemologist and works with his son) that boasts three workbenches and 24 showcases of collections best described as timeless, simple and elegant. Weidinger recognizes the gravity in selecting the symbol that best represents a couple’s relationship, so he never rushes them. Instead, he invites couples to peruse his collections before considering custom designs, then recommends they go home and think about the options.

Wearability and comfort are important considerations for Weidinger, who’s often told his rings “simply feel good.” Working in recycled gold and platinum, refined and alloyed in Virginia, his inventory of gemstones is sourced globally. Loving a design challenge, he begins with rough sketches, provided by the couple or himself, which are computer generated into a 3D model. The rings are then hand carved in wax and cast in metal, with completion in five weeks or less.

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The Smithery, owned and operated by jewelry designer Anne Holman and business partner/designer Jen Townsend, offers unique, contemporary designs and the hands-on opportunity for couples to make their rings. The Smithery conducts all aspects of their lost wax, jewelry-making process in-house at their Grandview Avenue store, allowing couples to schedule private workshops in designing, casting and completing their rings. The Smithery even offers group events for their bridal parties.

Holman and Townsend encourage couples to break rules and to follow their hearts during the ring-selection process, noting they will be happier wearing what internally feels right. The Smithery has designed a wide variety of untraditional rings by mixing metals and gemstones; eliminating gemstones altogether; enameling; encasing dried flowers; and designing rings that don’t match. One client, with their dog as ring-bearer, commissioned an art nouveau-style ring to pay homage to the curls of fur on the dog’s ears. With the complexity of the design dictating turnaround time, simple bands can be completed within three weeks and more intricate designs within six months.

The Smithery answers Holman’s dream of a space to create, sell and teach under one roof, while supporting other artists.

The store’s collections include jewelry, but also textiles, ceramics and print work from over 60 global artists, many items proving to be perfect bridal party gifts.

TOP: Diamonds in white gold and platinum; by William Weidinger.

BOTTOM: Platimum with 3.5-carat total weight diamonds; by William Weidinger.

William A. Weidinger Goldsmith & Jewelry Designer 1458 West Fifth Ave., Grandview 614-481-8866; williamweidinger.com The Smithery 1306 Grandview Ave., Grandview 614-867-5780; shopthesmithery.com

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style

A Heartfelt Design

By Jessica salerno In a sea of sparkle, it can be overwhelming to decide what you want in an engagement ring or wedding band.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique than the usual bling behind the counter, custom design could be the route for you.

A great place to start is to find a jeweler who’s interested in your lifestyle, suggests Scott Cevasco of Scott’s Custom Jewelers. “I go into what kind of work you do, what kind of activities, how often you want to wear your ring,” Cevasco says. All of these factors can affect the design and, in the end, durability of your ring.

And thanks to today’s technology, couples can create their dream ring with the help of computer software.

“On our preliminary consultations we do so much homework that we make sure couples have the right visual aid or sketch of what they want,” says Daniel Gordon of the Diamond Cellar.

Although the nature of custom design lends itself to a wide range of styles, Gordon says that rose gold has become a popular trend for couples. Kevin Laudick of Leo Alfred Jewelers says to expect three to six weeks for custom design, and don’t let prices scare you off, as the quality of the piece should make up for it.

“Be honest and forthcoming about what exactly you want, during each and every step of the process,” Laudick says. “Getting married is an exciting time, designing your future ring should be no different.”

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Top LefT: Micaela Hartman’s engagement ring is a family heirloom, and the wedding bands are from Worthington Jewelers. (Julian Allen photography) Top RigHT: Shannon and Brett Smith’s rings were found at Andrews Jewelers. (Hillary ferguson photography) MiddLe LefT: Megan and Craig Laughlin’s rings are from etsy. (Julian Allen photography) MiddLe RigHT: Ashley and Matt dill’s rings are from Jared. (Together We Click) ABove: gena and Bryan Baillis’ rings. (derk’s Works photography)

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TogeTher We CliCk

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CErEmoNy 76 • rECEptIoN 82 • rECEptIoN lIstINGs 96 CatErING 124 • rEhEarsal DINNEr 132 • CakEs 134 Columbus WEDDINGs |

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s : e D i n e o c o m d e ed r eC

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By HeatHer Weekley

M

aybe you’re putting together your own ceremony. Or maybe you’re just curious as to exactly what that unity candle means. We’ve compiled a list of common ceremony parts to make your planning a little easier.

Ashley and Matt Dill were married on Dec. 6, 2014, and had both their ceremony and reception at The Bluestone. (Togteher We Click)

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Unity Candle: To join a couple as one, two candles are lit prior to the ceremony by family members of the couple. Then, the couple will each take a candle and light one unity candle after vows are exchanged.

Processional: The entrance of all the wedding VIPs, including the bride’s mother, ring bearers and flower girls, bridesmaids and finally, the bride and the person walking her down the aisle. The processional most often begins with the officiant, groom and groomsmen taking their place for the ceremony, followed by the aforementioned parties. While “Here Comes the Bride” is typically the first song we think of when it comes to processionals, feel free to get creative.

Other popular traditional tunes include Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” and Mozart’s “Wedding March.”

io Statehous h O e

Wedding Showcase

February 19, 2016 6-8:30 p.m.

Readings: Ceremonies tend to involve at least one reading, and it’s fair game for who reads: Aunts, uncles, godparents and family friends are all common options. As for the readings themselves? Chances are you’ve been to a wedding where you’ve heard the scripture passage “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast.”

It’s one of the most-used readings. For the non-religious, try a meaningful excerpt from your favorite book.

Mike and Kim Photography

Vows: Vows serve as the promises a couple makes to each other as they begin their married life together. If you’re getting married in a church, there may be a standard set of vows you’ll repeat back to each other.

Or, many couples choose to write their own: Our primer on writing your own wedding vows is found on page 80.

Pronouncement: Also known as a presentation of the couple. The moment we’ve all been waiting for: When the officiant announces the couple as wed, along with that special kiss.

Top To BoTTom: A unity candle is lit at Clair and Nick Wagner’s nuptials. (mia Jade Wedding photojournalism); Lindsay Fawley married Jon maupin on may 2, 2015, at The mohicans. (Together We Click); Natalie and John Vanderveen wed on July 19, 2014. (Derk’s Works photography); Jaquelyn and matt Walker are pronounced husband and wife during their June 13, 2015, ceremony. (Kimberly potterf photography)

For wedding ceremony, reception and photo details, contact 614/466-2251 or schase@csrab.state.oh.us

ohiostatehouse.org Columbus WEDDINGs |

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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Your Elegant Wedding in an Elegant Space in the Heart of Downtown

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With This Ring Columbus brides share some memorable moments from their wedding ceremony.

444 East Broad Street, Columbus 614-228-1741 www.first-church.org CloCkwise from left: Jill Haberkern and John Joseph wed at Columbus Museum of Art. (kimberly Potterf Photography); tim kaskewsky crosses his fingers before his bride walks down the aisle. (Ben Barnes Photography); Andrea rower walks down the aisle of First Congregational Church. (AddVision)

Morgan alfMan

Jill HaBerKern

Married Nathan Hines on Oct. 11, 2014 Ceremony highlights: “The hand blessing, saying our vows, walking down the aisle and having our family and friends standing beside us.”

Married John Joseph on May 9, 2015 Ceremony highlights: “We both cared deeply about the readings, and we selected favorite poems by Walt Whitman, e.e. cummings, Edna St. Vincent Millay and a poem that [I] wrote for John for [our] wedding day.”

Katie Brown Married Andrew Hootman on April 25, 2015 Ceremony highlights: “The massive, solid wood doors opening in the back of the church and immediately finding each other’s eyes for the first time on our wedding day. Even though we were an aisle apart, we could feel every emotion. We’ll never forget that moment.”

Mary HaacK Married Tim Kaskewsky on Oct. 11, 2014 Ceremony highlights: “Tim crossing his fingers before I walked down the aisle and our first kiss.”

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andrea rower Married Nick Bruckelmeyer on Jan. 17, 2015 Ceremony highlights: “We wanted a musicfilled ceremony, so the parents and bridal party processed to choir anthems rather than traditional organ or piano accompaniment.

For the bride’s processional, my uncle played ‘Trumpet Voluntary’ with the organ, which was very special.”

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The One-Stop Shop Some couples opt to have their ceremonies and receptions at the same spot. The reasoning? You’ll minimize travel for guests and deal with one less vendor during the planning process, among other things. Here, a list of some spots in the Downtown Columbus area to host your entire celebration.

The Athletic Club of Columbus: Kick off your special day with a ceremony in the lounge room, which seats up to 200. After a lobby cocktail hour, head into the dining room for the reception. According to Emily Knapp, assistant director of private events, roughly 50 percent of couples use The Athletic Club of Columbus for both ceremonies and receptions.

The Bluestone: The venue, which was built as a church in 1898, features a sanctuary for ceremonies with room for roughly 300 guests. That same space is then transformed into the reception with room for 300 to 500 people, depending on your preference of a seated or cocktail-style affair.

Located in beautiful, Hocking Hills, Ohio on a private 200 acre farm. Breathtaking scenery includes a pond, meadow and of course, the hills! Custom or DIY wedding packages are available for up to 150 guests. Packages can include licensed catering, flowers, wedding cake, lodging, ample parking and more! All packages include the Rush Creek Retreat, which will sleep up to 20 guests. Fourteen additional log cabins are available for out of town guests to turn your wedding day into your wedding weekend! Call to receive your customized quote and schedule your personal tour.

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Columbus Museum of Art: With the musuem’s recent expansion (read more in our renovation roundup on page 82), couples now have various event space options. Start with a ceremony inside the pre-existing Derby Court, then move into the new Special Events Pavilion for your reception.

High Line Car House: The Brewery District spot, recently renovated in the last several years, can add ceremony space rental to your package for an additional $400. Receptions in the space are catered by Two Caterers—the company’s offices are located in the building.

Ohio Statehouse: Statehouse ceremonies take place in the Rotunda and include parking for nearly 300 guests, plus chairs for the ceremony, sound system usage and more. Party the night away after the ceremony with a reception in the Atrium.

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Alex Niehaus and Frank Comeriato personalized their wedding vows for their May 16, 2015, nuptials. (Together We Click)

In Their Own Words

By Brooke Preston Today’s traditional “to have and to hold” marriage vows date back to medieval times.

Though the words have changed little in more than 500 years (with the exception of “to obey,” now largely omitted), many couples now opt to pen their own.

We asked recent Columbus brides who customized their own vows to pass along their tips.

Our Brides Heidi Hubmann, wed Joe Rettof Sarah Wegener, wed Andrew Good Natasha Ballard, wed Adam Churches Rachel Gapa, wed Greg Pace Why did you write your vows?

Heidi: Our ceremony was somewhat nontraditional. It was very centered around us as a couple … This option seemed the most obvious way to make the ceremony even more personal.

Natasha: This was a perfect opportunity for our friends and family to not only be reminded of that piece of us they knew individually, but also see how open and honest [we] are with one another.

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Did you memorize them?

Heidi: We didn’t. I revised mine right up until bedtime the night before. I didn’t want to focus too much on the memorization and lose emotion.

Rachel: I didn’t want to add “remembering my vows” to the list of things that made me nervous. We had our pastor read them to us and we repeated after.

Advice for other couples?

Rachel: We looked at using traditional vows and realized that they didn’t apply to us enough. We wanted our vows to reflect who we are as a couple. We frequently make jokes by rhyming, so we put a joke-y rhyme in them: “… To talk with you, and joke with you, even if I go broke with you” Sarah: We wrote our vows separately. One month before our big day, we shared them with each other to determine if there was anything we should change. We both loved what the other had written, and didn’t make any changes. It was great to have shared them once beforehand to help with the weddingday jitters!

Vows that Wow Vows are often solemn and sweet, but humor is a great way to add personal touches. Get inspired (or entertained) by these famous onscreen vows: Craig, “Wedding Crashers” I, Craig, take you, Christina, to be my wife, my best friend, and my first mate. Through sickness and health, clear skies and squalls.

Monica, “Friends” Then, three years ago, at another wedding, I turned to a friend for comfort. And instead, I found everything that I’d ever been looking for my whole life …

Unless you don’t want to. You go!

Meredith and Derek, “Grey’s Anatomy” To love each other, even when we hate each other. No running ever; nobody walks out no matter what happens. Take care when old, senile, smelly.

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Refresh Columbus-area wedding venues are expanding, renovating and improving their spaces for stellar celebrations.

By Melissa Kossler Dutton

Hoping to attract more brides and grooms to their facilities, several Central Ohio wedding venues have added something new.

Recent renovations at the Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the Granville Inn and a few other wedding sites have created spaces that allow couples to complete day-of prep and host their wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions in the same facility.

More and more couples want to marry and celebrate in the same space, says Jenny Garringer, the state manager for the Association of Bridal Consultants.

“That’s been a huge thing,” says the owner of Pink With Envy in Beavercreek, Ohio.

“Couples don’t want their guests to come back and forth between two locations.”

Jill Haberkern wed John Joseph at the Columbus Museum of Art on May 9, 2015. (Kimberly Potterf Photography) Columbus WEDDINGs |

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Plan a day to remember in your favorite Columbus theatre!

A rendering of the expansion at the Columbus Museum of Art. (Photo courtesy of the Columbus Museum of Art)

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Columbus Museum of Art officials were thinking about people and parties, paintings and portraits when they designed the new space, which opened in October 2015.

In addition to gallery space, the new wing includes a 4,800-square-foot Special Events Pavilion that greatly expands the museum’s ability to host weddings and other functions, says spokeswoman Nancy Colvin.

The Special Events Pavilion, which can seat 375 for dinner, allows the museum to hold larger events. The location of the space, adjacent to Derby Court, also enhances its functionality. Derby Court— the museum’s largest event space prior to the renovation—can accommodate 200 guests for dinner. Now couples and others can use both spaces and have dinner seating for 500, Colvin says.

“In the past, there were events we were not able to host because of size and space,” she says. “This gives us more opportunities to say yes to couples and community organizations.”

Weddings were top of mind when the space was created, she adds, as couples like to use multiple spaces for their events. The Pavilion not only adjoins Derby Court, it also connects to a terrace with access to the Sculpture Garden.

“What this space really gives us is flexibility,” she says. “It allows couples to really personalize their day and make sure it’s a reflection of who they are.”

One end of the room features a glass wall that overlooks the garden. The space is light and airy and will provide a warm background for couples to personalize, Colvin says. “They don’t want a space to dictate their celebration. They want to make the space fit them, their celebration and their day.”

Of course, the museum’s art collection makes a fabulous backdrop for events. Party guests are always invited to tour the galleries.

The variety of spaces provides couples and party planners with options. Many couples choose to serve cocktails in one space and then move into another room for dinner.

“It’s the thing to do,” Colvin says.

Couples have several choices for cocktail hour. They can serve drinks and appetizers in Derby Court, the Broad Street lobby or The Shard, a multi-level, glass enclosed lobby that connects the existing galleries with the new space.

The renovations also address couples wishing to marry at the museum.

“We have had a great deal more interest from people who want to have the ceremony and reception at the same place,” Colvin says.

The new sculpture garden, which can be tented, offers a beautiful wedding venue, she explains.

The space also features special spots for old and new friends. Alison Saar’s beloved “Nocturne Navigator”—affectionately known as The Blue Lady—will grace a

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Natalie and John Vanderveen’s July 19, 2014, wedding reception took place at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. (Derk’s Works Photography)

new gallery that shows of her starry skirts.

Wedding parties will enjoy comfy suites where they can dress for the ceremony and store items during the reception.

“It’s a way to make the day a little less hectic for the couple,” Colvin says.

The museum needs to offer extras for couples because weddings and events are necessary for its financial success, she explains. Earned income—which includes dollars generated from special events and the Museum Store—accounted for nearly 20 percent of the museum’s total revenue.

Museum officials hope the renovated space will continue to make special events a money generator for the facility.

“Sustainability was one of the major goals of the Art Matters endowment and capital campaign that funded this project,” Colvin says.

Events also bring new visitors to the museum—another important part of its mission, she says.

“It’s a great way for people to be introduced to the museum or experience the museum in a new way.”

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In the Garden Like the museum, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens works hard to cultivate new relationships— often through classes and special events.

The outreach brings visitors and revenue to the conservatory, says Brandon Flory, senior events sales manager. Revenue from facility rentals, the in-house catering operation and Garden Café accounted for 27 percent of the conservatory’s budget last year.

“We are a big part of the conservatory and the budget, in general,” she says.

“We have this beautiful building, and it’s important to bring people in for all different reasons. Once here, they can enjoy the exhibitions and collections and hopefully come back.”

To help facilitate the growth of both efforts, the conservatory recently constructed a community outreach and education center that includes event space.

The structure incorporates the skeleton of a 4,000-square-foot barn that stood for 200 years in Richland County. The barn,

with its hand-hewn timbers, inspired the design of the new 11,000-squarefoot building located south of the main conservatory. It also includes a lower level with classrooms.

The new venue, which can accommodate 250 people for a seated reception and 500 for cocktails, will dramatically impact the conservatory’s ability to host weddings and events, Flory says.

The structure features reclaimed wood, a stone fireplace, granite countertops and a covered porch.

“It’s a really great mix of old and new,” she says.

The building has a “lodge feel” that sets it apart from main conservatory building, Flory says. Couples already have their choice of several areas in the building.

The Palm House, with its double grand staircase and Victorian styling, is the most formal space. The Grand Atrium, which incorporates natural light and exposed beams, offers a more modern setting.

The stone wall and tropical plants in the Veridian room create an organic feel.

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“The new structure is warm and welcoming for couples with a different inspiration. It doesn’t have the formalness of the main conservatory,� she says. “That’s what so great about the conservatory. There are so many different spaces for different tastes.�

The new venue—just like all the event areas within the conservatory—is paired with an outdoor garden. Plantings around it will focus on native Ohio plants, including a wildflower meadow. The gardens will provide a way to educate people about local plant species and appeal to brides focusing on the Buckeye State.

Of course, couples gravitate to the conservatory for its lush green spaces and gardens, which make dynamic backdrops for photos, Flory adds. “Our brides appreciate the natural built-in beauty that complements their day,� she says.

The new venue also will feature two suites where members of the wedding party can get ready for the celebration. “It’s convenience that couples have come to expect,� Flory says. “They love that benefit of being able to have a space to get ready or take a breather.�

Updated Historic cHarm The Granville Inn offers spaces with historic character for weddings and events. The decades-old Inn, along with its Carriage House, recently underwent a $9 million renovation courtesy of its new owners, Denison University. The college purchased the Inn in 2013 in an effort to preserve the piece of local history and stimulate the local economy by upgrading its event spaces. The renovation, which focused on maintaining the building’s architectural features, created several wonderful options for weddings, says Linda Turk, director of sales. “It sells itself. We don’t look like a hotel,� she says. “We’re a grand building with beautiful oak paneling.�

The Inn is built of stone and resembles an English manor. However, all of the plumbing, electric, heating and air conditioning was upgraded during the renovation so it functions like a modern event space, Turk says. She adds that it also has a strong history in the community.

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Granville Inn’s Denison Hall.

(Photo courtesy Granville Inn)

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“We’re 91 years old,” she says. “We find that people have a connection to the Granville Inn—whether their parents or grandparents got married here or they came for another celebration. So many people have some sort of story about the inn.”

Denison Hall, the largest event space, can seat 130 guests with a dance floor. The room is a bright, welcoming space due, in part, to its newly raised ceiling, Turk says.

Couples often use other areas of the inn during their celebrations as well.

“The majority do want a separate little space for their cocktail hour,” she says.

“They want the grand reveal when we open the doors to Denison Hall.”

Cocktails can be served in Gallery 1831—a quaint pre-function area off of Denison Hall or the Wales Room—space on the lower level that features old woodwork and interesting art.

The renovation also included the Carriage House, which for decades had been used for storage. Now it functions as additional banquet space.

The Carriage House, which can accommodate 64 for a seated dinner, also has an outdoor courtyard. The garden is

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wired for sound and can be tented.

“Guests really like to mingle in and out of the two spaces,” Turk says.

The Carriage House is a neutral space with lots of natural light. It features three sets of doors that open to the courtyard.

Couples also appreciate that the venue can accommodate their guests overnight.

The Inn has 39 rooms, including nine that were created during the renovation.

Couples that choose one of the Inn’s wedding packages can stay in a suite during their event.

“The Inn offers couples and their guests a perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding and weekend away,” Turk says.

The One-STOp ShOp Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center is hoping its latest renovation will attract couples seeking to create a getaway experience for their wedding guests.

The renovation added 74 guest rooms, bringing the total to 193. Given the facility’s campus-style configuration, couples like to provide their guests with the opportunity to make a wedding a weekendlong event, says Bryan Wright, director of catering for the facility which used to be exclusive to Nationwide employees.

On its 15-acre site, Nationwide offers a pub, fire pit and other gathering spaces.

“It’s definitely a destination-wedding feel but in Lewis Center, Ohio,” Wright says. “I always tell couples the more guests they have staying in the hotel, the more fun it is.”

The new rooms really focus on visitor comfort, he says. They are oversized and include a sleeper sofa, microwave and refrigerator. Overnight bookings always include breakfast.

“The renovation helps contribute to the retreat feel of property,” Wright says. “We really want guests to feel pampered.”

Nationwide offers three main event spaces, Wright says. The Grand Ballroom features exposed brick, floor-to-ceiling palladium windows and an adjoining atrium for cocktails. The 6,000-squarefoot room seats 350. The NorthPointe Ballroom has a classic ballroom feel. It seats 250 guests and also has space for a cocktail hour. The Edgewater Room has a Tuscan vibe. The room has a fireplace, windows on three sides and overlooks a

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Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center

pond. It seats up to 175 guests for dinner.

“I love the fact that our spaces are so unique,” Wright says. “With these three spaces, we get brides with any and every style.”

Nationwide also makes an effort to make sure the outdoor spaces are as inviting as they can be, he adds.

Landscapers do five different plantings so the gardens are always bursting with seasonal blooms. The spring look focuses on tulips and daffodils. The two

ChrOma phOTO

summer replantings bring in a mix of warm-weather plants designed to evoke a tropical feel. In the fall, the gardens boast hundreds of colorful mums. During the winter, Nationwide focuses on creating festive mood.

The goal is to make all the spaces work together to create a space that welcomes couples and their guests, Wright says.

“We’re so much more than a ballroom— we’re a destination,” he says. “And the new hotel renovation builds on that.”

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Downtown ExpEriEncE The multi-million dollar renovation occurring at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel also focuses on guest rooms. All 408 sleeping rooms in the hotel—which can host events ranging in size from 25 to 1,000—will undergo a facelift.

The project, which includes new carpeting, wall coverings, furniture, art and lighting, will be complete in the spring of 2016.

During the renovation, bathrooms also will be enlarged to create a second “get ready” area in guest rooms, says Geri Lombardi, general manager of the hotel.

“We’re excited about what this renovation will mean for couples. We know brides and grooms want their guests to be comfortable and have [an] experience when they travel to Columbus for a wedding,” she says.

Golf GranDEur Wedgewood Golf & Country Club focused on creating a neutral but inviting space during a recent ballroom renovation. The club wants couples and party planners to view the room as blank slate on which

they “paint their own perfect palette,” says Chris Casto, general manager. The muchneeded updating of the room, which can seat 300 for dinner, included new lighting and flooring. The club added three new chandeliers (for a total of six) to the room. The renovation also included the installation of hardwood floors.

The room also offers stunning views of the golf course that contribute to the mood, adds Kathryn Scheiferstein, director of events. Wedding parties appreciate that the room has an attached patio and a foyer that’s often used for pre-reception cocktails, she says.

“When it’s time, we open the ballroom doors—it just adds a nice romantic feel,” she says.

The club added a Celebration Garden in 2014. The garden not only serves as an amenity for members, it’s a great spot for wedding ceremonies, Casto says. The club has seen an increase in couples who want to host the wedding and the reception at the same venue.

“Brides and grooms want just one place for their guests to go,” he says.

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Columbus Museum of Art columbusmuseum.org Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens fpconservatory.org Granville Inn granvilleinn.com Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center nwhotelandconferencecenter.com Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel marriott.com

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Wedgewood Golf & Country Club wedgewoodgolfcc.com

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Sarah and Jim Penikas chose Via Vecchia for their May 16, 2015, ceremony and reception. (Kimberly Potterf Photography)

The Venue Vision Columbus Weddings guides you through finding a spot for your celebration.

By Kristin CampBell A wedding reception is the culmination of a lifetime of dreams and often more than a year of meticulous planning. On this day, the bride and groom want to be able to relax, and they want their families to be able to do the same. Achieving this goal takes some forethought and planning.

But, armed with a carefully crafted list of expectations and questions, couples can find the right venue to host the best party of their lives.

Jamie Rapavy, a wedding specialist for Columbus Bride & Groom, tells her clients to be both thorough and patient.

One easily avoidable pitfall is falling in love with a venue and signing a contract before understanding the complete financial

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breakdown. The last thing a couple needs is an unexpected bill that’ll throw the budget out of whack.

Even if the venue manager is very busy, a couple should not feel rushed and should take time to ask all the appropriate questions.

“The reception is half of the bride’s overall wedding budget,” Rapavy says.

“She should ask a lot of questions and be as thorough as possible.”

Pay attention to the venue management’s vibe, too. “A good sales manager will lead the couple and make them feel comfortable,” Rapavy says.

On the must-ask list of questions for Rapavy’s clients:

¨¨Is my wedding date available? ¨¨How many people does your

ballroom hold? ¨¨Do you have a food and beverage

minimum? ¨¨Do you have a rental fee? ¨¨Are there any additional fees? ¨¨What is your service charge? ¨¨Can I bring in my own rentals (like

chargers and linens)? ¨¨When will I have access to the

ballroom for pre-event set up? ¨¨Is an onsite ceremony possible? ¨¨What is the rain plan?

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Photos by Michael U. Klabunde

In the heart of the Brewery District

A distinctive reception facility with old-world charm.

Private garden area Versatile space for up to 500 Free Parking

Kimberly Potterf PhotograPhy

When Andrea Marchi married Brandon Double in October 2014, the couple had something special in mind for the reception. They wanted an intimate setting that reflected their love of family and their shared Italian heritage.

The ceremony was held at their home church, which didn’t have adequate reception space. They looked at a few other places, but had trouble locating something with the right mood and the right size.

They found just what they needed at the Church of the Resurrection.

The space was small enough to feel personal, and the couple decorated it in an Old World Italian theme, with artfully designed chalkboards, accent lighting, and wine bottles as table décor and guest favors, featuring custom labels crafted by the bride, a graphic designer.

The first question Marchi asked was whether the couple could provide their own alcohol; buying beer themselves saved the couple a considerable amount of money, but it was also a matter of accepting a gracious gift from a family member. Marchi’s uncle made the wine that was served at the reception.

Next, Marchi asked if they could use their own caterer. In that respect and others, the venue operators were very accommodating, Marchi says. “They provided all of the tables and chairs, and our caterer provided the linens,” she says.

When selecting the venue, Marchi also considered transportation concerns and

proximity to the hotel, and found the hotel would transport guests in a shuttle to and from the day’s festivities.

In the end, the careful planning led to a memorable event for guests, who are still talking about the good time they had.

As Allison (Reeve) Breitfeller planned her July 2014 wedding to Daniel Breitfeller, she used The Knot website, attended a number of bridal fairs and sought plenty of advice online, in print and from friends. Instead of finding a site and acclimating to their rules, she decided what was most important to her and made it work. In the end, she asked for a recommendation from her preferred caterer, Catering by Scott.

“We had fallen in love with his food at one of the bridal fairs and so, when we went looking for reception sites, we were looking for one that would let us bring in a caterer,” she says. “Not many of them would and, in the end, we asked our caterer for a list of locations where they had catered.”

Breitfeller says she is happy she spent so much time planning what turned out to be a glorious day. She advises other couples do the same.

“Don’t be afraid to ask your vendors for recommendations,” she says. “Many of them have been in the industry for years, and have worked in many different venues.

Don’t be afraid to say no if you don’t like a venue. It’s your wedding, and it should be done to your tastes, not someone else’s.”

Since 1866 543 S. Front St. Columbus, Ohio 43215 Office: (614) 461-8095 www.germaniacolumbus.org

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A ceremony in COSI’s Planetarium (Amanda Muschlitz Photo)

Spotlight: COSI

By HeatHer Weekley COSI isn’t just for kids. The award-winning science center—a fixture on the Scioto River—has innovative exhibits and experiences. But COSI also offers a multitude of event spaces perfect for ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners.

Kick off the evening with cocktail hour in Ocean (your guests can explore the ocean water with Poseidon) or Progress (a walk down an American street in both 1898 and 1962). If you’d like to go the more traditional route for your reception dinner, try one of COSI’s three galleries: They range in size from 4,200 to 9,900 square feet, accommodating several hundred guests. The galleries boast high ceilings and track lighting. Other wedding-friendly spaces include the Atrium, located near the building’s entrance, and the industrial-looking City View area. Opting for an outdoor event? Try the English Plaza with its stellar Downtown views or the North Courtyard, which is intimate and picturesque.

And if you want a wedding ceremony that’s out of this world, COSI’s Planetarium delivers: Recently renovated, the dome-shaped room features a view of the night sky via digital technology. The Planetarium seats roughly 200 people, and the sky view can be customized.

“We can put up the stars from a specific night, like when they got engaged or when they first met,” says Ty Owen, manager of theater programs at COSI. “It gives people in Central Ohio an experience that they can’t have anywhere else.”

Amber Waters, event sales manager, shares that COSI hosts

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COSI’s Progress exhibit. (Photo courtesy COSI)

between 20 and 30 weddings per year. The event spaces can be booked up to a year in advance, and the staff takes care of set-up, clean-up and even directing guests throughout COSI. Couples also have the opportunity to incorporate some COSI fun into their big day, either renting out exhibits or enjoying the COSI portable science carts.

As for catering, COSI has an in-house caterer for all events. You can, however, bring in your own cake, and COSI provides a recommended vendor list for services like florists, photo booths and music. Another touch: The five meeting rooms the science center offers for bridal parties to get ready or touch up before ceremonies and receptions.

“A wedding venue is like dress shopping,” Waters explains.

“People come in and think they know exactly what they want, but I’ll encourage them to look at everything we have to offer.

We try to make the experience as customized for them to give them the best day-of experience.”

Cosi.org

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Reception Guide

DOWNTOWN Athletic Club of Columbus 136 E. Broad St.; 614-221-3344 accolumbus.com Unparalleled cuisine and exceptional service in Downtown Columbus; member sponsorship not required The Bluestone 583 E. Broad St.; 614-884-4646 liveatthebluestone.com 23,000-square-foot premier Downtown event center; multiple rooms with unique features; creative homemade cuisine through preferred caterer Boat House at Confluence Park 679 W. Spring St.; 614-469-0000 boathouserestaurantoh.com Beautiful skyline view of Downtown Columbus at the confluence of the Olentangy and Scioto rivers Buca di Beppo 343 N. Front St.; 614-621-3287 bucadibeppo.com Take a trip back to the Little Italy of the 1950s at Buca di Beppo, where parties enjoy fresh, authentic Italian food served family style.

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Compiled By Katie Flowers and HeatHer weeKley

Columbus Athenaeum 32 N. Fourth St.; 614-222-6338 columbusmeetings.com Reception and ceremony spaces include Olympian Ballroom, two theaters and Oak Room; liquor license allows clients to customize alcohol offerings Columbus Museum of Art 480 E. Broad St.; 614-629-0324 columbusmuseum.org The Columbus Museum of Art is newly expanded to include additional event space among the worldrenowned art collection.

COSI 333 W. Broad St.; 614-228-2674 ext. 2900 cosi.org Prime Downtown riverfront location, with spectacular views of the skyline, magnificent architecture and world-class exhibits Crowne Plaza Columbus Downtown 33 E. Nationwide Blvd.; 614-461-4100 ihg.com Inclusive wedding packages available; no off-site catering

dock580 580 N. Fourth St.; 614-464-9999 dock580.com Beautiful Downtown view; unique 2-floor facility; urban feel, exposed brick, steel beams DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Columbus Downtown 50 S. Front St.; 614-228-4600 doubletree3.hilton.com Unique setting with views of the Scioto River; ideal for rehearsal dinners, wedding brunches and intimate receptions Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 1777 E. Broad St.; 614-715-8100 fpconservatory.org Spaces include the historic Palm House with soaring glass ceilings, plus stunning indoor and outdoor garden settings; rooftop gardens overlook Franklin Park Galbreath Pavilion at Ohio Theatre 39 E. State St.; 614-469-1045 capa.com/venues/venue-rental Outside catering welcome with no additional cost; tables and chairs included for additional rental fee

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Ashley and Matt Dill hosted both their Dec. 6, 2014, ceremony and reception at The Bluestone, located in Downtown Columbus.

(Together We Click) Germania 543 S. Front St.; 614-461-8095 germaniacolumbus.org Germania is a charming site with spacious indoor accommodations, as well as a beautiful garden overlooking the historic Brewery District.

Grange Insurance Audubon Center 505 W. Whittier St.; 614-545-5475 grange.audubon.org On the Whittier Peninsula, the Audubon Center is a hidden haven offering indoor-outdoor space.

Graystone Wine Cellar 544 S. Front St.; 614-228-2332 graystonecolumbus.com Located in the limestone vaults of the historic 1875 Schlee Brewery; the perfect space for intimate receptions Greek Orthodox Cathedral 555 N. High St.; 614-224-9020 greekcathedral.com Couples can choose from four preferred caterers and bring their own alcohol.

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reception guide

Tablescapes from Abby and Jeremy Holden’s Sept. 20, 2014, reception at the Ivory Room. (Nicole Dixon Photographic) High Line Car House 550 S. High St.; 614-882-7323 twocaterersvenues.com Built as a car house and horse barn for Columbus’ trolley system, the High Line Car House building has been a Brewery District fixture for 140 years. The building is owned by catering pros Two Caterers.

Kelton House 586 E. Town St.; 614-464-2022 keltonhouseevents.com Historic home near Downtown known for its gardens; minimal decorating required; bring your own alcohol, but bartender is required; ceremony-only rental available

Hilton Columbus Downtown 401 N. High St.; 614-384-8600 hiltoncolumbusdowntown.com Located in the heart of Downtown and the Short North with elegant spaces and custom furnishings

L.A. Catering Event Center 670 Harmon Ave.; 614-358-5252 la-catering.com Excellent menu options; LCD projectors and screens; sound system with mobile microphones; central lighting for dance floor

Huntington Park 330 Huntington Park Ln.; 614-462-5250 huntingtonparkcolumbus.com The first-class amenities and unique setting attract couples looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Lincoln Theatre Ballroom 769 E. Long St.; 614-469-1045 lincolntheatrecolumbus.com Newly renovated and restored in the historic Lincoln Theatre; outside catering welcome with no additional fees

Hyatt Regency Columbus 350 N. High St.; 614-463-1234 columbusregency.hyatt.com The Downtown hotel offers multiple ballrooms and event spaces.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse 569 N. High St.; 614-224-2204 hydeparkrestaurants.com Intimate private rooms with customized menus to accommodate a range of budgets

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Ivory Room 2 Miranova Pl.; 614-221-2347 ivoryroom.cameronmitchellpremierevents.com A contemporary space in Miranova with panoramic views of the Downtown skyline; catering provided by Cameron Mitchell Premier Events

North Bank Park Pavilion 311 W. Long St.; 614-645-3337 parks.columbus.gov Contemporary design, breathtaking views, flexible catering options; alcohol must be served by approved beverage contractor; Scioto River construction through the end of 2015

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INSPIRATIONAL CELEBRATIONS Our Columbus Wedding venue is the perfect choice for the wedding of your dreams. The historic Grand Ballroom will inspire the vision for your special day.

The Westin Columbus is sure to impress with our award-winning staff to make memories for a lifetime.

• Earn one Starpoint for every $1 of your wedding contract up to 100,000 Starpoints* • Guestroom Suite for Bridal Couple on wedding night • Sparkling toast during the wedding reception For more information or to make an appointment visit www.westincolumbus.com or call 614.220.7034

2015 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Westin and their Logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliation * Earn one Starpoint for every $1 of your wedding contract. Starpoints are awarded at the time of contract signing.

See hotel for details.

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reception guide Ohio Statehouse 1 Capitol Sq.; 614-466-2251 ohiostatehouse.org As part of the package, the venue includes security, parking, tables, chairs, sound system, rental equipment and some decor.

Renaissance Columbus Downtown 50 N. Third St.; 614-228-5050 marriott.com Stylish design; flawless service; imaginative food Schmidt’s Banquet and Meeting Haus 240 E. Kossuth St.; 614-449-4038 schmidthaus.com Charming European atmosphere; excellent GermanAmerican specialties; great service Sheraton Columbus at Capitol Square 75 E. State St.; 614-365-4500 sheratoncolumbuscapitolsquare.com A catering specialist will help you create the perfect celebration for you and your guests.

Southern Theatre 21 E. Main St.; 614-469-1045 capa.com/venues/southern-theatre Historic 1896 theater available for ceremonies and receptions; outside catering welcome with no additional fees

Emma and Matt Henterly’s May 9, 2015, ceremony and reception took place at The Vault. (Julian Allen Photography)

T he ReceptionHouse AT R AY M O N D M E M O R I A L

You and your guests will enjoy an unforgettable celebration in our remodeled Reception House ballroom situated on a picturesque golf course. The venue is ideal for your indoor and/or outdoor ceremony and reception. Please call to arrange a tour so you can see, touch and taste why more bride and grooms are celebrating their big day at The Reception House by Schmidt’s.

3860 Trabue Road • Columbus, OH 43228 • (614) 276-6127 • raymondreceptions.com • facebook/raymondreceptions C E N T R A L LY L O C AT E D N E A R U P P E R A R L I N G T O N , D U B L I N & H I L L I A R D

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Brookside Golf & Country Club

The premier venue to host your wedding ceremony & reception.

Can accommodate up to 275 guests. Indoor & outdoor Call our Catering Director, Callan, at 614.734.4091.

2770 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. Columbus, OH 43235 www.brooksidegcc.com E: Catering@brooksidegcc.com

Taylor Mansion 1400 E. Broad St.; 614-537-3684 taylormansioncolumbus.com Historic Downtown mansion; great for ceremonies; picturesque grounds The Vault 35 E. Gay St.; 614-225-1000 vaultbanquets.com This historic bank from the 1920s—located in the original vault—offers a 40-foot ceiling, giant chandelier, marble flooring and a balcony with a staircase.

Via Vecchia Winery 485 S. Front St.; 614-893-5455 viavecchiawinery.com This old-world functional winery and event space, located in the Brewery District, is a unique building with exposed wood beams, brick arches and historical charm.

The Westin Columbus 310 S. High St.; 614-220-7034 westincolumbus.com Historic grand ballroom with marble floors and floorlength stained-glass windows; impeccable service

EAST Berwick Manor 3250 Refugee Rd.; 614-235-7100 the-berwick.com Berwick Manor offers full service for banquets; prices include room, setup, china, linens, silverware and stemware

Whether you want a small, intimate and elegant event in our vaulted-ceiling clubhouse or the fairy-tale reception you dreamed of as a child in our outdoor tent, New Albany Links will make your event a memory to last a lifetime!

From outdoor ceremonies to bridal showers and rehearsal dinners, we have the entire package you need to keep your guests talking about your special day for years!

• Wedding Showers • Rehearsal Dinners • Ceremonies • Receptions • Bachelor Outings

• Bachelorette Parties 614-775-9637 7100 New Albany Links Drive New Albany, OH 43054 hchristopher@newalbanylinks.com www.newalbanylinks.com Columbus WEDDINGs |

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1015 Brice Street Newark, OH 43055

reception guide

740-322-6355

info@maineventspartyrental.com WWW.MAINEVENTSPARTYRENTAL.COM

Tents Tables Chairs Dance Floor Staging

Fountains Columns Lighting Candelabra Arches

Audio/Visual Heating/Cooling Helium Decoration Custom Event Design

Your Vision. Your Style. Your Day...

We Make it Happen

Heather and Rob Hodge’s New Year’s Eve reception was at The Westin Columbus and incorporated the colors black, gold, white and silver. (Together We Click) Bryn Du Mansion 537 Jones Rd., Granville; 740-587-7053 bryndu.com Elegant mansion, landscaped patio areas and lawn sites for tents; 7,200-square-foot lodge-like facility; may bring in alcohol

LOVE IS IN THE AIR Whether you dream of saying “I do” in front of a few family members or can’t imagine celebrating without a few hundred of your closest friends, we can create a day that’s as special as your love. With elegant spaces, custom catering and personalized service, we’ll take your wedding wish list and transform it into an event to remember.

To start planning today, call 614.228.5050 or visit RenaissanceColumbus.com.

RENAISSANCE COLUMBUS DOWNTOWN HOTEL 50 North Third Street, Columbus, OH 43215 t: 614.228.5050, RenaissanceColumbus.com © 2014 Renaissance Holdings, Inc.

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Cherry Valley Lodge 2299 Cherry Valley Rd., Newark; 740-788-1200 cherryvalleylodge.com Two large ballrooms; landscaped courtyard with gazebo on the water for outdoor ceremonies; daytime wedding packages; 200 rooms with 16 Jacuzzi suites City Barbeque 5979 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg; 614-755-8890 citybbq.com Offering wedding receptions or rehearsal dinners with slow-cooked smoked meats and homemade sides and desserts; also offering full-service off-premises catering The Clock Tower Premier Banquet & Conference Facility 4500 Eastland Dr.; 614-759-9371 columbusclocktower.com The Clock Tower Premier Banquet & Conference Facility is a unique, 7,000-square-foot venue that features a blend of European-influenced architecture and Hollywood ballroom elegance.

Columbus Airport Marriott 1375 N. Cassady Ave.; 614-475-7551 marriott.com The Columbus Airport Marriott is one of the largest

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hotel banquet facilities in the city. It’s home to a large atrium used for pre-reception festivities.

Crossroads Wedding & Event Center 169 Fairway Blvd., Whitehall; 614-501-7422 crossroadsevents.vpweb.com Complete wedding package available for the budgetminded bride; chapel on premises for ceremonies Dawes Arboretum 7770 Jacksontown Rd. SE, Newark; 740-323-2355 dawesarb.org Watch the sunset from your tented reception on the hill overlooking the countryside.

Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort 4560 Hilton Corporate Dr.; 877-337-7527 fortrapids.com Fort Rapids hosts rehearsal dinners, receptions and brunches and offers luxurious villas. It’s also Central Ohio’s largest indoor water park, where guests can play between festivities.

Granville Inn 314 E. Broadway, Granville; 740-587-3333 granvilleinn.com The historic Granville Inn offers an Old English setting with a variety of menu options, full bar service and guest accommodations.

Where Happily Ever After

Begins Spectacular Beauty. Exceptional Service. Extraordinary Event.

For more information about ceremonies, receptions and our affordable packages call

740.763.1100 x227 or visit longabergergolfclub.com

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reception guide

Melissa and Jon Winke celebrated their winter wedding day The Loft at dock 580. (AddVision) Hickory Lakes 12495 Ault Rd., Pickerington; 614-837-2143 Hickory Lakes offers two beautiful, elegant lakeside facilities on 88 acres with woods. It’s a great location for photos and fun and accommodates indoor and outdoor ceremonies.

Jefferson Golf & 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, rehearsal dinners and golf outings.

Jeffrey Mansion 165 N. Parkview Ave., Bexley; 614-559-4300 bexley.org/facility-rentals Jeffrey Mansion is a historic Bexley home ideal for intimate ceremonies. No alcohol, candles or smoking is permitted, and furniture must be rented for outdoor weddings.

Celebrating 30 Years of Business

Leo Yassenoff Jewish Community Center 1125 College Ave., Bexley; 614-231-2731 columbusjcc.org Leo Yassenoff Jewish Community Center offers complete kosher catering. The center also boasts newly remodeled banquet rooms and an excellent chef who can craft menus for any budget.

5462 CENTER ST. HILLIARD OH 43026 614-777-1211 WWW.MAKOY.COM

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Longaberger Golf Club 1 Long Dr., Nashport; 740-763-1100 ext. 227 longabergergolfclub.com Longaberger is a public course with stately architecture and traditional elegance. Located in a rolling-hills setting, it provides a beautiful outdoor ceremony site.

The golf club is located 45 miles east of Downtown.

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Wes Mosley Photography

Longaberger Homestead 5563 Raiders Rd., Frazeysburg; 740-322-5588 longaberger.com/homestead Picturesque setting in a secluded environment; terrific indoor and outdoor facilities; approximately 50 miles east of Columbus Oglebay Resort and Conference Center 465 Lodge Dr., Wheeling, W. Va.; 304-243-4161 oglebay-resort.com 1,700 acres of year-round recreational opportunities; 300 guest rooms and 22,000 square feet of event space

I DO... AT THE ZOO!

Looking for a Unique Place to get Married?

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has beautiful, naturalistic settings that are perfect for your Wedding Day.

Tall Timbers Banquet and Conference Center 13831 National Rd., Reynoldsburg; 740-927-7603 talltimbersonline.com At Tall Timbers, you’ll enjoy an indoor fireside or classic outdoor gazebo and arbor ceremony. Special touches include white chiavari chairs and round guest tables, and linen and china are included in the rental costs.

Brett Loves Elle Photography

NORTHEAST Aladdin Shrine Event & Conference Center 3850 Stelzer Rd.; 614-475-2609 aladdineventcenter.com Located in the Easton area with full multimedia capabilities; patio is 70 feet by 30 feet The Ballroom at J. Liu 6880 N. High St., Worthington; 614-888-1818 catering.jliurestaurant.com Arched ceilings and an open ballroom with pendant lighting and access to an outdoor terrace

Curtis Wallis Wedding Photography

Contact Sara Baker in the group sales department at 614-724-3679 or email sara.baker@columbuszoo.org for more information or to schedule a tour.

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reception guide Bendora Wedding Gallery 694 High St., Worthington; 614-436-8400 bendoraweddinggallery.com Intimate outdoor receptions in the garden; offering complete packages with flowers, photography, invitations, cakes and complimentary wedding planner Bent Tree Golf Club 350 Bent Tree Rd., Sunbury; 740-965-5140 ext. 3 benttreegc.com Simple, affordable and all-inclusive wedding receptions; scenic location; attentive staff; great menu The Beverly Mansion 6681 State Rt. 229, Marengo; 740-398-1316 thebeverlymansion.com The Beverly Mansion is a stunning historical 100-yearold mansion located on 40 acres offering indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

Bravo! Cucina Italiana–Crosswoods 7470 Vantage Dr.; 614-888-3881 bravoitalian.com Italian restaurant offering one semi-private room Brio Tuscan Grille 1500 Polaris Pkwy.; 614-410-0310 brioitalian.com Experience a taste of Tuscany; four private rooms are perfect for showers, rehearsal dinners and receptions.

Wes Mosley Photography

Indoor & Outdoor Options | New Venue Now Available 1777 East Broad Street | www.fpconservatory.org 614.715.8100 | eventsales@fpconservatory.org

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Your Storybook Garden Wedding & Reception

In a Beautiful Victorian Setting

KELTON HOUSE 586 East Town Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 614.464.2022 keltonhouse@cs.com www.keltonhouseevents.com

Zac and Breanne Boeke enjoyed a cake from The Cake Studio during their April 26, 2015, reception at The Renaissance.

(Hillary Ferguson Photography) Buca di Beppo–Worthington 60 E. Wilson Bridge Rd., Worthington; 614-8488466 bucadibeppo.com Authentic Italian specialties and outstanding service Catering by Design Banquet Hall 6465 Busch Blvd.; 614-436-7369 cateringbydesign.com Elegant, chandeliered ballroom Creekside Conference & Event Center 101 Mill St., Suite 300, Gahanna; 614-416-8188 creeksidecec.com The Creekside ballroom can be divided into four salons to accommodate all reception sizes, and guests enjoy gorgeous floor-to-ceiling views overlooking Creekside Plaza.

Crowne Plaza Columbus North 6500 Doubletree Ave.; 614-885-1885 ihg.com Unique 4,800-square-foot grand pavilion; complete wedding packages available; group rates; 7,500-square-foot ballroom; ceremony sites DoubleTree Hotel Columbus 175 Hutchinson Ave., Worthington; 614-431-4459 doubletree3.hilton.com Beautiful, newly renovated atrium and ballroom; wedding packages are available.

have your

fancy-schmancy wedding...

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reception guide

Eddie Merlot’s Prime Aged Beef & Seafood 1570 Polaris Pkwy.; 614-433-7307 eddiemerlots.com Warm ambience and outstanding service; three private dining rooms for parties of 10 to 65, or rent all or part of the restaurant for larger events Embassy Suites Hotel Columbus 2700 Corporate Exchange Dr.; 614-823-6680 embassysuites3.hilton.com Have it all in one place—ceremony, reception and guest accommodations.

Everal Barn & Homestead 60 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville; 614-901-6515 westerville.org Sits in beautiful Heritage Park; tables, chairs, setup and teardown included; pond and outdoor ceremony space; no alcohol permitted The Haimerl Center, Serenity Park and Ascension Lutheran Church 1421 Morse Rd.; 614-267-0121 haimerlcenter.com Self-catering allowed; Gazebo Wedding Park available; tables and chairs provided at no charge; beer and wine permitted HideAway Country Inn 1601 State Rt. 4, Bucyrus; 419-562-3013 hideawayinn.com Featuring seven outdoor ceremony venues, photography packages and 12 beautiful rooms and suites; catering packages to accommodate any style, from picnics to elegant sit-down meals

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Morgan Hines breaks it down on the dance floor at the Hilton Columbus at Easton on Oct. 11, 2014. (AddVision)

Your once in a lifetime day in our once in a generation space.

Be first to host your wedding in the new Columbus Museum of Art. 614-629-0378 | columbusmuseum.org

Hilton Columbus at Easton 3900 Chagrin Dr.; 614-414-5000 hiltoncolumbus.com AAA Four-Diamond luxury hotel located at Easton Town Center Hilton Columbus at Polaris 8700 Lyra Dr.; 614-885-1600 www3.hilton.com AAA Four-Diamond luxury hotel, including outdoor patio with fire features; 15,000 square feet of ballroom space surrounded by 3,000 square feet of foyer space Hilton Garden Inn Polaris 8535 Lyra Dr.; 614-846-8884 hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com Located just off I-71 in the Polaris area; call for rehearsal dinner or brunch options; luxurious whirlpool suites available for the wedding night Holy Resurrection Church Banquet Hall 4611 Glenmawr Ave.; 614-360-2650 or 614-284-8526 holyresurrectionhall.com Conveniently located at Morse Road and I-71; kitchen space available; alcohol permitted; ample parking; tables and chairs provided at no charge; self-catering allowed; affordable rates Jorgensen Farms 5851 E. Walnut St., Westerville; 614-855-2697 jorgensen-farms.com Indoor and outdoor spaces are available for ceremonies and receptions on this 65-acre working organic farm, available for weddings from April to November.

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Gena and Bryan Baillis and their guests partied the night away at White Star Farm on May 24, 2014. (Derk’s Works Photography) The Lakes Golf and Country Club 6740 Worthington Rd., Westerville; 614-882-2582 lakesclub.com Sprawling Augusta-style clubhouse; private club available to nonmembers Little Bear Golf Club 1940 Little Bear Loop, Lewis Center; 740-548-8532 littlebearvillage.com There are no food or beverage minimums. This is a new facility designed especially for wedding receptions, and the elegance will impress your guests.

Little Turtle Golf Club 5400 Little Turtle Way, Westerville; 614-882-5920 littleturtlegc.com You’ll enjoy a scenic view and golf course, a wraparound deck and a 40-foot limestone fireplace.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant 3965 New Bond St., Easton Town Center; 614-476-6667 mccormickandschmicks.com This Easton restaurant offers flexible dining spaces and custom menus. It’s the perfect spot for a casual bridal lunch, rehearsal dinner or intimate reception.

The Medallion Club 5000 Club Dr., Westerville; 614-794-6999 medallionclub.com Private club; banquets are available to nonmembers.

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Monaco’s Catering 4555 Cleveland Ave.; 614-475-4817 monacoscatering.com Italian and contemporary cuisine, off-site catering, specialty linens and chair covers available; event coordinator included Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center 100 Green Meadows Dr. S., Lewis Center; 614-880-4300 nwhotelandconferencecenter.com Grand ballroom with ceiling-high windows; EdgeWater room adjacent to pool-side patio; windows overlook pond; on-site hotel, pub and transportation New Albany Links Golf Club 7100 New Albany Links Dr., New Albany; 614-855-8532 newalbanylinks.com The clubhouse at the golf course boasts vaulted ceilings, stone fireplaces and a cherry wood bar.

Choose a stunning outdoor tent for a romantic outdoor ceremony.

NorthStar Golf Club 1150 Wilson Rd., Sunbury; 740-965-3663 thenorthstargolfclub.com Scenic location for outdoor ceremonies with beautiful views of the golf course and lake

Looking for that unique statement for your Engagement Party, Rehearsal Dinner or Wedding Reception?

Check out Schmidt’s Banquet venue located above the famous Sausage Haus in German Village.

It’s always a celebration when Schmidt’s gets involved.

(614) 449-4038 schmidthaus.com Columbus WEDDINGs |

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Ohio History Connection/Ohio Village 800 E. 17th Ave.; 614-297-2300 ohiohistory.org Rustic and charming outdoor spaces with historic value and photographic opportunities; romantic buildings include a historic church and reception areas in Ohio Village and Ohio History Connection

White Star Farm 8100 Opossum Run Rd., London; 614-578-4324 white-star-farm.com The farm was founded in 1890, and the charming barn and land are available for events.

NORTHWEST

Quest Banquet Center 8405 Pulsar Pl.; 614-540-5540 quest-centers.com A cost-effective facility for rehearsal dinners, ceremonies and/or receptions; more than 20,000 square feet of space with a 4,800-square-foot room for receptions; hotels within walking distance

Amelita Mirolo Barn 4395 Carriage Hill Ln., Upper Arlington; 614-583-5000 uaoh.net Located in Sunny 95 Park; combines history with a modern event facility for a unique experience; space available inside and on outdoor patio areas

Royal American Links 3300 Miller Paul Rd., Galena; 740-965-1215 royalamericanlinks.com Wedding ceremonies permitted for reception clients only; clubhouse in country setting; wraparound balcony; huge fireplace; waterfall feature

The Blackwell 2110 Tuttle Park Pl.; 614-247-4000 theblackwell.com Setting a standard in romantic elegance; complete wedding services created by in-house wedding coordinator

Villa Milano 1630 Schrock Rd.; 614-882-2058 villamilano.com Elegant family-owned facility

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The Medallion Club is the perfect place to celebrate your special day.

Accommodating up to 400 guests.

5000 0 Club Club D Drive, rive Westerville, Wes este tervil ille l OH 43082 4 614-794-6987 • www.medallionclub.com

Glenross Golf Club 740.657.3752 www.glenrossgc.com

Emily and Garrett Keener’s Sept. 27, 2014, reception took place at Royal American Links in Galena. (Mia Jade Wedding Photojournalism)

Annunciation

BANQUET AND CONFERENCE CENTER

Bridgewater Banquet & Conference Center 10561 Sawmill Pkwy., Powell; 614-734-9800 bridgewaterbanquetcenter.com Elegant and spacious; large marble foyer; bridal suites; extensive menu options Brookshire 405 Greif Pkwy., Delaware; 740-548-8188 brookshire.biz New facility; scenic wooded surroundings, large patios, indoor and outdoor ceremonies, large gazebo and indoor waterfall

555 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: 614-224-9020 • Fax 614-224-5032 businessmgr@greekcathedral.com • www.downtownreceptions.com

Brookside Golf & Country Club 2770 W. Dublin-Granville Rd.; 614-734-4091 brooksidegcc.com Tudor-style clubhouse with elegant surroundings; outdoor ceremony and reception areas; extraordinary food and service Clintonville Woman’s Club 3951 N. High St.; 614-268-5525 clintonvillewomansclub.com Patio overlooks garden and scenic ravine; next to Park of Roses; renter may supply alcohol

Clubatcorazon.com

614.504.5235

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reception guide The Club At Ohio State University 181 S. Oval Dr.; 614-292-2262 ohio-statefacultyclub.com On Ohio State University campus, between the Oval and Mirror Lake Hollow; large picture windows, chandeliers and a 3-story spiral terrazzo staircase Columbus Marriott Northwest 5605 Blazer Pkwy., Dublin; 614-791-1000 marriott.com/hotels/travel/cmhnw-columbusmarriott-northwest A Marriott-certified wedding planner will work with you to make your day unforgettable.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell; 614-724-3679 colszoo.org Beautiful indoor or outdoor facilities accented by the exotic backdrop of the world’s wildlife; a truly unique wedding experience The Country Club at Muirfield Village 8715 Muirfield Dr., Dublin; 614-764-1714 tccmv.com Exclusive country-club setting with view of the golf course and a beautiful new outdoor patio

32 N. 4th Street, Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 222-MEET [6338] www.columbusmeetings.com

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HAVE EVERYTHING GO AS PLANNED. OR EVEN BETTER. At the Columbus Marriott Northwest, you can be confident your wedding will be just the way you imagined it: picture perfect.

From guest rooms & the rehearsal dinner to the reception & farewell brunch, we focus on the details so you can focus on the celebration.

Mary and Tim Kaskewsky have a special moment during their Oct. 11, 2014, reception at The Athletic Club of Columbus. (Ben Barnes Photography)

Sales & Catering: (614) 336-4720 | 5605 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, Ohio 43017 www.columbusmarriottnorthwest.com

Courtyard Columbus West 2350 Westbelt Dr.; 614-771-8999 marriott.com Experienced, Marriott-certified wedding consultants work with you to make your event uniquely yours.

Der Dutchman 445 S. Jefferson Ave., Plain City; 614-873-3414 dhgroup.com Experience Amish kitchen cooking at its best at Der Dutchman. Go to Plain City, or they can bring food to you.

Presented by

An event for all couples planning their big day!

Dorral Farm 11101 Hinton Mill Rd., Marysville; 614-889-9128 dorralfarm.com Dorral Farm, located just outside Columbus, is a beautiful country estate accented with spouting ponds; preferred caterers only

Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24

Greater Columbus Convention Center Battelle Hall | 400 N. High Street

Drake Performance and Event Center 1849 Cannon Dr.; 614-292-8597 drake.osu.edu The Drake Performance and Event Center boasts a riverside location on the Ohio State campus. The main lounge seats 220 guests and offers panoramic views of the Olentangy River.

Embassy Suites Dublin 5100 Upper Metro Pl., Dublin; 614-790-9000 embassysuites3.hilton.com Dramatic atrium lobby with waterfall and spacious hotel guest suites; includes complimentary nightly managers’ reception and daily cooked-to-order breakfast

show

General Admission: $10 online • $12 at the door Bridal 3-Pack: $25 (admits 3)

VIP PackageS:

The Charles Penzone Fashion Show: $20 (includes VIP seating) TIckeTS ON SaLe Dec. 15

Meet & Greet with Randy Fenoli: $50 (includes VIP seating & professional photo) Purchase tickets online at ColumbusWeddingsMag.com and save!

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Amber Pierson dances for the camera at The Vault on March 14, 2015.

(Martin Digital Photography) Fawcett Event Center 2400 Olentangy River Rd.; 614-292-1342 fawcettcenter.com Located on the perimeter of the Ohio State campus, the Fawcett Center offers a ballroom with exposed brick walls, chandeliers, high ceilings and a patio with a scenic view.

Glenross Golf Club 231 Clubhouse Dr., Delaware; 740-657-3752 glenrossgc.com Eclectic venue with a wonderful view of the golf course Heritage Golf Club 3525 Heritage Club Dr., Hilliard; 614-684-7112 heritagegc.com Beautiful veranda off back of clubhouse attaches to all banquet areas and offers spectacular views of golf course and lakes Holiday Inn Columbus 7007 N. High St., Worthington; 614-436-0700 ihg.com Newly renovated The Jessing Center 7625 N. High St.; 614-985-2215 boscandbrie.com The Jessing Center offers a scenic, private setting on the beautiful grounds of the Pontifical College Josephinum; catering by Bosc + Brie

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• Up to 250 Guests Seated & Served • Split Level Main Room with a Stage including access to our Barrel Room

@ViaVecchiaVino

Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club 3737 Village Club Dr., Powell; 740-881-6500 golfkinsale.com For more information, visit the Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club’s website.

La Scala 4199 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Dublin; 614-889-9431 lascalaitalianbistro.com Enjoy rustic Tuscan decor for your big day. La Scala offers direct access to the parking lot and a full-service bar.

• Catering by Scott • Professional Bar featuring Via Vecchia’s Tuscan Heritage All-Natural Wines

viavecchiawinery

Via Vecchia Winery

The Only Thing We Overlook...

The Lodge at Tuttle’s Grove 4444 Tuttles Brooke Dr., Dublin; 614-889-5585 tuttlesgrove.com Comfortable space with vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and fireplace; bring your own alcohol

...is the golf course.

Makoy Center 5462 N. Center St., Hilliard; 614-777-1211 makoy.com Located in Old Hilliard; 1920s Art Deco ambience, large dance floor, staging and state-of-the-art sound system

KELLOG PHOTOGRAP K KE KEL HOTOGRA HY

Longaberger Alumni House 2200 Olentangy River Rd.; 614-292-3067 ohiostatealumni.org Enjoy a cozy yet spacious 2-story gathering space with beautiful views of the grounds and the Olentangy River through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Sales & Catering Office: 614-684-7112 foodandbeverage@heritagegc.com HeritageGC.com Wedding Ceremonies, Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners & Bridal Showers.

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Affairs to Remember

Some of our venues include: Via Vecchia Winery Irongate Equestrian Center The Vault North Bank Pavilion Griggs Boathouse A Georgian Manor …..and more!

CateringByScott.com • 614.237.1949 520 S High

614.947.1520

copiouscolumbus.com

Ben and Sara Rogers have fun during their Sept.

13, 2014, reception. (Ben Barnes Photography) OSU Golf Club 3605 Tremont Rd.; 614-514-3663 ohiostategolfclub.clubhouseonline-e3.com The OSU Golf Club offers a beautiful view overlooking two golf courses.

Ohio Union at The Ohio State University 1739 N. High St.; 614-292-5200 ohiounion.osu.edu The Ohio Union opened in early 2010. The beautiful 2-story ballroom and performance space, located on the picturesque Ohio State campus, is a great reception spot for Ohio State alums.

Ohio Wesleyan, Campus Center 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware; 740-368-3376 involveu.owu.edu/weddings.php Banquet room provides an excellent setting, with high ceilings, sculpted archways and an abundance of natural lighting Reception House by Schmidt’s 3860 Trabue Rd.; 614-276-6127 raymondreceptions.com Centrally located for Hilliard, Arlington and Dublin

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Scioto Reserve Country Club 7383 Scioto Pkwy., Powell; 740-881-9082 sciotoreserve.com Wedding Garden overlooks magnificent golf course and rock waterfall; spacious private bridal suite and groom quarters; separate child-watch area

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Swim & Racquet Club 3500 Kenny Rd., Upper Arlington; 614-451-3762 swimandracquet.com Country club setting with vaulted ceilings, fireplace, covered patio areas and hardwood dance floor; rental season is Labor Day through the second week of May Tartan Fields Golf Club 8070 Tartan Fields Dr., Dublin; 614-792-0900 ext. 221 tartanfields.com Creative and flexible, offering everything from American cuisine to tapas WatersEdge Event & Conference Center 4643 Trueman Blvd., Hilliard; 614-876-2200 watersedgeevents.biz Indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions; spacious deck overlooking lake and gardens Wedgewood Golf and Country Club 9600 Wedgewood Blvd., Powell; 614-793-9600 wedgewoodgolfcc.com Recently renovated ballroom overlooks lakes and golf course; private club available for nonmember weddings Worthington Hills Country Club 920 Clubview Blvd. S., Worthington; 614-885-9516 worthingtonhills.com The main ballroom, lined with full-length windows, overlooks a championship golf course and beautiful landscaping.

Unforgettable Happens Here!

Northwest - Hayden Run (614) 791-1245 Lennox Town Center (614) 291-8210 Crosswoods (614) 888-3881

BravoItalian.com

Easton Town Center (614) 416-4745 Polaris Fashion Place (614) 410-0310

BrioItalian.com

BRIDAL SHOWERS, BRUNCHES & REHEARSAL DINNERS

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Ph to Pho Photo o cou ccourtesy: co rtesyy: y JOJO JO O Photography JOJ Phot Phot h ogr g aphy aph p y and and d Film Fi m Fil

reception guide

The Science of

Extraordinary Weddings

Located on the banks fo the Scioto River in downtown Columbus, COSI offers sweeping views of the skyline, unparalleled food, beverage, service, and entertainment.

Let our team of professionals turn your big dreams into flawless reality.

Call COSI Events at 614.228.2674 x 2900 or visit cosi.org/events

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Clair Wagner during her Aug. 16, 2014, reception at Via Vecchia.

(Mia Jade Wedding Photojournalism) Worthington Inn 649 High St., Worthington; 614-885-2600 worthingtoninn.com This charming and historical venue is perfect for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners and showers.

SOUTHWEST The Ballroom at Oakhurst 3223 Norton Rd., Grove City; 614-878-6443 oakhurstgc.com Columbus’ only original mid-century modern event space features a rounded ballroom and large veranda overlooking the scenic golf course.

Cheers Chalet 1211 Coonpath Rd. NW, Lancaster; 740-654-9036 cheerschalet.com Scenic indoor and outdoor venues, tastefully decorated halls and beautifully landscaped gardens; all located in a natural 70-acre setting Darby House Reception and Retreat Facility 925 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway; 614-878-4527 darbyhouse.com The Darby House is a 1,400-acre private estate located just south of Hilliard and is popular for brides

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Where Exceptional Events Come to Life and Last Forever

Weddings • Rehearsal Dinners • Luncheons • Groomsmen Outings • Brunches

8070 Tartan Fields Drive Dublin, Ohio 43017 | 614.792.0900 | tartanfields.com

seeking rustic receptions and indoor and outdoor ceremonies. Catering provided by Cameron Mitchell Premier Events.

Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center 22300 State Park Rd. 20, Mt. Sterling; 877-496-9224 ext. 110 deercreekstateparklodge.com Lodge setting; lakeside gazebo, ballroom and mezzanine; golf; overnight accommodations; on-site restaurant and lounge; 30 minutes south of Columbus off I-71 Foxfire Golf Club 10799 State Rt. 104, Lockbourne; 614-224-3694 foxfiregolfclub.com Country setting at a beautiful 36-hole golf club 20 minutes south of Columbus; two patios Groveport Town Hall 648 Main St., Groveport; 614-836-3333 groveport.org This ballroom, built in 1876, features period decor, a 16-foot ceiling, hardwood floors, a concert stage and chandeliers.

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Jefferson Country Club 7271 Jefferson Meadows Drive Blacklick, OH 614-759-7500 jeffersoncountryclub.com

ALL ACCESS kstage pass to the Arch c a b r City You Visit ColumbusMonthly.com and sign-up for our weekly newsletter that includes special events, important conversations, exclusive giveaways and more.

WEDDINGS REHEARSAL DINNERS SHOWERS Heimat Haus Party & Picnic Center 4555 Jackson Pike, Grove City; 614-875-6005 heimathauspartyhouse.com Three shelter houses; picnic pavilion holds 400 to 500 depending on setup; play area for children Hoover Y Park 1570 Rohr Rd., Lockbourne; 614-491-0980 ymcacolumbus.org/hoover 15 minutes from Downtown; indoor-outdoor receptions; open year-round; bring your own alcohol

serving homemade Italian goodness since 1955

Helping elping l ing yo you make k yourr weddin wedding wedding the day of your dreams.

3250 Refugee Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232 614-235-7100 ~ TheBerwick.com 122

Pinnacle Golf Club 1500 Pinnacle Club Dr., Grove City; 614-539-0722 pinnaclegc.com Beautiful, unique spaces, breathtaking views, exceptional service and outstanding cuisine Ricardo’s at Mentel Memorial Golf Course 6005 Alkire Rd.; 614-853-0170 ricardoscateringbanquets.com Beautiful golf course view; dressing room Rockmill Brewery 5705 Lithopolis Rd. NW, Lancaster; 740-205-8076 rockmillbrewery.com Working boutique brewery in a pastoral setting—lake, woods, footbridge are perfect for photos; outside chapel seats 18

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Black and white details from Jaquelyn and Matt Walker’s June 13, 2015, wedding reception at Columbus Country Club.

(Kimberly Potterf Photography)

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main event

Trending Tastes IncorporatIng current food trends Into your receptIon fare

By HeatHer Weekley

abby and Jeremy Holden enjoyed a meal from Cameron Mitchell Premier Events on their sept. 20, 2014, wedding day. (nicole dixon photographic)

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Your wedding guests might not remember the title of your first-dance song or which flowers were in your bouquet, but chances are they’ll remember the food. To help you plan the perfect reception, we sought the help of Columbus catering professionals.

They’ve highlighted the trends: What’s hot, what’s not and what’s up-and-coming when it comes to food and drink.

Keep it local “If it’s made in Columbus, it’s part of their reception,” says Cynthia Savely, event consultant at Bosc + Brie. Couples focus on where meat and produce are coming from, and incorporate local favorites like beer or desserts into the menu.

Similarly, couples can draw upon their favorite Columbus haunts for inspiration.

Is The Pearl one of your favorite restaurants? Why not bring a taste to your reception? Cameron Mitchell Premier Events can work with couples to create a “tour” of Cameron Mitchell restaurants for guests.

“We’ll tell the guests to pick out three or four of their favorite restaurants and we’ll do stations with food from those restaurants,” says Melissa Johnson, director of Cameron Mitchell Premier Events. “I can do stations and call it Short North bites, and it’s a taste of that area’s restaurants. Our own company gives us a lot of extra creativity. You can have a burger bar with a Pearl burger, a Hudson 29 burger, and an M slider.”

Mix and Mingle In lieu of a plated meal, food stations are on the rise. “Food stations allow guests to mingle a lot more, and it lets people have that celebratory experience,” says Brooke Kinsey, chef and partner at Bleu & Fig. “There is more of the variety [with food stations]. The traditional, plated, one-entrée meal is certainly not as popular with our clients.”

Johnson agrees, saying that hors d’oeuvres and dinner stations are the most popular type of reception her company caters. “We’ll usually choose three to four different stations of food, and it could be themed by cuisine,” Johnson says. “It could be themed with a place they met, a color or a type of food.” But, she cautions,

Our Motto

“of course we do that.”

Whether it’s the pinnacle event of the social season, or simple vows under a majestic tree.

It might be the reception of your dreams, a rehearsal dinner before the big day or a wedding brunch to spend one more meal with the people who gathered together to celebrate with you.

It could be in your backyard, down on the farm, or in an opulent venue in the sky.

At Cameron Mitchell Premier Events, we believe all weddings are special.

Let us bring something special to yours.

614.848.4700 | CameronMitchellPremierEvents.com

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TogeTher We click

hillary FerguSon phoTography

this isn’t always the most inexpensive way to have a wedding. “This lasts for two hours with small bites being replenished,” she says.

“Stations are definitely here to stay,” Savely echoes. “It really depends on if the client is going for something more upscale or casual. Street-food style is very popular, like tacos and kabobs and that sort of thing.”

Drink up Think beyond standard beer and wine and incorporate handcrafted cocktails. These type of beverages are “definitely making a big comeback,” Savely says. “Couples are barrel-aging Manhattans. Even Patron has a new small-batch tequila folks are using for Old Fashioneds.”

And it’s not just alcohol: Savely also suggests an organic coffee—roasted in the couple’s hometown, perhaps—or a specialty iced tea or lemonade. And don’t forget the

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mocktails. “Make sure there’s a balance of those as well for people who don’t drink,” says Johnson.

SunDay brunch The ever-popular post-wedding Sunday brunch is still a fixture during the wedding weekend. It serves as a send-off for guests after the fun of the wedding, and allows everyone to gather one last time. To keep the brunch stress-free, stick with something simple, says Kinsey. “It’s creating an experience for [guests] the whole weekend.”

In the end, the aim of the reception and its fare is to supplement the experience of your wedding day. “The big trend, really, is door-to-door food and beverage to create a guest experience that starts as soon as they walk in,” Johnson says. “It creates a way for the couple to tell a story or convey something about themselves through the food and drink.”

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let’s do

Brunch

Couples are opting for one more chance to spend time with family and friends during a post-wedding brunch

Derk’s Works PhotograPhy

By Michele leMMon

R

are is the bride who wishes she didn’t have more time to visit with close family and friends during her wedding reception. More often than not, brides relish any extra time they can share with people at a Sunday brunch that caps off the wedding weekend.

When Claire and Alex Horn—who met in college at Denison University—got married at Bryn Du Mansion in Granville in September 2014, they hosted a Sunday brunch at the Hilton DoubleTree in Newark, the hotel where most of their wedding guests were staying. While the Horns’ brunch was larger than most—with about 100 guests—it still provided a chance for the couple to visit more with friends and family before everyone went their separate ways.

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This is it. Your wedding day.

And you want it to be perfect from start to finish. That’s why you want to leave every reception detail to A Catered Event. We work with you to make your celebration everything you want it to be. Large or small. Casual or grand.

This is it. It has to be perfect.

And we’re ready to make it all you’ve ever dreamed of.

Clair and Nick Wagner had their reception at Via Vecchia on Aug. 16, 2014. (Mia Jade Wedding Photojournalism.)

A Catered Event 4654 Groves Road, Columbus, OH 43232 614-863-9281 info@acateredevent.biz www.acateredevent.biz facebook.com/ACateredEvent

THE L.A. CATERING EVENT CENTER First-Class Catering With A Personal Touch We understand that one of the greatest stresses of planning a wedding comes with arranging the food and beverage service. This is why we go out of our way to plan, check and recheck every detail to ensure you enjoy this most special and memorable day.

670 HARMON AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OH (614) 358-LALA (5252) LA-CATERING.COM

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“It was just nice to see everyone the day after and recap some things from the night before,” says Claire Horn, who lives in Bexley with her husband. “We got to say goodbye to our parents and grandparents.

It was just very casual. So many people were from out of town. It just gave people a chance to complete the weekend before heading home.”

Planning the brunch at the hotel was very easy, Horn says, because most of the guests were there, and they just used the brunch the hotel normally provides. The couple did have the hotel set aside a room for the couple’s brunch guests, which included those staying at the DoubleTree as well as the wedding party, which stayed at the nearby Buxton Inn. If a wedding party is staying at a hotel, it’s often easy to add one more event to the weekend’s festivities, says Nicole Duncan, catering and sales manager at Embassy Suites in Dublin. At Duncan’s hotel, all guests receive the Embassy Suites breakfast buffet as part of their stay. Some couples choose to keep things very casual and just have friends and family gather together in a common area. Others choose to have the hotel set up a private buffet in a separate room.

“It can be as simple as setting aside one of our smaller buffet rooms and having their guests go through our regular buffet

line,” Duncan says. “And I’ve done ones where brides will open up their gifts with the families there.”

While most go ahead and reserve the space, as the Horns did, the brunch details can be planned out with a little less notice, Duncan says.

“Typically, they are booked about three weeks prior,” Duncan says. “We look at their numbers, and the bride gauges how much space she’ll need.”

If couples know they’ll want a private room, she says, “you definitely want to get the space reserved.” Couples planning to host a brunch in a private home and have it catered need to plan ahead whether the caterer is serving the food or dropping it off.

When Katie and Aaron Buck married in May 2014, they ended their wedding festivities with a pancake breakfast at the groom’s parents’ house in Hilliard.

“His mom came up with the whole idea,” Buck says, adding that the family had a company called Katie’s Pancakes come and set up shop in the backyard. The caterer brought all of the ingredients, the toppings, coffee and juice, and prepared everything on site.

“They flip the pancakes right onto your plate,” Buck says, recalling the postwedding, morning celebration where some of the bridal party and the couple’s immediate family gathered. “It was perfect

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weather. It was totally relaxing. I didn’t have to do anything, and I could mingle with everyone.”

Heidi Hubmann and Joe Rettof chose to end their wedding weekend where it began: at Due Amici restaurant downtown, where the couple hosted their rehearsal dinner. But while the rest of the weekend was hosted by the couple, the breakfast was not. The couple just invited people to join them for brunch.

“It’s a great restaurant that we love, and it was nearby,” says Hubmann. “All our out-of-town guests stayed at the Renaissance Columbus.” The hotel, where the couple’s ceremony and reception took place, is just down the street from the restaurant. When guests checked in at the hotel, they received welcome bags that included information about the weekend, including the latemorning brunch. The couple provided the time of the breakfast and let guests know what the restaurant’s menu prices ranges are, so everyone knew they would have to pay for their brunch on Sunday.

“It was a lot of fun to see everyone the next morning,” Hubmann says her postwedding brunch, where about 30 people showed up. “It was nice to hang out and chat informally in a comfortable way with mimosas.”

And for the Bucks, who left for their honeymoon the next day and then moved to Chicago immediately after returning from their honeymoon, the Sunday gathering provided the couple with a few hours to breathe and not stress about anything.

“As a bride, you have so much going on on the actual wedding day,” Buck says. “I think having a Sunday brunch is a great idea. It gives you one more chance to see people and visit. It’s no-stress. You can just sit there and drink your coffee.”

Concluding the wedding festivities with a Sunday brunch has become especially popular in the last few years.

“Everybody’s just laughing about what happened the night before, sharing stories about what Grandpa did or about what someone said,” Duncan says. “Many of the people are travelling and they don’t see each other that often. So this gives them time to visit and enjoy more time together.”

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To Plate or Not to Plate?

Derk’s Works PhotograPhy

Catering industry experts weigh in on choosing a plated meal or a buffet at your wedding reception.

By Brooke Preston Planning a wedding is an exercise in details.

There is a seemingly endless parade of fine-line decisions that can make it tricky to forecast how individual elements will assimilate into one (hopefully) cohesive event. So, when your reception manager asks if you want a plated or buffet-style reception, it’s tempting to just flip a coin. What’s the difference?

As it turns out, “buffet versus plated” should be based on more than how many helpings of mashed potatoes you prefer. We’ve assembled these pro tips to help you determine which option is right for you.

First, choose the venue. Some venues require you to order in-house or from pre-determined caterers, who may not offer both options or may have a strong preference.

Bob Selhorst, president of Bosc + Brie, explains, “Many times, when we are catering offsite, the space for plating and storing food is very limited, making it almost impossible to plate the food and keep it hot. Conversely, if the reception hall is small there may be no room for buffet lines.”

Lexie Beynon, Due Amici’s private event manager (Due Amici offers only a plated option), adds: “Some venues are more suited for plated and vice versa. A buffet takes up a lot

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of space that could otherwise be utilized for a lounge area or more dining tables.”

Consider your guests. Says Selhorst: “Plated works better if there are a lot of dietary restrictions for the guests. If there are older guests, plated works better. Personally, I prefer buffet for a wedding or larger event because a two- or three-item buffet gives your guests more variety with their food choices.”

If you opt for a buffet, label each dish clearly and consider providing a range of options to accommodate vegetarians and/or religious or dietary restrictions (for instance, if some guests keep kosher).

Get practical. Think about the level of pomp and circumstance (and budget) you’re after.

Says Selhorst: “Buffet is better for a more casual wedding where people are up and moving around … plated functions tend to be more formal.” Says Beynon, “In my opinion, [plated] is more formal and nicer for the guest because they are truly being served, without having to get up or wait in line.”

The most important rule to remember? It’s your day. Choose what feels right for your venue, budget and taste—both stylistically and literally— for a reception as sweet as wedding cake.

Count the Cost:

Is buffet cheaper than plated? It all depends.

“A buffet is not always cheaper; you often have a lot of food leftover. I would suggest limiting the number of items that you offer so that quantities don’t get out of hand.”

—Lexie Beynon, Due Amici “A plated meal requires more labor to plate and serve but a buffet requires more food because you cannot be certain of how much of each item guests will take. The price should be pretty much the same for both.”

—Bob Selhorst, Bosc + Brie

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If you’re looking to incorporate some hometown pride into your wedding, consider supporting local businesses by adding Columbus area beer and spirits to your bar menu. There are plenty of options to choose from in the city—from craft brews to liquor—depending on your party preference. “I think wedding parties are looking for creative ways of creating experiences that feel more personal, more thoughtful,” says Brady Konya of Middle West Spirits. “There is something about using handcrafted products that just feels a lot more authentic and intimate than something you can buy at Costco.”

Eric Bean of Columbus Brewing Co. says that he’s noticed considerably more wedding receptions looking to stock up on CBC beer this summer. “Some are huge fans and they want it at their wedding and you’ve got the other group who just want a local product,” says Bean. Finding the alcohol in large batches shouldn’t pose an

issue either, as Columbus Brewing Co.’s distributor is right in town.

“Local is huge in Columbus and folks here are big fans of Ohio,” says Grant Bain of Watershed Distillery. “Everything around here is Ohio branded and that’s gone right into the spirit and beer world.”

It’s not uncommon for couples to contact Bain to create a custom cocktail for their guests using Watershed’s vodka, four peel gin, bourbon barrel gin or bourbon.

He’s currently working on creating custom drink recipes for weddings and notes many couples choose to have their drink color match the theme of their wedding, bringing new meaning to “something blue.”

“Local beer and spirits have seen dramatic increases in uses for weddings and all sorts of events,” says Bain. “There’s always room to grow and we’d love to see it grow more.”

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Dining in

Style

Micaela and Derek Hartman overlook the Columbus skyline.

(Julian Allen Photography)

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Options for an out-of-the-box Columbus rehearsal dinner

By Brooke Preston You’ve carefully chosen the ceremony location. Moved heaven and earth to get your first-choice reception venue.

You’ve customized every decoration and favor to be uniquely you. So when your almost-in-laws ask where you want the rehearsal dinner, resist the strong urge to shrug away one more logistic: This choice is deceptively important.

For your wedding party and close family, the rehearsal dinner often marks the kickoff to the official wedding weekend events. In many cases, guests will arrive directly from a long car or plane ride feeling travel-rumpled and hungry. These people have been your crisis counselors, shower planners and bill footers. At least some of them likely live somewhere far away from you, and will be itching for more than a fleeting wave through the haze of the confetti toss.

The rehearsal dinner is a unique opportunity to make a first impression and set the tone for your wedding weekend. While Columbus is rich with a range of traditional venues—ranging from rustic chic to five-star formal—those interested in making a more personalized splash will love and cherish this list of alternative suggestions. From kitschy to ultra-classy, these venues offer rehearsal dinners that are truly creative and fully Columbus.

For the sports Fan How big is your wedding party? Is there room for 11 more?

Soccer fans can kick off (no pun intended—OK, maybe just a little) their festivities in casual yet heart-pounding fashion by renting a private suite or balcony at Columbus Crew’s MAPFRE Stadium. Let the on-site catering team take care of the food and drinks while you chat, cheer and chant for the Columbus Crew with your “I Do Crew.”

More of a baseball couple? Try an event rental at Huntington Park. The home of the minor league Columbus Clippers includes sweeping sunset views of downtown at no additional charge.

For golf fanatics, the Jack Nicklaus Museum marries the fun of the sports theme—memorabilia galore—with a more upscale, traditional banquet setting.

And yes, Buckeye nuts, even the beloved Ohio Stadium boasts a number of venues perfect for a trophy-worthy rehearsal dinner. For an additional fee, it’s even possible to pre-arrange a guided stadium tour for guests, or special appearances (subject to availability) from Brutus or members of TBDBITL. Or consider this little splurge: For the bargain price of $25,000, forget dinner and rent out the actual field itself for a couple of hours; toss the pigskin and spell out Script Ohio while wearing semi-formal wear. Then elope, because you just spent your entire wedding budget on one hell

of a cool rehearsal dinner. (Note: If anyone actually follows through on this suggestion, you absolutely must invite us.)

MuseuM Magic Museums and nature centers are an oft-overlooked rehearsal dinner option, combining upscale polish and amenities with a healthy dash of fun and personality. You’d be hard pressed to find anyplace that combines those ingredients better than COSI, with its prime downtown riverfront setting and ability to add fun extras like science demonstrations or exhibit access for additional fees. An unmatched variety of indoor and outdoor venue options make this a great choice for wedding parties looking to kick back without losing the wow factor. If your wedding party contains a number of kids (or just kids at heart) COSI will deliver in a big way (the grown-ups will be glad to know that the required caterer Sodexo is licensed to serve liquor on-site).

The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is only one mile from downtown Columbus (located within The Scioto Audubon Metro Park, on the Scioto River) but feels a world away. Nature lovers don’t have to venture past Route 270 to find a peaceful place where the birds will provide the perfect dinner music (a whopping 12 approved caterers). A variety of spaces and A/V amenities are available. Your event will create more than lasting memories—rental fees directly support the center’s conservation and science education programs.

uniquely ohio Wedding planning can be stressful. You need real food— comfort food. You need Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. If your only taste of this local institution has been a tented booth at the Ohio State Fair each summer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find Schmidt’s charming Banquet and Meeting Haus directly upstairs from their German Village restaurant. The space includes two sizable banquet rooms for groups up to 110, and a bricked European-style bar area with hardwood floors (perfect for a musician or small dance floor). For a fee, Schmidt’s will provide your own private bartender before serving a buffet-style dinner full of Schmidt’s favorites (and plenty of vegetarian options, despite the meat-centric menu). There’s even a chair lift for any guests who may not want to negotiate antique staircases. Prost!

You won’t be the only party animals at your rehearsal dinner if you opt to host your soirée at The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The No. 1 zoo in the country has an impressive number of indoor and outdoor venues scattered throughout the grounds, ranging from casual to surprisingly swanky. The penguins are already dressed up in their black and white tuxedos, eagerly awaiting their invitations.

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Natalie and John Vanderveen’s cake was created by The End Dessert Company.

(Derk’s Works Photography)

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Flower Power What do these four cakes have in common?

Elegant tiers with a floral touch.

This blooming trend is here to stay. —Heather Weekley

Heather and Rob Hodge chose Michele Ciminello to create their wedding cake. (Together We Click)

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Micaela and Derek Hartman had a colorful Rita Wood wedding cake at their reception.

(Julian Allen Photography)

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Jill Haberkern and John Joseph’s cake was created by Anita Kline.

(Kimberly Potterf Photography)

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Jan Kish of La Petite Fleur can create savory cakes, like this cheesecake. (Photo courtesy Jan Kish-La Petite Fleur)

Taking the Cake Aiming to accommodate a food allergy or dietary restriction with your wedding cake?

No problem—we have your Columbus options.

By TAylor STArek It used to be that Jan Kish, owner of La Petite Fleur, would have to hunt far and wide to acquire certain ingredients for her cakes, especially for vegan and glutenfree recipes.

“I used to make a run up to Canada twice a year,” she says. “They were getting supplies that you couldn’t get here.”

But with the rise in popularity of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan diets, it’s easier for bakeries to get their hands on substitute flours, eggs and more to accommodate those dietary restrictions—and at lower costs.

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“When I first started doing gluten-free, there was a sub charge [for gluten-free items],” says Christina Pisanelli Jones, owner of Bella Luna Cakes & Confections.

“Ingredients have become so prevalent, and it’s made them so much more affordable that I now have to do a relatively small increase.”

So, whether you’re gluten-intolerant, dairy-free, nutfree or vegan—or you’re just looking for a healthier option for your cake—here are a few of the Central Ohio bakeries that can accommodate dietary restrictions—with delicious results.

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courteSy BeLLa Luna cakeS & conFectionS

courteSy Simon yao Studio

courteSy BeLLa Luna cakeS & conFectionS

Pattycake Bakery

trying to accommodate a design request— it’s all part of the job,” she says.

To keep costs down, Sauer suggests couples order a smaller, separate item if they or a guest at the wedding has an allergy.

She’s done a nut-free top tier and glutenfree or dairy-free side cakes for weddings, in addition to a regular tiered cake.

Flavor creation isn’t a problem for the bakery, which encourages couples to come in and taste test.

“A lot of times what we’ll do is say to them, ‘Look, this is something that I haven’t had a lot of practice with, but that’s not to say we can’t do it.’ We’ll experiment and allow the couple to taste it ahead of time,” Sauer says.

She’s done a vegan lemon, a fruit cake with whipped frosting (to accommodate a chocolate allergy), and she suggests adding a punch of peanut butter filling or ganache to gluten-free cakes for added flavor and texture.

“The products that we’re able to make it with are better than before,” Kish says.

“They won’t notice a difference.”

Kish also encourages couples who may want a lighter option to think outside of the box. She’s done a cake made entirely of vegetables, with a tier of asparagus, a tier of celery and more. Savory cheesecakes are popular gluten-free options, too, and are made with blue cheese, bacon, onion and herbs and served alongside rice crackers.

“You can have great fun with that,” Kish says.

The Pattycake team prides itself on offering only vegan sweets made with mostly organic ingredients, no trans fat or food dyes.

“Most of the couples we work with, it’s usually not that they’re vegan,” says Jennie Scheinbach, founder of the Clintonville bakery. “They just want something that’s more natural, or they want a vegan cake, even if they aren’t vegan themselves.”

Being a vegan bakery means all of Pattycake’s goods are dairy-free and eggfree by design, but they’ve also worked with plenty of couples who request glutenfree items. Scheinbach says her team has worked hard to make sure these cakes (or cupcakes or cookies) maintain their flavor and consistency.

“Each of our [gluten-free] recipes has a unique combination of gluten-free flours that we have determined works best in the recipes,” Scheinbach says, noting there is a surcharge for these requests.

No cake is complete without a sweet and creamy frosting. The bakery steers clear of fondants, but it does offer a light, fluffy icing, good for wedding cakes, and a denser, fudgy option.

Sauer cakeS Michelle Sauer, owner of Sauer Cakes, says at least 30 percent of the weddings she’s done in the past year have included some special request, mostly of the gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan variety.

“We feel trying to accommodate a special dietary issue is no different than

La Petite FLeur La Petite Fleur is known for its innovative designs and interesting flavors, and Kish says neither is sacrificed when she creates a cake for someone with a dietary restriction.

She offers a sunshine orange and a “Persian Love” vegan cake (with rosewater, cardamom and cinnamon), a harvest spice and a red velvet for the gluten-free.

She gets around two requests a month from those with allergies, including a recent bridal shower where she made the cupcakes vegan at the bride’s request.

Guests had no idea, she says.

BeLLa Luna cakeS & conFectionS Almost all of Bella Luna’s menu is available in gluten-free form, and most of it comes with a nut-free option, too.

The Baltimore, Ohio, bakery also turns out scones, cookies and brownies. And Jones uses very few nuts in her products, so nut-free requests come at no additional cost.

Though Bella Luna normally doesn’t create vegan cakes, Jones, who makes all of her sweets herself, says she’s happy to accommodate those who want an allorganic option. Organic sweets do come with a surcharge, though.

She also encourages couples to consider a side cake or top tier if an allergy is specific to one person. And she’s happy to whip up samples if they’re concerned or curious about flavor.

“I try my best to accommodate special requests,” she says. “I always encourage them to taste it before they commit to it.”

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Abby and Jeremy Holden enjoyed Kittie’s Cakes during their Sept. 20, 2014, reception. (Nicole Dixon Photographic) Image by Simon Yao Studio

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Price Slice by

laura moltEr of our CupCakEry ExplaINs basIC CakE Costs

By HeatHer Weekley

Your wedding cake: It’s delicious, a work of art, and, let’s be honest, one of the best parts of the night. But how much will it cost?

Some might be surprised to find out that cakes are typically priced by serving, meaning per slice of cake. If you’re deciding how much cake you need, Laura Molter, wedding consultant at Our CupCakery, shares a good rule of thumb.

“If you’re doing a tiered cake, anywhere from 80 percent to 100 percent of your final guest count is something people feel comfortable accounting for,” Molter says.

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There’s a reason we were voted the Best Bakery in Columbus - because we treat every cake as if it were our own!

We specialize in wedding cakes, groom’s cakes, basically any cake for any occasion!

Located in the Heart of Grove City “It also depends on how many different flavors of cake you offer, and how and when the cake is served.”

For example, Molter explains that if you cut the cake before dinner and offer several different options, guests are likely to sample more than one flavor and you’ll need more cake. However, if you wait to cut the cake until after the meal, many guests are out on the dance floor and some may have already left the reception.

One cake option is the standard tiered cake—prices vary at different bakeries, but cost is around $4 per serving at Our CupCakery. Or, opt for a small cake for display and use sheet cakes cut behind the scenes to serve guests. Molter says these “kitchen cakes” are a little less money at $2.50 per serving.

“That’s a lower price point for those larger weddings,” Molter says.

Along with the cost per slice, there are other fees associated with wedding cakes.

Intricate details, like sugar flowers, add up, and there’s also the cake delivery charge.

If you’re looking to save a little money, there’s another option: A faux cake.

“We do have some faux cakes we can rent out to people,” Molter says. “If you want a tiered cake, you can put a fresh tier on top to cut into [as bride and groom], and then have kitchen cakes cut in the back for guests. You’re a little bit limited with design, but it still works.”

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Tasting Tips

By HeatHer Weekley

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Go to columbusmonthly.com or call 877-688-8009 to subscribe.

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Simon Yao Studio

The wedding cake decision has evolved beyond “Chocolate or vanilla?” With multiple layers, different types of frosting and even the question of sweet or savory, a tasting is necessary for a couple to ensure they’re getting the cake of their dreams. Jan Kish of La Petite Fleur walked Columbus Weddings through a typical tasting and shared items to consider when choosing a cake for your nuptials.

Come ready to sample. Kish offers guests eight or nine cake flavors to start (from the 20 or so flavors she offers; not all will be available at each tasting). “If they want to taste something that’s on the list that’s not on the plate, they can request a sample cake for a cost,” Kish says.

Identify any dietary restrictions. “We do have vegan and gluten-free available,” Kish says. Let your baker or cake studio know ahead of time, so those options are ready for tasting.

Consider multiple flavors. “Rarely do we have a couple want a cake with all the same flavor,” explains Kish, who does just one or two cakes a year in that style. Oftentimes, couples combine several cake and frosting flavors and layers.

Try a twist on chocolate. “Most of the time, chocolate ends up somewhere because America is still in its chocolate phase,” Kish says. Looking for something a little more unique? Kish offers a chili chocolate cinnamon cake.

Have a tasting party. If you want the fun to last beyond a tasting, let your family and friends in on the action. “Couples might order five or six different cakes and have people over to taste them,” Kish says. “I think that’s fun.”

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Derk’s Works photography

images

WEDDING-Day photoGraphy 144 • ENGaGEmENt photoGraphy 154 VIDEoGraphy 162 • rEal WEDDINGs 163 Columbus WEDDINGs |

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images

Image Input Photo advice, memories and more from brides, photographers and planners

By HeatHer Weekley

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f you’re gearing up for your wedding photos, there’s a lot to consider: Location, weather, the first look—even who you’ll choose as your photographer at the beginning of the process. Columbus Weddings shares some advice on how to make the most of your wedding snapshots, plus some memorable moments from real brides.

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Breanne and Zac Boeke were married on April 26, 2015. (Hillary Ferguson Photography)

Photo PreP “The most important thing I think a bride should spend their money on is a photographer. Your wedding day unfortunately only lasts one day. With a great photographer, you can make those memories last a lifetime. We are very happy being able to relive our big day whenever we please thanks to our photographer.” —Breanne Boeke, recent bride

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“I do think it is important to have an engagement session. All of my offerings come with a complimentary engagement session. It’s a great time for the couple to get to know their photographer and be more comfortable for the wedding day.

That way there are no surprises.”

—Nicole Dixon, Nicole Dixon Photographic “For the wedding day, it’s a lot about the pre-wedding meeting. About a week before the wedding, we require that [couples] come in and sit down and go over the whole day one more time. Then it’s fresh in our minds. It’s nice to have that meeting with the client and that’s all you’re focused on for the week. The pre-wedding meeting really helps to go

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into the wedding with a fresh mind on their day.”

—Bryce Koechlin, AddVision “You have to trust your photographer. I call it the trust cycle. Think: ‘If I trust the photographer, I’m more likely to be in the moment. If I’m in the moment, I’m more likely to enjoy myself … I trust my photographer, so I’m not worried about the pictures and I’m more freed up to be myself.’ If you’re filling your head with questions like what to do, you’re not being yourself. If I tell them what to do, it frees them up to be themselves.”

– Benjamin Derkin, Derk’s Works Photography

Don’t let the weather get you Down “I was initially really disappointed that it was raining during our pictures, because there were places I wanted to get shots that we didn’t have the opportunity to. My photographer [Hillary Ferguson] then had a crazy idea to try a double-flash technique that she hadn’t tried before that would capture the rain falling behind us. It turned out absolutely stunning. The picture looks so magical; like it is out of a fairy tale. It made dealing with the rain completely worth it, and now we have a beautiful and unique photograph.”

—Michelle Witte, recent bride

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Left top: Sarah and Jim penikas kiss in the rain.

(Kimberly potterf photography) Left Bottom: Jonathan Winke has fun with his groomsmen. (AddVision) Center top: michelle and Aaron Witte take an outdoor photograph despite the rain.

(Hillary ferguson photography) Center Bottom: Shannon and Brett Smith get creative with their kicks.

(Hillary ferguson photography) rigHt top: Jill Haberkern kisses John Joseph’s hand at the end of their ceremony.

(Kimberly potterf photography)

forever LOVED DERK’S WORKS PHOTOGRAPHY

rigHt Bottom: emily Keener hugs her flower girls and ring bearer. (mia Jade Wedding photojournalism)

perfect momentS

“Have contingencies for things like weather, especially if you’ll think you’ll sneak outside for pictures. If your ceremony, reception and photos are all at the same place and it’s pouring rain, what’s your plan B for pictures if you don’t want your guests in the background?”

—Emilie Duncan, Emilie Duncan Event Planning

Snap photoS in a Spot that meanS Something to you “I loved all of our Ohio State campus pictures. We met while we were both at school at Ohio State. We lived in the same dorm. We graduated from there. We both love the university and cherished our time there.” —Megan Laughlin, recent bride

“Some of the best photos are when you’re laughing and kind of silly, because it’s real emotion. It’s not you faking it.”

—Hillary Ferguson, Hillary Ferguson Photography

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“At the very end of our ceremony, before the recessional, I grabbed John’s hand and kissed it. Our amazing photographer (Kimberly Potterf) captured this really sweet and impulsive moment between us. It’s one of my favorite pictures.” —Jill Haberkern, recent bride

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Photo & Video Services

“I really enjoyed the first look. It was very sweet, especially after we sent everyone away and just had a few quiet minutes alone. That was really special.”

—Emma Frankart Henterly, recent bride “We loved all the photos that captured the love and energy we had that day. We are not huge fans of posed photos and tend to like all the action shots. Two of our favorites were outside our house with our Golden Retriever Bailey, and the other is our cake tasting—you can truly feel the happiness and love between the two of us throughout the day.”

—Katie Hootman, recent bride “Our pictures are phenomenal. I could have lived with cold food, bad music, etc., but the pictures are something you have forever.” —Shannon Smith, recent bride

Specializing in wedding photography 3344 Quaker Rd. Columbus, OH 43207

(614) 491-4746 by appointment only

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Picture Derk’s works PHotograPHy

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Perfect Columbus Weddings asked recent brides to pick their favorite wedding photo—no easy task with the myriad images your photographer captures. But, there’s always one or two that resonate.

Here, their picks. —Heather Weekley

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shANNoN shAffEr married brett smith on Jan. 17, 2015

Addvision

hillAry Ferguson photogrAphy

My favorite photo: "The pictures that have my father-in-law’s portrait in them. He passed away 3 months before we were married and it was nice that we could still make sure he was a part of our day."

ANDrEA roWEr married Nick bruckelmeyer on Jan. 17, 2015

My favorite photo: “Our first look shots at The [Columbus] Museum of Art were beautiful, genuine and heartfelt, and our photographers captured the moment so beautifully.”

« GENA CAmErlENGo married bryan baillis on may 24, 2014

My favorite photo: “ … The vintage Bentley because the sky/setting is beautiful and my dad surprised me with the rental. … We had a lot of beautiful pictures from that day.”

MiA JAde Wedding photoJournAlisM

ClAIr shErIDAN » married Nick Wagner on Aug. 16, 2014

My favorite photo: “There is a picture of our ’sparkler exit’ at the end of the night.

We were both just so happy to be married and surrounded by all of our close friends and family—I feel like it captured the happiness and magic of our special day.”

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Courtney and Luke Salcone take family photos on their March 28, 2015, wedding day. (Julian Allen Photography)

Say Cheese

By HeatHer Weekley

With the hustle and bustle (and no, we don’t just mean your dress) of the wedding day, the last thing a bride and groom wants to wonder at the end of the night is “Did we get a picture with Grandma?” Couples should keep in mind those family members and friends to include in wedding photos.

“Our experience has been that nobody really enjoys the ‘formal photo’ time,” says Shannon Sano, owner of Mia Jade Wedding Photojournalism. “We’ve simplified our list down to the following suggested groupings for our couples in order for that portion of their day to go quickly.”

Sano’s recommended groupings include the following: ¨¨ Bride and Groom + Bride’s parents + Bride’s siblings ¨¨ Bride and Groom + Bride’s parents ¨¨ Bride and Groom + Groom’s parents + Groom’s siblings ¨¨ Bride and Groom + Groom’s parents ¨¨ Full family “Beyond this, we ask each couple to

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consider if there is anyone not listed who is important to get a photo with,” Sano says.

“Many of our couples will add a grouping with their grandparents. As far as aunts, uncles, cousins, godparents, etc., our suggestion is that these important people are included in the full family grouping.”

And don’t worry if you still want individual shots with the extended family—Sano doesn’t discourage this, but warns couples that it can be more time consuming.

“Some of our clients opt for getting a photo with each table at the reception, which tends to be a much more enjoyable moment,” Sano explains, “and that way the couple is sure they have a photo of everyone.”

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& White

DerK’s WorKs photography

aDDvisioN

Black

Classy, sophisticated and elegant: Words to describe these black and white photos.

Columbus Weddings rounded up some stunning shots from recent brides and grooms.

Kimberly potterf photography

martiN Digital photography

Kimberly potterf photography

Nicole DixoN photographic

—Heather Weekley

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mArtin digitAl photogrAphy

Addvision

Addvision

b inter c W r a a e W cs

Brides, grooms and bridal parties find ways to beat the chill of a winter wedding day.

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lAmbert photogrAphs

JuliAn Allen photogrAphy

—Heather Weekley

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TogeTher we CliCk Ben Barnes phoTography

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Photo R e a dy Your guide to getting perfect engagement shots

By HeatHer Weekley

Engagement photos are a great way to prepare yourself to be in front of the camera on your wedding day. But how should you approach the engagement photos themselves?

At the initial meeting with couples, Benjamin Derkin, chief visual director and principal photographer of Derk’s Works Photography, shares that what we know about engagement pictures has changed. “They’re not just to send in to the paper anymore,” Derkin says. “The purpose is very different. The wedding day is a hyper romanticized version of yourself, but the engagement photos are the short story of who you are.”

Derk’s Works photography

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There are several important factors to discuss and consider when photo planning—one being location. Seek spots with both urban and outdoor options nearby to serve as different backdrops.

“I don’t put a limit on [the number of locations], but I usually suggest two locations in close proximity to each other,” says Hillary Ferguson of Hillary Ferguson Photography.

Most importantly, choose a spot that has significant meaning to you and your soon-to-be spouse. “Locations pair with authenticity,” Derkin says. “You can get greenery and sunlight or backlighting at any park. So pick the park that means something to you. It’s those subtle things that add significance to photos.”

So what should you wear? Avoid overthinking your wardrobe and stick to the basics. “I like couples to wear something timeless or classic with neutral colors and just add pops of colors and/ or accessories that won’t overshadow them,” says Nicole Dixon of Nicole Dixon Photographic. “I want them and their emotions to be the main focus of the images.”

If you’re planning on swapping out outfits during the session, aim for a casual look and a dressier get-up for

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Nicole DixoN PhotograPhic

variety. “My typical encouragement is to dress in something that’s you and you feel comfortable in,” Derkin says. “I like to encourage people to start with their favorite outfits, because after the first half dozen pictures you get into your groove.

So you’ll probably get more quantity of photos in that outfit.”

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Nicole DixoN PhotograPhic

Derk’s Works PhotograPhy

Derk’s Works PhotograPhy

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Outfits aren’t the only things you need to prepare: Keep in mind any props or items you’d like to incorporate into the photos. If you’d like Fido to be in the shot, Derkin suggests having your pet there for just a short period of time. “With dogs, it’s good to introduce them for a few shots,” he says. “Then, have someone come and pick them up and take them home so you’re not thinking of their well-being instead.”

Other prop ideas? Ferguson recalls a couple who wore T-shirts honoring a father who had passed away. Or, build your photos around an activity or something the two of you like to experience together. “Go to the bar and

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Nicole DixoN PhotograPhic

kimberlypotterf.com | 614.578.7388

Derk’s Works PhotograPhy

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ReflectionsEventGroup

Photography, Disc Jockey, Video & Photo Booth

SAKURA

JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

PRIVATE EVENT SPACE AVAILABLE REHEARSALS • SHOWERS • BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE PARTIES • WEDDING RECEPTIONS • BRIDAL SHOWERS CALL 614.476.6088 FOR MORE INFORMATION

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grab a drink or go to the batting cages,” Derkin says. “If an engagement shoot is a short story about who you are, why wouldn’t you do something that talks about who you are?”

As you begin the photos, use your photographer’s cues and ask for suggestions. They’ve experienced countless engagement sessions, and they’ll guide you throughout the process. If you’re looking for ways to calm your camera nerves, it can be as simple as spending some time with your soon-to-be spouse. Dixon recommends having lunch or dinner beforehand to be together and relax. But, on the flip side, a little nervousness can yield fun results. “I think the nervous laughter is really cute,” Dixon says. “It’s more times than not how we start the session. They get their nervous laughter out and it photographs really cute.”

Ultimately, you’ll get the results you want from your engagement pictures if you remember the whole purpose of the session. “If you’re looking for that authentic shoot, fill your brain with the reasons you love the other person, your engagement story, how you met,” Derkin says. “Let yourself be mentally consumed by it.”

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Derk’s Works PhotograPhy

together We CliCk

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Video Visionaries The photographers at AddVision have been wowing brides and grooms for the past decade. But did you know they can shoot your wedding video, too? AddVision president Bryce Koechlin shares what sets his biz apart from the rest. —Heather Weekley

Morgan and Nathan Hines used AddVision as both photographer and videographer for their ceremony and reception at the Hilton Columbus at Easton. (AddVision)

How did AddVision get its start?

We started in 2006 doing videos and wedding photos. I went to OSU, and people would reach out to the Department of Art at OSU. I started doing weddings when I was still in school. We grew into doing weddings full time, doing photos and video. We went from shooting a couple weddings a year to 100 weddings a year pretty quickly.

How do you approach wedding videography?

We have two main cinematographers.

That’s a term that we and a lot of other people use. It plays into the style and the approach instead of using the term videography. Now, it’s “Let’s make this look like a movie and make it entertaining to watch.”

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Tell us about your cinematography offerings.

We’re big on having people not pay for what they don’t need. They choose how many hours they want. Every client gets the same thing in terms of the editing. It’s a matter of having us for 12 hours for your wedding day or five hours. We’ll do a little highlight and movie trailer. It’s a three-tofive minute video. We keep it entertaining and fun to watch, and easy to show your friends and family. They also get the feature, which is the full-length version [of the wedding day]. It has more of everything in its entirety. In the trailer, we may pull one or two clips of the first dance, but the full-length will have most of the footage.

The third thing that they get is chapter selection on the final product, so they can jump around to watch what they want.

How do you integrate the photography and the videography?

We always encourage the client to use us for both. We’re the same company. We work well together. On the wedding day, we know what the other team is expecting.

We also give couples that book us for both a 10 percent discount. That’s been awesome for us.

What sets you apart?

It’s customer service. It’s communication.

We put that first. We have some internal steps and an in-house process that makes sure we’re communicating with our clients along the way. We have a lot of things we’ve implemented, like reaching out along the way a few weeks later, since videos can take a while to edit. It’s not leaving them in the dark after a few months. Once the bride comes in and signs a contract and puts a deposit down, that’s not the end of the road. We give them 100 percent during the whole project.

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Real Weddings

Love in the CapitaL City

By HeatHer Weekley

niCoLe Dixon photographiC

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Katie Brown & Andrew Hootman April 25, 2015 Katie and Andrew knew of each other through mutual friends for several years, but they reconnected at a work event three years ago and realized they both were single. “The rest was history,” Katie says.

The evening Andrew proposed to Katie, she was under the impression they were dining with friends.

So, after he surprised her with the engagement, he also planned an engagement party with friends and family. The couple wed at their church in Dublin on a rainy April day, which Katie says added a special element to the celebration. “The photos are now extra special, the order of events is extra special, the design pattern the dirt made up the back of my dress is special,” Katie says. “Our day was perfect. I almost forget it was even raining until someone brings it up.” The reception included a family-style meal with chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans. A memorable moment for the couple was having their immediate families sit with them during the reception.

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PhotograPher: AddVision Bride‘s gown: la Jeune mariee bridal hair & MakeuP: Charles Penzone salons recePtion: Via Vecchia catering: Catering by scott sunday Brunch: The Westin Columbus Flowers: Flowers on orchard lane registry: macy’s guest accoMModations: The Westin Columbus

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Sara Anfinson & Ben Rogers September 13, 2014 Sara received the best birthday present ever: a proposal from Ben. “We had a trip get canceled last minute, and I was not expecting it,” Sara says. The pair, who was engaged for a little more than a year before tying the knot, personalized their ceremony by writing it themselves. “[The ceremony] was very small with only 80 people, and it felt more like a giant family gathering because almost everyone knew each other and it was just a cozy event,” Sara explains. Other wedding details included coral flowers, a first dance to Zac Brown Band’s “Free” and a rehearsal dinner at Marcella’s. “It was just amazing from start to finish,” says Sara of the experience. “So much of our family had to come so far, and so many of them came in early, which meant that we were able to enjoy each other’s company more.”

PhotograPher: ben barnes Photography

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Gena Camerlengo & Bryan Baillis May 24, 2014 Although they were both attending the University of Dayton at the time, Gena and Bryan met in an exotic locale: Hawaii. After several years of dating, the couple was engaged in 2013 when Bryan proposed while on a walk. And Gena had a special guest at her April 2014 wedding shower—Taylor Swift surprised Gena, a huge fan. Gena included several family heirlooms into her nuptials: Brooches from family members and friends adorned her bouquet and fabric from Gena’s late grandmother, who was a seamstress, was draped over the door at the barn reception venue. “Our wedding was beautiful,” says Gena of the May celebration. “The whole day was like a fairy tale. … Our wedding was May 24, my (golden) birthday was May 27 and Bryan graduated from medical school May 30. It was a whirlwind week!”

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PhotograPher: Derk’s Works Photography Bride’s gown: Elegant Bride tuxedos: American Commodore Tuxedo Cake: Capital City Cakes Catering: Two Caterers Flowers: Bloomtastic Florist

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Crista Gonzalez & Billy Khourie October 4, 2014 Crista and Billy initially were friends when they met in college, and began dating after Crista solicited Billy’s help one Friday evening at a bar. “This creepy guy kept following me around,” Crista says. “I went over to Billy and asked if we could pretend to be together so this guy would leave me alone. It worked!” Billy proposed to Crista during her family’s annual Memorial Day weekend gathering. Crista originally wanted to wear her mother’s wedding dress, but after realizing that much of the lace dress had become discolored with time, she took the sleeves off the dress and had that lace wrapped around the bottom of her bouquet. “That became my ‘something old,’ ” Crista explains. Other wedding-day details included a color scheme with pink, white and gray and a first dance to The Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses.” “It was a great feeling joining our two families together,” Crista says. “We are very lucky, and our wedding weekend is something we will never forget.”

PhotograPher: Hillary Ferguson Photography Bridesmaids’ dresses: Wendy’s bridal gown Preservation: Dublin Cleaners groom’s attire: men’s Wearhouse groomsmen’s attire: men’s Wearhouse rehearsal dinner: brookside Golf & Country Club registry: macy’s

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Micaela Tourville & Derek Hartman March 21, 2015 Micaela originally met Derek through his mother, who was Micaela’s coworker. “She told me that I wasn’t allowed to fall in love with him since he was leaving to join the military,” Micaela says. But that didn’t stop the couple: Derek eventually proposed to Micaela at her Ohio State graduation party. “There were so many people [at the party] that I didn’t notice Derek and my dad sneak out of the house to have ‘the talk,’ ” Micaela says. “I was running around trying to chat with everyone and at some point during the evening after the party had been going on for a few hours, Derek came up to me and asked if I would open his present now.” His present, of course, was a proposal. After a 10-month engagement, Micaela and Derek tied the knot during a short-and-sweet ceremony.

The day included a theme of “simple elegance” and featured a dessert table made by family members and centerpieces fashioned by the bride and her mother.

PhotograPher: Julian Allen Photography Bride’s gown: David’s bridal Bride’s Veil: David’s bridal Bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s bridal groom’s attire: men’s Wearhouse groomsmen’s attire: men’s Wearhouse wedding Bands: Worthington Jewelers Catering: bosc + brie registry: macy’s

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Jaquelyn Bitler & Matt Walker June 13, 2015 Jaquelyn, who met now-husband Matt in Chicago through mutual friends, got to walk down the aisle twice—thanks to the weather. Says Jaquelyn: “It started to downpour as my father passed me to Matt. No one knew what to do, so we continued the ceremony in the rain. Finally, my matron of honor told me to run and everyone followed. The rain passed, and, after 30 minutes, we started over.” The ceremony finished with a champagne toast in the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Palm House. The couple’s James Bond-themed reception featured an ice cream sundae bar with four Graeter’s flavors—each a favorite of their four grandfathers. Jaquelyn and Matt had Dave Matthews Band’s “You and Me” as their first-dance song, and jetted off to a honeymoon in Mykonos and Santorini, Greece.

PhotograPher: Kimberly Potterf Photography Ceremony: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens rehearsal Dinner: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens sunDay BrunCh: Hilton Columbus Downtown invitations: On Paper registry: Macy’s guest aCCommoDations: Hilton Columbus Downtown groom’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse

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Jaclyn Dight & Joshua Wiethe April 11, 2015 Jaclyn and Josh’s dance at their reception wasn’t quite their first dance. Josh proposed to Jaclyn during an evening out, when he suggested a dance off. Jaclyn wasn’t sold on the idea, but it turns out it was worth it: Josh not only performed a dance to a Michael Jackson song—he also presented Jaclyn with a ring right on the dance floor. The couple had a spring wedding Downtown at The Columbus Athenaeum, and continued the celebration the next day with a Sunday brunch at The Renaissance. One of the most special moments of the day? “The party limo bus stopping at different scenic parks Downtown Columbus to take photos with the wedding party,” Jaclyn says.

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PhotograPher: lambert Photographs Bride’s gown: Elegant bride Jewelry & accessories: Elegant bride and David’s bridal engagement ring: Diamond Cellar wedding Bands: Diamond Cellar recePtion: The Columbus Athenaeum catering: The Columbus Athenaeum sunday Brunch: Renaissance Columbus Downtown cake: bella luna Cakes & Confections registry: macy’s guest accommodations: Renaissance Columbus Downtown

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Amber Poole & Danny Pierson March 14, 2015 Amber and Danny, who were introduced through Amber’s cousin, were married almost a year after their Goodale Park engagement. Danny proposed to Amber— who was under the impression they were headed on a Downtown double date with friends—during a March rainstorm.

The couple celebrated their wedding in style with a classic and timeless theme, incorporating hues of dark purple and silver, pearls in the reception centerpieces and gourmet cupcakes as a sweet treat.

The wedding guestbook had a personal touch: It was a thumb-print tree drawn by Amber. “Amber and her father did a break out dance to Bruno Mars’ ‘Treasure’ that was an absolute blast,” recalls the couple.

“Almost all guests were up dancing all night and the props from the photo booth were taken to the dance floor and worn throughout the night.”

PhotograPher: martin Digital Photography Bride’s gown: Henri’s Cloud Nine Bridesmaids’ dresses: Henri’s Cloud Nine tuxedos: American Commodore Tuxedo rehearsal dinner: The Columbus Athenaeum VideograPhy: martin Digital Photography registry: macy’s guest accommodations: Renaissance Columbus Downtown

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Clair Sheridan & Nick Wagner August 16, 2014 Clair and Nick were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend—and their first date happened to be on April Fool’s Day. “I was running late and he thought he was being fooled,” Clair says. Nick popped the question during an evening that began at the same restaurant where the couple had that first date—Barcelona. “After dinner we were walking through the streets of German Village,” Clair says. “It was February, it was lightly snowing and the night lights were twinkling. Nick got down one knee and asked if I would spend the rest of my life with him.” Nick continued to surprise Clair: He organized an engagement celebration with close friends and family immediately after the proposal. Despite some rain on their August wedding day, the couple was able to execute an outdoor ceremony followed by a “rustic chic” reception. The evening’s family-style meal included chicken piccata, beef bourguignon and garlic roasted mashed potatoes, and the newlyweds were sent off with a magical sparkler exit.

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PhotograPher: mia Jade Wedding Photojournalism Bride’s gown: David’s bridal groom’s attire: men’s Wearhouse groomsmen’s attire: men’s Wearhouse guest accommodations: Renaissance Columbus Downtown ceremony: Via Vecchia recePtion: Via Vecchia catering: Catering by scott

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Abigail Boor & Jeremy Holden September 20, 2014 Although the bride and groom live in Washington, D.C.— the proposal took place at one of the couple’s favorite area restaurants, Bistrot Du Coin—they celebrated their nuptials here in Columbus. Abigail and Jeremy were engaged for 10 months before hosting both their ceremony and reception at The Ivory Room at Miranova. With a wedding theme of “The Road Less Traveled,” Abigail and Jeremy enjoyed entertainment from local band MojoFlo and had short ribs, scallops and corn-stuffed cannelloni from Cameron Mitchell Premier Events. A special moment? “Impromptu fireworks broke out over the river just as the band was taking a break,” Abigail says.

PhotograPher: Nicole Dixon Photographic Catering: Cameron mitchell Premier Events registry: macy’s guest aCCommodations: Renaissance Columbus Downtown and The Westin Columbus

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Heather Christopher & Rob Hodge December 31, 2014 What better way to ring in the New Year than with a wedding? Heather and Rob celebrated the last day of 2014 by tying the knot, beginning with a ceremony at The Columbus Museum of Art followed by a reception at The Westin Columbus. Heather, an event planner, initially met Rob when she helped him plan a party. Says Heather: “We decided to have a baby before my mother passed away. He proposed in front of all of my family at the baby shower so my mom could be part of it since we knew she may not make it to the wedding.” Since she knows the event business, Heather did much of the planning during their two-year engagement.

Her favorite details? “Having mirrors written on to describe important details—the menu, where the reception was located, a memory mirror for my mom … and many more,” Heather says. “Also, I had my mom’s wedding dress draped over a chair at the ceremony in lieu of a memory candle.” Heather and Rob sent their guests home with champagne bottles and hosted a Sunday brunch the day after the wedding at The Westin Columbus.

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PhotograPher: Together We Click Ceremony: Columbus museum of Art Bride’s gown: Henri’s Cloud Nine Bridesmaids’ dresses: Henri’s Cloud Nine groom’s attire: men’s Wearhouse groomsmen’s attire: men’s Wearhouse reCePtion: The Westin Columbus rehearsal dinner: schmidt’s Restaurant sunday BrunCh: The Westin Columbus registry: macy’s guest aCCommodations: The Westin Columbus

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ExpErts 176 • thE shoW 178 • CoNsultaNts 179 • INvItatIoNs 181 • musIC 185 GIfts 190 • CElEbratIoNs 192 • hoNEymooN 194 • Extras 198 Columbus WEDDINGs |

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Master Columbus Weddings Chats WIth INDustry ExpErt raNDy FENolI

You know him from TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” and “Randy to the Rescue,” and now he’s coming to Columbus: Randy Fenoli will make an appearance at the Columbus Weddings Show in January 2016.

We chatted with Fenoli to learn the latest in trends, the best way to approach dress shopping and why weddings should be all about a couple’s story.

—Heather Weekley

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What are the biggest bridal trends we’ll see in 2016?

The trend in bridal today is really everything. If you want sleeves, you can get them. If you want sleeveless, you can go sleeveless. If you want strapless, you can get strapless. … There are so many gowns out there. It’s overwhelming for a lot of brides, but what would help them would be to think about who they are and what kind of wedding they’re having. Do they want something more relaxed or more glitzy?

Does she want to be a princess? They need to follow their story and not follow the trends.

The trains are getting a little shorter, because girls are thinking about the reception more than the ceremony. A lot of gowns are getting sexier. … There may be a rebound from that eventually.

Fashion is cyclical—everything comes in and out. What is a wedding? It’s tradition.

Everything about the wedding is tradition.

It’s families coming together. I prefer to keep it that way, because once you lose that, you lose the concept of a wedding.

What’s out this year in terms of fashion?

Sleeves came in because everyone was asking for them. Kate Middleton had some influence on that with her wedding gown.

Designers make gowns with sleeves, but the problem is you can’t raise your arms in a dress with sleeves—it is so tight fitting. Girls want to throw their hands in the air and dance at the reception. They want to move around and interact with their guests.

Designers are still making them with sleeves, but girls aren’t buying as many.

They may opt for a shrug or a bolero. With a shrug you can still raise your arms.

A bride is going dress shopping: How should she approach it and who should she bring with her?

I always say if you believe you’re mature enough to get married and plan a wedding, you should be mature enough to handle a bridal appointment. It’s not really the people you bring, necessarily. It’s having a conversation before you get into the bridal salon that’s the real key, with the people you bring. Say: “You’re my guest today and I want you to know that I really care about you. Remember that this dress you’re helping me choose is for me. … We’re here to help me find a dress and this should be a fun experience.” But if they all did that, we wouldn’t have a show! [laughing] What are your recommendations for budgets?

Every bride should have a budget, no matter what. You have to know how much you’re spending on this wedding and how much you want to spend. You don’t want to be borrowing money or be in debt after the honeymoon. You can have a beautiful wedding that doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s about prioritizing what’s most important to you.

My whole presentation is about the bride and groom’s story. That’s how you find your dress. What will make you happiest? That’s where the money should go. Maybe you don’t want an expensive dress and you just want a great party. I think you can work within the budget to get the wedding you want. It doesn’t have to take a lot of money—it’s really about love and gathering loved ones together.

What are some ways a woman can inject her personal style into her wedding day look?

Once again, her story. How did she and her fiancé meet? Where did they meet?

Where was your first romantic dinner?

Where did he propose? What are your favorite colors? What’s important to you?

What are your hobbies? Do you love sports and want a sports-themed wedding? Do you go to the beach every weekend? It’s following your story.

What’s the benefit of visiting a bridal show like the Columbus Weddings Show?

It’s very important because you’ll have lots of vendors. It will open up your ideas to things you’ve never seen, thought about or heard of. People are doing weddings today that are unique and different and special.

Plus, there’s the fact that you’ll get to meet the people you’ll be working with at your wedding. You can develop a trust with those people and see if your personalities click. You’ll be spending quite a few months planning your wedding and you want them to understand your vision and make sure your wedding comes out like you want it to be.

Courtesy of tLC

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Todd YarringTon phoTos

It’s Showtime ThE Columbus Weddings shoW provIDEs CouplEs WITh a oNE-sTop shop for plaNNING.

By HeatHer Weekley Mark your calendars: The Columbus Weddings Show is back this January and better than ever. The show, presented by Meyers Jewelers, is Jan. 23-24, 2016, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

With more than 200 vendors (you’ll find cakes, flowers, photography, hair and

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makeup and more) present during the weekend, the Columbus Weddings Show serves as the perfect place to meet vendors, garner inspiration and nail down details for your big day.

One thing brides- and grooms-to-be won’t want to miss is the fashion show (it’s happening twice each day of the event): It will feature gowns from half a dozen local boutiques, and there’s a VIP experience for those who want even more insight from the experts. Also appearing is bridal expert Randy Fenoli of “Say Yes to the Dress.” Fenoli will share his bridal presentation and advice on both Saturday

and Sunday. (Read our Q&A with Fenoli on page 176.)

Show goers also have the opportunity to win great prizes, so make sure to register when you and your mom, gal pals or even fiancé arrive at the show.

“It’s a fun way to explore everything that there is to do for a wedding,” says Stephen Zonars, vice president of sales for Dispatch Media Group, sponsor of the show. “It’s the ability to talk to people who spend their entire career focused on weddings.

You can get the advice that you might otherwise pay a wedding planner for.”

For details: columbusweddingsmag.com.

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Morgan Alfman smiles with her bridesmaids before marrying Nathan Hines on Oct. 11, 2014. (AddVision)

The Forget-Me-Nots

Five Columbus wedding planners dish on those details you won’t want to forget during the weddingplanning process.

By HeatHer Weekley It’s the morning after the wedding, you’re about to jet off on an exotic honeymoon and you have a realization: Who transported all the gifts from the reception venue? And where are they now?

Don’t panic—Columbus Weddings has you covered. Local wedding planners share which details often slip through the cracks when it comes to organizing the big day, so you can be prepared and worry-free.

INVITATIONS • Include if those invited can bring a guest. “I had a client forget to let people know if a guest was invited,” says Jennifer Drew of StR Events. “If you don’t, then you run into lots of

problems with numbers.”

• Put tracking numbers on the back of your RSVP cards. “Keep track in a spreadsheet which number goes with which guest,” says Quenetta Gordon of Something Blue Weddings & Events.

“I guarantee you’ll have a couple that come back that forget to put their name on the RSVP card.”

• Depending on size and shape, some wedding invitations may need additional postage. “I’ve seen it happen where folks will put a standard 49 cent stamp on their invitation and then the cost may be 76 cents,” says Adrianne Mellen Ramstack of Adrianne Elizabeth Events. She also notes that invitations going overseas will require their own special postage.

• Give an RSVP date of at least a month before the wedding. “Then [couples] can get ahold of people they haven’t heard from and get their final counts in before the wedding,” Mellen Ramstack says.

• Drew encourages couples to have their invitations photographed. Bring a copy of the invitation to your photographer

during your final meeting before the wedding as a reminder.

BUDGET • Include gratuities in your wedding budget. Mellen Ramstack says that gratuities can easily cost several thousand dollars, and can be an added expense if not accounted for.

In a similar fashion, Gordon reminds couples to not think only in terms of the subtotals, but to add on sales tax and service charges when calculating final costs.

GOWNS • Have your wedding shoes—or the heel height ready—when you head to your first gown fitting. “It makes a big difference in terms of where the dress is altered,” Mellen Ramstack says.

• Bring your mom or maid of honor— preferably both—to pick up your wedding gown. Mellen Ramstack says you’ll need to learn beforehand how to bustle the gown, which can be tricky.

• Who is taking your wedding dress after the wedding, and how is it getting to its Columbus WEDDINGs |

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destination? “Is it going to be cleaned?” asks Emilie Duncan of Emilie Duncan Event Planning. “Decide who will take it for you, especially if you’re going on your honeymoon after the wedding.”

Additionally, make sure—if necessary— that the groom’s tux is returned in a timely manner.

BRIDAL PARTY • Remind groomsmen to try on their tuxes when they pick them up, instead of waiting until the day of the wedding.

“Oftentimes the rental company will accidentally give them the wrong size or it’s marked wrong,” says Drew.

• Have snacks and water available for the bridal party, especially before and after the ceremony.

• How is the bridal party getting from Point A to Point B? Gordon tells couples to plan how their bridal party will not only get to the ceremony or pre-ceremony photography spots, but also to wherever they’re heading following the reception.

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION • Check on a sound system for outdoor ceremonies. “Do you need a microphone for the ceremony and the readers?” Drew asks. “Some people forget they need sound for the readers, too.”

• For both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, Gordon says to have a lapel mic for the officiant if you’re inviting more than 100 guests. Then you’ll ensure that everyone can hear the ceremony.

• Set up a beverage station for guests if your wedding ceremony is outdoors on a warm day. “It’s nice to have some juices or water or something available during that time,” Gordon says. Also a good idea? Bug repellent.

• When creating an escort board (which have been cropping up in place of escort cards), Drew suggests arranging guests names alphabetically instead of by table. It’s an easier way for guests to find their names among several hundred others.

• Does one of your bridesmaids or groomsmen have a hard-to-pronounce last name? Alert your DJ, wedding band or whoever is making announcements

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Valerie O’Brien gets ready for her Oct. 4, 2014, nuptials to Joesph Antognini. (Nicole Dixon Photographic)

•

•

•

•

at the reception so bridal party entrances run smoothly, says Duncan.

Who will be saying the blessing? If your officiant or clergy member isn’t attending the reception, choose a family member or friend who will be in charge.

“If you have a very specific version of a first dance song, make sure your DJ or band knows which one you want to hear,” Duncan recommends. “A good DJ or band leader will cover that, but it’s a good thing to keep in the back of your mind, too.”

Know the venue rules, and if decorations and other items need to be cleaned up by the end of the night.

Oftentimes, explains Drew, those get thrown away or are lost or broken.

Figure out who will collect your wedding gifts. “Some venues will let you leave the liquor and décor until the next morning, but I never recommend leaving gifts and cards behind,” says Duncan. “Make sure you know where those gifts are going and that they’re going to a secure place.”

HONEYMOON • Arrange for someone to collect your mail and take care of your pets while you’re on your trip. “There are so many details that go into a wedding and then you have this epic vacation,” Duncan says.

“That’s enough of a stress on its own.”

• Pack for the honeymoon a week before the wedding, so you’re not tossing things in a suitcase at the last minute.

• “If the bride is changing her last name, make sure all the legal paperwork is in place so you don’t show up to the airport with tickets in one name and ID in the other,” Gordon says.

ODDS AND ENDS • Provide parking guidance for your guests.

“Lots of people are not from Columbus and even if you are, it can be difficult to park if you’re Downtown,” Drew says.

“Where are you parking? Does it cost anything? Be as specific as you can.”

• Make sure to bring the marriage license to the wedding rehearsal to give to your officiant or church.

• Order an extra boutonniere for the groom. “You have all your family friends who want to hug you and congratulate you and your boutonniere can end up looking a little sad,” Gordon says. “That way the groom can put on a new one in case his gets a little mangled.”

• “Give yourself enough time to take the photos that you want, and enough time to not be stressed out and running around,” Drew says. “It’s just a fun day and you want to enjoy it without rushing anything. You shouldn’t be the one setting things up that need to be set up. Appoint someone else to do it.”

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r e p a Play P

Invitations aren’t the only place couples can get creative. See how Columbus brides and grooms incorporated activities and more into their special day using a paper medium. —Heather Weekley

Lindsay and Jon Maupin provided guests with a word game during their May 2, 2015, wedding. (Together We Click) Columbus WEDDINGs |

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Top LefT: favors at Lindsay and Jon Maupin’s wedding. (Together We Click) Top RighT: Alexandria Niehaus and frank Comeriato gave guests activity pages.

(Together We Click) MiddLe LefT: Minimalist place cards at Mary and Tim Kaskewsky’s reception. (Ben Barnes photography) MiddLe RighT: Bryan and gena Baillis’ introduction to the bridal party. (derk’s Works photography) BoTToM: Aaron and Michelle Witte’s guest book. (hillary ferguson photography)

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Ben Barnes pHotograpHy

Know Your Audience How to properly address your wedding invitations

By Jenny RogeRs While the traditional approach for addressing an envelope to a married couple is to leave out the wife’s name—i.e. Mr. and Mrs. Brad Pitt—go ahead and include the wife’s name as you see fit. After all, we’re pretty sure no one would leave out Angelina.

In a situation in which a married woman has kept her maiden name, address the invitation with the names listed alphabetically. The same goes for a couple who is living together but not married and for same-sex couples; however, if the latter couple is married, include their names on the same line, connected with an “and” or ampersand.

If you’re inviting an older guest (a college student, perhaps) who lives with his or her parents, go ahead and address them a separate invitation; it’s the polite thing to do.

Inviting the entire family? Include the kids’ names on the inner envelope and the parents’ names only on the outer envelope. When in doubt, always go with the more formal option for that outer envelope.

For guests with titles—doctor, captain and so on—make sure to include the formal title on the outer envelope.

(614) 859-5538

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Save 0L1 Date

By Jenny RogeRs

It may seem like scheduling overkill, but On Paper’s Michelle Lawrence says it’s appropriate to send out your save-the-date notices a year to nine months before the big day. “Some people will push this to six months, which is OK,” she notes. “But that’s the latest.” Engaged for less than a year? Still send a save-the-date, Lawrence insists, but just make sure you make that six-month deadline. “For larger weddings especially, it’s important you can get the word out to everyone,” she says. “You can’t always do this by word of mouth. Anytime a wedding is on a holiday weekend, too, save-the-dates are an excellent idea.”

If you’re going formal with the invitation, it’s OK—and often encouraged— to be more playful with the save-the-date.

Lawrence notes about 50 percent of On Paper’s customers do this, and the stationary boutique has seen an uptick in destination-specific cards. “For example, we recently worked with a client getting married at Station 67, and they have a postcard with a vintage image of the old firehouse, which was the first in Central Ohio,” she says. “We also did a save-thedate for a wedding at the Cultural Arts Center, Columbus’ old armory, with a photo of the space. It didn’t necessarily set the visual tone of the wedding invitation suite, but it gave a look at the space in which they couple was to be married.”

Couples are still using engagement photos to adorn their save-the-dates. On Paper recently added glitter to a postcard photo featuring the couple going wild in confetti. Says Lawrence: “It added some glitz, some glam, some fun.”

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Heather and Daniel Buttress’ wedding guests getting down on the dance floor. (Martin Digital Photography)

Listen to the Music Columbus musiC pros share their thoughts on popular reCeption songs

By HeatHer Weekley

W

hat songs get you on the dance floor at a wedding reception? The “Cha-Cha Slide,” perhaps? The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling,” maybe? There’s an arsenal of songs couples or guests frequently request for the playlist, so we polled three Columbus DJs to get thoughts on the tunes. Here, their musings.

the panel Emmy Beach, The Goody Two Shoes DJ Service Jodi Ransom, Night Music DJ Professionals Matt Ryan, Matt Ryan Mobile DJ Entertainment

the songs “Electric Slide” “The ‘Electric Slide’ has gone from must play, to do not play, back to old-school fun.

Even some of our crowds that don’t want any line dances sometimes want this one for a little throwback moment.”

—Jodi Ransom

“This is a song a lot of couples love to hate.

It has a reputation for being overplayed, but for a reason—it will get guests on the floor, especially the older ones. Keep in mind this might be one of the only songs Aunt Millie will get up to dance to, outside of slow dances.” —Matt Ryan “In my experience, this is a dance-floor clearer. This is one of those songs that just does not stand the test of time. It’s uber cheesy without the charm. Eighties synth and electric drum instrumentation— sometimes that’s OK, but in this case it’s totally not. Step away from the ‘Electric Slide.’ ” —Emmy Beach

“Shout” “Always a hit. This is a song that gets EVERYBODY on the dance floor. I’m talking about your 70-year-old grandma along with your preteen niece. It’s classic (who doesn’t love the Isley Brothers?) and makes for some awesome wedding action photos.” —Emmy Beach “A perennial crowd pleaser, ‘Shout’ doesn’t seem to have the same polarizing effect that some other older party favorites do. Guests of all ages will get on the dance floor for this one. This song seems to work best once the crowd has warmed up a bit.”

—Matt Ryan Columbus WEDDINGs |

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The dance floor was in full swing at Amber and Danny Pierson’s March 14, 2015, wedding.

(Martin Digital Photography)

“ ‘Animal House’ made this a high energy party standard. After years of dance floor success, ‘Shout’ hit a tired patch until the movie ‘Wedding Crashers’ brought it back bigger than ever. Played at the right time for the right crowd? It’s a multigenerational blast.” —Jodi Ransom

“Ice Ice Baby” “This is a great ’90s throwback. Challenge your wedding guests to see who knows all the words. I’m sure somebody does.”

—Emmy Beach “This song has really managed to become a mainstay with the under 40 crowd. For lots of teens to 30-somethings, ‘Ice Ice Baby’ has a cool retro vibe without feeling dated or overplayed. For this reason, it doesn’t sound out of place mixed into a set of current Top 40 music.” —Matt Ryan “This one walks a fine line between cheesy and fun, but instant recognition along with that killer bass hook sampled from David Bowie and Queen’s masterpiece ‘Under Pressure,’ fun usually wins. ‘Yo! V.I.P. Let’s kick it!’ ” —Jodi Ransom

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“YMCA”

“Livin’ On A Prayer”

“I’ve actually never played this at a wedding. No one has ever requested it, if you can believe it! But if you want something from the disco era, go with ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen.’ I know that sounds crazy, but people LOVE that song.”

—Emmy Beach

“This is a fist pumping singalong hit that is easy to dance to, and at almost 30 years old, this is a fun and familiar ‘oldie’ that makes everyone feel young and hopeful.”

—Jodi Ransom

“Sometimes people really just want a familiar song that makes it super easy to join in the fun. Do I know it? Can I dance to it? Yep. ‘YMCA’ fits that description.”

—Jodi Ransom “Like the ‘Electric Slide,’ the ‘YMCA’ is one of my most requested do-not-plays and for the same reasons. Eliminating these songs may exclude some of your guests from dancing, so proceed with caution.

Current alternatives such as the ‘Cupid Shuffle’ and the ‘Wobble’ won’t have the exact same effect because they may be unfamiliar to older guests.” —Matt Ryan

“This is one I typically play by request only.

I haven’t seen this one maintain a broad enough appeal to warrant playing it on a consistent basis. The guests will either totally rock out or clear the floor. I think there are safer choices that have more consistent appeal.” —Matt Ryan “I am definitely a fan of Bon Jovi at weddings. Follow this song with Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ and you’ve got a power ballad singalong.” —Emmy Beach

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“Friends In Low Places” “Especially for a crowd that enjoys some country music, ‘Friends in Low Places’ is a great choice towards the end of the night, maybe even as the last song. It has a similar effect to ‘Piano Man’ in that the guests will circle up and sing along. Always best when served with alcohol.” —Matt Ryan “This song is a perfect fit to play near the end of the night. It’s a great way to please the avid country fans in attendance and will be recognizable even if some of your guests aren’t that into the genre. You’ll definitely have folks putting arms around each other’s shoulders, swaying back and forth to the music. It really brings people together.” —Emmy Beach “This is a circle-up sing-along, and a party standard that occasionally takes the distinction of being the only country song on the playlist. [It has] Crossover fans and [is] easy to dance to.” —Jodi Ransom

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AFFILIATE

MUSICIANS

The area’s best live music for one of the best days of your life.

Contact Louis Tsamous to hire a band tailored for your party or reception.

planning

Music Men Central Ohio band The Reaganomics has been making music for nearly 20 years, dazzling the city with 1980s cover tunes. Although based in Columbus, The Reaganomics travel across the Midwest and even into the south for shows and events. And they can play at your wedding. Columbus Weddings chatted with lead singer Keenan Blanke to learn about popular songs and why you should choose The Reaganomics as your wedding band. —Heather Weekley

Photo courtesy the reaganomics

FOR MORE INFO: JAZZARTSGROUP.ORG 614.294.5200 x 104

Win free stuff, share events with friends and buy tickets, all with the A-List.

text “ALive” to 77948

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Tell me about your wedding show.

When we do weddings, it’s because we’ve been requested specifically because we have a specific show that we do. When you hire The Reaganomics, that’s the show you’re going to get. We also offer a DJ package as well. We use our own sound company when we do weddings, and he is able to provide more than just us as the band. He’ll do everything that goes into a reception from the music side. He’ll do dinner music, break music and introduce the bridal party.

What songs always get people on the dance floor?

“Jessie’s Girl” is always the most popular one that we do. “What I Like About You”

by The Romantics is another one.

What makes The Reaganomics a unique choice for a wedding band?

Our professional attitude is No. 1. We always come in regardless of how big the crowd is to put on a great show. We come to get everybody involved and let everyone have a good time.

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Heather and Daniel Buttress hosted their Dec 6, 2014, reception at Scioto Reserve Country Club.

(Martin Digital Photography)

Dancing the Night Away Think outside the box when it comes to your first dance as a married couple.

Emmy Beach, founder and owner of The Goody Two Shoes DJ Service, shares 10 new and unexpected song ideas.

“Sea of Love,” Cat Power “Take Care,” Beach House “Love Like This,” Wild Belle “In My Life,” The Beatles “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” Otis Redding “God Only Knows,” The Beach Boys “Question,” Old 97’s “Sleepwalking,” Modest Mouse “When I’m With You,” Best Coast “A Sunday Kind of Love,” Etta James

Bringing you everything but the $7 tub of popcorn Get the latest theater, movie, food, drink and nightlife suggestions at dispatch.com/weekender.

Natalie and Andrew McCurdy wed on Dec. 20, 2014, and celebrated at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. (Lambert Photographs) Columbus WEDDINGs |

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In-store and on-line bridal registry Let us make registering easy for you!

571 S Third Street

In Historic German Village

614.224.7224 Caterinaltd.com

Gift items at Chelsea Borough Home in Dublin. (Photo courtesy Chelsea Borough Home)

Perfect Presents

By Emily Thompson

Gone are the days when gift registries at big-box stores were the only option for out-oftown guests. Now that it’s just as easy to order gifts online, your local love can extend to your wedding registry. Head to these boutiques for unique items and the kind of personalized service found only at a mom-and-pop shop.

Relish house

CateRina ltd.

Owner Jennifer Rose’s Southern style is evident in her classic and elegant home décor at Relish House. One of the most popular registry gifts, she says, is a customizable maple wood cutting board. “You can put the wedding date, monogram, front and back,” says Rose.

Relish doesn’t offer online ordering, but out-of-town guests can call to order from the registry. relishhouse.com

You can set up a registry online, but you’ll want to go in German Village’s Caterina Ltd. to see the European-made tabletop pieces in person. “I encourage [couples to] consider getting 12 place settings because oftentimes we think we don’t plan to have 10 people over, but tomorrow or 10 years from now when you still have those dishes, you’re going to want those place settings,” owner Catherine Adams says. Adams will dedicate a shelf to the items on your registry. caterinaltd.com

Chelsea BoRough home If you don’t see what you’re looking for at Chelsea Borough Home, owners Christena Wentz and her mom, Tena, will order it for you. And anytime a guest spends $50 or more on registry gifts from the Dublin shop, the couple gets a $5 gift card for the store. Christena has this advice for couples: “Consider putting a local item on your registry to make that really, truly special story and piece for the rest of your lives.” chelseaboroughhome.com

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thalia & dahlia “We are the store that you go to when you want something that you’re going to love now and 20 years from now,” co-owner Christopher Krupa says of the Dublin shop’s traditional home items. When couples register at Thalia & Dahlia, Krupa and co-owner Michael Smith set up a table with the pieces the couple is considering so they can get the full effect. thaliaanddahlia.com

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Our FavOrite GiFts Three Columbus brides share their most memorable wedding present.

—Heather Weekley

Where high design meets today’s green technology for the ultimate culinary experience.

hillary Ferguson PhotograPhy

Website: www.dinner4two.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Dinner4Two Twitter: @Dinner_4_Two

Michelle Witte “An engraved frame of our names and wedding date along with a poem.”

Julian allen PhotograPhy

UNVEILED

Megan laughlin “A brass knocker for our first home.”

addvision

Sign up at ColumbusWeddingsMag.com

to receive our biweekly e-newsletter.

Unveiled will deliver exclusive interviews with local experts, and exclusive sneak peek of the magazine, a roundup of what’s been happening on the web and more.

Katie hootMan “Everyone being there to celebrate with us with our best gift—that’s what it’s all about, celebrating our love!”

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planning

Bachelorette Parties,

Cbus Style

Amber Poole has fun with her bridesmaids before her March 14, 2015, wedding to Daniel Pierson.

(Martin Digital Photography)

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IDEas to makE thE most of baChElorEttE CElEbratIoNs IN thE CaPItal CIty

By Taylor Swope Wedding traditions are constantly changing, but the bachelorette party is here to stay— because girls just want to have fun, right?

Whether you’re a bride looking for ideas for your own party or helping your almostmarried friend plan her own, Columbus Weddings has compiled a list of single-lady party ideas to help your group celebrate around Columbus.

It seems the trend of spending just one night on the town is being replaced for an entire weekend of fun.

Think about starting off with a cocktail party at a friend’s place or a spot around town on Friday night for drinks and conversation. There are so many great places around Columbus to grab drinks, such as Curio, The Pearl, Mouton and The Guild House.

On Saturday, plan to spend most of the day with your group. Here, a few ideas.

Relax at the spa Whether girls (and maybe guys, too!) in your group want a manicure or massage, it will help start the day off on a relaxing note and prepare everyone for the fun ahead. Consider Nurtur the Salon in Upper Arlington and Grandview, the Woodhouse Day Spa in Dublin, or one of the several Charles Penzone locations around Columbus.

sweat it out Someone once probably said that friends who sweat together stay together, right?

Well, maybe not, but working out with friends is always fun and a great way to kick off a day of eating and drinking.

Cycle614, a spinning studio in Grandview, offers two bridal fitness packages: either a month of unlimited classes ($169) or three months unlimited ($399), says co-owner Mark Placenti. Included in both packages is a complimentary ride with your bridal party.

“In all cases, we would work with the bride to pick out the music and theme for her ride,” he adds.

There are many other places to find a workout class in Columbus, including Title Boxing Club, Pure Barre and Balanced Yoga, just to name a few.

lunchtime Instead of sitting down at a restaurant for lunch, why not sign up your party for a cooking class? Tricia Wheeler, a local chef and owner of The Seasoned Farmhouse, says she has hosted several bachelorette party cooking classes and enjoys sharing her love of cooking and entertaining with guests. “We have had elegant dinner parties where guests may participate in cooking a part of the meal and then dining together, or individual tailored events where the bride maybe loves dessert, so we have a dessert party,” she says. “Recently, we had a group bake bread together with one of our instructors.”

Located in Clintonville on High Street, Wheeler says The Seasoned Farmhouse will customize the class based on the bride and her group’s interests.

wine time What would a bachelorette party be without some vino? Wyandotte Winery, located near Gahanna, offers a couple options for group activities, says co-owner Robin Coolidge. If the group size is under 10, the winery can accommodate the group during business hours. Coolidge says that past bachelorette parties have planned a Saturday outing to the winery and attended tours at either 12:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m., and stayed after for wine tastings.

If your group is larger than 10, Coolidge says the space can be rented after 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. “There is a rental charge for the facility, but along with the facility we can offer food, wine tastings and wine by the bottle or the glass,” he adds.

Another option around town is Wine & Canvas, an art studio where you can drink wine while an instructor teaches a painting class. If your group is under 15, consider booking in advance for a regularly

scheduled class. If you have a group larger than 15, you’re qualified to host a private event, which costs $35 per person. The class fee includes paint supplies for all attendees, but you’ll want to check the location details for rules about food and beverages.

paint the town Red Before hitting the town with bachelorette sashes and veils, consider stopping by The Blowout Bar, located in Grandview and Dublin, for some primping.

Co-owner Kristin DeJohn says the salon is currently hosting several bachelorette parties every Saturday. “The atmosphere at The Blowout Bar for a bachelorette party is perfect,” she says. “Since opening our blow-dry bars, we’ve given bachelorette groups something new, fun, and fresh to do in Columbus.” She adds: “Instead of the usual dinner being the first stop, why not get all dolled up before even heading out?”

Make sure to plan ahead since space fills up fast. DeJohn says past parties brought decorations, food and drinks to enjoy while everyone is getting their hair done. You can also count on a “chick flick” playing on the TVs throughout the studio.

Once you leave The Blowout Bar with beautiful locks, your group will be ready to show off and celebrate the bride-to-be.

There are countless places to enjoy a meal with several friends nearby in Grandview, such as Spagio, Vino Vino, Figlio and Hudson 29. After dinner, your group will be ready for drinks and fun; consider heading to the Short North to enjoy places such as Seventh Son, Denmark and Bakersfield. For late-night dancing, Callahan’s and Union are great options.

The best part about a bachelorette party, whether it’s one night out or a weekend of fun, is spending quality time with friends and family before the wedding day. These are just a few ideas for how to celebrate your favorite bride-to-be in Columbus.

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European Bliss

Three itineraries for the perfect European honeymoon

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By Gina Mussio

our honeymoon is a time to celebrate your new life together—in a big way! Europe offers trips of a lifetime, filled with centuries of culture, incredible food and big adventure. Here, we share three European cities you can count on for a fun, charming and romantic honeymoon.

The Museum Hotel in Cappadocia (Photo courtesy The Museum Hotel)

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Trip #1: CappadoCia, Turkey Romantic and exotic Turkey is just right for those wanting something a bit more unique from their honeymoon experience.

With a great Mediterranean climate, spa culture and unique cuisine, Turkey has all a honeymooner needs with a reasonable price tag.

When to visit: Turkey is best visited May through September, though July and August can be uncomfortably hot along the Mediterranean coasts. Further inland, towns like Cappadocia enjoy a semi-arid climate with warm summers and cool, dry winters, making the city a perfect retreat year-round.

Must see sites: Explore Cappadocia’s moon-like landscape up close with a sunrise hike in the Rose Valley, Cappadocia’s most beautiful hiking valley. After the sun comes up, you can tour the rock churches throughout the valley. Cappadocia is most famous for its fairy tale-esque rock towns and skies dotted with brightly colored hot air balloons. Take a romantic ride over the valley on a hot air balloon for a truly surreal experience. For those who would like a little more guidance, try booking a tour through Turkey Honeymoon Packages or add on Istanbul with their Istanbul and Cappadocia seven-day package.

Ordinary honeymoons become extraordinary with Creative Vacations.

Dublin, Ohio | 614-588-8897 CreativeVacations.com Facebook: CreativeVacationsandCruiseCenters YouTube: CreativeVacations

Where to stay: For a truly unique experience, stay in a cave hotel such as the eco-friendly Museum Hotel. Cut out of the native rock, don’t be fooled by the rustic theme; Museum Hotel is a luxury hotel complete with a swimming pool and spa, cooking classes, golf course and gardens.

Each room is one-of-a-kind.

Average cost: Rooms range from $2,364 to $7,092 for seven nights.

Alternative: For those who still want something off the main European travel routes, head to the relaxed beaches of Dubrovnik, Croatia, or try a cruise along the Croatian coast.

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Trip #2: porTo, porTugal

Trip #3: The lake DisTricT, iTaly

The climate is right for a laid-back honeymoon that is the perfect combination of relaxation, culture and, of course, great food.

Quite possibly the most romantic honeymoon for food and wine lovers, Portugal is finally beginning to get the recognition it deserves as a food and wine haven, and honeymooners will have no trouble finding excellent local eats.

Celebrate in luxury at Lake Como with great wine, high-class shopping and gorgeous views. The Lake District in Italy is filled with the vacation homes of the rich and famous—including Como’s unofficial publicist George Clooney—and Como offers honeymooners a gorgeous backdrop for a romantic and extravagant vacation.

When to visit: The climate is temperate in northern Italy, so spring through early autumn has the best temperatures. Go in late May or June for warm springtime weather, gardens in full bloom and fewer crowds.

Or, go later on in July if you plan on taking a swim in the lake.

When to visit: The weather is warm year-round, but summer ensures the best temperatures and a dry climate. The best month is July for warmer weather than June but fewer crowds than August.

Must see sites: Travelers to Porto should take a walk through Old Town to get a feel for the antique city. Tour the Porto Cathedral, the Torre dos Clerigos tower and the stunning colored tile of the Sao Bento Railway Station. For those hoping for at least a day at the beach, beautiful Matosinhos beach is just a quick metro ride away.

No matter what your itinerary, take a sip of some of Porto’s famous, award-winning wines. Made in nearby Douro Valley, honeymooners can sample red and white wines as well as a namesake port.

Where to stay: Couples will love the Pestana Porto Carlton Hotel, in the heart of the historic core of Porto. The building itself is housed in parts of 16th, 17th and 18th century buildings and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the hotel, it’s easy to take in all of Porto’s sights

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and activities, including the opportunity to take a cruise down the Douro River. The boat departs on the bank directly in front of the hotel.

Average cost: Depending on the time of year, rooms range from the classic room at $1,239 for seven nights, to the river view suite at $1,914 for seven nights. There, you can enjoy the impressive view over the Douro River, D. Luís Bridge and Port Wine cellars in your bathrobe and slippers.

Alternative: Taormina, Sicily, is heavy on history and culture, filled with incredible food and offers the ease of resort life—all with the reasonable prices of southern Italy.

Must see sites: Como is a great town to stay in while still exploring the area. Take a private boat tour with travel agents such as Select Italy to see the beautiful villages and elegant villas from the best viewpoint: the water. After, couples can easily explore towns around the lake such as Varenna or world-famous Bellagio, or take a day trip into fashionable Milan.

Where to stay: For “spectacular views, fine dining and a very attentive staff," Maria Meyer, Director of Wedding and Honeymoon Services for Select Italy, recommends the “divinely luxurious” CastaDiva Resort & Spa in nearby Blevio or the Hotel Villa Flori, just up the coast from Como.

Hotel Villa Flori has its very own wedding tradition: It was originally a wedding gift to Giuseppe Garibaldi, a celebrated Italian

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politician and soldier who contributed to the unification of the country, from his bride’s father. Ask for the Camera Garibaldi, the young couple’s intended wedding chamber, which is now an elaborately decorated guestroom.

Average cost: Depending on what room you choose at the Hotel Villa Flori, seven nights can cost from $2,814 to $13,159 for the Gran Lago Suite directly on the lake. The CastaDiva Resort & Spa ranges from $4,840 for seven nights to well over $16,500 to rent private villas with varying levels of amenities, including personal pools and lake terraces.

Alternative: Zurich, Switzerland, offers a similar mountainous location with gorgeous views, a history of thermal spring spas and a wealth of activities. Take advantage of the beautiful landscape for hikes in the valleys in the summer, days on the slopes in the winter, and designer shopping year-round.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT: Porto, Portugal (Photo courtesy BY-NC-SA-Municipio do Porto); Bellagio, near Italy’s Lake Como (Photo by Gina Mussio); Port Wine Cellars in Porto, Portugal (Photo courtesy Porto Convention and Visitor’s Bureau)

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DREAM wedding

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Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24

Greater Columbus Convention Center Battelle Hall | 400 N. High Street Columbus WEDDINGs |

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planning

The

Name Game

By Emily Thompson

Whether you’re taking the last name of your partner, hyphenating your last names, changing your maiden name to your middle name or some other combination, a wedding can often mean a name change. Here’s how to make it official.

1. Marriage certificate. List your new name on your marriage certificate, which you’ll need as proof of your name change.

2. Social Security card. Next, you’ll need to get an updated Social Security card.

Go to ssa.gov to fill out an application for a new card; then mail it or take it to a local social security office.

3. Driver license. Bring your current driver license, marriage certificate and new Social Security card to a BMV Deputy Registrar office to get an updated license.

Find locations and more info at bmv.ohio.gov.

4. Accounts. You’ve changed your Facebook name, but now it’s time to let everyone else know. Update your bank, employer, legal documents, utility companies, doctors’ offices, etc. Now that you’ve legally changed your name, you (and your friends, family and coworkers) just have to get used to saying it.

Emma and Matt Henterly on their May 9, 2015, wedding day.

(Julian Allen Photography)

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Advertiser Index #

1 Linden Alley................................................................. 131 222 Photography .............................................................156

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A Catered Event.............................................................. 128 Above & Beyond Travel, Inc. ......................................... 197 Active Travel.................................................................... 195 AddVision .......................................................................150 Alexanders Jewelers...........................................................73 American Commodore Tuxedo........................................ 54 Annunciation Banquet and Conference Center ............ 113 Aperture Photography, LLC ........................................... 156 Ashley Leslie Photography ...............................................161 The Athletic Club of Columbus....................................... 89 Avant-Garde Impressions ................................................ 184

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Barn at Rush Creek ..........................................................79 Bella Luna Cakes & Confections ................................... 142 Ben Barnes Photography................................................. 156 The Berwick .................................................................... 122 The Blackwell .................................................................. 107 Bliss Honeymoons .......................................................... 197 Bloomtastic Flowers & Events .......................................... 67 The Bluestone ................................................................... 97 Bosc + Brie ................................................................88, 129 Botantica Floral Event Artisans ........................................69 Brett Loves Elle Photography .......................................... 159 Bridgewater Banquet & Conference Center .................. 109 Bravo/Brio Restaurant Group ........................................ 119 Brookside Golf & Country Club ................................... 101 Bryn Du Mansion .............................................................93

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Cameron Mitchell Premier Events ................................. 125 CAPA ................................................................................84 Capital City Cakes ...........................................................141 Carfagna’s Catering ........................................................ 131 Caterina Ltd. ................................................................... 190 Catering by Scott............................................................. 118 Charles Penzone Salons .................................................... 61 City Barbeque ................................................................. 126 Class Acts Entertainment ............................................... 187 Classic Limousines of Columbus, Inc. ............................. 44 The Club at Corazón ...................................................... 113 The Columbus Athenaeum .............................................114 Columbus Bride & Groom ..............................................39 Columbus Marriott Northwest ....................................... 115 Columbus Museum of Art ............................................. 109 The Columbus Photo Booth Co. ................................... 145 Columbus Pro DJs .......................................................... 187 Columbus Traveling Beauty Team.................................... 53 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium ....................................... 105 Comfort Photography ..................................................... 153 Connells Maple Lee Flowers & Gifts ............................... 63 Connie Duglin Linen ....................................................... 91 Copious ........................................................................... 118 COSI ............................................................................... 120 Creative Vacations & Cruise Centers ............................ 195 Creekside Conference & Event Center ........................... 78 Crowne Plaza Columbus-Downtown.............................. 120

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David’s Bridal....................................................................46 Derk’s Works Photography ............................................. 147 DeSantis Florist.................................................................63 Diamond Cellar .................................................................. 1 Dinner 4 Two.................................................................. 191 Doug Melvin Photography .............................................. 155 Dublin Cleaners................................................................43

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Elegant Bride.....................................................................46 Embassy Suites Dublin ................................................... 123 Embassy Suites Hotel ........................................................95 Emerald City Ballroom .....................................................39 European Wax Center ......................................................59 Expressions Floral Design Studio ..................................... 65

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The 5th Ave Floral Co. .....................................................65 First Congregational Church ............................................78 Flowers on Orchard Lane .................................................65 Forget Me Knot Photography ......................................... 153 Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens ..... 106 Fred Astaire Dance Studios ............................................ 140

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Germania ..........................................................................93 Glenross Golf Club......................................................... 113 Golden Delight Bakery ................................................... 140 Gowntastic ........................................................................44 The Grand Event Center .......................... Inside back cover Granville Inn....................................................................... 9

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Harvest of Memories, LLC ............................................. 160 Henri’s Cloud Nine ..........................................................48 Heritage Golf Club ..........................................................117 Hillary Ferguson Photography ........................................ 158 Hilton Columbus Downtown...........................................85 Hilton Columbus/Polaris .................................................95 Holy Resurrection Hall ..................................................... 87

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IVY Bridal Studio ............................................................. 41

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J. Liu Restaurant & Bar .................................................. 108 Jamberry ............................................................................53 Jan Kish-La Petite Fleur....................................................141 Jazz Arts Group of Columbus......................................... 188 Jefferson Golf & Country Club ..................................... 122 Joan’s Bridal Couture .......................................................38 Julian Allen Photography................................................ 156

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KEEP Collective ................................................................44 Kelton House .................................................................. 107 Kimberly Potterf Photography ........................................ 159

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L.A. Catering .................................................................. 128 La Jeune Mariee Collection .............................................. 41 La Scala Italian Bistro ......................................................116 Lambert Photographs .....................................................150 Lasting Impressions Event Rental.....................................22 Lavishli ..............................................................................70 Le-Vel and The THRIVE Experience ............................... 59 Leo Alfred Jewelers ........................................................... 37 Little Bear Golf Club ........................................................89 Longaberger Golf Club ................................................... 103

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Macy’s Wedding and Gift Registry ................................... 11 Main Events Party & Event Rental ................................ 102 Make You LLC .................................................................. 51 Makoy Center ................................................................. 104 Martin Digital Photography.............................................161 Mary Kay Cosmetics-Charlotte Stevens ............................ 53 McCormick & Schmicks’s .............................................. 110 The Medallion Club ....................................................... 113 Megabeat Entertainment ................................................ 189 Men’s Wearhouse..............................................................56 Meyers Jewelers ...............................................................4, 5

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Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center .................... 108 New Albany Links Golf Club ......................................... 101 New Image Studios ..........................................................161 Nicole Dixon Photographic ............................................ 145 Night Music DJ Professionals ......................................... 187 NorthStar Golf Club ...................................................... 104 Nurtur the Salon...............................................................59 NutriChef USA............................................................... 190

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Occassionally Custom Correspondence ......................... 183 Ohio Housing Finance Agency ........................................ 67 Ohio State Department of Plastic Surgery ........ Inside front cover The Ohio Statehouse ........................................................ 77 The Ohio Union at Ohio State University .....................116 On Paper ......................................................................... 184 Our CupCakery .............................................................. 140

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The Paper Daisy Flower Boutique .................................... 69 The Paper Vault .............................................................. 183 The Paper Vow ................................................................ 184 Perfect Weddings ..............................................................52 Phototyme .......................................................................158 Pinnacle Events .................................................................79 President Tuxedo ..............................................................56 Pride Perfect Weddings .....................................................44 Pure Romance ...................................................................53

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Randolph Photo & Video Services ................................ 147 The Reception House at Raymond Memorial ............... 100 Reflections Event Group ................................................ 160 Renaissance Columbus Downtown ................................ 102 Royal American Links....................................................... 81

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Sakura ............................................................................. 160 Schmidt’s Restaurant Banquets and Catering.................111 Scioto Reserve Country Club ......................................... 121 Shoot 2 Studios................................................................161 ShutterBooth Photo Booth Rental ................................. 157 Square One Salon .............................................................60 Street Players ................................................................... 189 The Suisse Shop Bakery.................................................. 123

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T. Allen Price Photography ............................................. 157 Tara Smith: ReMax Real Estate Agent ........................... 160 Tartan Fields Golf Club.................................................. 121 T.E.A.M. DJ .................................................................... 189 Together We Click ..........................................................155 Trousseau Bridal ...............................................................45 Two Caterers ................................................................... 129

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Universe Bridal & Prom ...................................................38

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Via Vecchia Winery .........................................................117

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Wendy’s Bridal .................................................................. 37 The Westin Columbus......................................................99 Wetland Barn Reserve .................................................... 112 White of Dublin ...............................................................49 Worthington Hills Country Club .................................. 110 The Worthington Inn ....................................................... 87 Worthington Jewelers ..........................................Back cover

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You’re Invited .................................................................. 184

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happily ever after

Dressing It Up

Martin Digital PhotograPhy

Sophia Ken donned several gowns on her March 7, 2015, wedding day, which incorporated traditional Cambodian and Laotian ceremonies. —Heather Weekley

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EVERYTHING YOU WANT. Exactly what you need.

IMPECCABLY DESIGNED WITH YOUR SPECIAL DAY IN MIND, The Grand Event Center brings a fresh new approach to weddings. This dynamic venue offers a courtyard with fire pit, abundant natural light and a fun, inviting vibe that is unlike anything else. The Grand’s modern yet understated dÊcor and open layout is a blank canvas ready to transform into a space that is uniquely yours.

Centrally located in Grandview Yard, your guests will enjoy easy highway access, complimentary parking and walking distance to hotels and shopping.

Now booking for October 2016 and beyond, call us at 614.660.9106 to get started today, your personal event planner is ready to help plan your perfect day.

820 Goodale Boulevard | Columbus, Ohio 43212 info@eventcenterGY.com

G R A N D V I E W

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