~ Columbia Woodlands Wedding ~

A mutual friend is to thank for Anne and Austin’s love story, after introducing them while they attended Ohio Northern University. Now, five and a half years later, the couple has overcome the challenges of being two hours away from each other and finding time to spend with both families, and they are ready to begin their new life together. When the time came to propose, Austin took Anne out to dinner in Rocky River, and they stopped at Edgewater Park afterwards to watch the sunset. Anne thought it was just another date night, but Austin was ready to surprise her. They took a selfie together, in which Austin held the ring box in focus behind them. When Anne turned to ask what that was in their picture, Austin was already down on one knee and popped the question!

On their special day, Anne wore a stunning blush gown with elegant detail work and a full train. Deep blue heels hid under her dress, and a delicate veil finished off her look. Her bouquet brought together flowers of burgundy, pink, and pale yellow with understated greenery. Anne added personal touches to her bridal look, with a handkerchief from her grandmother and jewelry from her mother. The bridesmaids wore long, burgundy dresses with varying styles of necklines, and soft, romantic updos. Austin and the groomsmen wore deep gray suits, ties, and boutonnieres of a single rose on a bed of green with burgundy ribbon. After a touching ceremony at St. John’s United Church of Christ, the couple drove off in a Model A that belongs to Anne’s grandparents!

Following the afternoon ceremony, Anne and Austin’s guests moved to the picturesque grounds of the Columbia Woodlands. Anne and Austin wanted to embrace the autumn weather on their wedding day, with natural photos that captured the details of the day. The grounds of the Columbia Woodlands helped set the tone for their photos. The lush greens in the wooded areas established an intimate space for the couple. The water, with its high grasses and charming background of more trees, provided the perfect natural landscape for some lovely photos. And a short downpour of rain just prior to the reception gave this fun-loving couple an excuse to laugh and run in the rain on their wedding day.

Inside the Spring House reception hall, burgundy accents popped against the deep blue tablecloths, and greenery on the centerpieces brought the outdoors in. The couple’s family and heritage was included through various aspects of the décor and created a fun, unique atmosphere. Anne’s stepmom designed a beautiful wedding cake adorned with fresh flowers and greens across both tiers. A s’mores bar was the hit of the night and allowed guests to customize their own sweet treat. And the favors combined both of their families’ traditions: the Slivovitz is consumed at Austin’s family celebrations and the marshmallows Anne made with her grandmother.

Columbia Woodlands Wedding