All of the planning led up to this day! I will have to say, I was not nervous at all, which is comforting. I had been collecting things for this day for about a year and I knew what my vision was for decor. I will highlight vendors I used and why I loved my day in this post.
The Rehearsal Dinner: BrewDog
https://www.brewdog.com/usa/bars/us/brewdog-franklinton/
We were the first rehearsal dinner that BrewDog Franklinton hosted and they knocked it out of the park! It was across the street from our venue so that was also a plus! However, the atmosphere was just what we wanted, casual and trendy. I was able to mingle around and chat with everyone and the food was top notch, the sous chef even came out and chatted with us! We went with a salad, buffalo cauliflower and hummus plates family style to start and then guests had an option of a fried chicken sandwich ( which I got and was impressed) a burger and a veggie burger option. They made us feel welcome and I always had a drink in my hand! It was a really great night catching up with people that we had not seen in years! If you are thinking about not doing a rehearsal, I would reconsider if you can make it work just so you can relax and really enjoy your closest friends and family the night before.
The Venue: Strongwater, Columbus OH
https://strongwatercolumbus.com/
Why we picked it: It was unique, industrial and had the making of some amazing pictures! I also liked the fact I had to option to do an outdoor ceremony. Getting married in early April in Ohio is definitely risky but I hoped for the best. We got lucky, it was a perfect 65 degree not too sunny day! As someone who knew they were going to be DIYing most of this, I wanted a backdrop that didn't require a lot of decor to bring it to life, this place already had life, we just elevated it!
The Music: The Wild Path
https://thewildpath.us/
I cannot say enough about how great our experience with The Wild Path was! Brock was our DJ and he def. rocked it! Music was very important to us, no one wants to go to a wedding where the music is bad, it kills the vibe. I rarely left the dance floor that night! We had a couple meetings with him ahead of time so he could understand what our vision was, what kind of music we wanted played for every section of our wedding. He was also a great MC, they mic the officiant and let everyone know what was going on from sparkler exits, to when our shuttle for guests came. I would totally recommend The Wild Path to anyone planning an event that needs a DJ!
The Food: Made From Scratch
https://made-from-scratch.com/
While we did not really have many choices for catering with our venue, we def loved that we could both agree Made From Scratch would do a great job! We went with a pepper steak and a chicken piccata, served with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes. The cocktail hour was butler served and we have these delicious grilled cheeses, mini quesadillas and bruschetta. Their staff was also amazing! They brought us food separately to eat from cocktail hour after we took pictures so that we could enjoy some snacks privately, before going back in. One of the waiters also helped me pin my hair back up after it had fallen out after all the dancing!
The Cake: Black Velvet Desserts
https://www.blackvelvetdesserts.com/
I found Missy at the one bridal show I went to in Columbus. I tried a sample and knew I had to have her make my cake! Funny enough I don't really even like cake, but my sister is super into bakery goods and the fact I liked this cake was perfect! I went with a simple almost naked Earl Grey and Lavender cake and then to support we had maple walnut, vanilla cupcakes and chocolate mousse tarts. I also being a donut lover made donut stands for some Buckeye donuts! YUM! I already had some cake stands and I put aside some leftover lavender flowers and greenery and Missy did the rest! The presentation was amazing, it looked so pretty! I was so happy that I went with her and supported a small local business!
The Flowers: Sam's Club
OK, why why why do people spend sooo much money on florals?? You are basically throwing money into the trash can! Since i knew I wanted mostly greens, baby's breath and lavender, I went to Sam's site on the recommendation of my friend and bridesmaid who had used them for her wedding and found out that I could get everything I wanted for under $400!! We had 70 people at the wedding, which is 14 tables and then extra for the cake table, grate etc.
I went with Israeli Ruscus, Eucalyptus, baby's breath and dried lavender. The place looked amazing, I couldn't believe how well it turned out! I had been going to the thrift store every weekend for a couple months and buying every mason and mason looking jar I could find to put candles and flowers in. I am so thrilled with how it turned out!
The Coordinator: Savvy Events, April Smith
https://www.savvyeventsoh.com/
If there is one thing that you are thinking to skip do NOT skip on getting a day of coordinator. I can only liken it to if you don't have one, who will herd the cats that are your guests and moreover, your bridal party! I didn't think I needed one, but when I found out that I probably couldn't set up and tear down my own wedding I started looking. I started looking 3 weeks before my wedding! I found April with Savvy Events and she helped my day run so smooth and stress free! She helped with final venue walk-thrus, rehearsal walk through, set up/tear down and just making sure everyone was where they needed to be at all times! MONEY WELL SPENT!
The Photographer: Reflections Event Group
http://reflectionseventgroup.com/
John was affordable and did an amazing job! We discussed certain photos that were on the must have list and then he did the rest! I am so thrilled with how my photos turned out!
The Entertainment: Photo booth
https://www.pictureperfectohio.com/
Everyone loves a photo booth and they even get you digital copies and a printed memory book of all the photos that were taken!
The Dress: Wendy's Bridal
https://www.wendysbridal.com/
The Gentleman's Attire:
Groom- Black Tux rental
Groomsman: Manguin rentals
Hair and Makeup: Charles Penzone Short North
https://www.penzonesalons.com/short-north/
Nails: Laquer
https://www.lacquergallery.com/
