Katie and Bryan. Two souls meant to brave any storm. Together in harmony. Forever.

There are always stand out moments at each wedding that really stick out to me whether I’m in my groove working hard on logistics, setting up decor or directing my staff to the next task on the endless list of to do’s. They are the moments I remember months, even years, after all the guests have gone home and the thank you’s have been sent out. At Katie and Bryan’s wedding rehearsal, I remember one moment in particular where everyone was grouped together, from their 18 person bridal party to their families and friends who had travelled from far and wide to celebrate with them. The venue was filled with voices, laughter and chatter as the rehearsal unfolded, the bridesmaids in their winter jackets trying hard to warm up from the frigid winter weather, the groomsmen catching up like old friends often do.

Yet at the center of it all was Katie and Bryan holding hands and practicing the vows they would recite to one another the next day. Their officiant prompted them both to repeat after him, so softly that I had to step a couple feet closer to hear and make sure all was well. As the two exchanged their vows back and forth between one another, Katie wiped away a single tear as it fell from her eyes. She laughed a little as Bryan smiled sweetly at her. Together they stood there oblivious to the commotion around them, so very in love and ready to take that next big step in life. I immediately took a step back as to not intrude on that intimate and somewhat private moment of love and admiration.

Together in harmony. Even amongst the chaos there is always the center of the storm, so truly calm.

The wedding unfolded the next day on New Year’s Eve of 2013 set in downtown Cincinnati at the Contemporary Arts Center. It was a chilly winter and the sun set about an hour before the ceremony began but the day was so full of love and laughter I don’t think anyone noticed. Hundreds of peonies, thousands of yards of ribbon, the prettiest colors and texture, those shoes; Katie was a joy to plan and design with and well, I think even if you don’t personally know her, it’s fairly evident by her sweet nature illustrated through these gorgeous photographs by Jen and Jonah.

I introduce to you, one memorable way to ring in the new year, the wedding of Katie and Bryan. Enjoy.

That dress! So lovely and soft and so very Monique. It was if the gown was made for Katie.

I absolutely loved how Jen and Jonah captured these portraits of Katie getting ready. They feel so nostalgic and classic. Katie is a true beauty and radiated the entire day of her wedding. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, too but I would love to start working with more film photographers and clientele who appreciate the timelessness of film. Jen and Jonah you two are such visionaries. Let’s do it again soon :)

Katie’s bouquet was made up of romantic, soft, garden-inspired blooms like garden roses, quicksand roses, ivory and blush peony, sweetheart roses, fragrant stock, anemone and a touch of dusty miller to lend to the mint hue we incorporated throughout the wedding design. The colors in the bouquets worked perfectly in tandem with the colors of the girl’s gowns. I also threw in a bit of silver brunia to the bridesmaid’s bouquets to add a touch of gray.

Smitten On Paper knocked it out of the park with these gold foil, confetti design invitation suites.

Tables set for nearly 300 guests. My team at this wedding was absolutely killer.

And I have to end it here because you can catch more of this event over on Style Me Pretty where we were honored with a front page feature last week (be sure to watch the couple’s gorgeous wedding trailer from Studio 213 Films and check out the amazing ceiling installation we created for over the dance floor). And of course, a huge thank you to the amazing group of vendors who pulled this one off and created such an incredible day for two amazing people. Katie and Bryan, I love you guys. Thank you for the adventure. Xoxo  Tassels and noise horns: Stephanie Shives Studio

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Photography: Jen and Jonah / Videography: Studio 213 Films / Planning, design, florals and coordination: Hey Gorgeous Events / Cake: Maribelle Cakery / Bride’s shoes: Kate Spade / Catering: Funky’s Catering / Bride’s gown: Monique Lhuillier / Venue: Contemporary Arts Center / Rentals: All Occasions Event Rentals / Stationery: Smitten On Paper / Tassels and noise horns: Stephanie Shives Studio