A Blue-Hued Waterfront Wedding in Honor of the Bride’s Sister

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The entire wedding is themed blue for the Bride’s sister’s love of blue. She wanted to honor her the best they could since she was not present.

All of the details & decor have nearly all been created & designed by the bride. She says, “I am such a detail-oriented person, and I attempted to DIY as much as I could to make our vision come to life!” “We felt the venue was a representation of who we are and what we love…the water, sunsets, views, and giving our guests that same experience.” To keep guests entertained and immersed in the outdoor celebration, they included custom yard games that brought a playful spirit to the event. A personalized cornhole board featured the couple’s custom crest, while a nautical rope tic-tac-toe set added charm and whimsy to the lawn. For the escort display, the bride wanted to lean into the groom’s love for golf by creating a unique “Let’s Par-tee” seating chart using real golf balls and tees. It was a fun and personal nod to his favorite hobby, while the crisp white and soft blue tones ensured it tied seamlessly into the wedding’s overall design.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

From the bride: Our engagement story actually started a week before it happened. Nick had secretly brought the ring with him all the way to Jamaica, where we were vacationing with friends and colleagues. He carried it in his backpack the entire trip—completely unnoticed by me! As romantic as that setting might sound, he knew the timing wasn’t quite right and wanted something more personal, more “us.” Fast forward to April 28, 2023—a rainy spring day in Cleveland. Nick suggested a walk through the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and even though the weather wasn’t ideal, I was just happy to be surrounded by blooming flowers, one of my favorite things. We wandered under an umbrella, me completely oblivious to what was about to happen. Eventually, he found the perfect, quiet spot under a tree next to a peaceful pond. He began talking about Arbor Day and how it was the perfect time to plant our own roots and grow our family. Then, he got down on one knee. It was private, meaningful, and absolutely perfect. To celebrate, we headed downtown—Nick had booked a room at the Hilton overlooking Browns Stadium (he knows my love for Cleveland runs deep), and we ended the night with a romantic dinner in the city. It was the perfect blend of thoughtfulness, surprise, and love—and a day I’ll never forget.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]A chic strapless gown, made extra fun with a favorite detail—detachable bow sleeves that gave the bride two totally different looks in one. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Nick’s suit is a custom baby blue suit from Primo Tailors (his dad wore a baby blue suit for his wedding).

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Hors d’Oeuvres were: Garlic paprika chicken skewers, Mushroom potstickers, and Mini beef Wellingtons. Dinner stations included Italian pasta, Thai curry, raw seafood, and a carving station. Something perfect for everyone! Signature Cocktail – The bride and groom’s signature cocktails were The Phoebe: an Aperol Spritz, and The Ross: an old-fashioned. Late Night Food truck was provided for guests (sliders & fries) – one of their favorite meals.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Ashley and Nicholas’s wedding was a picture of timeless charm with a fresh, coastal twist. Held beneath a sweeping white tent on the lake, the reception exuded classic elegance with crisp white linens, gold chiavari chairs, and garden-inspired arrangements that felt both polished and delightfully relaxed. The florals were a dreamy reflection of the setting—very garden on the lake—with hints of light blue delphinium and shocking blue hydrangeas nestled among white hydrangeas, campanula, polo roses, and spires of white veronica, all surrounded by luscious ferns. Ferns also cascaded from overhead, paired with delicate string lights that added a twinkle of romance, while chinoiserie-inspired details tied the look together with an effortlessly preppy flair.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The cake, perched on a vintage navy sideboard, was a showstopper, adorned with a cascade of coordinating blooms and a custom crest that echoed the wedding’s stationery. Every detail felt thoughtful and elevated, creating a celebration that was both refined and joyfully full of personality.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

At the Ceremony, Radiant Strings played special music. For the groomsmen, a Top Gun Song (Nick is a former Scout Sniper from the Marines who fought in 9/11), the Bride’s song is a rendition of Canon and Ocean’s (one of her favorite Christian songs). A reading during the ceremony was given by the Bride’s brother, Michael, in honor and memory of their sister, Alexa, and the Groom’s mom, Nancy.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Ceremony Details: They had champagne passed out with edible tokens with their initials, fans with their name & date, and programs with a small tribute to their loved ones who weren’t present.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Cocktail hour special details included Yard Games like tic tac toe (N&A style), custom corn hole boards with their monogram, with custom frosted cups with monogram, custom cocktail napkins with one of their Dogs, signature cocktail signs (The Phoebe – Bride’s drink is her sister’s dog that they adopted after she passed away) and Ross (their cat). The Bride’s sister loved Friends, so Phoebe and Ross are a small tribute to her again. -Seating chair, golf themed. Nick was a member at LSCC for years, and the majority of his GMs are all golfers. Bride also grew up golfing with her dad and brothers, so she felt it was a very cute tie-in and perfect for the venue.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Reception details include a custom dance choreographed by Julie Bartoo. It’s Sky Full of Stars which is a song they love, coming from the movie Sing 2 which Nick is obsessed with, he loves watching singing / dancing shows and then a country song, Never Til Now, which seemed to resonate strongly with both of them and then back to fun / dancing involving their whole wedding party!

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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