Klaege

5/10/14

I married my best friend and the love of my life, Cameron. We started planning our big day not long after we got engaged in July, 2012. and I had no idea how much work I had cut out for me. But after spending two years of our lives planning the wedding of my dreams, I would do it all over again.
A “first look” is a trend that is on the rise and something that we went back and forth on, but ultimately decided to do. The “first look” allowed us to have two special moments, and the best part was that we were able to capture all the love and emotion on camera. We both had felt like the world was lifted off of our shoulders as soon as we got to hold each other.
Our ceremony was short, sweet and to the point. The venue, a beautiful atrium was very open and airy, and allowed us to get the outdoor wedding feel without any risks of bad weather.
The reception was handled by the venue, which took a lot of stress off my husband and me, as well as our friends and family. We were all able to enjoy the day rather than feeling like we had work to do.
Dinner was buffet style, and it was absolutely phenomenal. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
For the music we had a DJ who helped keep us on track for our traditional wedding obligations and also played a wide range of music to keep our guests dancing.
We also had a photobooth which kept the people who didn’t want to dance entertained. Guests could choose from a variety of fun props and take as many pictures as they wanted.
We decided to go with cupcakes and a small cake for us to smash, out of love, in each other’s face. The cupcakes consisted of four delicious flavors: red velvet, chocolate peanut butter, cookies and cream, and strawberry-lemon.
In addition to the cupcakes we had a small groom’s cake in the shape of cheese because my husband and I are big Green Bay Packers fans. The cupcakes were delicious and I’m pretty sure the cake was good too, even though it found its way into my hair and up my nose.
The worst part of planning and having a big wedding is how fast it flies by. I’m pretty sure it gave me emotional whiplash. Recapping makes me remember just how wonderful our special day was.

 

 

Nowakowski

9/14/13

My husband Aaron and I met 6 ½ years ago. To say that we are not a traditional couple would be an understatement: we had two children, Liam James and Isla London, before we got engaged.
I originally did not know if I wanted a wedding, but after our daughter Isla was born I decided I wanted to share my last name with the rest of our family.
Aaron proposed on New Year’s Eve. What began as, “I don’t know, maybe we will just elope,” evolved into a full on fairytale vision for our day.
I had so much fun planning our wedding. My favorite part of the process was putting on my dress from Belle Amour Bridal.
I joked that the unofficial theme was “stuff Jen likes.”
 tried to keep the vibe very soft and romantic. I handmade every little detail. The venue, the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, was so lush with greenery that I didn’t want to over-decorate an already beautiful space.
We did a “first look” before the ceremony, and I am glad we did it that way. It was such a special private moment that we got to share amidst a whirlwind day.
Our ceremony was beautiful. I wanted to do something special for my husband so I surprised him with his favorite team’s mascot, the Detroit Tigers’ PAWS, who greeted our guests. Aaron was shocked and everyone got a really big kick out of it.
A really special touch was that I wrote our vows. I am fairly certain that there was not a dry eye to be seen. We included our children in the ceremony because our day was as much about them as it was about the two of us.
We exchanged vows on the wooden deck overlooking the park. I emerged from behind the meadow of tall grasses, and my three bridesmaids carried my train and veil. I could hear my brother singing my favorite song, “Guaranteed” by Eddie Vedder, and everyone I loved was smiling. It was such an amazing entrance and my favorite moment.

 

GROOMSMEN SWAG

Your groomsmen are there for you on your big day—they deserve
more than a monogrammed tie clip. Check out these unique gifts
and accessories from Toledo-centric purveyors.

1. Shot through the heart

Jaci Riley is the mastermind behind these bullet
cufflinks — she’ll even do custom orders with the
bullets from your own gun, if you ask nicely. $25,
Cravejewelrydesign.com

2. Bow tie bling

These one-of-a-kind bow ties are designed and
hand-sewn by Ellie and Mary Larkin. Get pricing
and info at Art Supply Depo, 29 S. St. Clair St, or
artsupplydepo.com.

3. Open carry

The drunken woodworker, a.k.a. David Picciuto,
obviously knows a thing or two. Get a tutorial to
make your own, or place a custom order at drunkenwoodworker.
com.

4. Toast to that

This gift set from Toledo Spirits includes five 4-ounce
bottles of uniquely flavored bitters and 2 glasses,
sized for the perfect old-fashioned. $50 a set, order at
toledospirits.com or facebook.com/toledospirits

5. Party pride

For the last hurrah before the big day, pro-Toledo
T-shirt company Jupmode specializes in bachelor
party tees, like the items at right. Custom orders
welcome at jupmode.com.

6. Tie one on

Locally owned Diamond’s Menswear has been in
business since 1972, and carries myriad unique
brands and items that you won’t find anywhere else
in Toledo. Looking for lavender alligator shoes or
pink polka-dotted ties. Diamond’s has you covered.
Shoes $49.90; Ties $19.90, Dmstoledo.com.

7. Form and function

Local potter Jennifer Creighton’s function line
includes 16-ounce engraved-to-order ceramic mugs.
You could monogram them, or, you know, engrave
them with a real human heart. They’ll hold anything
from beer to coffee to your best scotch, if you’re
feeling generous. $25, Jennifercreighton.com.

8. Bucklin’ down

The railroad lines might be gone, but Toledo
topography lives on—in this metalwork belt buckle,
crafted from an early-1900s vintage map.
By december moon design, $33, etsy.com/shop/decembermoondesign.
 

BLISS Studio Salon in Bowling Green

Leo Marks

Rogers & Holland

Kay Jewelers

“To me, my wedding photographer was my most important vendor.”
Tracydisbrowphotography.com.

Glass City Limo. “They were lifesafers for coming through at the last minute, and the driver was easygoing and efficient.”

Our ceremony was done in the Atrium area of the Ramada Toledo Conference Center on Secor Rd. The hotel also handled all set-up of our reception, including centerpieces & chair covers.

Timberline Bakery at the Toledo Zoo, “which I feel is one of the best kept (bakery) secrets in Toledo”

 

 

For our reception at the Knight Preservce we wanted to do something different than the standard wedding fare, so we had a cocktail party with tons of great food from Swig Charcuterie and the Tiger Bakery.
We also had a variety of craft beer by the Maumee Bay Brewing Company, along with two signature cocktails and wine to choose from. The guests really enjoyed it.
The whole day felt like an absolute fairy tale and turned out exactly the way that I had envisioned—an ultra-romantic, personal ceremony. It truly was the best day of my life.

 

Next City Wedding Issue
October 22
Entry deadline October 1, 2014

Send us your “perfect day story” and pics.
Include the local vendors that you chose and we may showcase your wedding in our next city wedding feature on stands October 22 issue.

Send submissions and questions to
[email protected]
 

Klaege

5/10/14

I married my best friend and the love of my life, Cameron. We started planning our big day not long after we got engaged in July, 2012. and I had no idea how much work I had cut out for me. But after spending two years of our lives planning the wedding of my dreams, I would do it all over again.
A “first look” is a trend that is on the rise and something that we went back and forth on, but ultimately decided to do. The “first look” allowed us to have two special moments, and the best part was that we were able to capture all the love and emotion on camera. We both had felt like the world was lifted off of our shoulders as soon as we got to hold each other.
Our ceremony was short, sweet and to the point. The venue, a beautiful atrium was very open and airy, and allowed us to get the outdoor wedding feel without any risks of bad weather.
The reception was handled by the venue, which took a lot of stress off my husband and me, as well as our friends and family. We were all able to enjoy the day rather than feeling like we had work to do.
Dinner was buffet style, and it was absolutely phenomenal. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
For the music we had a DJ who helped keep us on track for our traditional wedding obligations and also played a wide range of music to keep our guests dancing.
We also had a photobooth which kept the people who didn’t want to dance entertained. Guests could choose from a variety of fun props and take as many pictures as they wanted.
We decided to go with cupcakes and a small cake for us to smash, out of love, in each other’s face. The cupcakes consisted of four delicious flavors: red velvet, chocolate peanut butter, cookies and cream, and strawberry-lemon.
In addition to the cupcakes we had a small groom’s cake in the shape of cheese because my husband and I are big Green Bay Packers fans. The cupcakes were delicious and I’m pretty sure the cake was good too, even though it found its way into my hair and up my nose.
The worst part of planning and having a big wedding is how fast it flies by. I’m pretty sure it gave me emotional whiplash. Recapping makes me remember just how wonderful our special day was.

 

 

Nowakowski

9/14/13

My husband Aaron and I met 6 ½ years ago. To say that we are not a traditional couple would be an understatement: we had two children, Liam James and Isla London, before we got engaged.
I originally did not know if I wanted a wedding, but after our daughter Isla was born I decided I wanted to share my last name with the rest of our family.
Aaron proposed on New Year’s Eve. What began as, “I don’t know, maybe we will just elope,” evolved into a full on fairytale vision for our day.
I had so much fun planning our wedding. My favorite part of the process was putting on my dress from Belle Amour Bridal.
I joked that the unofficial theme was “stuff Jen likes.”
 tried to keep the vibe very soft and romantic. I handmade every little detail. The venue, the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, was so lush with greenery that I didn’t want to over-decorate an already beautiful space.
We did a “first look” before the ceremony, and I am glad we did it that way. It was such a special private moment that we got to share amidst a whirlwind day.
Our ceremony was beautiful. I wanted to do something special for my husband so I surprised him with his favorite team’s mascot, the Detroit Tigers’ PAWS, who greeted our guests. Aaron was shocked and everyone got a really big kick out of it.
A really special touch was that I wrote our vows. I am fairly certain that there was not a dry eye to be seen. We included our children in the ceremony because our day was as much about them as it was about the two of us.
We exchanged vows on the wooden deck overlooking the park. I emerged from behind the meadow of tall grasses, and my three bridesmaids carried my train and veil. I could hear my brother singing my favorite song, “Guaranteed” by Eddie Vedder, and everyone I loved was smiling. It was such an amazing entrance and my favorite moment.

 

GROOMSMEN SWAG

Your groomsmen are there for you on your big day—they deserve
more than a monogrammed tie clip. Check out these unique gifts
and accessories from Toledo-centric purveyors.

1. Shot through the heart

Jaci Riley is the mastermind behind these bullet
cufflinks — she’ll even do custom orders with the
bullets from your own gun, if you ask nicely. $25,
Cravejewelrydesign.com

2. Bow tie bling

These one-of-a-kind bow ties are designed and
hand-sewn by Ellie and Mary Larkin. Get pricing
and info at Art Supply Depo, 29 S. St. Clair St, or
artsupplydepo.com.

3. Open carry

The drunken woodworker, a.k.a. David Picciuto,
obviously knows a thing or two. Get a tutorial to
make your own, or place a custom order at drunkenwoodworker.
com.

4. Toast to that

This gift set from Toledo Spirits includes five 4-ounce
bottles of uniquely flavored bitters and 2 glasses,
sized for the perfect old-fashioned. $50 a set, order at
toledospirits.com or facebook.com/toledospirits

5. Party pride

For the last hurrah before the big day, pro-Toledo
T-shirt company Jupmode specializes in bachelor
party tees, like the items at right. Custom orders
welcome at jupmode.com.

6. Tie one on

Locally owned Diamond’s Menswear has been in
business since 1972, and carries myriad unique
brands and items that you won’t find anywhere else
in Toledo. Looking for lavender alligator shoes or
pink polka-dotted ties. Diamond’s has you covered.
Shoes $49.90; Ties $19.90, Dmstoledo.com.

7. Form and function

Local potter Jennifer Creighton’s function line
includes 16-ounce engraved-to-order ceramic mugs.
You could monogram them, or, you know, engrave
them with a real human heart. They’ll hold anything
from beer to coffee to your best scotch, if you’re
feeling generous. $25, Jennifercreighton.com.

8. Bucklin’ down

The railroad lines might be gone, but Toledo
topography lives on—in this metalwork belt buckle,
crafted from an early-1900s vintage map.
By december moon design, $33, etsy.com/shop/decembermoondesign.
 

BLISS Studio Salon in Bowling Green

Leo Marks

Rogers & Holland

Kay Jewelers

“To me, my wedding photographer was my most important vendor.”
Tracydisbrowphotography.com.

Glass City Limo. “They were lifesafers for coming through at the last minute, and the driver was easygoing and efficient.”

Our ceremony was done in the Atrium area of the Ramada Toledo Conference Center on Secor Rd. The hotel also handled all set-up of our reception, including centerpieces & chair covers.

Timberline Bakery at the Toledo Zoo, “which I feel is one of the best kept (bakery) secrets in Toledo”

 

 

For our reception at the Knight Preservce we wanted to do something different than the standard wedding fare, so we had a cocktail party with tons of great food from Swig Charcuterie and the Tiger Bakery.
We also had a variety of craft beer by the Maumee Bay Brewing Company, along with two signature cocktails and wine to choose from. The guests really enjoyed it.
The whole day felt like an absolute fairy tale and turned out exactly the way that I had envisioned—an ultra-romantic, personal ceremony. It truly was the best day of my life.

 

Next City Wedding Issue
October 22
Entry deadline October 1, 2014

Send us your “perfect day story” and pics.
Include the local vendors that you chose and we may showcase your wedding in our next city wedding feature on stands October 22 issue.

Send submissions and questions to
[email protected]