Photo Credit: Kristen Nicole Photography
Emily & Andrew Champa
Emily (Cramer) Champa
Age: 31
Occupation: Soon to be an Occupational Therapist.
Three words to describe your partner: Fun. Even-tempered. Supportive.
What was your first impression of your partner? I was immediately drawn to Andrew. I remember wanting to talk to him for hours.
Andrew Champa
Age: 31
Occupation: Mechanical engineer.
Three words to describe your partner: Thoughtful. Loving. Cold (as in temperature.
What was your first impression of your partner? Shy.
Who popped the question and how? Andrew planned a detailed scavenger hunt all based around special memories the two had in Cincinnati. Each place had a clue that Emily had to solve in order to go to the next location. The last site was a park where Emily’s sister set up the final scene. It had a lot of personal touches and she was hiding behind a tree to capture the moment. After the proposal, they had dinner with an amazing view of the city.
The Dress
I knew I wanted a lace dress and something that was not too extravagant. My dress had a sweetheart neckline with a belt.
What made your wedding special? The personalized details made it special. It was important to have our family participate in the wedding ceremony at the church. We had guests sign vinyl records for the guestbook since Andrew is very musical. All of the table names were from a location we had visited together such as hiking trails or cities. Andrew played some songs with the band, which was very special.
Wedding venue: Our Lady of Lourdes.
Wedding reception venue: Valentine Theater.
Dinner/Catering: Michael’s Gourmet Catering—we worked with Sue and she was so organized!
Photographer: Kristen Nicole Photography.
Music entertainment: Stiletto Fire.
Sarah & Brandon Sherry
Sarah Sherry
Age: 28
Occupation: Program Supervisor.
Three words to describe your partner: Witty. Thoughtful, Genuine.
What was your first impression of your partner? He was shy, but kept laughing at everything I was saying (I didn’t think I was that funny for how much he was laughing, and he looked at me like I’ve never been looked at before.)
Brandon Sherry
Age: 35
Occupation: Army Operations Officer.
Three words to describe your partner: Beautiful. Funny. Thoughtful.
What was your first impression of your partner? She was spunky and interesting. I just wanted to get to know her more
Who popped the question, and how? The iconic Golden Gate Bridge has been one of our favorite spots and we went hikinup to this perfect view of the Bridge. I noticed that there were “locks of love” like they have in Paris. I mentioned to Brandon that I thought it’d be cool to bring a lock and leave it next time we’re here. The following week, as we were hiking to the spot, Brandon ran back to the car and snagged a lock he had that lock in his car for years, so I didn’t think anything of it, but Brandon said, “So you wanna do this lock your love thing?” We walk down and lock the lock on the rope with others, then Brandon said, “We locked our love!” I kissed him and was about to walk away when he says, “If that doesn’t do it… maybe this will…” and then he got down on one knee.
The Dress
It’s a tradition in Sarah’s family to travel to the same bridal shop in Michigan to pick out a wedding gown. “I honestly didn’t know what style I’d like. I just wanted lace and simple,” she said. Once she put the dress on, she knew it was the one. It was a high neckline and the beading was beautiful. “A bit more “blinged out” than I thought I was going to go for, but when ya know, ya know!”
What made your wedding special? We had so many loved ones travel near and far for our special day. The wedding party alone had so many states: New York, Ohio, Arizona, California, Florida, and Louisiana. We had more guests spread throughout even more states, with definitely every time zone covered.
Wedding venue: Schedel Arboretum and Gardens.
Wedding reception venue: The Armory at Hensville
Decor: Your Perfect Day
Cake/sweets: Eston’s Bakery
Photographer: Kristen Nicole Photography.
Advice
Sarah: On your wedding day/night, make sure to have a “moment” with your new spouse. The day and evening goes SO fast and is honestly a blur. You’re celebrating with all your loved ones and might feel pulled in different directions to talk to everyone. Take a moment-just the two of you-to have it really set in.
Clara J’s
Tea Room and
Neapolitan Gifts
219 W. Wayne St., Maumee., 419-897-0219., Clarajsat219.com Since March 2005, Clara J’s Tea Room and Neapolitan Gifts has given women a place to truly call their own. “Men can go to the Man Cave,” explained owner Rebecca S. Jaessing. “Women have embraced the tea room as a place to call their own, invite their friend, family or business acquaintance in an environment of peace, harmony, good food and the opportunity to share.” For a bridal shower, party, or pre-wedding celebration, Clara J’s is the perfect place to let women be women and enjoy everything about the uniquely feminine qualities they will bring to their marriage. Set up a lunch and proper tea for a large gathering, or enjoy a daily lunch with the girls (served 11am-2pm, Tuesday-Saturday) for more intimate conversation and generational advice from the friends and family in any bride’s life. Shop The Neapolitan Gift Shop for gifts, accessories, and fabulous finds for the bride-to-be in your life.
Atlas Bridal Shop
Jeanne Fairchild, owner/manager
4895 Monroe St. | 419-474-9119
atlasbridalshop.com
A full service bridal shop— offering wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mother’s gowns, tuxedos and wedding accessories— as well as a separate shop called Blue by Atlas Bridal Shop that specializes in prom, homecoming and pageant gowns. Opened in 1927, Atlas Bridal Shop is celebrating its 91th anniversary this year. Seamstress Jo Hafner (also pictured) celebrates 40 years at the shop and Jeanne celebrates 30 years. Last year, Atlas Bridal won Best of Toledo’s Best Bridal Shop. “Winning this award meant so much to us,” said Fairchild. “We were celebrating our 90th year in businesses and this recognition was truly the cherry on top.” How do you know when you’re done for the day? I’m usually the last one to leave and it’s usually after close. To work, I need: my Atlas Team! I couldn’t do this without them! I got my start: working at the bridal shop when it was on Lagrange Street while attending nursing school. At the time, Atlas was owned by my friend’s family, the Szaroletas. I graduated from Mercy’s program with my RN degree and then worked at the former Mercy Hospital for almost three years. I was approached by my friend Lynn when her parents wanted to retire. I ended up partnering with Lynn and her sister Lorrie. I bought them out about 15 years ago.
