Emily & Stephen – Classic Downtown Cleveland
Emily & Stephen’s classically chic wedding in downtown Cleveland was filled with love, pure elegance and charm. Stunningly gorgeous bridal attire and sophisticated reception details made this Real Wedding by Justin Ketchem Photography a real winner!
Wedding Theme: Classic Elegance
Wedding Colors: Navy, White & Black
From the bride: “I was never one of those people who had their entire wedding planned on Pinterest before I got engaged, so I had very little idea of what I wanted. I just knew that I wanted it to be classic yet elegant. Throughout the process, I learned that if you think outside of the box, you can create something that looks as beautiful as what you’d see in a magazine.”
“I bought the dress because of the fabric. I had a vision of what I wanted in my head, therefore I redesigned the entire look from the original by taking out the entire back and boning, creating a low ‘V’ and adding straps for support.”
“There were so many memorable characteristics to our wedding. It was really a full week of memorable moments that made our wedding so unique. It started on Tuesday evening with our first guests arriving in town. What started out as a local wedding became a destination wedding in our own city.”
“The reception was held at the Silver Grille, located on the 10th floor of the Higbee Building. At our reception, the fountain in the middle, which was one of the major attractions in the Silver Grille, was so beautifully arranged with flowers, it was breathtaking. As soon as the day darkened, the glow of the candelabras on each table illuminated the room majestically.”
“An absolutely unforgettable moment was when my husband got on stage and performed Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’ in front of everyone. He was absolutely on point with the seven-piece band. They made me stand in the middle of the dance floor, while everyone around me was singing along. It was the most surreal experience — I was bawling and smiling all at the same time.”
“The Element Band was so majestic throughout dinner and into our extra hour of dancing that night. They are, hands-down, the most talented band in Cleveland!”
Advice from Her: “If you are able to get your programs, place cards and weekend itineraries out of the way a month or so before your wedding – get it out of the way! My number one piece of advice , however, would be to take mini moments throughout the day to enjoy it. The day goes by way too fast; by taking a step back a number of times throughout the day, it makes it that much more special.’
Advice from Him: “Always offer to help. Pick something or multiple things to take the lead on throughout the planning process. Listen, and be patient!”
From the bride: “At the end of the day, when the lights come on, if you can take a look around with your husband, breathe and say ‘that was successful’, then that’s really all that matters. We absolutely would have done it again, and I hope every couple can say that.”
Get Their Look
Beauty: Agne Pilijevaite (makeup) / Janine Ruggiero (hair) Bridesmaids’ Gowns: Jenny Yoo Cake/Bakery: Seballo’s Pastries Caterer: The Ritz Carlton – Cleveland Ceremony Location: St. Peter Church Ceremony Musicians: Damian Henri (cantor/soloist) Florist: Louise Gambatese Hotel Coordinator: Shelly Hurwitz Invitations: Carlson Craft Photography: Justin Ketchem Photography Reception Entertainment: The Element Band – Cleveland Music Group Reception Location: The Silver Grille at the Ritz Carlton Registry: Crate & Barrel / Macy’s / Pottery Barn / Sur la Table / Williams-Sonoma Transportation: Shima Limousine Service, Inc. Travel Agent: Carrie Biro Tuxedos: Black suits, white dress shirts & Brook’s Brothers bowties Videographer: Showcase Video Productions Wedding Planner/Coordinator: All Events Planned
