Allie & Ryan

07-17-21

Ceremony: The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Reception: The Cleveland Museum of Art

Vendors & Their Instagram Handles

Planning, Design & Coordination: Kirkbrides, Stephanie Anter @kirkbrides
Vendors
Band: Cleveland Keys @clekeys
Bridal Party Transportation: A1 Mr Limo
Bride’s Attire: The Bridal Finery (Ines DiSanto)
Bridesmaid Attire: Bella Bridesmaid (Amsale) @bellabridesmaids
Ceremony Music: OPUS216 @opus216
Ceremony Soloist: Ashley Nemeh @ashleynemeh
Cake: Wild Flour @wildflourbarkeyoh
Dress Steamer: Something White @somethingwhitebridal
Floral Décor: Blooms by Plantscaping @plantscaping_blooms
Groom’s Attire: Express and Men’s Wearhouse
Hair: Lather A Salon @latherasalon
Invitations & Stationery: Rose Gold Studio @rosegoldstudio
Lighting: Vincent Lighting
Makeup: Ashleigh Albertson
Photography: Aster + Olive, Angela @asterandolive
Videographer: Wedding Stories in Motion @weddingstoriesinmotion

How did you & Ryan?

Ryan and I grew up in the same neighborhood, two streets apart! We became friends playing games in the neighborhood like kick the can and capture the flag. We've known each other as long as we can remember. What started as a friendship for many years turned into something special in high school. We started to like each other a little more than friends at a high school dance and the rest is history!

Where was your first date?

Ryan and I first started dating just before our 16th birthdays! That being said our first date wasn't a "traditional" date where Ryan came and picked me up. Ryan rode his bike two streets over to my house and we watched a movie. When we both finally got our drivers license we used to go grab ice cream or Starbucks and sit by the lake.

How did Ryan propose?

Ryan proposed in St. Augustine, Florida by the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. It was just the week before we would be traveling back home to Cleveland, Ohio for Christmas. Ryan and I had both never been to St. Augustine and planned a last minute weekend trip to visit. I had absolutely no idea it was coming! After we checked in we went right to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument to check it out. Within the first few minutes of being there Ryan proposed just before sunset. We spent that night walking around seeing the Christmas lights and drinking LOTS of champagne. When we made our way back home for the holidays the next week Ryan planned an engagement party with all our family and friends. It was a time we will never forget!

What was your wedding dress shopping experience like?

Dress shopping was so much fun. I had my mom and sister with me throughout the entire experience. We got to face time my now mother-in-law and sister-in-law too. It was so fun to have everyone there, in-person and virtually, to share in the experience. When I finally said YES to the dress one of my close friends Megan was able to be there too, which was so special. The dress I chose was actually the first dress I ever tried on. The second I put it on I could not stop smiling and giggling. I felt completely myself in it! Tali was unbelievable to work with. She helped style my hair to give me the full picture in the dress, and grabbed fabric to show what the adjustments I wanted to make would look like on the final dress. A few additional pieces of fabric and a train of buttons later my dress was PERFECT, It was the best experience and the best team to work with.

What bridal accessory was your favorite?

My favorite bridal accessory was my hairpiece. It perfectly tied in the entire look. For the reception it was the perfect addition to add a little WOW to the look after the removal of my veil. It was elegant and simple.

What do you love most about your wedding venue?

My wedding reception was at the Cleveland Museum of Art. What I loved most about this venue is it's breathtaking marble architecture. The atrium is in the middle of the art museum centered by two planters and has a three-story high ceiling glass enclosed. It has beautiful natural light that comes into the space. The museum fit the timeless, elegant, and romantic atmosphere I was looking for.

What is one thing you wish you knew before you started wedding planning?

One thing I wish I knew before wedding planning is to not let the small details overwhelm you. Ask for help and advice when you need it. Everything aways end up working out the way it is supposed to, so sit back and enjoy the process.

How would you describe the overall feel of your event?

I would describe the overall feel of our event as timeless, elegant, romantic, and a heck of a lot of fun! Our ceremony was at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and following the church was the reception at the Cleveland Museum of Art. At the reception we had a centered dance floor and dueling pianos. The dance floor was packed all night! Ryan and I have been together for 11 years and we could feel the happiness and love surrounding us all day and night by so many friends and family.

What was your wedding color palette?

Black, white, and silver accents, Bridesmaids wore black satin dresses and the groomsmen black tuxes. Silver accents were pulled together in the reception with table decor. Florals were white with greenery.

What wedding planning advice do you have for other brides?

My one piece of advice for planning for other brides is to take your time and enjoy each and every moment. At times you may feel like you just want to get things over with and check off your list, but it all goes by quicker than you think. Soak in the little planning moments with close friends and family and celebrate knowing everything always turns out the way it should be.

Where will your honeymoon be?

Our honeymoon was in Turks and Caicos. It was so beautiful and the perfect location to relax after the wedding. We went snorkeling and boated to an uninhabited island, which was probably one of my favorite parts of the trip. It was a much needed rest and recovery after a year of planning and the wedding weekend.

What are you enjoying most about newlywed life?

I am enjoying all the little moments together like making dinner, walking the dog, and watching TV. I am also enjoying making new memories together traveling and creating plans for future travels on our bucket list. It's so fun thinking of our future together. Ryan would say his favorite part is finally being able to call each other husband and wife. A love story 11 years in the making, and I can finally say I am officially a Schmidt!

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