Working the very first wedding in over 40 years at the historic Ford Mansion in the Old West End was an absolute blast. We had such an incredible team of creative partners to bring K+A's vision to fruition. The guests and family were truly so joy-filled and loving, take us back!

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I knew I would love working with these two when Karen told me her and Adrian's story all about a vintage lavender Ferragamo wallet, I mean swoon! They had grown up together in Ottawa Hills and gone their separate paths. Karen had been back in Toledo after going away to college. On a full moon night she went out on the town with girlfriends. along a night of dancing, she had lost her wallet and returned to Wesley's to go searching for it (ironically enough, I had lost my phone and it was locked in the venue so Karen and I had a client-planner date at Wesley's while we waited for the venue owner to return to unlock it). Anyhow, upon her return to Wesley's she had ran into Adrian and he had been the one to find the lavender vintage Ferragamo wallet. They got to chatting, and the rest is history! Can we talk about fate?!

The day started with all family and wedding party getting ready together at the mansion. Amy Lewis and Helen made all of the ladies feel fabulous. I mean what is more glamorous than getting a glow up from some amazing women in a historic mansion with some champagne?

After that came the first look in the solarium with K+A. You can see the anticipation and love in their faces. They milled around the property and were able to enjoy some time together (and puppy love from Dr. Pepper, their bulldog!) all while getting some fabulous photos. 

The ceremony was held on the third floor of the mansion so guests were able to walk up a winding staircase creating an uber romantic feel. We had vintage rugs from Chuck + Finley to adorn the space. GardenView created an INCREDIBLE archway with Karen's wallet that reunited K+A on it. The ceremony was officiated by the brides brother and filled with love, a ring blessing and TONS of 80's music (including some Bowie ;)).

Guests then moved downstairs to enjoy a cocktail party with beautiful hors d'Oeuvres (bacon wrapped shrimp or steak tar tare anyone?) catered by Glass House. Mini charcuterie boards were spread about the sitting areas of the house and service staff passed beautiful hors d'oeuvres. The Block Party spun vintage vinyl from the couples' personal collection. The atmosphere was truly incredible and felt like a swanky soirée that was era appropriate in the vintage mansion. 

After that, guests moved into the carriage house for dinner and found their table with a mirrored hedge wall. Guests' place cards were "Toledo is for Lovers" rocks glasses from Jupmode. The room was filled with twinkle lights from Mager Designs and gorgeous linens, chairs and floral from GardenView. The atmosphere had a touch of romance with vintage votives lit throughout the room as well as vintage champagne coupes that were collected from Adrian's mom who owns an antique store. Gold flatware and custom menus graced the tabletop. We did a pocket fold napkin to place the menus in but also stuck little bbq wet naps in! We had a very traditional Toledo BBQ with the best ribs (aka Shorty's). Karen was incredibly intentional with the menu and had wine pairings one of which included a Spanish rosé that she discovered with a bridesmaid during a trip to Europe.

After dinner guests had a very lively welcome to the dance floor by Karen's dad Dr. Chahal (see splits photo above). We also opened a chai and coffee station from Rust Belt with delicious desserts from Glass House and Wixey Bakery including chocolate covered strawberries, mini tartlets, and cupcakes. And in true Toledo fashion, the PM Snack was catered by Tony Packo's. Everyone danced the night away under the lit floral chandelier with a clear top tent to see the stars. The Block Party killed it with some major music selections!