An Intimate Pandemic Wedding in Cleveland
What do you do at a wedding if you can’t dance? A question we never thought we would hear, but in 2020, Alex & Clay had the answer and, wow, was it memorable!
I worked with Alex, Clay, and their families pre-pandemic and during, through a venue change and a total shift from a full wedding reception to a smaller, intimate dinner at a historic hotel. After a beautiful ceremony at St. Luke in Lakewood, Ohio, where the couple lives – we headed to Glidden House Hotel for what would be a night Alex, Clay, and their friends & families would never forget.
Guests were greeted by Dave Kasper, a wandering saxophonist we are lucky to have in Cleveland! He really brought the energy and had everyone excited for the night. Dave played guests into the main space where they were ushered through a gorgeous draped entrance by Party Décor and greeted with a plethora of white flowers and hand-painted greenery. The bride, Alex, has a lot of allergies and issues with pollen but wasn’t crazy about incorporating lots of greenery at her wedding. We wanted the sweetheart table to be really special so we worked with her florist, The Budding Tree, to come up with a gold-painted greenery masterpiece that hung over the bride and groom and allowed them to look out at their guests surrounded by candles and beauty. Alex & her mom wanted to keep everything very classic and neutral, so we used a combination of class linens from Event Source and La Tavola to add some interest without adding any crazy patterns or colors.
Tabletops were inviting to guests with a beautiful stacked plate look, a menu that coordinated with their invitations, and a cookie that coordinated with their monogram, custom-designed by Meg Morrow. Table numbers sat in mixed gold frames and the whole room was aglow with candles and lighting from Vincent Lighting.
With the state guidelines the way they were in November 2020 in Ohio, our caterer Zack Bruell Events really worked with us to come up with a night guests would enjoy. Rather than rushing through dinner to get to dancing, we incorporated various events throughout each course for an elevated dining experience, keeping guests excited the entire evening. We even added a dance for Clay and his 90-year-old grandmother — it was so cute! Since guests had to mostly remain seated, once all of the formalities had concluded, Alex and Clay didn’t want that to mean the night was over. Our DJ, Scott Jones with Cleveland Music Group (& a top-shelf bar from Glidden House!) were able to step in and play lively music. It was so heartwarming to look around the room and see everyone dancing in their chairs while Clay & Alex looked on with such huge smiles on their faces. The night turned into a bit of a sing-a-long. At one point, every single guest was swaying in the chairs, drinks raised high, belting out Piano Man. In a year that was so difficult for us all, Alex & Clay’s day will always remain a bright spot in 2020 for everyone involved.
Vendors:
Wedding Coordinator: Stephanie Anter of Kirkbrides Wedding | Photography: Mann & Wife Photography |Videographer: Wedding Stories in Motion | Ceremony Location: St. Luke Catholic Church | Reception Location: Glidden House | Bride’s Attire: Liliana Bridal Boutique | Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Caterer: Zack Bruell Events | Cake & Cookies: Luna Bakery |
Cocktail Music: Dave Kasper | DJ: Scott Jones of Cleveland Music Group |
Draping: Party Décor | Floral Décor: The Budding Tree |Groomsmen Attire: Joseph A. Banks | Hair: Katie Blasius |Invitations & Stationery: Meg Morrow Design |Lighting: Vincent Lighting |Makeup: Ashleigh Albertson |
Officiant: Father Kevin | Rentals: La Tavola |Transportation: A1 Mr Limo |
