We wanted something moody and unique but still timeless.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Chris and I live in Cincinnati, Ohio, with our two dogs, Peaches and Paddington. Chris is a Financial Advisor, and I am an Emergency Room Nurse. We love spending time with our dogs, enjoying wine on our porch, and playing Catan.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met during one of the first few weeks of college freshman year during that exciting period when everyone introduced themselves to each other and formed their friend groups. We immediately clicked and have been together ever since. We met during the first few weeks of college at a dorm party. We immediately clicked and started spending time together regularly right away. It happened so organically, and we’ve been together ever since!
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
Nichole: “I pretty much knew from the beginning. Since the day I met Chris, I never looked in any other direction. I don’t know what it was, but I am a very decisive person and am all or nothing. Chris is a little bit of everything- silly, hardworking, smart, and motivated. I loved that and knew that he would make an incredible life partner”.
Chris: “Ironically, it was when she told me she was upset with me for the first time. She was honest and straightforward about it. She has never been someone to beat around the bush, and I love that about her. I have never met anyone who is so genuinely sincere. I knew from that moment that I never wanted to see her that way again.”
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
We got engaged on a hike with our dog Peaches. It was chaotic; we got lost, and we were covered in mud and sweat. Nichole had absolutely no idea anything was in the works at all. She loves surprises, so this was a huge win.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding.
We love the contrast of old and new. Our historic venue served as a great foundation on which to build, and we incorporated modern elements. Nichole’s favourite colour is black, which was also a big inspiration. We wanted something moody and unique but still timeless.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
We had two giant posters of our dog’s head to hold on the dance floor, and it was a huge hit. We also loved having an espresso martini hour.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
Honestly, our wedding was pretty stress-free! But Chris was soooo nervous, so I was so grateful we did a first look! I remember that after doing it, he kept saying, “Okay, this helps. This helps.” I am so glad my planner recommended it.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
Nichole– I knew I wanted two dresses. My first dress was a simple strapless satin finished ball gown with a slit. It was very me. My second dress was a fitted sweetheart neckline gown that was perfect for the dance floor.
Chris– I wanted a timeless tux that complemented our all-black aesthetic.
VENUE Lightner Museum, @lightnermuseumevents PHOTOGRAPHER Brian D. Smith Photography, @briandsmithphotography STYLIST Anderson Event Design, @andersoneventdesign FLORIST Marble and Pine, @marbleandpine ENTERTAINMENT Who Rescued Who, @wrwmusic HIRE St. Johns Illuminations, @stjohnsilluminations; Linens – BBJ La Tavola, @bbjlatavola; Marque – Storia Collective, @storiacollective CATERING & CAKE Chef’s Garden, @chefsgardenevents BRIDAL DRESS White Magnolia, @whitemagnoliabridal; Camellia Bridal, @camelliasavannah; Elysian Bridal, @elysianbridal.australia MAKEUP Christina Burns, @makeupbychristinaburns HAIR The Updo Guru, @updoguru
