How We Met

Sam and I met through a mutual friend our Sophomore year of high school  and had our first date at the Ashtabula Dairy Queen. I realized that night that there were actually two Dairy Queens in the Ashtabula area and we were both at different locations. We found we had a lot in common that first night and instantly hit it off. Flash forward four years later, Sam asked me to assist him with feeding the deer. To mess with him I told him I didn’t want to go but little did I know he had a surprise planned. I finally gave up playing around and went with him. Walking to his deer feeder he began to open the corn bag and had asked me to open the feeder and make sure nothing was in it before he filled it. I lifted the lid and found a Kay Jewelers bag. I turned back towards him with confusion to find him down on one knee with a ring in his hand. We had discussed marriage previously but I had no idea that he had been planning to ask me that night. To top it all off he had recorded the whole thing and included both of our families in on the plan by having then throw an engagement party that night.

Photographer: AJ Design and Photography

We had heard about Abbey Scoville – AJ Design and Photography from Megan originally and I knew of her from high school. She is wonderful. She creates beautiful photos and was able to keep us and our crew on track. I think it was the quickest photoshoot I had ever done. She is so kind and makes sure you understand the process and is there whenever you have a question.

Florist: We bought all the flowers on sale at Micheals when they were closing and my mom created the bouquets and boutonnières while I put together the table centerpieces. Because of Covid, we were able to get a second use out of the florals. We had gotten married at our local church and lined the aisle with the flower boxes. Then, of course, during our reception we were able to use them again on the tables.

DJ/MC: Chris Bucci with DJ Christopher Productions

Chris Bucci with DJ Christopher Productions was wonderful. He was very organized with keeping the reception on the timed schedule and explained the process very well! He was able to get some special songs that I had requested and works very well with your schedule. I would use him again for sure.

Caterer/Food Served: Mission BBQ

Mission BBQ was delicious. All of our guests raved over the food! The staff was polite and dressed nice for the occasion. 

Dessert:

There were some special treats I didn’t want to miss at our wedding. We had asked some family members to make some of our favorites for the wedding. My amazing mother made the banana crème and cookies and crème pudding dishes that I loved growing up. Sam’s aunt and mom made all the delicious cookies which were Sam’s favorites growing up. I made all of the cupcakes while my sister and Maid of Honor frosted them all. Giant Eagle made our delicious bridal cake. 

Signature Drink:

We used Ferrante wines since that is one of our families’ favorites and the “big seller” for beers ironically was Corona with lime.

Wedding Dress: CLE Brides by Expression

After stopping at two other dress stores and liking a few dress options but not loving them I ended up at CLE Brides by Expression where I found THE dress that had me crying. 

Suits:

Our original plan was for all the guys to go get their tuxedos fitted at E.B. and CO. We had told Ed Brown exactly what we wanted and he assisted us deciding which options would go best with the bridesmaids and flower girls dresses which originally would have been grey tuxes with white shirts and pink bow ties. Once again COVID19 had us switch things up, so we ordered black and white suits from JCPenney that worked for circumstances and time crunch.

Hair: The Hair Co of Geneva

My mother had her makeup done by The Hair CO of Geneva who had also done all of my girls hair including mine and my moms. Crystal captured exactly what I wanted for my hair and the girls were all happy and lovely.

Makeup:

My best friend from High School and bridesmaid who is big in doing makeup had done my makeup while the other bridesmaids had all done their own.