Brian & Johanna’s Sustainable Interfaith Superhero Wedding
Sometimes I meet with a couple for a Coffee & Chat and forget I’m working, rather than just hanging out with some new friends. That’s how I felt when I met Johanna and Brian to discuss their upcoming Cuyahoga Valley National Park wedding.
I always feel honored when a couple entrusts such a momentous day to me, but as they told me about themselves and their story, I remember thinking, They do so much for so many people (church ministry; foster care; LGBTQ+ advocacy; justice education; refugee relief). I want to help them have a fabulous day that’s a gift to them.
The assignment: Local northeast Ohio flavor. Organic and sustainable. Lots of kids involved. Supporting women/BIPOC/LGBTQ+/disabled-owned businesses. COVID-aware. Interfaith. All outside, at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, in Ohio, in May. Superhero themed. 4 months to pull it off.
Challenging, to be sure, but SO fun – and such a great example of making every decision and every dollar matter.
It was truly so lovely to see Brian and Johanna’s consideration for each of their guests: from accommodating food allergies, inviting couples who got married during the pandemic (and thus couldn’t have a similar celebration) to join their first dance, and providing rescue flats and shawls, to thoughtfully explaining different ceremony traditions in their programs, creating a seating area specifically for their elderly family members, hiring childcare and setting up The Princess Bride on a huge screen for the kiddos, and making sure there was plenty of entertainment, they used their celebration to take care of those they love and who love them.
What a meaningful day.
We were able to perfectly blend the different aspects of who they are – comic book superhero fans, lovers of natural beauty, unwavering in their pursuit of justice for their community – not only into a cohesive design, but a really great party that communicated their personalities and values.
The fabulous professionals who made it all happen:
- Planning & design: Emily Berg Weddings
- Venue: Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hines Hill Campus
- Catering: Spice Catering Co.
- Florals: Rachel Forrer Flowers
- Rentals: The Brass Poppy & Borrow Curated
- Day-of Stationery: Letterpress Jess
- Bar: Happy Camper Bar Car
- String Quartet: City Six Strings
- Band: Bluewater Kings Band
- Baked goods: The Mockingbird Bakery
- Hair and makeup: Beauty Therapy Inc.
- Photos: McNair Photographic
