Cuyahoga Valley National Park Wedding | Peninsula, Ohio

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. 

Gray skies at Cuyahoga Valley National Park as a bride and groom kiss

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.

A bride and groom walking at their Cuyahoga Valley National Park wedding

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.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park wedding ceremony arch
Cuyahoga Valley National Park wedding ceremony.

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.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park wedding reception in a tent.

The fabulous professionals who made it all happen:

You may also like . . .