Sustainable National Park Wedding

community impact but also really fun

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. 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. Locally-sourced and sustainable. Lots of ways for kids to be involved. Supporting women-, BIPOC-, LGBTQ-, and disabled-owned businesses. Subtly superhero-themed. COVID-aware. Interfaith. All outside, at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, in Ohio in May.

4 months to pull it off.

Challenging? Yes, 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 creating a seating area specifically for their elderly family members, hiring childcare and setting up a showing of The Princess Bride on a huge screen for the kiddos, and making sure there was plenty of entertainment for any interest, they used their celebration to take care of those they love and who love them. What a lovely example of 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 fully and truly communicated who Johanna and Brian are and what they value.