Jennifer + John’s Elegant Black Tie Wedding

March 7, 2021 Nicolette Meade

Jennifer and John were married in an intimate Mass at the historic St. Peter in Chains Basilica in downtown Cincinnati with a reception at The Monastery Event Center. Like most couples married in 2020, they were faced with the challenges of a pandemic and were uncertain if even the ceremony alone would take place.

Jennifer shares, “We got nervous there for a minute that we would not be able to have the wedding. But the church assured us that we could move forward. We decided that no matter what, we would have the Mass and create our covenant. If there was no reception, then there would be no reception! We wanted to be married, and if it was just us and the kids, that was fine by us, too.

So as breathtaking as all of the details of the day were (oh my gosh, his tux, my dress, and that table!) we were really just focused on each other. My wedding planner, Heidi Kolby, was an absolute rock for me as we navigated planning a wedding during a pandemic. I miss texting with her every day”

Fortunately, the day did happen and the details were breathtaking. Jennifer was stunning walking down the aisle at her dad’s side wearing her mom’s long veil - the same one she wore when she was married - and classic ball gown dress. The reception was inspired by those long Sunday dinners that last long into the night. The Monastery was transformed into a backyard in the Tuscan countryside with beautiful florals, trees, and candles.

Jennifer shares with us her wedding vision and how everything came together so perfectly afterall. Cait Morgan Photography captured the day.

Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day? Did you have a specific theme, style, or color palette?

We aimed to have a very traditional, classic, and elegant wedding. The color palette was black, cream and touches of gold. It was black tie as well, and our guests looked fabulous in their tuxes and gorgeous gowns! We started with a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica downtown, St. Peter in Chains. The church is absolutely breathtaking. We added strings, a choir and an opera singer. It was truly a stunning ceremony.

Immediately following the Mass, guests headed to The Monastery. They started in a heated tent with a piano player for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. We then moved inside for a six-course dinner at the most dreamy and lovely table I have ever seen! We rented six vineyard tables and created one long dinner table with garland down the middle and greenery installations with hanging lights. The idea was to create a Tuscan backyard and Katie’s Blooms absolutely delivered. It was magical!

We also divided the room with the use of trees and lounge furniture facing the dance floor that was lit up with old school classic bulbs. After dinner we transitioned to the other side of the room and danced the night away!

How would you describe the style of your wedding?

As traditional as the event was, it was also a somewhat modern wedding in that we did not abide by certain wedding traditions. I have four children from my first marriage. Instead of a wedding party, we just included the kids. John walked down the aisle with the three girls, and I still cry every time I see the video. Then I walked down with my father and my son.

It was important for John and I to focus on the six of us and becoming a family. And we wanted the reception to feel like a long Sunday dinner with family and our closest friends. So we opted for one long table instead of circular tables broken up everywhere, and kept the invite list small (even before Covid). It was all about family that day for us and celebrating with our nearest and dearest.

Cait Morgan Photography

Tell us about your wedding stationery vision and how it came together.

The invites completely set the tone for the wedding. The elegant and classic design coupled with the letterpress was jaw-dropping. We heard from all the guests how beautiful the invite suite was, and they were right! And guests gasped at their beautiful menus with their name on it! These little details made everyone each feel so special. And we are keeping the seating board forever and framing it. Poeme’s amazing work was simply an instrumental part of our wedding!

What part of the wedding planning process was the most fun or interesting?

We got nervous there for a minute that we would not be able to have the wedding. But the church assured us that we could move forward. We decided that no matter what, we would have the Mass and create our covenant. If there was no reception, then there would be no reception!

We wanted to be married, and if it was just us and the kids, that was fine by us, too. So as breathtaking as all of the details of the day were (oh my gosh, his tux, my dress, and that table!) we were really just focused on each other.

My wedding planner, Heidi Kolby, was an absolute rock for me as we navigated planning a wedding during a pandemic. I miss texting with her every day!

Tell us about the proposal.

The proposal! I should probably rewind a little because I love the story of how we met. 2017 was not a great year for me, to put it mildly. I decided to have a New Year’s party to kiss that dumpster fire of the year goodbye. My nanny at the time (Annie, the matron of honor!) asked if her boyfriend (Scott, best man!) could bring his best friends. In walked John. I still remember the expression on his face when he saw me. He laughs to this day and says, “I don’t have a poker face, Babe!” It was a great party and the following day, John asked me out on a date. We have been together ever since. So for all of the mess of 2017, 2018 surely made up for it!

Fast forward a year and a half, John is not secretive about wanting to propose. In fact, I designed the ring (smart man). Despite knowing it was eminent, he still managed to surprise me. We took the kids to see fireworks at Ault Park on the Fourth of July. Unbeknownst to me, he had the ring in his pocket the whole time. He thought about proposing in the park, but it was too loud and crowded. We return to the car, but can’t find it (haha). I am having a panic attack, the kids are screaming and poor John is trying to find the car and calm us down.

We eventually spot the car, get home, and put everyone to bed. John and I are in our bedroom about to call it a night. He grabbed my face and said we had the best day. And that we have the best life. He got down on a knee, told me he loved me and asked me to be his wife. I eloquently responded, “Holy fu@king $hit!” One last firework went off before midnight indeed!

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