How did you and Matthew meet?

We met in college through mutual friends. Matthew went to Ohio State and I went to Xavier. The summer before our junior year, a mutual friend brought me to Matthew’s house for a party. We hit it off that night and the rest is history! I remember one of the biggest things that drew me to Matthew and is still true today is his ability to make me laugh.  

How were your personal styles reflected in your wedding day?

A Christmas wedding was very easy to plan! Our color choices were very easy (red and green) and our decorations really revolved around the season! It was perfect and made every decision a little less stressful. 

Also, Matthew’s cousin, Lizzie is studying fashion at DAAP. We asked her to design my veil and his tie. It was an honor for both of us to wear one of her pieces. 

What were your favorite details?

My bouquet from Oberer’s was literally everything I could’ve imagined and more. When they arrived at my parent’s house, I could not believe how beautiful they turned out. I felt like I was looking at my Pinterest board come to life! My other favorite part was my invitations and stationery (not because Kristen is my cousin lol).

We received so many compliments about how gorgeous the invites were and how everything was so festive. It was so fun when our guests received them and we heard such awesome feedback! Our food was also so delicious thanks to McHale’s. It was the perfect mix of our favorite foods! 

Describe your wedding day. Is there a particular moment that remains in your memory most vividly?

In one word, I would have to say it was bliss. Every part of the day was an absolute dream. There are so many moments I look back on and smile: From seeing Matthews’s face when I walked down the aisle, to our first dance, and the party bus on the way to the reception. But the one moment I will remember forever was the moment right before we walked into the reception.

Everyone else had been announced and it was just Matthew and me in the back. It was just so cool to have those few seconds for just us before the party began. I also vividly remember the first look with my dad. My mom, sisters, and I waiting in the dining room for him and his reaction was perfect. It was just an awesome moment to look back on with my parents and their 4 girls. 

Best advice you received on wedding planning?

Just to do what makes you happy and not care what others think! It’s your and your future spouses’ day and it should be everything you have ever dreamed of! And to thank your parents or anyone else that has made a positive impact on your life. It’s a big day for them, too! Pick a good photographer! Jenny was perfect! From the minute she got to my parents’ house, the entire day just ran so smoothly!

Tis the Season to be Married! Stephanie + Matt celebrated in classic Christmas style with all the cozy details to bring the spirit of the season into their wedding day. Lots of sparkle and lush velvet textures! The invitation features watercolor evergreen and berry holiday wreath in classic Christmas red and green for Stephanie and Matt’s festive celebration at Drees Pavilion in Northern Kentucky.

Pearlized stock duplexed to hunter green velvet added weight and an opulent feel, delivered in a shimmery envelope with Christmas-red metallic liner. The enclosure’s included the motif ’ Tis the Season to be married to be carried seamlessly throughout the wedding onto programs and reception details.

How did you decide on your venue? Why was it the perfect choice?

We both love to have a good time, be with friends, and we are very family-oriented. A big wedding was a necessity with our large number of friends and family that we wanted to attend. Drees allowed us to have the big wedding of our dreams. Not to mention the amazing view of the city we both call home!

Mount St. Joseph University is where I got my degree in nursing. But it also was very special to the both of us because that is where Matthew’s parents got married. 

CREATIVE PARTNERS:

Stephanie’s Gown: Kenneth Winston- Bridal and Formal | Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang | Attire: Geno’s Tuxedos | Flowers: Oberer’s West Chester | Cake and other Sweets: Nothing Bundt Cakes | Catering: McHale’s | Music: Mark McFadden | Venues: Mount St. Joseph University and Drees Pavilion Devou Park | Photography: Jenny B Photography | Veil and Groom Tie: Elizabeth Bruewer 

Best thing about being married?

Probably calling Matthew my husband! 

Where did you honeymoon? 

Hawaii! We stayed 3 nights on Oahu where we learned to surf and went on a Luau. Then we did the cruise and went to Maui, the Big Island and Kauai where we learned to rappel down waterfalls, floated down a natural lazy river, biked down Haleakala, and snorkeled. We even got to be on the newlywed game show on the cruise!