Ellie + Jay were married on a perfect summer day in July at Saint Rose Church in Cincinnati's East End. The reception followed at Greenacres Art Center, one of our city's most beautiful and historic estates. Tall trees pepper the lawns of Greenacres shading the buildings, walkways, and many carefully planted garden beds. 

Ellie was beautiful in her lacy, flowing Pronovias gown with silver beaded belt. She carried a bright floral bouquet of summer's pink and peach roses and peony. Her bridesmaids carried slightly smaller white and green bouquets and wore long, airy dresses with beaded, lace tops. 

Local artist Tara Calahan King created the caricatures of Ellie + Jay which were featured on the fan escort cards with guests name. We love how Tara captured their joy and affection in such a memorable illustration. 

Photos by Kortnee Kate Photography. 

Tell us about the proposal.

After the fateful Aerosmith concert we went to a pond near by to continue the party. The second week of July last year, Jay started to act really funny. He was distant and cancelling plans but when I did see him he was super lovey and cute. I could tell something was up but luckily I was busy at work and didn’t give him too hard of a time.

That Saturday Jay’s whole family was coming over to my parents house for dinner, this had been set up for months. It seemed like Saturday would be a perfect day for a proposal. However, on Friday Jay said he wanted to do something fun that afternoon and why didn’t we go back to the pond (where we had our first kiss) and take a bottle of wine. Not super subtle, but you never want to get your hopes up.

I get in the car and Jay has a pressed button down on to go to the pond. Another red flag. We get to the pond and Jay pours us both glasses of a special bottle of wine we have. He downs his glass and I can hear him rummaging around in a picnic basket he brought while I’m laying on my back on a blanket.

He starts talking about weddings and when should we get married I was talking about logistics of family, etc. and he said why don’t we do it now. I looked over and he had a ring box open. I said, “do you have something to ask me?” which of course he did and I said YES!

Then 5 minutes later the clouds rolled in and it stormed.

How did you and Jay meet? What was your first impression of him? What was his first impression of you?

Jay and I met in grade school, we both attended Cardinal Pacelli in Mt. Lookout. We have been friends ever since! It all changed when we both went as plus ones with friends to an Aerosmith concert!

What was your favorite detail?

Of course I loved my dress, it fit like a glove and had just a hint of something different, with a blush underlay on the skirt.

I also absolutely loved our invitations and save the dates, like I said before I have been to many weddings. And I feel like I see the same things over and over again when it comes to the print material. It was so much fun to create something different with Kristen, with lots of color!

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

My mom told me about Greenacres Art Center and that she thought it would be an amazing wedding venue. I have about 60 cousins and have been to close to 50 weddings in Cincinnati, I was tired of the same thing every time. Greenacres was beautiful and different from the norm. I have always wanted to have a tent reception; I love that you can make it your own and create your own vibe.

VENDOR PARTNERS:

Ellie's Dress: Hyde Park Bridal, Pronovias | Flowers: Covent Garden | Event and Wedding Planner: Viva Bella Events | Cake and other Sweets: Funky’s Catering | Ceremony Venue: St. Rose Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Greenacres Art Center | Photography: Kortnee Kate | Stationery: Poeme & Minted