Jenna + Ryan's Ault Park Wedding Celebration
Ault Park is one of our favorite spots in Cincinnati with its old world pavilion and carefully tended community garden plots. It's the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding reception. Jenna + Ryan's guests danced the night away under the pavilion lit up with strung lights and the lingering glow of an evening sun. From cityscapes to feathery willow trees, every view offers something beautiful. Jenna + Ryan's wedding and reception was a dreamy mix of old Hollywood glamour and rich garden florals in milky creams, white, and lush wine red. The day was captured by Kortnee Kate Photography.
Kortnee Kate Photography
Kortnee Kate Photography
How was your personal style reflected in your wedding day?
I wanted natural light and always envisioned a tent wedding! Although the weather did not cooperate as much as I would have liked (it was cloudy and in the 30s), everything truly came together. As far as colors, I love the color GOLD! I wanted white and gold as my two main focus colors throughout the venue, and then I wanted a few bold fall colors to add some pop and come through only in my flowers like greens and plum. I wanted the vibe to be classic, yet chic.
Kortnee Kate Photography
Ryan’s first impression of Jenna
Jenna was beautiful and fun. I knew immediately I wanted to get to know her more and take her out on a date.
Kortnee Kate Photography
How did you decide on your venue? Why was it the perfect choice?
I always knew I wanted lots of natural light and envisioned a “Tent” wedding! Ault Park was perfect for us because it had everything I was looking for, PLUS it could fit 400 people. If only the weather had cooperated the day of the wedding (It was 30 degrees and cloudy!); but thanks to extra heaters, side panels, and drinks and dancing – it all worked out and everyone forgot about the weather! 😊
What was your favorite detail?
My favorite detail had to of been my dress…my shoes! and my flowers.
Tell us about finding your dress.
I found my dress at the first shop I went to! invited my mom and sister-in-laws to come with me to visit Hyde Park Bridal. I have been there before for my friend’s wedding and knew I always wanted to go there to look for a dress because the experience alone is worth a visit! The place is so plush, girly, and relaxing, not to mention everyone who works there is so friendly and helpful! It can be a stressful and overwhelming decision looking for a dress, so working with someone calming and having my sisters and mom with me, along with some champagne – made it such a fun day! I tried on several dresses that all looked different. I had no clue what style I was going for, so I knew I wanted to try different looks.
Honestly, the dress I chose was less “blingy” than I thought I would go for, but I felt “old Hollywood” while wearing it. And I loved the long train!! It was so elegant, yet sassy. And of course I added a belt and big earrings to make sure I had that bling factor! It was such a lovely and special experience I will cherish forever. I wish I could live that day over again.
Where did you honeymoon?
Hawaii. We visited the Maui and Kauai islands. The most beautiful place we have every been! Not to mention, the best food (especially the tuna) we have ever had. Both of us gained a few happy pounds that week!
Kortnee Kate Photography
Tell us a little about you and Ryan.
Ryan and I are best friends. We have so much fun together and have experienced so many fun adventures since we started dating. I think one of the main reasons we have such a good time is that we enjoy the same love of life! Friends, family, good food, travel, socializing, and enjoying life! Recently we moved to Chicago and it has been such a cool experience exploring a new city with my fiancé, now hubby! Yes, we have our moments, 😊 but we are honest with each other and put one another first.
How did you and Ryan meet? What was your first impression of him? What was his first impression of you?
We were introduced by one of my best friends from college, who was also a bridesmaid in the wedding, Jessica Hastings! She worked with Ryan at the time and thought he was cute and seemed nice enough to introduce us! Ryan and I both brought some friends and met at a bar downtown called Scene Ultra Lounge. I insisted Ryan buy her friends a round of drinks and the rest is history!
Jenna’s first impression of Ryan
He was handsome and quiet. He played it cool the entire evening and I questioned whether he was even interested in me. When he called me a few days later and asked me out on a date, I was shocked BUT thrilled! 😊
Tell us about the proposal.
Ryan proposed at our first date location, Abigail Street, in Over the Rhine over dinner. We planned a night out with my brother and sister-in-law, Nick & Megan Mullen. They arrived early to get a table. Following dinner and after I devoured several servings of Ricotta Honey and Bread (my fav), Nick got up to “close his tab”, while Megan got up to “go to the bathroom”. Once they left the table Ryan said “Do you know how many days we have been together…? 1,070 days…” Then Ryan reached his hand into his coat jacket, proceeded to get up and get down on one knee in the restaurant.
Meanwhile, Nick and Megan took pictures and video of the whole proposal. I kept saying “no no no” because I just could not believe it! My brother yelled “stop saying no!”. lol Then I of course screamed "Yes!" and the restaurant started clapping and treated us with celebratory champagne! We then went to Igby’s where Ryan had planned a surprise party with all our family and friends. Ryan’s parents and sisters even came in town from Cleveland! The night ended with late night Skyline with friends! As you can see we, especially the bride, enjoys food.
Describe your wedding day. Is there a particular moment that remains in your memory most vividly?
The day was everything I thought it would be and more. My maid of honor and mom spent the night at hotel with me the night before. I am not a morning person, but that day I woke up a few hours EARLY vs. being late. Which never happens! But A bride is never late, right? Lol
All of my bridesmaids came to the hotel suite that morning to get ready. My mom’s friends brought us a delicious, and large breakfast spread so we would have energy for the long day. We had champagne and I treated myself to a bagel! Which was delicious! I couldn’t remember the last time I had a bagel. Getting ready with my best girls, is one of my favorite parts of my wedding day, along with the weddings I have been in as a bridesmaid. Nothing like having a mimosa and getting pampered with your best friends! At this point everything seem surreal. The nerves were there, but hadn’t totally kicked in gear yet.
My first tears – my maid of honor wrote me a very special letter I will cherish forever. Her father passed away when we were just in high school and she gave me his ring to pin in my dress. To say it was an honor to wear it on my wedding day is an understatement. I am so lucky to have her as my best friend. I know her dad was with us that day.
After we were ready, the first look with my dad was at the hotel as well. That was one of the highlights of my day. Seeing him look handsome as ever in his fancy tux immediately brought tears to my eyes. My father is one of the greatest people I know. I love him more than life itself. Being able to have him to walk me down the aisle was a true blessing. I do not know what I would do without his love and support. He is my rock to this day!
The wedding ceremony was early afternoon, and a catholic mass at a church downtown, St. Francis Xavier. It was the perfect ceremony. My uncle was a priest who unfortunately passed away from cancer when I was in high school. His best friend, Fr. Michael, married Ryan and I and he rocked it! The ceremony was thoughtful, holy, and funny! He even juggled! Father touched all our guests, whether they were Catholic or not. It was amazing.
The reception was at Ault Park! We had such an amazing crew that helped the day come together. I could not believe my eyes when I finally saw our day come to life. It is something else planning a day, and making decisions and you have no clue how it will all come together. Well my vendors were the A team! Everything was perfect.
*A particular memory that may be my favorite, is mine and Ryan’s first dance. It was such a whirlwind of a day that it was so nice to take a moment and just dance and smile at one another. I loved that special moment with just me and him.
Speeches! My dad, the best man, and the maid of honor gave the best speeches! I may be bias, but I thought they were hilarious and loving. My heart was so full!
Our DJ was the bomb! There was not a person in the room who wasn’t dancing, which is exactly what we wanted! I changed out of my Christian Louboutin’s to fun sliver sneaker wedges to make sure I was able to keep up with the guests after my heels starting hurting.
I am so thankful that we booked a videographer! They were able to catch so much of the day. Things I may have missed or had forgotten. They put together a highlight video which is so beautiful and made me cry all over again a few weeks alter. 😊 They did such an amazing job.
Did you read any wedding blogs before getting engaged or while you were planning?
I actually did not read too many wedding blogs. I mainly used Pinterest, and The Knot app! I took lots of tips of previous brides and recommendations from the vendors I was working with! Friends who have been there before are the best help in my opinion! 😊
Which best describes you?
Casual or Formal - Formal
Vintage or Modern - Modern
Chocolate or Vanilla - Vanilla
Roses or Peonies – Roses
Pie or Cake – Cake (Carrot Cake!)
Lipstick or Gloss – tough call I love them both! I have about 100 of each in my purse as we speak. Historically gloss, but lately lipstick.
Diamonds or Pearls – Diamonds! Rustic or Urban - Urban
Thank you so much Jenna + Ryan for sharing your absolutely dreamy wedding with us! We are honored to have been a part of your day! All the very best in the years to come!
VENDOR PARTNERS:
Jenna's Dress: Hyde Park Bridal; Designer: Pronovias | Tailor: Pam Utech | Flowers: Robin Wood Flowers | Event and Wedding Planner: Tres Chic – Kristen Kloth |Cake and other Sweets: Cakes by George | Venues: St. Francis Xavier Church and Ault Park | Photography: Kortnee Kate Photography | Photo Booth: Tap Snap | Stationery: Poeme | Rehearsal Dinner: The Precinct | After Wedding Brunch: Next Chapter
Special thank you to Jenna's mother: She stood by me and helped me with every decision, every meltdown, every tear, every cheers, every moment! I am so grateful for her constant love and support.