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Phone: (513) 821-6622
Matt and Catherine, despite going to the same schools for our entire K-12 experiences and essentially living in each other’s backyards, had never met until well after high school. Due to an abundance of mutual friends, Catherine & Matt had somehow ended up as friends on Facebook. Matt made a post describing an issue with his computer and asked if anyone could fix it. Catherine commented on the post that she could fix it. From this point, Catherine & Matt began spending time together as acquaintances, which evolved into a friendship and, eventually, a loving relationship. As they say, the rest is history.
One afternoon in April 2021, after almost six years together, Matt told Catherine they would go to his parent’s house for dinner as his aunt was visiting the town. This was a very regular occurrence, and Catherine thought nothing of it. Matt’s Aunt Melissa (the hobby photographer), his brother Chris, his partner Briana, and his parents were all present when they arrived. Even though it was cold and raining, Chris went outside to attend to the firepit. We all followed, and on our way down to the firepit, Matt stopped by a tree whose flowers had just begun to bloom. From behind, Catherine heard him say, ‘These flowers smell amazing!’ Confused, Catherine stopped and questioned what Matt was doing. Matt said, ‘Babe, just smell the flowers!’ Still confused, Catherine obliged and smelled the flowers. After smelling the flowers, Catherine turned back to Matt, and he was on one knee with a ring box in his hand, a tiny 3D printed and hand-painted replica of the loot box from Catherine’s favorite video game. Completely shocked, Catherine burst into tears and said yes to forever with her favorite person. Once Catherine composed herself, she saw Aunt Melissa and her camera snapping photos of them through the living room window. Catherine had been set up most sweetly.
Catherine & Matt’s wedding day was a beautiful day. Despite being in August, the temperatures were warm, but not unbearably hot the way they had expected, which they were thankful for, as one of their top priorities as nature lovers, was to get married outdoors. It rained all morning, and while disappointed, Catherine & Matt accepted that they would most likely get married inside. Matt and Catherine had a beautiful and intimate first look that they laughed and cried through. About 20 minutes before the ceremony was set to begin, the forecast cleared. They were going to get married outside!! Matt’s groomsmen quickly moved our arch to our spot outside, and they started the ceremony 5 minutes early. Catherine walked down the aisle to the love of her life to Stand by Me, by Florence + the Machine. It was the most beautiful walk Catherine had ever taken. After exchanging their vows, on their walk back up the aisle as husband & wife, the rain that had held off for the ceremony began again and set the scene for the most incredible photos. Surrounded by friends and family, Catherine & Matt started the reception and spent their first night as husband and wife dancing the night away.
My experience with Bridal & Formal was different from most but wonderful. I had already known exactly what dress I wanted before trying anything on. I saw the dress online and immediately knew (much like the first time I saw my husband) that it was the one. Unfortunately, the closest place with a sample available was California (the opposite end of the country from me in Ohio). I did see, however, that Bridal & Formal was a ‘flagship’ location for the dress designer. I called Bridal & Formal, and they were able to have a sample of the dress shipped in. Several weeks later, I showed up for my appointment to try on the dress, and much as I had imagined, it fits like a dream, and I ordered it right then and there.
My sales consultant – Lacrecia, was terrific. She was genuine, bubbly, and my ultimate hype-girl when trying on the dress.
Wedding Location – Tipp City, Ohio
Ceremony & Reception Location – The Willow Tree
Bridal Gown – Willowby by Watters, style Arlo
Bridesmaids Gowns – Bill Levkoff, style 7129, Dessy Group, style 1548, and Adrianna Papell, style 40105
Photography – Ashley Dunlavy
Catering – City Barbeque