Alison and Michael were married on August 13, 2011 in the Chapel at St. Ursula Academy. Their entire day was full of people and places that meant a lot to them, which made their wedding even more personal and special. From getting ready at a relative’s house in Mariemont to enjoying a wedding cake made by Alison’s aunt, family and friends were a big part of their day. We asked Alison to share a little about making the day unique to her and Mike as a couple. “We wanted all of the out of town guests to see a unique side of Cincinnati,” she said, “so we rented out the whole Mariemont Inn, who hosted both the after party (complete with skyline cheese coneys) and the brunch the morning after. Everyone went to the Dilly Deli to enjoy live music and beautiful weather after the rehearsal dinner. I was actually in my mom’s belly when she attended the grand opening party of the National Exemplar, it’s a place we’ve been going my whole life.”
Ceremony Venue: St. Ursula Academy Chapel | Reception Venue: Ault Park Pavillion | Invitations: Invitations were Carlson Crafts, but designed and assembled by Alison and her mom; Programs designed by Alison and her mom | Caterer: Village Pantry Catering, Jay Ward | Wedding Cake: Mary Dempsey (Aunt of Bride) | Videographer: Jeff Harper Video | Hair Stylist: Darren Turner, Michael & Co Salon | Make Up Artist: Brideface | Florist: Marianne Miller (friend of family) | DJ: John Summers | Ceremony Music: Dan Dempsey (no relation) and Helmut Roehrig (from Our Lord Christ the King) | Wedding Coordinator/Planner: Alison and her mom, Kathy | Accomodations and After Party: Mariemont Inn
Alison told us that the “first look” she shared with Michael on the Mariemont Concourse was one of her favorite moments of the day. “With all the anticipation of getting ready, it was great to finally see each other and in a private, beautiful setting,” she said.
After their first look, they were able to take some gorgeous portraits together.
The wardrobe choices for the day were chosen to fit Alison and Mike’s personal taste. The bride and bridesmaids all wore J Crew and the guys wore khaki suits with bow ties to go with the couples personal style, which Alison described as “not too formal and preppy.” She added that the bridesmaids “added belts for the reception to accessorize and show off their personal style.” That’s great way to let your bridesmaids add a little more of who they are to your wedding day while still keeping within your style as bride and groom.
Walking down the aisle with her dad and seeing Mike at the end also made Alison’s list of favorite moments from the wedding day. It’s one of ours, too! :)
Another favorite moment: “the bus ride from the ceremony to the reception. Mike and I were on cloud 9, with the excitement of just being married. We had all of our best friends with us and an awesome soundtrack.”
Alison and Mike chose a striking blue and green color scheme with pops of pink. The bright colors were a great choice for their Ault Park reception.
Alison shares this advice to brides-to-be currently in the planning stages: “Have fun with it and go with your gut and personal style. It doesn’t have to be like everyone else’s. And whatever you do, enjoy the day– never again will you have all of your family and friends in one place. Take a moment to thank your family. Go with the airbrush makeup and wear a dress you’re comfortable in.”
Great advice! We love seeing weddings that are personal to the couple and theirs was just that! Thank you, Alison and Mike, for letting us be apart of your love story! We wish you all the best!
by Kristin
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