Nicole and Ryan’s New York-Inspired Backyard Wedding in Ohio (With a Pool Jump!)

Nicole and Ryan first met at Ohio State, but they didn’t actually start dating until years later in New York City, after matching on a dating app and then running into each other at a friend’s party. So for the wedding they brought a little New York back to Ohio! They got married in the backyard of a private home in Hunting Valley, outside Cleveland, under a big white tent with a LOT of good food.

Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design planned the whole day and Steve Steinhardt Photography took these gorgeous photos. We love how much color is in this one!

Watch their wedding film from The Image in Motion first!

Getting Ready at the House

Nicole got ready at the house in a tiered tulle gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a long veil. Megan Cox Bridal did her hair and Makeup By Merideth did her makeup. (And those shoes!)

A First Look (and the Dog!)

They did a first look in the garden and then took portraits in front of the hydrangeas. Nicole’s bouquet was SO bright, with dahlias and roses in just about every color. And their dog got a flower collar and a spot in the photos! We love when the pup gets to be part of the day.

Cocktail Hour Before the Ceremony

Our favorite twist: they did cocktail hour BEFORE the ceremony! The second guests walked in there were drinks, music from Opus 216 and SO much food (pasta! flatbreads! sushi! tiny hot dogs!), so nobody was standing around hungry. (Hosting at home too? Read our backyard wedding reception mistakes first.)

A Chuppah Covered in Flowers

The ceremony was out on the lawn under a chuppah, and Blooms By Plantscaping took an arbor that was already on the property and covered it in greenery and sunset-colored flowers (look at those sunflowers!). They even planted colorful annuals and perennials around the yard so everything matched, and the reserved seats got a single flower each. After the vows, a klezmer band led everyone from the ceremony over to the tent!

Mixed Linens and a Flower Meadow

Nicole didn’t want anything too matchy, so the tables got mixed linens, napkins, glassware and candles, with small flowers in bud vases. Mine and Kindred did all of the custom watercolor stationery (we LOVE these escort cards), and there was a handwritten note at every seat explaining the menu and what inspired the day. Even the cocktail napkins said “The Smiths.”

Dinner from A Taste of Excellence Catering was inspired by Laser Wolf, one of their favorite restaurants in Brooklyn, so think shared plates and bold flavors. Nicole has worked with Pop Up Grocer, so she was very particular about where the ingredients came from! Then came a s’mores bar, and later on, chicken tender fries and warm soft pretzels.

The tent itself had disco balls, draped greenery, purple lights, a flower meadow in front of the stage and a tree over the bar that glowed from the inside. One guest joked that he felt like a movie star walking in. Ha!

Table 13 and a Tequila Cart

Nicole is a big Taylor Swift fan, so there were little nods all night. They got married on September 13 and sat at table 13 with their closest friends, and the disco balls and purple lights were a nod to her, too. (Speaking of Taylor, here’s everything we know about her wedding.)

They cut a cake from The White Flower Cake Shoppe, and Nicole changed into a second dress for dancing to Nitebridge Band and Josh Staley Productions. Once the dance floor opened, a tequila cart rolled in, and their brothers helped pour shots for everyone. And yes, that’s the bride at the DJ booth!

And Then They Jumped in the Pool!

At the very end of the night, Nicole and Ryan jumped into the pool together in their wedding clothes, and then guests followed them in! What a way to end it.

Congrats to Nicole and Ryan! Their families were in town all week watching the yard turn into this, which we just love. Thinking about a backyard wedding of your own? You’ll want our Smart Wedding Planner, trust me. And here are more details that make a wedding feel expensive!

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