An Elegant Estate Wedding in Cleveland

Because they were getting married in October in Ohio, Jaimie and Chelsea knew that they needed to pick a venue with a great rain plan. They decided on Hillbrook, a 50-acre estate just outside of Cleveland. “I always say Hillbrook has the best rain plan in town and it turned out to be the coziest ceremony I have ever seen,” exclaimed their planner, Katie of Kirkbrides Wedding Planning.

The brides wore complementary dresses, Chelsea’s a custom dress from A Bride’s Design and Jaimie’s from David’s Bridal. “Because we didn’t want to see each other’s dresses until the wedding day, our respective maids of honor made sure the dresses went well together,” they said.

They exchanged an emotional first look before meeting at the altar, where Chelsea's sister officiated along with readings and music from their closest friends). Guests were given throw blankets and hot cider as they arrived. “The ceremony was hands-down our favorite part of the day,” says Jaimie. “We created the ceremony ourselves and it culminated with vows that we wrote ourselves. The rain in the backdrop was surreal, making the plan B a majestic experience. Everyone was crying, and we still both tear up thinking about it all.”

With a navy-and-blush palette, the brides wanted the colors to come through in a natural and organic manner. “Katie took our individual ideas and was able to craft a comprehensive creative plan.” The tables were dressed in a gorgeous deep blue linen, with floral installations over each table created with eucalyptus, hydrangeas and roses. The former collegiate athletes gave nods to their alma mater in the signature cocktails and cookies, and each detail was perfectly captured by Anne Spires Photography.