Local Love – Allie & Matthew at The Blackstone Hotel

Allie and Matthew met while attending Ohio University. They shared a mutual understanding that their relationship was something special and serious from their first date. When they decided to plan a wedding, they knew they would use their creativity as an artist and musician to create a personalized and unique reception.

Before tying the knot, Allie and Matthew shared a first look, which was one of their favorite parts of their Big Day, and took pictures with their wedding party. Their adorable pup Otter even showed up for a few photos with his humans! The pair wed in a traditional Jewish ceremony that incorporated meaningful elements. Allie and Matthew were wrapped in Allie’s late grandfather’s tallit and they used the Kiddush cup from Matthew’s bar mitzvah. They stood underneath a gorgeous chuppah draped in white and wrapped in greenery.

Allie and Matthew joined their guests for a stunning reception. “We chose the beautiful Blackstone Hotel for its historic elements and gorgeous Crystal Ballroom with unique features like the moldings and light fixtures from its original 1909 build,” Allie shared. The elegant ballroom was decorated in off-white and soft blues, with pops of burgundy, with table cards that were handpainted by Allie. The couple are both obsessed with cake, so they made sure their wedding cake made a statement. Each layer alternated between an almond cake with lemon sabayon filling and a hazelnut cake with milk chocolate mousse.  The cake was topped with a custom cake topper depicting Allie and Matthew with their beloved puppy, Otter.

The reception was full of good food and plenty of dancing. Allie and Matthew danced their first dance to John Mayer Trio’s “Another Kind of Green,” which has defined their relationship from the beginning. The happy couple also enjoyed being hoisted above the crowd in their chairs when it was time to dance the horah. When reflecting on their feelings from their Big Day, Allie summed it up with a Maya Angelou quote: ““… people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” She said that overall, it was feeling “so overwhelmed by the amount of love we were shown by our guests that stands out the most.”

Number of Wedding Guests: 150

Vendor List:

Venue: The Blackstone Hotel

Photography: Tim Tab Studios

Videography: Smiling Toad Productions

Officiant: Rabbi Eddie Sukol

Event Planner: Clover Events

Wedding Rings: Gottlieb & Sons

Engagement Ring: Family Heirloom

Bride’s Gown: Paloma Blanca via Mira Couture

Hair & Makeup: Bianca Sansosti Artistry

Groom’s Formalwear: Bonobos

Groom’s Accessories: Boss Tie

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

Groomsmen’s Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse

Stationery: Sally Bram

Floral: Juliet Tan Floral Design

Catering: The Blackstone Hotel

Entertainment: The Chicago Catz

Cake & Sweets: Bittersweet Pastry Shop

Ketubah: Jessica Kraft

Cake Topper: WeCakeToppers.com