Modern Classic At-Home Backyard Estate Wedding in Columbus, Ohio

I have such a weakness for at-home weddings - aren't they just the best? Alex and Miles hosted their Columbus, Ohio, reception at Alex's parents home and it couldn't be any sweeter. Oh, and talented bride Alex designed and made her own gorgeous wedding dress {good job, Alex!!}! I also love that this couple met and fell in love while attending Miami University - just like me and my honey! ;)

Says Miles, "We wanted to have an intimate backyard wedding, where everyone could be comfortable and enjoy themselves. Having extended family come in from as far away as Guatemala, it was also important that family and friends could reconnect with those who they don't see very often over great food, drink, and music.

You can read about the history of the 13 Gold Coin tradition here. 

The family home is located about ten miles from the center of Columbus on roughly five acres split into two plots and connected by a bridge constructed by the groom's father, all overlooking the Scioto River. Being ringed by trees provided nice screening from neighbors, and the open fields provided plenty of space for the roughly one hundred and sixty guests to enjoy themselves. A single ash tree in the middle of the field provided both a focal point for the events of the evening as well as the wedding's central theme.

The bride's aunt arranged the bridal and bridesmaids' bouquets 

the day of using flowers specifically chosen for the event. 

Miles + Alex's Love Story

We met while attending Miami University and both studied architecture where a studio project first brought us together. We dated for the next few years, through the rest of Miami, a Master's Degree at OSU, and Alex attending Parson's in New York City while I began a career in architecture. I proposed to Alex at the same location of our first date, under the waterfall at Hayden Falls Park, were Alex said 'yes'. Because we had dated so long, we both wanted a short engagement, which in the end, totaled roughly five months.

We did a lot of the details ourselves. Details such as Alex designing and constructing her own wedding dress, and both of us producing the paper collateral such as invitations, ceremony programs, and dinner menus. The bride's mother crafted a variety of delicious family recipes that both complimented the cater's fare as well as provided a Latin flare.

Family members and friends contributed with decorations of the tents and grounds with white candles, flowers, homemade center pieces, and countless other items. Vendors provided important personal touches such as Latin music, highly artistic photographs, and entertaining caricatures for all guests.

The whole event is a plethora of favorite memories. For something as special as one's wedding day, you have to break the event down into parts to adequately describe all the highlights one experiences when finally getting married. In the anticipation before the ceremony, the photographs where it's just the bride and groom provide a moment of tranquility and intimacy. The exchanging of vows before a church full of family and friends. The walking back down the aisle after the completion of the ceremony for the first time as a newly wedded couple. The blessing by a long-time best friend before the meal. The father-daughter dance where the groom has the honor of taking his bride's hand from her father- all these and so many more compile to form many favorite memories." 

Thank you so much to Miles and Alex for sharing their beautiful day and to photographer Adam Lowe for sharing his gorgeous photos with us!! xx.

And Miles has some parting advice for those of you deep in wedding planning mode: "Try and keep all of the many elements in planning a detailed wedding in perspective. It is easy to get bogged down in details, but it is important to remember that in the end, all of your guests are there to celebrate your love and commitment to one another."

Credits: Location: Columbus, Ohio / Ceremony: St Andrews Reception: The Ruiz Estate / Reception Venue: Ruiz Family Home / Photography: Adam Lowe Photography / Team DJ / About Faces Entertainment Caricaturists / Caterer: Berwick Manor Banquet Center and Catering / Tents: O'Neil Tents 

Tags : AT-HOME WEDDING , COLUMBUS , MIAMI MERGERS , MIAMI UNIVERSITY , OHIO , real wedding

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