Real Weddings | A Colorful Summer Day at a Trendy Clintonville Venue
As soon as Michele and Andrew mentioned in our month-of coordination consultation that they were getting married at Understory, I was determined to have the opportunity to come on as their coordinator.
Understory is a newer venue to the Columbus market. A close friend of mine was one of the first brides to get married there back in May 0f 2022, and I was so eager to get to work in the space after attending my friend’s wedding and seeing how beautifully it photographed in her album (especially considering my love for the amazing Clintonville neighborhood it calls home)!
Michele and Andrew were a delight to work with from the beginning of the process right through to the last moments of the wedding day. Michele is a teacher, so I suppose it makes sense for her to be as organized and meticulous as she is. Throughout the process, she was ready with thoughtful answers to my questions and asked me thoughtful questions of her own, and once we got to wedding week she even had a beautifully put together mood board depicting her ideas for tablescape decor, the cake table, her flat-lay detail photos, and more. There are so many qualities that make a bride a dream to work with, and not only was Michele kind and appreciative, she was also very organized and thorough!
Flocal Co. Floral Studio did the floral designs, and the bright, springy wildflower vibes were to die for. They created two large pieces that started on pillars flanking the ceremony altar, and then were moved inside to set off the sweetheart table. Guest tables had a mixture of bud vases and low compote arrangements combined with dusty blue taper candles, and Michele’s bouquet was lush and full and mirrored the colors of the larger arrangements. Bridesmaids carried lovely, dainty bouquets of micro-daisies which were the perfect compliment to the variety of colors and patterns in the bridesmaid dresses. The bride’s soft glam makeup look and updo with face-framing pieces were provided by 614 Beauty, and her flowy, elegant gown came from Vow’d Weddings.
The reception began with the couple and bridal party making their grand entrances, and the bridesmaids had a little surprise for the bride… a Pepper cameo! Following their entrance, the couple shared their first dance as a married couple to “Strawberries” by Caamp (a shared interest I enjoyed chatting about with the bride on the wedding day).
Understory’s catering team served a wonderful taco bar, which guests enjoyed as a departure from typical wedding fare, and following a few words from their favorite people, Michele and Andrew headed back out onto the balcony to cut their ADORABLE cake from Our Cupcakery. When it was time to dance, DJ Tommy Nutter packed the dance floor, and with occasional breaks to enjoy some dessert, a late night snack, or a drink on the patio, guests danced the night away.
Guests enjoyed the outdoor ceremony on Understory’s Open Air second-floor patio before they moved inside for cocktails (such as the “Meow-scow Mule” and “Pepper’s Paw-garita” in honor of the couple’s adorable cat) and hors d’oeuvres. While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, photographer Valerie of Phan Photo Co. took the couple downstairs to the lounge area where they shot what I would consider my favorite images of the entire event. So dreamy, so romantic, so dramatic! Seriously giving Rat Pack vibes.
While we’re on the subject of Val’s amazing photography, can we take a moment for the stunning flat lays?! The colors, the details, the lighting!
Andrew and Michele stepped away from the party for a private dance at the end of the night to reflect on the day that they had shared and the beginning of the new adventure that they were embarking on together.
Full vendor team:
Coordination: Adoration Weddings & Events
Venue, catering, and bar: Understory Events
Cutting cake: Our Cupcakery
HMUA: 614 Beauty
Florist: Flocal Co.
Photographer: Phan Photo Co
Bride’s gown: Vow’d Weddings
