In high school, Monica and Aaron were close friends—the kind that went to prom together if the other didn’t have a date. Through high school and while Monica was at college and Aaron in the Marines, they stayed close. In time, they realized there was more between them, so they started dating, added their cat Deuce to the family, then got engaged (Deuce helped!) and bought a house together.
Their Cincinnati wedding day at the Taft Museum was beautiful…and full of super-special details. Monica and her mom both create pottery as a hobby, so, shares our bride, “I really wanted to bring that into our décor. We made all the vases for centerpieces and other locations throughout the venue, table numbers for the reception (now used as dessert plates in our home) and small trinket dishes for each guest which acted as their place card. The result was beautiful, and we received many compliments following our day that guests loved their little dishes which many use for rings or jewelry.”
Plus, Monica’s aunt officiated, she and her mom recreated a photo of her grandmother getting ready on her wedding day, and there was a 66th anniversary dance at the reception for her grandparents. Deuce also made an appearance!
Get all the details below from Monica, who twirled the skirts of her customized Sofia gown with abandon:
How did the two of you meet?
“We met in high school and became fast friends—the kind who went to prom with one another if they didn’t have a date. Over time, we became best of friends, developing a strong friendship that is the foundation for our relationship today. We love looking back at the old prom photos.
After high school, we remained close friends. I attended The Ohio State University and Aaron was off to the Marines. We met back in Cincinnati for a visit whenever we could. In 2015, we decided to begin dating. I was still in Columbus and Aaron in North Carolina, but we were both making plans to return to Cincinnati. In the meantime, we spent the next six years traveling together and ultimately getting engaged and buying our first home together.”
How did you two get engaged?
“In 2022, Aaron popped the big question. First, making fake dinner plans with friends and daring me to cancel them. Then with the help of our cat Deuce, he got down on one knee. After I said yes (still convinced there were real dinner plans) Aaron drove us to the airport for a helicopter ride with views of the city.”
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
“One way we incorporated family history into our wedding day was to recreate a photo I always admired in my grandmother’s home. It was a picture of my great-grandmother placing the veil onto my grandmother on her wedding day. We brought that picture to my mom’s house and had it on her dresser as we recreated that picture with me and my mother. Very subtle, but I love that I see four generations in that photo.
Another special moment is that we surprised my grandparents at the reception by calling them for a 66th wedding anniversary dance. It was such a special moment for them and for everyone to see how much they still love one another as they shared a special dance and impromptu kiss on the dance floor.
Finally, my aunt, who I’ve been close to my entire life, officiated the wedding. Godparents and Aaron’s close family friend did readings. It was so special to have them take part in our special day.”
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
“We wanted to get married outside, but also in an area convenient for guests—both local and those who had to travel. We fell in love with The Taft Museum of Art for its beautiful garden area for our ceremony and the tented outdoor space for our reception. It is located downtown Cincinnati, very central for local guests and convenient to several hotels and restaurants. The venue is also located adjacent to a small park for additional photo opportunities.”
What was the funniest moment of your day?
“I can’t really name one funny moment, but our entire ceremony, vows and the toasts by the bride’s mother, maid of honor and best man all had us laughing. The day really was perfect.”
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
“We wanted to make sure we had quiet alone time built into the day. It was also important for us to find an opportunity to chat with all our guests. Immediately following the ceremony, we had our dinners delivered to a beautiful room in the museum. We dined together as guests were exiting the ceremony space for the cocktail hour. It only delayed our post ceremony photos slightly. Then, as dinners were being served, we were able to circulate and visit guest tables.”
Any tips for couples getting married?
“My advice is to spread the work of wedding planning and preparation out so you can enjoy it. We started early and did a little bit at a time and planned to finish up all except the seating arrangements a month prior to the wedding. It really helped us to remain relaxed. Also, have fun whatever the day brings. The day went by so fast that I wouldn’t want to waste a minute worrying about anything other than making the most of the day.”
Monica + Aaron’s Cincinnati Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: customized Lea-Ann Belter Sofia gown and Sara Gabriel veil via Kelley’s Closet | photography: Jessica Wiggins Photography | venue: The Taft Museum of Art | florals: Petals and Glass | wedding décor: Daphne Duwell
