Summer, smiles for miles, and good times go together like mimosas and getting ready.  Add in some elegance and that pretty much sums up the vibe of Allie and Bob’s classic Columbus wedding!

These two University of Dayton alums met in college and included that important part of their story in the celebration by gathering all their friends from UD during the reception to sing the school’s fight song and take a picture with the UD flag. As our sweet bride explained, “We really came full circle!”

From Allie:

How did you choose your gown?

“I went to a few bridal boutiques before finding my perfect gown! I tried on so many different styles and liked some but didn’t LOVE any of them that I tried on. My mom made an appointment with Brides by the Falls and I ended up finding two gorgeous gowns. I had to choose between the two! They were very different and I just couldn’t decide. My mom and I decided to get lunch and think it over. We even made a pro-con list of the two dresses! After we thought about it some more, it was obvious which one to pick. I pictured myself in something elegant with lace, lightweight (for a mid-August wedding!) with the accent on a unique back. This dress fit all of that criteria! We went back to the store and I called my dad to come to the boutique while I decided on “the one.” It was really special for myself and my mom and dad to be there as I picked the dress that I loved!”

wedding dress + veil: custom Lea-Ann Belter Bronwyn via Brides by the Falls | photographer: Summerlight Photography | scroll down for full vendor list

Tell us about your day! Did you have a theme or style in mind?

“Our wedding day was perfect! The day started off with mimosas, hair, and makeup with my mom and bridesmaids while listening to music and relaxing before the craziness began! We lucked out with gorgeous blue skies, the sun shining, and the perfect temperature for taking outdoor pictures. The theme that we were going for was traditional and classy but still fun and “modern.” We got married in a gorgeous, Catholic cathedral in downtown Columbus, Ohio with a reception venue that was equally as stunning—The Westin, Columbus. Everything about the day was beautiful from the hair and makeup, to the dresses, to the flowers. Everything came together so perfectly! At the reception, our dance floor was never empty! Our guests enjoyed dancing throughout the entire night. It really was the best day ever! “

What was your favorite wedding day moment?

“Besides the actual ceremony and getting to marry my best friend, I think my favorite moment of our wedding day was when we gathered all of our friends that went to the University of Dayton with the two of us and sang our school’s fight song along with a school favorite, “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”  We took a big UD picture and posed with our school flag. Since we met in college, and that was such a big part of our lives and our relationship, it was really special to incorporate the people that were there with us from the beginning, and celebrate together. We used to sing this song during our college days at Dayton. We really came full circle!

Another favorite memory of mine was looking around at the church and at the reception with my husband, and being so grateful and thankful that so many of our family and friends traveled to be with us during our special day. We are so lucky!”

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

“We went to the islands of Maui and Kauai in Hawaii! We had the best time exploring the Hawaiian culture by taste-testing lots of traditional island food at two luaus, we went zip-lining through the hills of Maui, and went on a helicopter tour of the entire island of Kauai. We left right after our wedding so it was really nice to relax and take it all in, just the two of us!”

Any advice for future brides/grooms?

“My advice to future brides would be to enjoy this planning time and try not to stress too much! Stay organized as much as possible and set deadlines for yourself, but remember to enjoy the moment and know that everything will get done in the end!”

Allie + Bob’s Columbus Wedding Vendors

wedding dress + veil: custom Lea-Ann Belter Bronwyn via Brides by the Falls | photographer: Summerlight Photography | ceremony venue: St. Joseph Cathedral | reception: The Westin Columbus | hair + makeup: Charles Penzone Grand Salons | florals: Bloomtastic Florist | wedding cake: Perfect Pear Sisters | limo: Xtreme Limo | DJ/Lighting: Sensational Sounds Unlimited | videography: Iconic Media

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email [email protected].