Season: Summer

Lauren and Josh Swickard were married in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 6, 2019. Both are actors and met on the set of the movie Roped which was just released on Netflix last Saturday. While falling in love in the movie, they fell in love in real life and began dating once the movie wrapped. Josh and his family joined Lauren’s family for a trip to Colorado for the holidays. One night, they all gathered around for a game of charades and, much to Lauren’ surprise, Josh popped the question while acting out the word “proposal!” Lauren and Josh’s wedding was held in Cincinnati, as Lauren grew up there and it was a central point for both families. They wanted the day to reflect their lifestyles and personalities so “Old Hollywood Glamour” was a perfect choice!

The ceremony was at the Hyde Park United Methodist Church, followed by a reception at the majestic Greenacres Estate. Every detail was timeless and chic, starting with the bridal florals. Lauren carried a bouquet of sweet peas. Her sister (maid of honor) and mother also had sweet peas in their bouquets which tied them all together. Bridesmaids carried simple hand-tied peony stems and the ring bearer carried a precious floral nest which housed the rings. Floral wreaths hung on the ceremony doors. Candelabras lined the aisles and were wrapped in white florals and silk ribbons. Soft feminine white florals framed the altar. We used an abundance of peonies and garden roses which are Lauren’s favorite.

At the reception site, significant stone urns with statement florals flanked the fountain in the gardens which was a focal point. In the dinner tent, we had a mix of high and low arrangements all packed with white florals and greens. The three rectangular head tables which framed the dance floor, had long uninterrupted floral garlands down the center and hanging installations above which incorporated floating globes with candles. We also used blush florals here which created a rosy glow in the center of the room.

As guests arrived for cocktails in the gardens at Greenacres, they enjoyed music from a string quartet and were greeted by servers passing specialty drinks named after the bride and groom’s movie roles – Cowboy Colton and Miss Tracy. Everyone found their way to the floral framed escort card wall. As calligraphy played a major role in the overall design of the paper, this wall featured their favorite bible verse written in a beautiful hand and personalized table cards with handsome wax seals of a cross. The white lacquer dance floor under the trees set the stage for the first dance. Inside the tent, there was a mix of round, square, and long tables with white linens in varying textures of lace, beading, and/or embroidery. We used grey/silver and blush as accent colors and had smoke and blush wine glasses at each place setting. Personalized menu cards were tucked inside the dinner napkins which were embroidered with the bride’s new monogram and hand tied with a simple, chic, silk ribbon. Florals and candles abounded. A black and white montage of cinematic weddings and a black and white checkered dance floor furthered the Old Hollywood theme. We also brought in lucite Napoleon-style chairs, another nod to days of old.

As Lauren and Josh are dancers, dancing was definitely a focus. They wanted their first dance to be EPIC and had a very specific vision of the dance floor outside under the trees with everyone circled around. The dance was very similar to the famous dance in one of their favorite films “White Christmas” which premiered in 1954. The choreography created some challenges due to space restrictions on site but we made it work and it was magnificent. Unbeknownst to guests, a massive tree branch had fallen on the outdoor dance floor just moments before arrivals began. We had covered the dance floor as we were anticipating rain up until the last second so that covering saved the floor and, as we were on an actual working farm, a tractor, trailer, and chainsaws arrived almost immediately to cart off the debris in the knick of time! Having a high energy band was also a priority and Liquid Blue delivered on all fronts. Every single guest was on the dance floor from youngest to oldest! The bride & groom departed in a vintage 1963 Rolls Royce while guests waved goodbye, fanning “Lauren (heart) Josh” embroidered handkerchiefs – keepsakes from the evening..

the Vendor Collective

• Photography: Jonnie + Garrett + Amber Bridges Studios
• Planner: Lindsey Baer Company
• Venue: Greenacres Arts Center
• Sweet Treats: Happy Chicks Bakery
• Floral Design: Robin Wood Flowers
• Catering + Beverages: Eat Well Celebrations and Feasts
• Invitations: Cheree Berry Paper
• Music + Entertainment: Liquid Blue Band
• Decor + Rentals: All Occasions Event Rental, Linens: La Tavola Linen + Nuage Designs, Napkins: BBJ Linen, Tent Draping: Fitz the Occasion
• Transportation: Executive Transportation
• Calligraphy: Calligraphy, The Write Way
• Sound: Prestige AV & Creative Services
• Lighting: Vincent Lighting
• Valet: Sharp’s Valet