Though they attended school together, Jordan Pauley and Zach Perkinson were far from high-school sweethearts. They may have been paired off for freshman homecoming court, and Jordan was even close to Zach’s twin sister Katie; however, they never came close to dating. “In high school, Jordan was unattainable…a dream girl if you will,” Zach admits. Yet, eight years later, sparks flew when they ran into each other at a bar in downtown Cincinnati. “Timing is everything,” confirms Zach.

They fell in love quickly, and it was only nine months later that he proposed. “I was in shock and said yes before he could even finish his sentence,” Jordan remembers. Regarding their quick courtship, she notes, “We always say, ‘When ya know, ya know,’” – a phrase that would later be displayed on their wedding cake.

After another nine months, the big day arrived. Everyone had been involved in organizing the occasion. Jordan notes, “I owe everything to my mom and sisters, especially my mom. She sure knows how to throw a party.” Unlike many grooms, Zach participated in every appointment. “Growing up with two sisters and being close to his own mother, this sort of thing came naturally to him,” affirms the bride. “He loved helping me, adding his great sense of style and taking some of the pressure off of me as well.” Her family was there every step of the way, with the father of the bride present when she found her wedding dress as well. “We are all very close on both sides, and it’s such a special thing,” shares Jordan. For the intricate details that could get overwhelming at times, Viva Bella Events was available to handle all of those needs.

A stone pathway in the garden of an estate made for the perfect aisle. Following her bridesmaids dressed in varying shades of navy, burgundy, mauve, and forest green, the bride emerged on the arm of her father. In a romantic, lace A-line gown, she smiled while carrying the full, cascading bouquet of berries, ranunculuses, dahlias, roses, and ferns. Underneath an arch adorned with soft, dusty rose drapery and florals, Jordan and Zach – who wore a midnight blue suit with a marsala bow tie – exchanged traditional vows. Adding a modern element while still embracing family, the couple made a video call to the grandmother of the bride during the ceremony. She wasn’t able to travel for the big day, but they sent her a boutonniere to wear. “The most important thing was letting her know how much she means to us, and she was definitely there in spirit,” says Jordan.

Though the bride and groom got a peek at the reception tent after their “first look,” it was soon time for the rest of the guests to see the lovely space. “It was beautiful – elegant without being too fancy,” illustrates Zach. The same varieties of flowers used in the bouquets were showcased in the centerpieces. Some tables featured navy linens while other wooden farm tables displayed a simple lace runner. Large floral chandeliers with hanging bubble votives were suspended over the head table, which sat 32 attendees – the entire wedding party and their dates. The arrangements were made low in order to allow for easy conversation.

The toasts from the best man and the matrons of honor – both sisters of the bride – were the perfect mix of touching and fun. Due to the close relationship with her father, Jordan was especially moved by his speech. “He has a way of bringing a room of 220 people together,” she adds. Sharing the night with everyone was a key element of the day. “Keeping everything about family and friends was our main goal,” the bride asserts. “While we are celebrating our marriage, we would not be who we are today without every single one of our guests who attended that night. We are forever grateful.” Waving ribbon wands with small bells attached, loved ones wished the newlyweds well as they made their grand exit from the wedding to enter life as a married couple.