Right after moving to Baltimore to start her master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University, Arianna met her future husband, Rick. “I still remember the date vividly,” smiles Arianna. “We actually got married on the five-year anniversary of our first date.” 

As the couple had attended quite a few weddings together leading up to their own, they had an idea of the many small, yet important details involved with planning such a celebration. To help ensure the day was everything they dreamed, they hired A Charming Fête to orchestrate their vision as well as HeatherLily to bring the floral design of their Cleveland wedding to life. 

“It meant a lot to me to have the wedding near where I grew up,” shares Arianna, who was grateful that so many guests traveled from the groom’s home state of Maryland, where the couple also resides. “We wanted to wow them with a beautiful venue like the Cleveland Museum of Art.” 

Arianna walked down the aisle on the arm of her father to “Kiss Me” by Sixpense None the Richer wearing a stunning gown with floral appliqués that complemented her lush bouquet of orchids. Since the museum’s outdoor space is so beautiful on its own, décor was kept minimal with two tall floral arrangements framing the spot for the vow exchange highlighting a fountain and lush park as the backdrop. One of the pair’s dear friends officiated the heartfelt ceremony, which included handwritten vows to make the day even more special. Arianna and Rick walked up the aisle as husband and wife to a string rendition of “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure. 

“I still remember the date vividly. We actually got married on the five-year anniversary of our first date.”

Following an alfresco cocktail hour, loved ones moved inside for an elegant reception showcasing mostly all-white décor, with metallic silver and soft lavender accents. “The venue has a lot of natural light, which was perfect on an almost-summer evening since the sun sets later,” describes Arianna. Once the sun went down, however, elegant candlelight and crystal chandeliers provided a warm, romantic ambience. Long, rectangular tables with mirrored tops were lined with white, single-cut blooms in clear vases, while high and low compilations of white roses and orchids decorated round tables covered in sleek linens. 

While the décor was a work of art all its own, the celebration wasn’t without its share of personalized elements. The signature drink, an orange crush, honored the refreshing summer cocktail beloved by those who live in Baltimore, and an Italian cookie table was filled with sweet treats lovingly made by the bride’s mother, grandmother, and aunt. Loved ones also enjoyed slices of a six-tier wedding cake highlighting lush floral accents in white and light purple before making their way to the dance floor – and later, to the lively after-party that went all night long. 

The bride advises other couples preparing to wed: “Don’t sweat the small stuff and do not worry about anything or anyone besides enjoying the night with your significant other,” she shares. When asked if she followed her own advice, she says, “Yes, and I had the best night ever!”

This real wedding was originally published in the Fall 2024 expanded-digital issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

To order a copy of the Fall 2024 expanded digital edition, visit our library of Inside Weddings digital back issues available for purchase.

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