On Richard Alan Myers’ first date with Monica Yvonne Holmes, two men walked by their table to tell him he was the luckiest guy in the restaurant since he was with the prettiest girl in the whole joint. Though she was embarrassed, Monica laughed it off with Richard – who knew they were right. On Mother’s Day one year, Richard proposed to Monica with her daughter using flash cards. “It was very beautiful and unique since it was a proposal from him, but also a Mother’s Day tribute from my daughter,” she shares. 

Since the betrothed had their engagement party in downtown Youngstown, Ohio, where they reside, they knew the location would also be perfect for their big day. Recognizing the importance of hiring a wedding planner, Monica and Richard relied on Lorenda Howell of Lorenda Howell Events to offer her expertise throughout the process – which unfortunately included working through a postponement due to the pandemic. 

To honor the bride’s love of Paris as well as blush and rose gold tones, a glamorous style and romantic color scheme of ivory, blush and rose gold, with hints of yellow gold, was incorporated throughout. The ceremony took place at a grand downtown auditorium in an impressive space with gorgeous herringbone wood floors. Guests were seated on either side of a custom aisle runner designed by The Original Runner Company, which was lined with collections of candles, white flower petals, and luxe suspended crystals. 

The bride was gorgeous in a trumpet gown featuring a lovely layered skirt, sheer neckline and cap sleeves, and an embellished bodice. She carried a bouquet of roses dotted with pearls and crystals down the aisle to meet her groom beneath a stunning arch embellished with oversized flowers by floral and event designer Joe Mineo Creative. The service included the lighting of a unity candle, a romantic exchange of vows, and a special vow from the groom to Monica’s daughter, “who is now our daughter,” she confirms. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the entire room.” At the end of the ceremony, the newlyweds took part in the “jumping of the broom” tradition to honor the bride’s culture. 

“We came in dancing full of love, gratitude, and energy... We were pumped!”

Friends and family then made their way to a nearby hotel for the reception. A ballroom overlooking the city was adorned with elegant décor in shades of ivory and blush, with glamorous crystal details throughout. Centerpieces were comprised of blush and ivory roses that were either suspended from large candelabras or interspersed between high and low glass candlesticks that emitted a warm glow all night. Silver chargers displayed a modern rose motif to add personality to the tablescapes, as did monogrammed menus. 

When it was time to join their loved ones in the ballroom reception, Monica and Richard’s grand entrance celebrated their love for one another and set the tone for the entire evening. “We came in dancing full of love, gratitude, and energy!” says the bride. “We were pumped!” Libations were served from a beautiful white bar decorated with cascading ivory orchids, crystals, and even opulent ostrich feathers, and friends and family were served a delectable dinner service. Slices of a seven-layer ivory wedding cake with rose gold trim and cascading blush roses were enjoyed, along with sweets displayed atop tiered stands on an impressive dessert table that kept in line with the ivory, blush, and gold color palette. 

The rest of the night was spent on the lit-up dance floor, thanks in part to the couple’s choice of wedding favors: roll-up flats as “a little treat for their tired dancing feet,” shares the bride of their gift to guests. After having to postpone their wedding due to Covid, Monica and Richard’s advice for other couples rings especially true: “Remind yourself why you’re getting married, often,” urges Monica. “It’s about the love you two have for each other. At the end of the day, that’s all that really matters.”