Years before they started dating, Katie Easton’s mom and Peter DelMedico’s late grandfather once prayed during a high-school soccer game that Katie and Peter could be the tie for their two Italian Akron families. “Even back then, Peter was already an Easton family favorite!” smiles Katie. The couple went on their first date during college and after Katie graduated, they lived together in San Francisco before moving back to their home state of Ohio. On New Year’s Eve, Peter proposed while visiting their old stomping grounds in the Golden State surrounded by lifelong friends. 

When deciding where to exchange vows, it was clear to both Katie and Peter that they should say “I do” in their hometown. “We are both kids from Akron, and we are so proud of where we grew up,” smiles Katie. “It made it so special to share this with our people through all walks of life.” When their original venue fell through, Katie’s papa graciously offered his backyard and began the search for the best tent in Ohio. “It was the most wonderful backyard oasis! It felt like a tribute to our childhood – a wonderful place to bring everyone together,” the bride adds of the stunning private estate featuring gorgeous, manicured gardens. 

Katie was a vision of bridal beauty in an elegant strapless gown featuring a whimsical vine embroidery on the bodice and skirt as she made her way down the aisle towards her groom at the altar of the church he grew up attending. The aisle was lined with ivory candles and flower petals, and each pew was decorated with an arrangement of vanilla blossoms tied with white ribbon. At the conclusion of the traditional ceremony, Katie and Peter shared their first kiss as husband and wife. 

“I loved how welcoming and warm everything felt, which as a kindergarten teacher reflects how I always want my students to feel.”

Friends and family then made their way to the family’s estate, first enjoying an alfresco cocktail hour in the gardens. Glasses of wine were playfully displayed on a wall covered in ivy, and additional libations were served from a wooden bar decorated with an embroidered banner showcasing the newlyweds’ monogram. Once attendees entered the stately sailcloth tent, they were wowed by the “light, airy, beautiful, and ornate, yet inviting” décor, describes Katie. “I absolutely loved it!” 

A standout ceiling arrangement of florals and greenery created a statement that brought guests’ attention upward and blended wonderfully with sparkling chandeliers overhead. Friends and family found their seats atop golden chairs surrounding round and rectangular tables strewn with champagne-toned linens and adorned with high and low centerpieces of roses in varying shades of ivory and blush. Gilded place settings and warm candlelight added to the romantic ambience. 

The evening was spent enjoying an entirely Italian menu to honor both of their families, as well as listening to heartfelt speeches from the couple’s nearest and dearest. The bride’s most memorable moments, however, were the pair’s first dance to “Real Contender” by The Dip and seeing everything come together. “Our wedding was special because we allowed everyone to be a part of it,” shares Katie. “I loved how welcoming and warm everything felt, which as a kindergarten teacher reflects how I always want my students to feel.”

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