A Magical Cleveland Christmas Wedding

A Magical Cleveland Christmas Wedding

Lauren and Jon’s festive Cleveland Christmas wedding at the Union Club was all about wintry Cleveland in December.

Please enjoy, Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer

A Cleveland Christmas wedding is always a beautiful thing with the lights and greenery and all of the wonderful visuals.
Lauren and Jon were excited about the beauty of the Union Club when they decorate for Christmas as week as the Cathedral of St. Jon the Evangelist. She also wanted the library for some portrait time and I knew some photos at Public Square would also be a good idea.

Lauren did such a wonderful job sharing with me about their Cleveland Christmas wedding so I will do that same.

Here’s how it all started with their engagement from Lauren: “Jon proposed the previous December under the illuminated bicentennial tree on the campus of Western Reserve Academy in Hudson. We loved being engaged during the holiday season and having a Christmas wedding built off that wonderful experience.

“The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is my parish and we have frequently attended mass here together since we started dating. One day my niece, Guiliana, a Junior bridesmaid, asked Jon if he would everconvert to Catholicism and, to my surprise, he actually was in the process of converting at that time!

“The priest that guided Jon to becoming a Catholic, Rev. Jeffrey S. Liptak of St. Basil the Great, was our celebrant and provided the most personalized wedding ceremony since he knew us well as a
couple. This past summer he baptized Boone, Jon’s son.

“The Cathedral, with its gorgeous gothic revival style architecture and beautiful Christmas decorations, was the focal point of the wedding and the rest of the day revolved around it.

“The Union Club, which is a timeless and elegant venue, paired well with its stunning architecture, historic charm, and grand chandeliers for the reception. The Christmas decorations were an incredible
backdrop and gave a fun, festive, and magical vibe to the evening. Having a deep appreciation for architecture, art history, and a vintage aesthetic, both venues were perfect for the day.

“We opted to have photos in downtown Cleveland at the Public Library due to the notable history, impressive architecture, and vast amount of literature it offers. Both of Jon’s parents were teachers andI have been devoted to increasing children’s literacy skills as a school psychologist so it was an excellent fit.

“Public Square has the most joyous lights at Christmas time, so we had to have photos there no matter how cold or windy it was! These photos will give us the best holiday memories year after year!

There’s so much more she shared but I don’t want to delay seeing the photos. Or did everyone look at the photos and come back to the story?

Lauren’s mother Linda helped with the dress.

Lauren’s mother Richard walked her down the aisle. I love her reaction when the doors opened!

This is my favorite crop of the first photo in the blog although the beginning has to have a horizontal so you get two versions!

I LOVE this moment with Jon and his son Boone during the toasts.

Another fun moment when Boone arm wrestled with Dustin and his father talked with Rachel.

Santa hats were passed out while Bruce Springsteen’s “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” played. This was wonderfully coordinated with the Bearded DJ and set the stage for the rest of the evening.

“My group of high school friends surprised me by coming onto the dance floor together with poms in the colors of our alma mater, West Geauga High School, while the DJ played Omi’s song “Cheerleader”. This was AWESOME and so incredibly touching! Cheerleading has been a huge part of my life, having been a former cheerleader and coaching football and competitive cheerleading for a long time.”

Officiant: Rev. Jeffrey S. Liptak
Ceremony: The Cathedral of St John the Evangelist
Reception: Union Club
Catering: Union Club
DJ: Cleveland Music Group – the Bearded DJ
Cake and cookies: Luna Bakery Cafe, Corbos, Kelsey Elizabeth, & Jeannette Courtright -former cheer mom of mine from ALHS
Florist: Countryside Florist of Richfield
Dress: Brides By the Falls
Suit: Men’s Warehouse
Bride’s shoes: Sam Edelman
Groom’s shoes: Men’s Warehouse
Engagement Rings: Broestl & Wallis
Wedding bands: Bride – Broestl & Wallis; Groom – Will’s Jewelers
Hair: Hair & Make up Cleveland – Alysaa
Makeup: Cleveland Beauty Collective – Riley
Wedding coordinator: All Events Planned – Jackie
Signage-invites and seating: Minted and Etsy
Linens etc.: Union Club
Bus: Platinum Party Bus
Assistant: Amy Kuntz