Courtney & Chase || Peterloon Estate

The short version: We met at a bar on New Years through friends. 
Extended version: We saw each other randomly 3 days in a row (with the first being the bar on New Years). On the second day, Chase didn’t recognize/acknowledge me. He had a perfect spot at a crowded bar on the third day. I reintroduced myself (and joined him at his excellent spot at the bar for a drink), and he finally asked for my number after a night of drinks with friends, dancing, and late-night pizza. 
The Proposal: Chase proposed on my birthday (July 25), 2019. We went to my favorite restaurant, Sotto, with one of my best friends and my dad, and he proposed when we got home- just the two of us. 

Our wedding day was perfect! After tracking the weather all week, it turned out to be 75 and sunny- the perfect spring day.
The day started with Hair and Makeup in the Bridal Suite with my bridesmaids and mom- an 8am wake-up call! We made a Starbucks run and shared mimosas, breakfast, and lunch while we got ready. My mom and sister helped me into my dress, and I loved having my bridesmaids walk in afterward and see me in my dress – many for the first time.
The Groomsmen met Chase at our condo in Covington and shared a bottle of Pappy bourbon that Chase had been saving for this day.
We met by our condo to do a first look. It was special doing it in a place we walk every day. Every time I walk down that street, I think of our first look. Chase was surprised by my dress as it was not what he expected, but he loved it and even got teary-eyed seeing me in it. After our first look, our dog met us for some pictures looking as cute as could be in her flower necklace our florist made for her. We then took some wedding party pictures before heading to the venue.
Once we arrived at Peterloon, we took family and more wedding party pictures before heading inside as guests started to come. It was so fun peeking out the window as guests arrived and took their seats at the ceremony.
During the guest’s arrival, we had a violinist in the courtyard and one of our favorite local musicians, Cybele, playing in the ceremony space. Cybele made all of our ceremony music which was so special. I had not shown any guests even a picture of my dress, so it was fun to walk down the aisle and have them see it for the first time.
One of our good friends officiated the wedding and made our ceremony very personalized to us, which was unique. After the ceremony, we went into the Bridal Suite at Peterloon to have a private moment- just the 2 of us. Our planner also brought us a plate of appetizers and a drink each. From there, we got to mingle during cocktail hour.
One of my favorite parts of the day was towards the end of cocktail hour. Our venue was a blank canvas, and we put up a tent and chose the draping, lighting, and all the details that went into it. We had not seen the end product, and at the end of cocktail hour, before guests entered the tent, our planner pulled the two of us into the tent to see it. I immediately started crying (along with my planner). I was so overwhelmed- in the best way- by how it all came together. It exceeded my expectations.
Garnish catering makes our food personal by adding some Arabic touches, as Chase’s family is Arabic. The food was great, the speeches were funny and heartfelt, and then we danced the night away… and had some late-night LaRoasa’s delivered for all! (Chase is a franchise owner of LaRosa’s, so we had to have pizza!)
The day was perfect, and I wish we could relive it again. Our original date was October 3, and we postponed due to COVID. It was long-awaited and all worth it. Safety and fun were top priorities, and both were achieved!

My experience at Bridal and Formal was AMAZING! The entire staff so was helpful, friendly, and welcoming. They had many dresses, which was great since I didn’t know what I wanted. Not only did I get my dress there, but I ultimately returned and got my bridesmaid’s dresses, earrings, headpiece, and veil, all from Bridal and Formal. The selection is terrific, and it was lovely to try everyone on in the store with my dress.
I worked with Katelyn, and she was the best! (Stacy was also super helpful.) They were so attentive and great at understanding what I liked and didn’t. This ultimately led to Katelyn pulling the perfect dress for me! She wasn’t pushy and knew I had other appointments. She wanted me to be sure it was “the dress.” I went back 2 days later and bought it.

Wedding Location: Cincinnati, OH
Ceremony & Reception Location: Peterloon Estate
Bridal Gown: L’amour by Calla Blanche, style Tatum
Bridal Veil: PARIS by Debra Moreland, style Web of Love
Bridal Headpiece: PARIS by Debra Moreland, style Autumn Leaves
Bridal Earrings: PARIS by Debra Moreland, style Cod Fish Ball
Bridesmaids Gowns: The Dessy Group, style 1526, all in the Cameo color
Photography: Kortnee Kate
Wedding Planner: Samantha Joy Events
Flowers: Floral V
Groom’s Tux: Custom from Jeffrey Bartlett
Groomsmen Tux: The Black Tux
Catering: Garnish
Hair & Makeup: Simply Makeup & Hair
Dress Alterations: Sew Special