Timeless and incredibly chic, Amy and Randy’s wedding at the DoubleTree Youngstown is an elegant gem! Modern, eye-catching details were infused throughout the day, which started with a clean color palette of black, white, gray, gold, and blush. The bride looked striking in a form-fitting, beaded Badgley Mishcka wedding dress from Bridal Beginning while statement-making white orchids made appearances in Amy’s bouquet and the other floral arrangements. But while the physical elements of their day were stunning, the meaning behind the celebration was equally as beautiful. The pair really wanted the day to represent the blending of their families, and did so by incorporating their three kids in their sand-pouring ceremony and having them join them at their sweetheart table. The venue itself was chosen because Amy’s father owns and operates Bistro 1907 by Mark Canzonetta, the exclusive restaurant at the hotel. After catering every wedding there, he now got to cater his own daughter’s. How sweet is that?! And you better believe the menu was carefully chosen and mouth-watering. It consisted of Italian-inspiration selections to represent Amy’s heritage and the city of Youngstown’s rich Italian history. Champagne was swapped for limoncello, fresh rosemary accented each place setting, and there was plenty of freshly baked focaccia. All-star wedding planner Lorenda Howell Events recalls that her favorite parts of the day were Amy’s first looks with family members and her first touch with Randy, proving that even with all the prettiness, the moments during a wedding day are irreplaceable. You’re in for a real treat with these magazine-worthy images from Kristi Telnov Photography!
About the Couple
Randy and Amy, along with their three teenage children, really showed the meaning of love. This story didn’t just speak to the newlyweds, but it spoke to both blended families. They went above and beyond to put their modern family on display. At the reception, Amy and Randy had a sweetheart table, but they made the table large enough to seat them and their children. Not only was the couple blending their families, but the bride also comes from a blended family herself. She showed unity during dinner by allowing her father and stepfather to split duties – one did the welcome and the other did the blessing.
About the Wedding
From the wedding planner…
Randy and Amy were super laid back. They knew what they wanted but they were not fussy. They went for a very clean, modern, and timeless feel with a touch of edginess. We wanted the guests to see a statement flower – the orchid – incorporated throughout the design elements. The bride liked the idea of seeing lots of white and black with a dash of blush here and there throughout the reception space. We also played up the venue’s gold accents to really bring it all together.
The couple’s chosen location plays a big role in their lives. This bride’s father owns the exclusive restaurant that is on the first floor of the hotel. This was extremely special for her father because after catering every wedding in the hotel, he now got to make this one extra special for his little girl. The bride left every food decision to her father – no tasting, no selections, simply a surprise menu on the wedding. She trusted her father to do what he does best, and he did just that.
Given the Italian history of the city of Youngstown and the father of the bride being so proud of his heritage, the menu reflected just as much. Cocktail hour was presented with the largest antipasto display you have ever seen, and dinner was no different. We kept our goal of have every person experience a small piece of Italy in mind and we started with rosemary, a popular Italian herb, and placed a fresh, delicate sprig at each place setting. Instead of the traditional champagne toast, we opted for limoncello. In Italy, after every meal you are served a shot glass of limoncello to cleanse your palette. At the end of dinner, each glass was filled with the Italian imported limoncello as we began toasts. After speeches, all guests got a final taste of Italy.
Favorite Moment
From the wedding planner…
The first looks and the first touch. Amy was so chill and relaxed all day. Nothing bothered her and there were really no tears from her at all. She did a first look with her dad and another with her grandma, which was particularly meaningful for Amy as her grandma bought her wedding dress for her. The first touch was interesting because Amy was so calm. Walking to the location where she was going to have the first touch was “no biggie,” as she put it, but the moment she touched Randy, the tears began flowing.
