New Year’s Eve Cleveland Wedding

Where do I even begin with this wedding? Rachel and Jeff wanted their wedding to be “vintage with a modern twist,” and brought in just the right amount of gold and Art Deco influence to carry out their dream. They found the absolute ideal location for their vision in Cleveland’s The Arcade, which is so beyond gorgeous and steeped in history that it has its own place on the National Register of Historic Places. With Suzuran Photography behind the camera and Lisa Daniel Floral Design in control of the stunning flowers, this is a wedding Daisy Buchanan would surely envy.

From the bride, Rachel: We envisioned a wedding that was vintage with a modern twist. The venue alone is spectacular so I made sure not to take away from that. The Arcade is a classic since 1890 and was one of the first large-scale indoor mercantile center in the United States. It was the first building in Cleveland and the 9th in the country to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its elegant grandeur was the reason for choosing a New Year’s Eve wedding. So after picking a venue with such beautiful architectural details full of history and securing our New Year’s Eve date, I envisioned a party rich in glitz, glam and all things that sparkle. I went to school for merchandising and have a love for all things vintage so there was a ton of fun had when stylizing the details. I chose items/decorations I knew I could use as accessories in my house after the wedding. There were even a few unsuccessful times when Jeff tried to talk me out of taking pieces from our home to use as stylized items for the wedding.

Bouquet recipe: Light pink/peach/white tulips, brunia berries, pink proteas, seeded eucalyptus, dusty miller, sage, white ranunculus, champagne roses, garden roses (light pinks and peaches), spray roses, air plants, succulents, white stock, peach, light pink peonies, waxflower, anemones.

As for a color scheme, I’ve also been pretty obsessed with anything gold for the past few years so I knew that was an absolute must. Other than that, I told my bridesmaids that I wanted them to wear all different dresses and to envision a glitzed out New Year’s Eve, over-the-top kind of party full of texture, sequins and glitter. I gave them a few inspirational photos to run with along with my pinterest board but of course had the final say. Oh, did I forget to mention that I planned everything from sunny South Florida? Since I couldn’t be home in Ohio to go dress shopping with my girls, I figured this would be easier to let them pick out a dress they’d actually wear again. Thank goodness for technology! When it came down to seeing them all together in their dresses the day of the wedding, I couldn’t have envisioned it better.

I bought all of my bridesmaids vintage hankies and stitched “no ugly crying” on them. My mother and grandmas got “I love you” ones. Mom helped with a lot. She found the large alarm clock neon and removed the old diner looking photo with an engagement photo of Jeff and I done by Sondra Kelly at NE Meadow Studio (not sure if you need any of these photos or not) and then proceeded to slathered it in gold paint. I gave her inspiration photos and ideas and she ran with it. She made the “Pop, Fizz, Clink” sign along with the “Happy New Year” sign. Then lastly the fun glittery gold arrows that pointed guests in the right direction. My mom enlisted my brother-in-law’s artsy brother to make the Arcade/Rachel and Jeff’s New Year’s Eve Wedding sign as well. He did it by hand after looking at our wedding invitation.

See Also

European Charm and Timeless Beauty in this Historic Salubria Editorial

Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? Stay true to who you are. One of the greatest compliments I received was about how the wedding was so “Jeff and Rachel”. Having said that, as you are planning the wedding of your dreams, flash forward 30 plus years and ask yourself the tough question, am I going to like that aspect or look back and think what was I thinking? Also, don’t be afraid to use everyday, household items to help stylize your big day. It should be an inviting environment that spews “Jeff and Rachel” or “Mary and Joseph” or whomever you may be!

Wedding Music:
Processional: “Arrival of Birds and Transformation,” Cinematic Orchestra
Recessional: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” The Beach Boys
Bride/Groom Entrance: “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” Wham
First Dance: “Oceans,” Hillsong United
Cake Cutting: “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve,” Ella Fitzgerald
Garter Toss: “Addicted to Love,” Robert Palmer
Bouquet Toss: “Settle Down,” No Doubt

Wedding Location: Cleveland, OH / Photographer: Suzuran Photography / Flowers: Lisa Daniel Floral Design / Wedding Venue: The Arcade / Wedding Dress: Anna Maier via Chic Parisien, Coral Gables, FL / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Earrings: Kate Spade / Cocktail Ring and Hair Brooch: Henri Bendel / Reception Dress: A 1950s dress I found at a high end vintage consignment store in Boca Raton, FL. I never anticipated changing out of my beautiful wedding dress, however I went to the store looking for a shower/rehearsal dinner dress and the owner wouldn’t let me leave without trying it on after explaining to her that I was getting married on New Year’s Eve. It fit me like a glove and the rest was history. / Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse, Black by Vera Wang / DJ: DJ Larry / Wedding Invitations and Save the Dates: DIY and then sent off to a local printer