1. Real Weddings

A Classic, Elegant Wedding at Registry Bistro in Toledo, Ohio

Built as a hotel in the early 1900s, the Registry Bistro combines historic architecture with contemporary design in downtown Toledo, Ohio—the ideal bl

Built as a hotel in the early 1900s, the Registry Bistro combines historic architecture with contemporary design in downtown Toledo, Ohio—the ideal blend for this classic wedding filled with elegant style. "When it came to our wedding venue, we wanted something that was different but also special to us," Andrea Minard (27 and a registered nurse) says of her marriage to Zach Opperman (27 and a registered nurse). "Since we both worked and lived downtown, it was important for us to show that in our wedding venue choice." The couple enjoyed many special occasions at the restaurant, so once they discovered the sophisticated ballroom was available to rent, they booked the space for their ceremony and reception. Andrea and Zach picked out a neutral palette with pops of gold and silver to maintain a timeless look, which fit the white raw space with polished concrete floors and subtle artwork hanging from the walls. Centerpieces filled with white blooms created a clean look for many dining tables, and tall gold candelabras decorated the middle of the head table—a gorgeous display for Andrea, Zach and their wedding party. Our favorite detail was the simple white tiered wedding cake, decorated with fondant gold-tipped peonies that reflected the elegant style of the wedding at large. Check out more of these stylish details that made up this classic wedding, below.

Zach proposed to Andrea with a round-cut diamond set in a thin silver band, purchased from C Sterling. Dee Dee Anderson captured a photo of the engagement ring next to the silver wedding rings exchanged at the ceremony, all placed on the fluffy ruffles of Andrea’s white dress skirt.
Three glass chandeliers hung over the aisle shaped by gold chiavari chairs, leading to the front where Andrea and Zach got married between two romantic flower arrangements.
The ruffled train of Andrea’s mermaid-style dress—designed by Vera Wang and purchased from David’s Bridal—made the bold statement she had envisioned.
The reception took place inside the ballroom at Registry Bistro in Toledo, Ohio, where dining tables dressed in white linens embodied the clean, elegant look Andrea and Zach strived to achieve.
At the reception, white escort cards with gold sparkly strips marked each seat. This followed the overall neutral palette with pops of gold and silver that decorated the day.
The groomsmen and bridesmaids huddled for a group shot with Andrea and Zach. The groomsmen matched Zach, wearing the same black Vera Wang tuxedos and bow ties, while the bridesmaids embodied a modern-chic look with floor-length Vera Wang peplum dresses in a stone color.
Andrea picked out a gorgeous White by Vera Wang dress at David’s Bridal. The gown had a mermaid-style silhouette that flared out at the skirt in layers of ruffles.
Guests approached the escort card table dressed in a gold glittery cloth, where a tall glass vase with ivory hydrangeas and garden roses served as the focal point.
Gorgeous faux peach blossom trees arranged with hydrangeas decorated several of the dining tables at the reception at Registry Bistro in Toledo, Ohio. This added a touch of glitz and glam to the classic dining table displays.
Andrea leaned on one side while Zach posed against the other, revealing the large window in the middle, which let natural light pour into the historic space at Registry Bistro in Toledo, Ohio.
During the reception, friends and family on the dance floor lifted Andrea and Zach up toward the ceiling. Elegant white chandeliers, twinkling string lights and white draped linens hung from above.
The head table stood out from the rest of the dining tables, thanks to the tall gold candelabras decorating the middle. Lit candles gave off a romantic glow, surrounded by smaller flower arrangements filled with ivory blooms.
“For the cake, I wanted a design that was simple, but also had elements of our decor,” Andrea says. “The design was a very simple round three-tier cake, with no embellishments added besides the gold-tipped peony petals made of fondant cascading down the center.”
Andrea and Zach shared their first dance together inside the Registry Bistro in Toledo, Ohio. Andrea’s beautiful white dress with a mermaid-style silhouette flared out into ruffled layers at the bottom, swaying with every step.