A Colorful, Late-Summer Backyard Wedding at a Private Home in Perrysburg, Ohio

Because the bride always envisioned a wedding on the Maumee River, Maude Kasperzak (creative director at Charm City Cakes) and Zachary Wimberly (29 and a buyer at Whole Foods) hosted a late-summer soirée on the verdant grounds of her grandmother’s home.

“Getting married in the formal garden definitely set the theme for our day,” Maude says of their botanical-inspired nuptials. “Zachary also works part time at the Baltimore Conservatory and loves plants, so we wanted everything to feel lush and beautiful.” A Florida native, the groom worked with the florist to incorporate tropical Birds of Paradise into the vibrant bouquets.

As a nod to the garden setting, Maude’s gown featured cherry blossom embroidery.

“Our ceremony was so elegant that we wanted our reception to embody a more fun and modern feel,” Maude says to describe their open-air celebration. Patterned green linens set an upbeat tone and were topped with bright blooms and gold accents. A cake designer by trade, the bride also created three ultra-colorful confections for the occasion. 

The stationery’s subtle botanical elements hinted at the day’s theme.

The night’s festivities kicked off with a riverside cocktail hour featuring hors d’oeuvres re-created from the bride’s mother’s own recipes. Later, the groom sang “My Girl” with the band, and the evening concluded with a stunning fireworks display followed by an impromptu after-party. “We didn’t want the fun to end!”

“We wanted our flowers to be bold,” Maude says of the mini arrangements that doubled as escort cards.