A Cozy, Autumnal Wedding at a Private Home in Catawba Island, Ohio

“We’ve always enjoyed the slower, beautiful months of fall, so we wanted to have an autumn-inspired wedding,” Lauren Barone (29 and an anesthesiologist) says of her and Max Rybakov (34 and a subcontractor) waterfront affair, which took place at her parents’ cliffside home on Lake Erie.

The groom’s family lives in Russia, so their parents met just days before the couple exchanged vows on nearby Put-in-Bay island, where Max’s sister recited a Russian reading. “A ferry is needed to get to and from the island, so we thought it’d be a fun experience for our guests,” Lauren says. “The ride back after our ceremony was one of our favorite parts of our wedding day.”

“The view of the lake with its islands, ferries and golden sunsets is truly magical,” Lauren says of their waterfront locale.

Bridesmaids clutched organic bundles of burgundy dahlias, hypericum berries and kangaroo paws offset by a variety of neutral blooms and greenery.

To create a cozy autumnal atmosphere, the couple paired deep burgundy hues with soft neutrals and seasonal greenery. The tented reception featured white pumpkins and wood accents aglow with twinkling café lights and candles. Wine-barrel bars and an Italian cookie table honored the bride’s heritage, while Moscow Mules were made from Russian vodka as a nod to the groom’s background.

The bride’s aunt made the Italian-style carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and topped it with olive leaves and white ranunculus.