1. Real Weddings

A Glamorous Ballroom Wedding at The Westin Columbus in Columbus, Ohio

Natalie D’Onofrio (25, a regional manager) and Michael Kraynak (27, risk management) attended the same middle school but didn’t get to know each other

Natalie D’Onofrio (25, a regional manager) and Michael Kraynak (27, risk management) attended the same middle school but didn’t get to know each other until one summer break when they came home from college. They started hanging out and began to date for the next six years. One morning, Michael told Natalie he wanted to go out for coffee where they had their first date, and that's when Michael proposed to Natalie. The couple had strong faith in God, so they wanted to have their ceremony at The Church at Mill Run where they both attended service. Following the ceremony was the reception at The Westin Columbus to have their elegant wedding, which has a beautiful ballroom with rows of ceiling lights and gold drapery to have their elegant, traditional celebration at. Since Natalie works at a friend’s bridal store, she custom-made her ivory wedding dress with off the shoulder sleeves and a full skirt. The groom and his groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos, while the bridesmaids wore long gold dresses. The couple chose a color palette of ivory and gold with touches of pink, decorating the space with ideas based off of the wedding binder that Natalie created. “I would rip out pages of The Knot with ideas, inspirations and pictures of things I liked,” says Natalie. “My mom and I brainstormed a lot about how we could personalize things and keep them traditional, but add elements of fun!”

The bride wore a pink pair of heels with a pointed toe and a unique design for the ankle strap.
Bridal Makeup and Down Hairstyle
Natalie designed her own wedding dress with off the shoulder laced sleeves and a puffy, elegant skirt. “I was working part-time at a bridal store that my friend owned,” says Natalie. “I had always wanted a ball gown with lace sleeves, and I couldn't find that gown anywhere, so I made it!”
Rack of Gold Sequined Bridesmaids Dresses
“For my bridesmaids gowns, I wanted to have them wear gold,” says Natalie. “Sticking with the traditional wedding style, the groom, his men and our fathers all wore black tuxedos.”
“I have always wanted to get married in a church, so our ceremony was held at our church, The Church at Mill Run,” says Rachel. “I have attended this church my whole life and I always wanted to get married there.”
First Kiss in Black and White
As Natalie and Michael exited the church ceremony, guests stood on either side of them and threw petals in the air, celebrating the couples marriage.
Natalie and Michael stood with their wedding party. The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos and bridesmaids wore long blush dresses with gold sequin on top.
Couple Posing with Natural Green Backdrop
Intimate Shot of Married Couple
“We decided to have our wedding reception at The Westin Columbus,” says RacheI. “Not only do they have an outstanding ballroom, but the rest of the hotel is picturesque and they have wonderful service. It was an easy decision to choose The Westin.”
Glamorous Ballroom at The Westin Columbus
Reception tables were dressed in white linens and surrounded by gold chiavari chairs. Gold candelabras were positioned in the middle of the table, filled with ivory hydrangeas and roses.
A lush assortment of ivory hydrangeas and roses were arranged on top of a gold candelabra, decorating each of the reception tables.
The ivory wedding cake was decorated with an assortment of blush and ivory roses. “We had a six-tiered wedding cake that had layers of a traditional wedding cake flavor and mocha chocolate,” says Natalie.
First Dance at Ballroom Reception