1. Real Weddings

A Nautical, Lakefront Wedding at a Private Home in Cleveland, Ohio

From the moment Cristal Hydo (32 and an engineer) and Joe Dillon (34 and a technician) got engaged, they knew they wanted to be

From the moment Cristal Hydo (32 and an engineer) and Joe Dillon (34 and a technician) got engaged, they knew they wanted to be surrounded by their closest friends and family on their wedding day. The Florida-based pair looked to Cristal’s home state of Ohio for their summer affair, planning an intimate, outdoor celebration at Cristal’s parents' home in Cleveland, Ohio, set on the shore of Lake Erie. The fun-loving couple love boating and all things water-related, so a nautical theme was a given right. The day was filled with DIY details that perfectly captured this theme, from the starfish-studded wedding arch to the sailboat and anchor escort cards and the brightly colored bouquets and boutonnieres. The couple even transformed a canoe into a makeshift sailboat that served as a drink cooler for cocktail hour and the reception. Cristal and Joe's family members and friends pitched in to create many of the decorations, giving every detail sentimental meaning. After an intimate ceremony overlooking the water, Cristal, Joe and their families and friends dined on traditional Polish fare popular in the Midwest, including pierogi and kielbasa, and danced under the stars, strands of glowing bistro lights adding an air of undeniable ambiance. The couple made sure their younger guests, including Joe’s 9-year-old daughter, felt included and enjoyed all the festivities as well, providing a children's play area at the front of the home, complete with a bounce house, game center and personalized activity books for each child.

After exchanging vows, the couple and their guests enjoyed cocktail hour overlooking the water. Tables were set up along the patio facing the water and decorated with lanterns and shells to tie into the wedding’s nautical theme. Guests sipped on cool, refreshing beverages and snacked on passed appetizers while taking in the beautiful views.
Nautical Wedding Welcome Sign
Cristal and Joe share a love of the ocean and enjoy doing water-based activities, so a nautical theme and a navy blue and red palette was a given from the start. The escort cards are a perfect example of the seafaring theme; the couple wrote the names and seating assignments of each of their guests on mini paper sailboats and anchors displayed in sand.
Starfish and Fishing Net Wedding Arch
At-Home Waterfront Ceremony
Nautical Striped Bridal Flats
Joe, Cristal, and Joe's daughter, Cheyenne, were on the way to a friend’s house to celebrate New Year's Eve and stopped on the way to pick up tacos from Taco Bell. Joe reached down, in jest, and picked up a hot-sauce packet with the words "Will you marry me?" printed on it. Cristal played along and picked one up that said, "I'm up for it if you are.” Lastly, Cheyenne picked one up that said "Things just got real." They all had a good laugh and finished their tacos. Once they arrived at their friend’s house, Cristal noticed Joe was fumbling around in the car for a few minutes. Cristal came back over to see what was going on, and Joe got down on one knee with the "Will you marry me?" hot-sauce packet and her ring in his hand. After an enthusiastic yes, the couple went into the party to tell their friends and celebrate with champagne.
Getting their younger guests in on the festivities was important to Cristal and Joe, and the couple took strides to ensure guests of all ages had a good time. They created a special play area at the front of the house, complete with a bounce house, game center, pizza and personalized activity books for each child.
Kids' Wedding Coloring Books
Since the wedding was at Cristal’s parents' home, the couple were able to truly make the day their own. They enlisted the help of their family members and friends for many of the details, including a one-of-a-kind sailboat drink cooler. Joe and Cristal’s father and brother-in-law built the cooler themselves, handcrafting a frame for a sail and attaching it to a canoe to create a makeshift sailboat. They loaded it up with ice and refreshing beverages, and added a hand-stitched sail personalized with the couple’s initials as a finishing touch.
The day was filled with plenty of bright elements that spoke to the couple’s love of the ocean. The tables were dressed with navy-and-white-striped linens and the couple decorated their reception chairs with personalized captain and first-mate lifebuoys.
Nautical Striped Ribbon Boutonniere
Garden Ceremony Processional
When choosing their wedding day attire, the couple took the wedding’s season, setting and theme to heart. Cristal chose a striking lace Casablanca Bridal gown in a classic A-line silhouette that exuded elegance, Joe donned a navy jacket and matching waistcoat, a red tie and traditional trousers.
When it came to their guest book, Cristal and Joe did things a little bit differently. Playing off their wedding’s nautical theme, the couple bucked tradition and had their guests write their well wishes and advice for the newlyweds on canoe paddles.
Traditional Sparkler Reception Exit
Cristal and Joe prepared welcome bags for all their guests and had the hotel place them in each room, ready to greet guests upon their arrival. To give guests a preview of the nautical affair to come, they placed local treats, like Buckeye Chocolate and Cleveland beers, in addition to wedding weekend must-haves like Advil and sunscreen, in blue canvas bags decorated with an anchor motif.