1. Real Weddings

A Simple Wedding at the Renaissance Hotel in Columbus, Ohio

Abby Hagen (27, a healthcare administrator) and BJ Everson (29, an investment professional) had their first date on Valentines Day, and continued to d

Abby Hagen (27, a healthcare administrator) and BJ Everson (29, an investment professional) had their first date on Valentines Day, and continued to date until they made it an exclusive relationship. Two years later, the couple was going out to diner one night when BJ suggested they stop by the Renaissance Hotel to see a friend. They ended up wandering to the pool deck to check out the city view, where BJ proposed to Abby with a bottle of wine, two glasses and a diamond ring. So it was no coincidence that the couple decided to have their wedding at the same exact hotel and in the same exact spot where they became officially engaged. Abby and BJ were both from German Village in Ohio and wanted to stay loyal to where their roots were. They hired all local businesses in the area for all their wedding essentials and needs, including their wedding cake designer, hair and makeup artist, and even the wedding venue itself! The celebratory elements were decked out in a color palette of black, white, gray and aqua, ranging from the wedding invitations to the bride and her bridesmaid’s shoes. The couple chose to have a unique and elegant assortment of cupcakes in addition to, which guests easily worked off by dancing to music played by the DJ all night long.

“We found an aqua ribbon at Lady M who did all of our stationary, and that ribbon color was carried through from the invitations all the way to our shoe color,” says Abby.
Abby wore a pair of blue heels embellished in sparkly sequins on the wedding day.
“My dress was a silvery-white strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline,” says Abby. “It was a fit 'n flare with a drop waist, and I added a beaded belt. I wore my hair down and curled, with two diamond studded headbands and a veil.”
Bridesmaids held an assortment of peach and yellow roses with an aqua blue bouquet wrap.
“The bridesmaid dresses were silver with a bit of a shimmer and had a black sash,” says Abby. “My sister and Matron of Honor wore a black dress with a silver sash. All of my bridesmaids and I wore aqua shoes that we had dyed together to match.”
The groom and his groomsmen all wore matching black tuxedos with plaid ties and pocket squares.
“We had our wedding at the Renaissance Hotel out on the pool deck in the exact spot that we got engaged,” says Abby. “We chose this spot for the views and the urban feel.”
White, Black and Blue Ceremony Programs
The ceremonial aisle was lined with blush floral pomanders, which were attached to the black folding chairs lined up for the occasion.
Couple Getting Married on Rooftop
Bride and Groom with Dog
Couple Shot Against Colorful Wall
Simple Black, White and Blue Escort Cards
Social Media Sharing Reception Card
A custom-made table number had an urban photo backdrop, which was positioned in front of the white hydrangea flower centerpiece.
Personalized Silver Forks and Serving Set
The two-tiered ivory wedding cake had the couple's last name initial as a silver wedding topper, which was all covered by a glass piece
Bride and Groom First Dance