1. Real Weddings

An Outdoor Wedding in Columbia, MO

A mutual friend and coworker gets the credit for bringing Leah Lenox (29 and a bank vice president) and Erich Podzinski (29 and in commodities hedging

A mutual friend and coworker gets the credit for bringing Leah Lenox (29 and a bank vice president) and Erich Podzinski (29 and in commodities hedging) together. Erich had just moved to North Carolina, where Leah was also working at the time. A friend gave Erich’s email address to Leah and the two eventually met for dinner. They dated four months before getting engaged. “When you know, you know,” says Leah. The Bride Leah Lenox, 29, bank vice president The Groom Erich Podzinski, 29, in commodities hedging The Date September 20 One day, as Leah was leaving the gym, she noticed a large jewelry box in her driver’s seat. The box was empty, but attached to the lid were directions to a scavenger hunt. The game eventually led her to the tennis courts where the couple spent lots of time together. That’s where she found Erich down on one knee.

Scattered rose petals and flickering votive candles adorned the escort card table.
Crystal chandeliers and lots of pillar candles cast a romantic glow inside the tent. The mother of the bride’s personal collection of antique urns and punchbowls were used for an array of centerpieces.
Punched-out banner letters spelled out the word LOVE above the bride and groom as they exchanged vows.
A 20-piece orchestra from Chicago played one of the couple’s favorite songs for their first dance—“Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts.
Out-of-town guests were greeted with a bottle of wine and a welcome box filled with edible goodies, a personalized bottle opener and custom maps with directions to each event.
Green hydrangeas and soft-pink roses represented the colors of the day. The blooms were tucked into silver julep cups for a formal look.
The ceremony was held in the bride’s mother’s backyard. The couple stood on the steps to exchange vows, while guests were seated in chairs facing the gardens.
Three large, tiered flower arrangements in antique vases adorned the escort card table at the entrance of the tent. Staggered candelabras provided dramatic lighting to the cards below.
Green satin bows streamed from the bridesmaids’ bouquets of white roses, green hydrangeas and mums.