French-Inspired Country Club Toledo Wedding

Though Shawn Stierwalt (29 and a senior account manager) and Corey Calhoun (28 and a technical product manager) found inspiration in the romantic, structured gardens of France when wedding planning, substance topped style in the list of priorities. “More than anything, we wanted the day to be filled with meaningful moments,” Shawn says. Those moments included Corey’s cousin reading a poem written by his late grandpa, the pair memorizing their vows (which took daily practice) and taking a ride in a 1939 Pontiac for a little alone time.
Before tying the knot, Shawn and Corey showed out- of-towners the thrill of Fifth Third Wheel. The pair chose a bold, bright theme for the party, a contrast to the airy color palette of their wedding. “We had an adults- only reception, so the baseball game was a great opportunity to spend quality time with the little ones,” Shawn says. While looking back at photos, Shawn and Corey discovered nearly identical baseball pics —missing teeth included, so the throwback photos topped tables.
Shawn’s bridesmaids cheered her on in a mix of different soft-blue gowns. “I chose the fabric and the color, but let the girls choose their favorite style,” she says. “Frankly, I’m usually the one in need of fashion help. Picking specific outfits for my stylish, beautiful friends didn’t feel right—why start now?” Shawn and Corey greeted loved ones with gifts representing some of their favorite things. Garrett Popcorn honored their current home of Chicago, and Shriver’s salt water tay paid tribute to the Ocean City vacays of Corey’s childhood. Shawn’s mom made her legendary chocolate chip cookies, and Shawn worked with her to draft the welcome pamphlet, which detailed all of their favorite local hangouts.
Tall arrangements of peonies, lisianthus, hydrangeas and greenery towered over tables at the reception. The newlyweds surprised guests with a choreographed dance to “Can’t Take My Eyes O of You” by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. “We ended up genuinely enjoying the dance lessons as we learned,” Shawn says. Guests ate slices of yellow cake with white chocolate, raspberry and chocolate-hazelnut buttercream.