1. Real Weddings

Heather & Ryan: A Modern Wedding in Cincinnati, OH

It was one bummer after another at Heather's April student-rep conference in Key West. She had been excited about the conference’s Florida location --

It was one bummer after another at Heather's April student-rep conference in Key West. She had been excited about the conference’s Florida location -- until her boyfriend, Ryan, canceled, leaving her to go alone. On her second night there, her colleagues postponed a dinner meeting for two hours, so an annoyed Heather called Ryan to vent. He tried to calm her down, reminding her to be flexible. When dinnertime finally rolled around, she was stunned to be escorted to a seaside table where Ryan was waiting. “I was in such shock that for once in my life I was speechless,” Heather says. After dinner, he walked her on to the pier and proposed. The Bride Heather Heintz, 26, psychiatry resident The Groom Ryan Dlugosz, 26, software developer The Date June 4 Perfectionist Heather took on planning the wedding herself. The couple chose ivory and black hues to set a classic, elegant tone.

Toasts and blessings rang out between courses and the strawberry-swirl cheesecake, while a jazz band played before a DJ took over for the rest of the night.
Heather's five bridesmaids and one junior bridesmaid wore black satin strapless dresses with ivory sashes, with the flower girl in an ivory dress with a black ribbon sash. Heather wore an A-line corseted ivory gown by Artistic Bridal with an ivory cathedral-length veil that she donned for the ceremony and some early pictures. The groomsmen wore Calvin Klein tuxedoes with black vests and ties, while Ryan wore an ivory vest and tie.
The Reception Decor
The Accessories
The Bridal Bouquet
Heather and Ryan's cake was a five-tiered, strawberry-swirl cheesecake.
The Bridesmaid Bouquets
The First Dance
The Ceremony