Elegant, classic with a hint of flare! Alexa + Drew’s wedding celebration at the Hilton Netherland Plaza was rich in luxurious paper details. From the modern monogram that made an appearance on everything from the main invitation - a blind embossed beauty! - to the ceremony programs, aisle, and even the dance floor! Gold accents and gold calligraphy were just enough to give some shine to the classic black and white palette. Additions that brought their love story to life included custom cocktails and incorporating their sweet dog, Bree into the evening! One of Cincinnati’s most beautiful and historic venues came to life in this stunning winter wedding celebration! Wedding day photography by Jonathan Gibson Photography.

How Alexa + Drew met…

There’s something magical about taking a risk, and Alexa and Drew have taken more than a few together.

Despite meeting on a dating app, the both of them were complete newbies to the world of app-driven dating. That was the first risk. More came after- a bad pickup line, an unintentional ghosting, and countless more as they’ve built a life together. When Drew and Alexa first matched, after Alexa agreed to let a friend swipe on her behalf (a leap of faith if there ever was one!), Drew took a risk with his pickup line. At the time, the lottery was at an all-time high, so naturally he went with: “I bought a lottery ticket this week. It ends up that the winning ticket was actually sold in South Carolina, but that doesn’t matter because I ended up winning so much more by matching with you.”

If it’s your first time using a dating app and someone uses a corny line like that, what do you do? If you’re Alexa, the way forward is clear: reply with a smile, but maybe call him out first.

“Does that line work?” She replied, and then, answering her own question, “I guess it did. I responded, ha.”

From one cheesy line (even Drew can admit that), conversations blossomed. They had things in common. They made each other laugh. Things were going well! They decided to meet up one evening for dinner- 7pm, at a place they both liked.

Fate had helped them find each other in the first place, but fate can also be a nasty conspirator. The night of their date, Alexa was held late at work, with no cell phone service. Drew texted to confirm, and then waited. And waited. And waited. Until 40 minutes later, when a series of apologies came through. Sorry, the texts explained, something came up, the service is bad here, can we please reschedule? Please?

He didn’t even have to think about it. Drew said ok.

Tell us about your wedding stationery vision.

We really wanted something classic with a modern flare. Our monogram was a highlight that we worked with Kristen on for a very long time. The monogramed brought everything together with all the details including on the envelope liners, the dance floor, the back of the menus, welcome signs etc.

What elements/traditions did you incorporate to share your unique love story?

Alexa and Drew are big Bengals fans and wanted to include their home playoff game as much as possible. Drew's groomsmen all received Bengals socks and towels that were big hits not only during the wedding but during the playoff run. The towels came in handy as they were used during the hora in place of traditional linens.

We also had Alexa's uncle officiate the wedding which he also officiated Alexa's brother's wedding and is officiating her sister's in April. We were very conscious on which Jewish elements we wanted to include with Drew being new to Judaism. In our programs we included a Jewish Wedding Traditions section that helped explain the traditions that we kept, including signing the ketubah and a bible that has been passed down for generations in Alexa's family and signed by the brides, why we stood under the chuppah, the breaking of the glass, and the kiddush. We included our two favorite drinks as special cocktails - a manhattan and a gin and tonic with shrubs.

How would you describe the style/vibe of your wedding?

Classic, modern with a flare. Alexa wanted an elegant event with mostly white with gold accents. You can see this on all the details including the dancefloor and the stationery.

Why was the Hilton perfect for your wedding?

From the moment we stepped into the lobby while touring venues, we knew the Hilton Netherland was perfect for our day. The art deco style set the stage for our classic elegant affair. It also allowed for our guests to not have to venture out into the cold by having all events in one place - from the Continental Room ceremony, the foyer and Hall of Mirrors for the cocktail hour and reception, and the hotel itself for accommodations.

Alexa + Drew add…

No detail was forgotten - we included our dog Bree multiple times, a few of our favorites from our childhood hometowns and our current hometown, we had our favorite chocolatier, supported one of our favorite breweries and distillery, and remembered our late family members.

CREATIVE PARTNERS:

Venue & Catering - Hilton Netherland Continental Room and Hall of Mirrors | Photographer - Jonathan Gibson | Florist - Robin Wood Florist | Wedding Planner - Elegant Events - Elisa MacKenzie | Cake/Sweets- The BonBonnerie (cake), Aglamesis Bros. Chocolates (end of night gift) | Hair & Makeup - Brideface | Music - The Downtown Band (reception) and Pro Art Music (ceremony) | Wedding Dress Shop- Blush Bridal | Bridesmaid Dresses - Revelry | Videographer - Little Brown Dog | Linens and Rentals - BBJ Linens and All Occasions Event Rental | Lighting - Clear Lighting | Photobooth - Photosphere | Rehearsal Dinner/Welcome Party - MadTree Alcove | Dancefloor - Elephant Head Graphics | Dance Instruction - DanceEdge Columbus, Corinne | Calligraphy: Haniya Calligraphy