Real Wedding Wednesdays: Stephanie Norwood and Luke Johnson

Stephanie and Luke Johnson almost never met. On a dating website, Stephanie thought she had replied to Luke’s first message but apparently forgot to hit “send.” It took her a few weeks to realize her mistake, while Luke had thought she was ghosting him. Luke was very excited when Stephanie finally replied.

The couple dated for two years before getting engaged, and got married the following year. Wanting to make it a very personal ceremony, Luke crafted log pillars from trees that he and his father cut down in his father's backyard, using them to flank the altar for a rustic touch. He also made the centerpieces crafted from wooden wine boxes and herbs. His stepmother and stepsister pitched in, too, decorating the ceremony arch themselves.

In the same vein, the couple set up a literal “guest log” made from a local walnut tree, which was signed by all the attendees and now is an integral part of the couple’s home decoration.

Personal touches carried through to the reception, too. The couple, being fans of Kolsch-style ales—they named their dog after it! —served Land Grant Brewing’s 1862 ale during the reception.

“We got to share the day with friends and family that we hadn't seen in years, and who had traveled from Georgia, Washington, Maryland and California,” Stephanie says. “We were blessed to have Luke's grandmother, Millie, at the wedding.”

The Details

Wedding date: April 1, 2017

Wedding colors: Blush and cream

Attendants: Five bridesmaids and five groomsmen

Bride wore: Etoile gown purchased at BHLDN, veil borrowed from sister-in-law, shoes bought at Nordstrom and accessories bought at BHLDN and Nordstrom

Hair and makeup: Kenneth’s Hair Salons & Day Spas and Makeup by Tatum

Groom wore: Tuxedo rented from Men’s Wearhouse

Rings: Timothy Fleming and Associates

Bridesmaids wore: Adrianna Papell gowns from Macy’s

Groomsmen wore: Tuxedos rented from Men’s Wearhouse

Rehearsal dinner: Spagio Wine Lounge

Ceremony: Strongwater Food & Spirits

Reception: Strongwater Food & Spirits

Caterer: In-house

Cake: Giant Eagle

Florist: Flower Galaxy

Consultant: Tracy Maxwell

Photographer: Hillary Ferguson Photography

Photo booth: JK Photobooths

Invitations: Minted

Reception tunes: Diamond Entertainment

First dance: “Thank You,” by Led Zeppelin

Guest favors: Wildflower seeds

Registries: Macy’s and Crate & Barrel

Transportation: Cardinal Transportation

Guests stayed at: Sheraton Columbus at Capitol Square  and Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph

Honeymoon: Spain