Real Wedding Wednesdays: Lizzie Essman and Cody Cooper

A big wedding doesn’t have to sacrifice those personal touches, and Lizzie and Cody Cooper’s ceremony is a perfect example.

The couple met at Ohio State, where they hit it off thanks to a mutual love for Buckeye sports. After four years of dating and a year of engagement, the couple got married at Lizzie’s hometown church, with a reception at her parents’ farm.

The pair credits their family and friends for putting in so much work to make the big day happen. The centerpieces and a stunning flower chandelier over the bridal party’s table all featured flowers Lizzie’s mother grew herself. They even found ways to incorporate family members who couldn’t be present, with photos of Lizzie’s late grandparents tucked into her bouquet, plus a floral arrangement to honor loved ones who have passed away.

The highlight of the ceremony for Lizzie was, of course, her groom-to-be. “The look on Cody's face as I walked down the aisle was so emotional and happy,” she says, noting that she also adored “the feeling in my heart knowing I was going to marry the love of my life.”

The Details

Wedding date: Sept. 8, 2018

Wedding colors: Pale yellow, light pink, white and green

Attendants: Six bridesmaids and six groomsmen

Bride wore: Stella York gown from Carrie Karibo (Cincinnati), grandmother’s veil, shoes from Nordstrom and jewelry from Diamond Cellar

Makeup: Nikki Jackson Artistry

Hair stylist: Sarah Whittaker of The Bride Bar

Groom wore: Tuxedo rented from Sharff’s (Circleville)

Rings: Diamond Cellar

Bridesmaids wore: Jasmine gowns from She Said Yes! (Chillicothe)

Groomsmen wore: Tuxedos rented from Sharff’s

Rehearsal dinner: Deer Creek Lodge (Mount Sterling)

Ceremony: Williamsport United Methodist Church

Reception: Lizzie’s parents’ home

Caterer: Elegant Eats (Circleville)

Cake: Country Cakes & Bakes (New Holland)

Florist: Wagner’s Flowers (Circleville)

Rentals: Personal Touch Party Rentals & Events (Lancaster)

Photographer: Nicole Dixon Photographic

Invitations: Zazzle.com

Guest favors: Homemade caramel candles

Reception tunes: Yellowbud Productions

First dance: “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton

Registries: William Sonoma & Target

Transportation: Cardinal Transportation

Accommodations: Deer Creek Lodge

Honeymoon: Maui, Hawaii