Real Wedding Wednesdays: Megan Short and Warren Leimbach
Photo credit: 222 Photography
If you've ever wondered whether a wedding could be gorgeous without breaking the bank, you need look no farther than Megan and Warren Leimbach's big day to get your answer. Thanks to some strategic vendor selection and lots of careful planning, this couple put together a truly stunning vintage garden party event, right in Megan's parents' backyard.
The Leimbach's wedding was a family-oriented affair from the very start; Megan and Warren turned their rehearsal dinner into a surprise 40th anniversary party for Megan's parents! Decor at the backyard reception paid homage to this celebration, too, with photos of Megan's parents and lace from her mother's wedding gown in the centerpieces. And the ceremony itself had three officiants: Megan's brother and Warren's sister and brother-in-law.
Having all of their friends and family in one place was one of the most special aspects of the day, Megan says. "It was a perfect day and we will always look back on it as the best day of our lives." But the most memorable part came after, says Megan.
Warren's father surprised the couple the day before the wedding with a honeymoon to Hawaii. But because he'd never booked a trip to the islands before, Megan and Warren had a little travel snafu.
"We got sent to the wrong island in Hawaii," says Megan. "We did not have time to double-check exactly where we were going. … After four hours of being 'stuck' on the Big Island, we made it to our destination in Oahu, and it was an amazing honeymoon! It is a great story, and we love telling it."
Photo credit: 222 Photography
The Details
Wedding date: Oct. 10, 2015
Wedding colors: Lavender, gray, meadow green, soft pink, off white, burlap
Attendants: Five bridesmaids, four groomsmen and a ring bearer
Bride wore: Gown from Donna Salyers' Fabulous-Bridal in Covington, Kentucky; Chuck Taylor shoes from Journeys at Tanger Outlets Jeffersonville; grandmother's earrings
Hair and makeup: Hair by Jane's Salon in Bowling Green, makeup by bridesmaid
Groom wore: "My groom created his own look!" says Megan
Rings: Jared the Galleria of Jewelers
Rehearsal dinner: In Megan's parents' backyard, with food made by Warren and from Deet's BBQ in Maumee
Ceremony: In a park behind Megan's parents' house in Bowling Green
Reception: In Megan's parents' backyard
Caterer: The Rolling Chef (food truck for Rosie's Italian Grille in Toledo)
Cake: Jane's Cakes and Confections in Perrysburg
Florist: Flowers from Penta Career Center, where Megan's mother works and which has a Floral Design & Greenhouse Production program
Photographer: 222 Photography
Consultant: Bee for the Day
Invitations: Zazzle.com
Reception tunes: The Class Act by Bob Norris
First dance: "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz, played by a friend on guitar
Registries: Macy's and Bed Bath and Beyond
Favorite gift: A framed piece knitted as "Leimbach," from a family member
Guests stayed at: Hampton Inn
Transportation: Brookdale Senior Living-"Yes, we had a senior citizen center drive our guests," Megan says. "It was half the price of a limo!"
Honeymoon: Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Oahu, Hawaii