The hotness was in full swing on Saturday here in Cincinnati, and we’re not only talking about the temperature!  Amanda and Randall went from long lost college sweethearts to husband and wife in front of about 100 of their closest family and friends at The Heritage Club in Mason Ohio.  The best part of the day (besides them getting married of course) were the contagious smiles permanently on their faces!

Amanda and Randall dated during their time in college at the University of Cincinnati.  After college, Randall had moved to other states.  One evening, Amanda (not being a huge sports fan) went to an FC game with her BFF.  Sitting behind the ladies was Randall’s best friend/best man.  Not surprisingly, he told Randall about Amanda… which ultimately led to them reconnecting.  So, it may be safe to say, Randal picked the perfect guy to stand right next to him as he married Amanda!

Throughout the day, we heard stories shared by their family and friends.  One resounding theme that came across was how happy they were around each other.  Even if we had not heard this, just watching them interact with one another, you could easily tell.  Randall couldn’t take his eyes off Amanda all day long.  The love and admiration was not one way, Amanda’s smile was ear to ear every time she looked at her now husband Randall (and a beautiful smile it was)!

We have all heard of the saying “Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue.”  As Amanda dressed, she honored those she loved with this tradition by wearing her mother’s veil, borrowing her grandmother’s necklace, and wrapping her bouquet in a handkerchief made of her baptismal hat!  How amazing are these personal and meaningful touches added by the bride!

On the wedding day, when the bride’s mother makes a special request, we must oblige.  We were made privy to a small secret… the father of the bride was a crier.  Amanda shared a special Father-Daughter First Look with her dad, who shed a few tears as he saw his daughter.  There is always a special moment of love and happiness when a father sees his little girl all dressed up and ready to walk down the aisle.  It’s hard to explain, but you can always tell by his reaction. 

And of course… we love love a Bride and Groom First Look!

Wedding days are meant to spent with your kid…even if your she is covered in fur and walks on four legs.  Lola, their baby girl, came to visit her mom and day during portrait time on their wedding day.  She gave her parents lots of love in the short amount of time she got to hang out with them before heading back to her grandparents’ house to spend the night.  As all children should be, Lola was given plenty of treats for being a well-behaved pup!

Not only was the flower girl and ring bearer super adorable.. but they were holding handmade items!  Amanda’s grandmother created the basket for the flower girl’s petals, whereas the Randall’s sister-in-law made the pillow for the ring bear.  Once again, the couple wanted to make sure their day was personalized for them with the help of their family!

How stunning was their reception décor… and they centerpieces were hand built by the father of the bride.  That is one way to ensure your day is unique.  Nothing says “I Love You” like your father taking time out of his busy everyday life to create your wedding centerpieces!

How do we know we have the perfect couple?  Simple, we say “the light outside is stunning right now, do you mind going outside to get photos?”  They answer yes without a hesitation.  This is exactly what Amanda and Randall did.  They decided to post pone toast for about 10 minutes to get some amazing photos as the sun was setting!  This light was a photographer’s dream… and this couple is a photographer’s dream!

After spending a few moments outside, we all headed back into the party to kick the night off with beautiful words spoken by some of their closest loved ones.

What does 1,000 cookies look like?  This!  That’s right… instead of cake, cupcakes, or even donuts, Amanda and Randall served cookies to their guest for dessert.  The kicker, they’re homemade.  As the bride told us, the cookies were “made with the ones we love and our guests will eat cookies made with the ones we love.”  Because the cookies were delicious, they included a cookbook of all the recipes for their guest to take home!

Amanda and Randall left no stone unturned when personalizing their big day.  As their guest left, the mother of the groom had created special favors for them to take home.  A hand panted stone!  Super adorable (and Nicole may have found one with “fluffy purples critters” on it). 

Amanda and Randall, your wedding was beautiful, and your smiles made our day.  We caught all those adoring eyes and side glances towards each other!  To us, that is true love.  When you look at your partner and there is a sparkle in your eyes.  We wish you two nothing but years of happiness and continuing love for one another.  Plus, we were excited to see Miss Lola again (or at least Nicole saw her again).

Welcome to the Married Kids Club,

Nicole and Ryan

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE VENDORS WHO MADE THE DAY AMAZING!

Ceremony & Reception Venue | Heritage Club Mason

Cake Artist | Patricia’s Weddings and Custom Cakes

Bridal Dress Store | Blush Bridal Ohio

Wedding Dress Designer | Madi Lane Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses | David’s Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen Suits | The Black Tux

Ceremony Musicians | Queen City Quartet

DJ Services | Sounds Great Entertainment

Florals | Jennifer Vaughn Dorsey

Hair and Make-Up Artist | Refeyeance Makeup & Hair