Frigid Temps and Warm Hearts
When I arrived at Westgate Chapel on Saturday, January 22, 2022, Ellie and her sisters, Katy, Josie and Lily were getting ready and having such a great time together. Typical of a bridal suite on the wedding day, it was filled with dresses, shoes, jewelry makeup and hair products. But more importantly, it was filled with love, conversation and laughter...add mom (Jodi) and the party really started! These girls are sisters and best friends and I found myself watching and smiling when I should have been been taking pictures. The bond they share made me realize how true the quote is that says, "Sisters by fate, friends by choice".
I moved over to the guys' room and I have to say, they were a little more nervous (I find that more often than not on wedding day). Rob and his brothers, Hunter and Connor and his best friend Ricky were all taking special care as they tied ties and straightened jackets. I think nerves set in as the ties and jackets go on!
Rob and Ellie chose not to do a first look. Watching him watch her as she walked down the aisle is something I won't soon forget. I'm not sure what I love more, a first look or watching a groom watch his bride as she walks down the aisle toward him with their eyes locked on each other. After beautiful and meaningful vows and Rob and Ellie were pronounced husband and wife, we raced outside to get as many bridal and bridal party pictures as we could before we froze!! It was cold, but it was fun and they were all such great sports!
It was a mad dash to Toledo Zoo for the reception. The Toledo Zoo venue is one of my favorites and never disappoints! We had time for more pictures before sunset, and when it's January in the midwest, we always take advantage of that!
The reception was in The Great Hall. The toasts were given by all three of Ellie's sisters and each one had something so beautiful and meaningful to say that we were all in tears. It was so obvious how much Rob's brother and best man Hunter looks up to him.
The food was amazing. The dancing was fun. Friends and family had an amazing night.
The bride and groom couldn't have asked for a better day to start the rest of their lives together!
Ceremony: Westgate Chapel
Reception: Toledo Zoo Great Hall
Photographer: KellyRow Photography
Cake: So Sweet Lebanese
Florals: Ella Flora
DJ: Class Act
Dress: Bride and Formal
Tux: Atlas Bridal
Hair: Future Wave
