This historic church turned events space was the perfect venue for Roula + Michael’s traditional black-tie wedding in Cincinnati. The vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, hand-painted murals, marble, and terrazzo flooring look remarkable. We love the chapel backdrop with rows and rows of candles where today’s featured couple said their I Do’s. Don’t miss Roula’s beautiful full lace Romona Keveza gown complete with chapel length train, timeless scalloped edging along the neckline, paired with meaningful accessories passed on from Roula’s mother and aunts . Enjoy!
Roula + Michael | October 11, 2014 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Dress Listing: Romona Keveza, L806
The Ceremony
Our ceremony was very special. My cousin did the honor of marrying us and he told our story in the most eloquent way. He did such a great job of sharing with our guests how we met and fell in love and why we were the right partners for each other. It was beautiful…completely beautiful. With a large wedding, it somehow felt so intimate. We continue to hear about how it was a ceremony unlike any other. It was very special.
The Reception
Our reception took place in the same location as the ceremony. It was the perfect combination of my Lebanese culture and a traditional American reception. To put it in the words of our guests…it started out like a rock concert as we entered and were lifted up on chairs while everyone danced around us. The speeches were so touching – especially my dad’s. That might have been the highlight for me, seeing his joy. The dessert was plentiful and the dancing was nonstop. While I was told to enjoy every minute as the day would go by with a flash, I truly felt that time slowed and I was able to savor every moment of the day and night.
Roula’s Dress Search
I tried on about twelve dresses and as cliché as it sounds, I chose the dress that caused the biggest emotional reaction out of me…and it wasn’t tears, it was more of a ‘Wow!’. I went into it with an open mind, as I didn’t know exactly what I wanted; however I was still picky. There are a lot of dresses out there, but not all of them are the best quality – and even those dresses can be costly! I wanted something where the details were not overlooked, like the way it fit my body; the material used for the lining (that matters!) and the lace needed to be the right balance of romance and elegance. The dress I chose managed to compliment me in every way. It was timeless and the alencon lace was exquisite. I knew it would be a dress that I would look at in photos for years to come and always love it for it’s simple beauty. Simply put, the dress highlighted ME – it complimented my beauty without being over-the-top.
My accessories helped make my bridal look even more special to me, as I wore the headpiece my mother wore on her wedding day. My jewelry was a combination of 1920’s jewelry from each of my aunts. We used a necklace as the chain on my belt, which was held up by my grandmother’s brooch. I was wearing so many pieces that each had a different meaning to them.
How Roula Felt in Her Wedding Dress
I felt elegant, classy and romantic in my dress. Pairing it with an Oscar de la Renta bolero made my look so unique. A guest came up and said, “Now you are what a bride should look like.” That compliment made me feel stunning – which happens to be how my father described me that day.
Why Roula Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I decided to sell my dress because I have so many pictures to remember it by and I can’t stand the thought of it just sitting in a closet for years to come when another bride-to-be can wear it, enjoy it, LOVE it – and at a great price!!
