Coastal, Vintage and Delft-Inspired Backyard Wedding in Cleveland, OH | MK + Brendan

MK and Brendan’s gentleness was on display each moment of their day. 

From the tenderness

with which MK’s dad smiled at her when he saw her in her layered gown to the vulnerable prayers spoken from the heart at their ceremony.

The bulk of MK and Brendan’s day took place at the bride’s family home tucked in a beautiful neighborhood on the edge of Cleveland, Ohio. The home was designed by the bride’s father. It was early June and the weather was perfectly mild. The couple’s 250-person wedding at Notre Dame (Indiana) was cancelled due to COVID, so we pivoted to a 50-person backyard wedding— with less than a month of lead time!

The day began with the women gathered in the living room. Hairspray lightly scenting the air and strokes of makeup applications set the tone of the beautiful, intentional moments we would experience celebrating MK and Brendan. 

Photographs and short videos of loved ones appeared on the big screen TV; reminders for Mary Katherine that even though they couldn’t physically join them on their wedding day, those sweet friends and family members loved her and Brendan deeply. 

Lots of laughter came from the ladies as Brendan’s sisters presented a song they wrote about Brendan and MK’s wedding day. It was absolutely delightful! As the ladies, in their matching pjs, were pampered, we styled the details with the photographer, Katie. 

Together we showcased MK and Brendan’s stunning details. The original invitation, MK and Brendan’s beautiful rings, the lace bolero, name cards for their table at dinner later that evening, MK’s mother’s garter and bridal shoes were all on display. 

MK’s mother’s garter was especially significant. Their wedding day, June 13, 2020, was her parent’s anniversary! What a special day to share with her kind and open parents. 

As Celia, Lead Planner, headed to the basilica with the wedding party, Stevie, Lead Designer, continued setting up the reception—one of great intentional wedding design.

At the basilica, MK and Brendan’s guests filled the spacious sanctuary with their electric energy. Everyone was buzzing with excitement that these two were getting married. As MK says, “their miracle wedding.” 

Every moment of their ceremony was sacred. From the moment MK and her father began their processional toward Brendan to the moving prayers offered this union spoke volumes about deep, expansive love and devotion. 

We were especially moved by the prayer offered for racial healing. It was most poignant as just moments before the ceremony Akron’s downtown was echoing with steps and voices repeating, “Black Lives Matter.” Such a historic, beautiful and sobering scene. Two people who are committed to justice and love entering into their commitment to each other, their God, and their community. It reminds us that marriage is also revolutionary. Marriage serves as a mirror that refines us. Marriage serves as a foundation from which we can make bold moves in our communities to continue to demand justice and equity. 

As MK and Brendan made their way from the church to the 1966 Impala convertible, their guests tossed rose petals and cheered! Then we dashed to the reception, ready to celebrate! 

When we arrived, everything was set and perfect. The string duet was playing in the backyard, the chef was passing hors devours and mixing drinks at the bookcase bar inside MK’s parent’s dining room, and everyone was laughing and hugging each other. 

Guests found their names listed by table on antique silver trays. Serving up another invitation to take a seat and be welcomed home. It seemed to be saying, “We’re about to dine because we are family here.”

The sense of home within the reception tent was extended through the antique cabinet that served as the cake table and later coffee and dessert display. The delft pottery used is some of their favorite antique items, not to mention this exact set was used at Adele’s wedding! 

The bar represented the careers and hearts of both MK and Brendan— both are teachers and Brendan has a deep love for reading.

Two cozy lounges provided guests with more space to relax and connect. One lounge facing the dance floor with access to the guest book (a special Bible for the Hallinans) and the other stationed by a firepit where we enjoyed s’mores and could look at heirloom photos of weddings from both their families. 

MK and Brendan also loved the coastal look often experienced in Charleston, South Carolina. We brought in rattan light fixtures, bamboo chairs, and interchanged gold and soft blue elements. Evergreen Flower Co’s luscious blooms and artfully placed greenery completed the delicate eastern, breezy energy. 

We set 50 seats complete with delft plates, individual menus, a stem of lavender, and a smooth stone with each guest’s name. Incorporating the sense of home into their design was important. MK and Brendan practice a rhythm of sharing the sense of home together no matter where they are traveling. Stones as name cards were perfect for their wedding day as a creek runs through her parents’ backyard— just feet beyond the reception tent at this backyard wedding— and they live within a half hour drive of Lake Erie.

MK and Brendan joined the party and the fun really began! Their photographer, Katie, surprised them with a Notre Dame football and “Play like a champion today” sign. A thoughtful nod to their meeting in South Bend, love for Notre Dame, and original plan to get married at Brendan’s alma mater. 

Toasts and prayers were offered before dinner. MK’s father noted how the wedding looked as beautiful and strong as MK.

Everyone dined, drank (out of the most beautiful, iridescent flutes from Anthropologie), and danced the night away! When we say everyone danced, we mean EVERYONE DANCED! Even Father Tim, who officiated the ceremony, got down on the dance floor. 

As an ode to a childhood tradition, the caterers crafted custom a “kitchen sink” style milkshake bar! These delicious milkshakes were in celebration yet again of home, family, and fond memories. 

We celebrated through midnight.

MK and Brendan swayed to their final dance, “Love You For a Long Time” by our favorite: Maggie Rogers. We sent them off with sparklers and more cheers!

Ready to make your day show-stopping? Send us a note HERE.

Designer + Planner: @wildlycollective_
Caterer + Bar: @nouveaubistroandlounge
Photographer: @katiewhitcomb
Videographer: @fitzerton
Cake Designer: @lunacakeshop
Floral Designer: @evergreenflowerco
Lounge Rentals: @borrow_curated
Dishware + Rentals: @alloccasionspartyrental
Dishware Rentals: @stapleandlayer
Linens: @latavolalinen
Tent: @aablerents
Lighting: @vincentltg
Stationery + Signage: @wildlycollective_
Invitation Suite: @stephb_andco
Gown: @somethingwhitebridal
Veil: @mirandasvintagebridal
Shoes: @loefflerrandall
Suit: @theblacktux
Rings: @testajewelers
Bridesmaids Dresses: @joannaaugust
Hair Stylist + Makeup Artist: @lindsaylondonbeauty
Transportation: @a1mrlimo