A Black and White Wedding in Cincinnati
Modern, Tented, Elegance with a Natural Twist
Samantha and Jake's Cincinnati wedding was a vibrant celebration that harmoniously blended personal passions, modern aesthetics, and nature's elegance. Their journey from long-time friends to life partners set the stage for a day filled with love, creativity, and thoughtful design.
Samantha, a vivacious and creative spirit, thrives in the realms of cooking, music, and art. Her love for exploring recipes and her talent as a vocalist - performing bi-weekly at open mic nights - reflect her zest for life. Jake, with his calm and generous demeanor, shares Samantha's artistic inclinations. His interests in music, soccer, traveling, and art complement their shared passion for cultural experiences. Together, they delight in discovering new cuisines, making music, and cherishing family moments. Their serendipitous reunion during a college road trip blossomed into a love story more remarkable than they had ever imagined.
Drawing inspiration from Samantha's favorite hotel, Casa de Campo, the couple envisioned a sophisticated backyard celebration. The design seamlessly integrated Jake's appreciation for trees and Samantha's affinity for the mineral dioptase - a striking emerald-green copper silicate known for its vibrant hue. This unique mineral influenced the wedding's color palette and the design of their cake, adding a personal and geological touch to the festivities. The cake was designed to appear as though a large chunk had been removed, revealing a geode-like interior filled with shimmering dioptase.
A massive tent with a clear roof was erected, allowing the surrounding trees to remain a present and breathtaking part of the entire day. Beneath this transparent canopy, the reception space was a masterclass in juxtaposition - structured yet organic, modern yet timeless. A striking hanging halo of moss and orchids floated over the dining area, adding an ethereal and textural focal point. The reception tables were arranged in a dramatic serpentine style, with black linens on one side and white linens on the other. This bold contrast was echoed in the black and white flatware and custom menus, which matched the color of the table they adorned. Hundreds of flickering candles interspersed with lush white floral arrangements created an ambiance that was both intimate and grand.
Cocktail hour was an elegant affair held just outside the tent. Our team curated a series of soft seating arrangements featuring cushioned chairs, side tables, and traditional cocktail tables draped in black linens, each adorned with white flowers and glowing candlelight. Guests sipped on handcrafted cocktails while surrounded by the natural beauty of the property, soaking in the golden hour glow before moving into the reception tent. Inside the tent, the black and white dance floor became the heart of the evening, inviting guests to celebrate with joyous movement under the twinkling canopy of the clear-roofed structure. Many members of Samantha's family honored their Scottish heritage by donning traditional wedding attire, a beautiful nod to their lineage and a striking visual element woven into the day.
One of the day's logistical feats was the swift transformation of the ceremony tent into a reception space. Through strategic color coordination and a well-rehearsed choreography, the team executed the transition in just 30 minutes. This efficient flip exemplified the meticulous planning and collaboration that defined the event, ensuring guests remained immersed in the celebration without interruption. Transforming this vision into reality was no small feat. The ten-day tent build-out required careful coordination, problem-solving, and dedication from everyone involved. One of the biggest challenges was securing the tent placement itself—an old beech tree needed removal, and the remaining oak had to be carefully worked around. Additionally, sourcing and arranging the serpentine tables with precision to achieve the perfect black-and-white contrast required meticulous planning. The reception tent's dramatic flip after the ceremony required synchronized teamwork, with each element color-coded and numbered for a seamless transformation.
The festivities did not end with the final dance of the night. The next morning, Samantha and Jake hosted a celebratory brunch featuring an indulgent spread of bagels with toppings, lox, parfaits, mimosas, Bloody Marys, an abundance of crispy bacon, and a multitude other goodies. It was the perfect way to reflect on the magical evening before sending guests off with full hearts and full stomachs.
Samantha and Jake's wedding was more than a ceremony; it was an artful expression of their shared passions and individuality. The layered textures, vibrant colors, and abstract designs created an ambiance that was both playful and sophisticated. The successful integration of multimedia elements and the seamless blend of indoor elegance with outdoor charm made this Cincinnati tented wedding a memorable and inspiring event. Their wedding stood as a testament to their love, creativity, and the harmonious blend of their personalities. It showcased how thoughtful design, personal touches, and a connection to nature can culminate in a celebration that is both deeply personal and universally inspiring.
Photography by Chelsea Barhorst Photography
