Jillian and Tim’s wedding at The Cleveland Museum of Art

Jillian had this to say about her wedding to Tim at The Cleveland Museum of Art,”It was a place that I always went to as a little girl and being able to marry the man of my dreams there was inexplicably unique and special.” It was also exceptionally gorgeous! Planning, design and coordination was by Kirkbrides, with voluminous florals and greens by HeatherLily, stationery by Blue Envelope Boutique and cake by Luna Bakery. Jillian’s Monique Lhuillier could not have been more fitting for both the bride, and the event, but it’s her gigantic smile that’s the winning feature. Lauren Gabrielle‘s images perfectly capture the joyous day and we’re thrilled to share them!

What made the wedding special and unique?  

Our wedding day was phenomenal – filled with so much joy and love. Being able to have our wedding at the Museum was a dream come true. Celebrating in a place that hosts some of the world’s most treasured pieces of art felt surreal. It was a place that I always went to as a little girl and being able to marry the man of my dreams there was inexplicably unique and special. For our guests, we wanted them to feel transported, like they were somewhere completely outside of Cleveland.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it! 

My gown! One of the great loves of my life! I had seen a very beautiful bride wear the gown with a tulle skirt overlay. I was in love with how ornate the beading was, but without too much glitter or sparkle. I hunted it down and identified it as the Gwyneth by Monique Lhuillier. We went to the boutique in New York City and tried on about 5 different gowns, the Gwyneth being the first. All of them were stunning, but nothing seemed to compare to the first one. I really and truly believe it was meant to be. I wanted a dress that was timeless and whimsical, but still modern and showed some curves (I knew my husband would appreciate that as well). I couldn’t have been more thrilled with how it came out. It was a dream.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?  

Tim and I wanted everyone to be connected during the ceremony (our Cantor kindly asked for everyone to put away their cell phones, nothing irritates me more!) and let loose during the reception. We knew from the start that we wanted black tie (the venue almost demands that given its imposing nature), but we wanted the opposite of a stuffy, formal affair. We brought in an amazing vendor to string the dance floor with bistro lights to create a truly romantic ambiance as the sun went down; outside, but inside was a common mantra. Plus, it was a perfect alternative to a stark dance floor. Instead of flowers during the cocktail hour our florist created huge, gorgeous urns of olive branches and eucalyptus to create a more modern, Tuscan feel. Those were centered on the charcuterie and cheese displays. I also brought in vintage compotes in a deep amber color and requested the Museum recreate our favorite bar nuts from a whisky and rye bar where we live in Washington, D.C. These were the centerpieces on the cocktail tables, a little something different than bud vases.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The ceremony, 100%. I will never forget the smell and sounds during our ceremony. I’m a firm believer in signs and serendipitous moments. While Tim was reading his vows he recited a poem by George Gershwin: “Birds love and bees love and whispering trees love/And that’s what we both should do”. A honey bee came into the Chuppah at the exact same moment that Tim said that line. Since a Chuppah symbolizes the four corners of our home that we will create together, I firmly believe the bee was coming to bring sweetness into our home, our marriage. I guess I’m a bit sappy like that.

Tell us how you met and became engaged. 

We met on Tinder! We went on our first date to a pizza place outside of Washington, D.C. in a quaint neighborhood called Old Town Alexandria. I ate nearly all of the pizza. I think Tim was too nervous. We fell in love about 5 months later. Tim proposed 3 years later at the same restaurant. He had a HUGE bouquet of my favorite flowers (lilies) on the same table where we sat during our first date. He got down on one knee and after regaining my composure, I realized that our parents were watching us from the steps up to the second level of the restaurant. I almost fainted…I was completely in shock, utter disbelief. It is one of the greatest days of my life to date.

Planning Design and Coordination: Kirkbrides // Photography: Lauren Gabrielle // Floral Décor: HeatherLily // Stationery: Blue Envelope Boutique // Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Cleveland Museum of Art // Bridal Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier // Hair/Makeup: Cleveland Makeup Artistry Karin Dodge // Cake: Luna Bakery // Lighting: Rock the House // Linens: L’Nique // Videography: Just Hitched Wedding Films // Band Cocktail Hour Music: TCB through Cleveland Music Group  // Transportation (guest shuttles): A1 Mr. Limo // Transportation (bridal party): LED Luxury Line