My love affair with Elm & Iron

Let's take a second and marvel over all things beautiful and interesting in the photo above. Ah, yes. There are so many to appreciate. The mix of rustic and glam, exotic and local, industrial and natural. Iron & Elm in OTR has it all.

This store seriously had me at hello. I first visited last year and fell in love. I even picked up a few things for Baby P.'s nursery as well as a few items for Christmas gifts then. Now, each time I head back, I want to buy it all - scoop it up and shower my house with home decor goodness.

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Locust Creek Caramel Apples: One tasty treat

An apple a day keeps the doctor away...am I right?

NKY and Cincinnati friends - I feel like I must tell you about these beautiful and absolutely delicious caramel apples. My high school friend Nicole received rave reviews when making them as a hobby and decided to offer them up to the locals.

I saw these and immediately thought they would be perfect for teacher or hostess gifts. With the holiday season upon us, I always have my eyes open for special treats that will serve as tokens of appreciation.

Love gourmet goodness too? Here's what you need to know: 

• They're only $5 a pop.
• Buy 6 apples, get 1 free.
• You can customize your toppings. Pick from a variety of candy bar or cookie options. Plus, select white or milk chocolate for an extra layer of goodness.
• Apples are good for five days (as long as you don't cut into them and wait five days).
• Do not store them in the refrigerator. 
• They come beautifully packaged.
• You can order through Locust Creek's Facebook page.

Now, who's ready to indulge or treat someone special?

I was gifted two apples to sample, but all opinions are my own.

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How to win $2,000 in furniture from Bargains and Buyouts

...which, let's be honest, is really like $4,000 in the real world. I say that because you know you Bargains and Buyouts gives you the most spectacular prices.

I first learned of this opportunity earlier this month when I partnered with my beloved furniture store to host their very first blogger event. It was great fun catching up with with other local bloggers in the home design space as well as hearing the Bargains and Buyouts startup story first hand. We sat right in the middle of the dining section and talked shop over donuts...talk about an ideal Saturday morning.

Marc and Greg, the owners, are wonderful. They're down-to-earth people who believe in the ultimate shopping experience. They've worked hard to create an environment in which the customer can get the best price on a wide array of home furnishings. The absolute thrill of this store is that you 1) never know what you'll discover, because the stock is always changing and 2) can negotiate the price. These two factors work in unison to produce a retail experience like no other - one that leaves you on a serious buyer's (or decorator's) high.

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A fall festival to-do list

I love fall. Hands-down, it's my favorite season. With pleasant temperatures and some sort of festivity every weekend, it is, no doubt, the best time of year. Ever since I can remember, I've been a festival go-er. My mom and I were always out and about exploring new places and getting ideas for new projects and crafts.

Since there's so much to do in town and around the region, I thought I would share a quick list of the fall events I typically attend. Here's to celebrating pumpkin and apple everything!


September 24: Country Applefest (Lebanon, OH)

October 1 - 30: Fall Fest at Neltner's Farm (Camp Springs, KY)

October 7 and 9: The Wool Festival (Falmouth, KY)

October 7 - 29: Keeneland (Lexington, KY)

October 8 and 9: The Sauerkraut Festival (Waynesville, OH)

October 15: The City Flea (Cincinnati, OH)

October 16: Herbst Farm Tour (Camp Springs, KY)


Others I would like to try include:

Every Saturday in October: Country Harvest Trail Days at Reed Valley Orchard (Paris, KY)

All October: Various festivities at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (Harrodsburg, KY)

All October: Fall Festival at Kinman Farms (Burlington, KY)

October 19 - 22: The Pumpkin Festival (Circleville, OH)


Any events I missed? I'd love to hear your suggestions.

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Cincinnati shopping: A trip to Bargains and Buyouts

I love home design. There's just no denying it. When I walk into a room, my mind instantly sketches up what it could look like and explores at least ten hypothetical design possibilities within minutes. If I only I had an unlimited budget to make all of my design dreams come true.

Unfortunately, I don't, but I do have a solution to cure my design envy. I said it before and I'll say it again... 

Bargains and Buyouts is Cincinnati's best kept secret!

Here's why:

• You can find a wide variety of home decor items: furniture, rugs, artwork, patio furniture, pillows, lighting, mirrors, mattresses and a variety of "you never know" kind of items (e.g., kitchen sinks, electronics, even clothes).

• You can negotiate! Each price tag features the retail price and the Bargains and Buyouts price. Then you can negotiate on top of that. (Be sure to check out the pricing on the items from my first ever B&B haul.)

• They have a rewards program that allows you to pile on savings, even on top of your negotiated price. (Get more details here.)

• The sales associates are so nice! Seriously, I get great service every time I go. (Josh, the GM, is my man. Ask for him. He'll take care of you!)

I've outfitted my house with numerous Bargains and Buyouts finds. Honestly, not a week goes by that someone doesn't ask me about this store. (I'm sure some of you probably discovered Simply Sarah Style through my initial Bargains and Buyouts post that went wild on social.) 

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A LuLaRoe giveaway winner + other beloved styles

A special thanks to all who entered the LuLaRoe giveaway! We had an overwhelming amount of entries. I'm excited to see that others are just as excited about stylish and comfortable clothes as I am.

Kayla W. - You are our winner! Be on the lookout for an email from me.

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Discovering the world's best legging, and more comfy and cute clothes

I have a wardrobe secret that is too good to keep. I've discovered the world's BEST legging!!! I mean, I'm all about a $10 pair from Target, but the day I felt LuLaRoe leggings, it was life-changing. To be honest, I missed the boat the first time around. Last summer, my friend Lindsey (below) invited me to a LuLaRoe pop-up party, but I was unable to attend. Then I found myself complimenting friends on their attire only to discover that the pieces I was drawn to were from LuLaRoe. 

This year, Lindsey decided to host an online party and I immediately scooped up my first pair of leggings. I ordered solid black. Altough, they come in a wide range of patterns (as shown in Lindsey's photo below) and other solids. When my pair arrived in the mail, my husband and I marveled over the silky, buttery fabric texture. I was hooked! 

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A look back on 2015

It's definitely been a memorable year...one full of many professional and personal milestones. I thank each and every one of you for sitting down with Simply Sarah Style to catch up on inspiration and life happenings. So here's the list...the most popular posts of 2015:

#10

Our gender reveal party

#9

A Betsy Ross American flag-themed bridal shower

#8

A quick and easy yard sale makeover with Krylon

#7

How I stumbled upon $40 chairs at Ballard Designs

#6

The Wedding Series: Part III

Access more of the wedding series: Part I, Part II, Part IV, Part IV and Part VI.

#5

This "My Kentucky Tee" can be your Kentucky tee 

#4

My 12 days of Christmas Home Tour

#3

Holiday gift giving with Hallmark Gold Crown

#2

One dresser: 3 different ways (Another Bargains & Buyouts score)

I'm excited to share that this Dwell Studio dresser will be making an appearance in Baby P.'s nursery! 

("What I didn't show you in my last Bargains & Buyouts post" and "Another reason to love Bargains & Buyouts" were also popular.)

#1

Breakfast entertaining made easy with Yoplait Plenti

Thank you for your continued support of Simply Sarah Style. Here's to 2016!

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Kicking off the holiday season with White Christmas at the Aronoff

This past week, I joined Broadway in Cincinnati for opening night of Irving Berlin's White Christmas at the Aronoff Center. Boy was I excited for this one! White Christmas has been my all-time favorite holiday story. From the classic songs to the dance numbers, I've always enjoyed this timeless tale of two performing couples who turned their talent into a game changer for a man who meant so much to many.

First and foremost...the songs! From "Sisters" to "Snow," they bring a smile to my face. (I even ordered an art print with the "Snow" lyrics on it as part of my holiday decor. This year, it will be featured front and center on my mantle.)

The theater experience turned magical when the cast invited the audience to sing along with the headlining song, "White Christmas." For me, that really felt like the official kickoff to the holiday season.

Like most plays, this show differed from the movie and I was pleasantly surprised by the extra dance numbers and additional musical features. One tap routine performed by cast is an impressive showcase of endurance and talent (and that's coming from someone who has judged competitive cheer and dance for years).

At the end of the evening, you walk away with a valuable lesson..."If you're worried and you can't sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep...and you'll fall asleep counting your blessings." A great reminder for all of us!

You still have an opportunity to see White Christmas yourself. It will be in Cincinnati until Sunday, December 6. Find the schedule and purchase tickets here.

A special thanks to Broadway in Cincinnati for inviting me and the hubs to join them for opening night!

Photos by Kevin White

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Gifting back: A special invitation for you

Please note: Due to the overwhelming interest in this event, we have extended the shopping time. Instead of 6 to 8 pm, please join us from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.

I am delighted to host a gifting back event in partnership with Fort Thomas Central, a charming gift boutique located in the heart of Fort Thomas. I'm a big fan of shopping local and have supported Fort Thomas Central since it's opening a few years ago. This shop offers a variety of designer goods as well as unique pieces from local artisans.

I invite you to join me in shopping for a great cause. Not only will you enjoy 10% off your purchase, light bites and cocktails, you'll also be supporting a good cause. On this evening, 10% of sales will benefit the LifeCenter Organ Donor Network.

You see, organ donation is a cause close to my heart. When I was a junior in college, I lost my dad in a car accident. Even though it will be 11 years this December, I still remember that day so vividly.

It was the Monday of finals week. I started my day with an exam in development psychology. I was actually being tested on all the ways people cope with death and end-of-life decisions. All did I know, that at the exact moment I was taking a test about coping with death, my father was in a horrific car accident.

I went about my day and eventually headed home from campus to eat dinner before heading to cheer practice. It was during that short time I was at home that I received a phone call from my mom that my dad had been in a car accident on a snowy highway and did not make it.

There are no words to describe the feelings I experienced that moment. I was in disbelief. I couldn't believe that my dad started his day getting ready for work and heading out for his commute...just like he did every day. None of us would have ever guessed what that Monday held for him. That morning, the slick conditions on the highway led to a multi-car pileup. My dad was the only one who didn't make it.

Despite the heartache that came with this traumatic, unexpected loss, we eventually found a reason to smile. My dad was a donor and was able to give an invaluable gift to others. Months later, we found ourselves sitting at a family recognition ceremony that celebrated the lives of all local donors. Knowing that my dad was able to pass on crucial elements to people in need gave us comfort in our time of grief.

From my point of view, signing up to be an organ donor is a no-brainer. It's not like you're going to need all of your parts when you pass. Why not pass on the gift of life?

So I ask you to come join me for a festive evening in support of a good cause - raising money for the LifeCenter Organ Donor Network.

Fort Thomas Central Gift Boutique

3 N. Fort Thomas Avenue | Fort Thomas, KY 

Thursday, December 3, 5:30 - 8:30 pm

If you are a local reader and would like to join us for this event, please share a comment below. Just want to make sure I have enough goodies for all of our guests.

Here's to shopping for a good cause and holding your loved ones close!

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Celebrating horse country with My Kentucky Tee

My October package just arrived from My Kentucky Tee and I couldn't be more excited about the shirt design and the texture of the tee. It's super soft...so much so that I just want to sleep in it every night! (Curious about this monthly subscription? Get the full details here.)

As I mentioned before, I was raised a horse girl in a family that made it's living in the equine industry, so I had no choice from the beginning of my days. I was raised on a horse. So many of my childhood memories revolve around long trail rides and family campouts. Now, as an adult, I see how lucky I was to grow up with such majestic animals.

Years later, I'm still showing my horse pride. Here's how I would style this Kentucky tee for weekend wear. This casual combination would be my go-to choice for a trip to the pumpkin patch or a local festival.

J.CREW Denim Jacket | "Hawthorne Lane" Kate Spade Tote Bag | My Kentucky Tee 

Black Leggings | Bauble Bar Stud Earrings 

Bourbon and Boweties Bracelets | "Rhodonite Pink" Hunter Boots

(PS-I get so many compliments on my bracelets from Bourbon & Boweties. 

I wear them almost daily.)

Additionally, I'm excited to share that My Kentucky Tee has teamed up with the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) for a special design. KEEP's mission is to raise awareness for the economic benefits that the horse industry brings to the state. For just $20, you'll get a t-shirt and a portion of the sales go to this cause. Find additional details here.

As if the team behind My Kentucky Tee hasn't kept themselves busy enough...They're also teaming up with the Kentucky Cancer Foundation and Country Boy Brewing for a special addition tee.

If you love monthly subscriptions and live in the bluegrass state, my Kentucky Tee is worth the investment! For only $15 a month, you get a lovely state pride surprise shipped directly to your door.

A special thanks to My Kentucky Tee for sponsoring this post!

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Another reason to love Bargains & Buyouts

As you know, Bargains & Buyouts is my go-to when it comes to furniture purchases. I've been sharing my love for Bargains & Buyouts for about a year now, because this store is too good to keep to myself. From clients to friends to other bloggers (see the great group above), I aways send them to the west side of Cincinnati to see the selection and daily deals for themselves. 

Wondering what makes this store more unique than any other store? Be sure to check out my first article on my shopping experience there.

Bargains & Buyouts just keeps getting better and better. If the negotiated prices weren't low enough, they recently announced the rollout of a new rewards program which opens up the door to even more savings: 

• It's free to sign up.
• You earn one point for every $1 spent.
• For every 100 points, you'll receive a $5 credit.
• You can receive sale notifications via text. (I personally love this, because it allows me to stay on top of their weekly deals! Plus, they send you personal incentives.) 

This post is not sponsored by Bargains & Buyouts. Just thought you would be thrilled with this news. Here's to many more fabulous furniture finds at unbeatable prices! 

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Celebrating 5 years of blogging with gifts and giveaways: Day 4

Giveaway galore week continues! If you haven't entered the previous giveaways, there's still time! Check out Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.

Today, I'm proud to present a three-month subscription to My Kentucky Tee. a monthly service that sends a unique Kentucky-themed t-shirt directly to your door. For this giveaway, you'll get the "1792" intro shirt above, plus the September and October designs.

See the widget below to enter. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Birthday month goodies

Birthday month means all kinds of new goodies. I'm looking forward to putting these to use! 

• The July edition of My Kentucky Tee (Get a sneak peak of the August design here.)
• The GiGi New York Clutch I've been dreaming of for years
• A gorgeous gold Kate Spade wallet  
• NARS birthday freebies from Sephora 
• Perry Street earrings from Rocksbox (Did you know you can get your first month of Rocksbox for free? Just use the Simply Sarah Style code: simplysarahstyleblogxoxo) 

Disclosure: Affiliate links have been used to highlight my favorite products.

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An Etsy Shop: Cora & Plum

I'm excited to share a new line of handcrafted products I discovered last month at the Oakley Fancy Flea. When I spotted these Ohio plaques made out of reclaimed wood and crown molding, I knew I had to inquire about a Kentucky one.

While the shop owner didn't have one on hand, she had made them in the past, so I headed to her Etsy shop - Cora & Plum - to place my custom order.

In addition to setting my sights on a custom Kentucky piece, I fell in love with her pineapple plaque. After all, you can never have enough pineapple-themed things, especially when hospitality is your middle name! I snagged the piece below.

Kate, the owner, also sold me on the wooden chevron accent pieces. You can pick from Kate's full palette of paint colors to mix and match for a combination that's perfect for your home. (I love the kelly green and navy combination!) Be sure to check out the placement of the wooden chevron pieces in this kitchen (see photo 2 in the listing).

Ready for the debut of my piece? I selected a neutral palette to ensure my Kentucky guy looks good no matter what.

Love what you see? Be sure to check out Cora and Plum on Etsy. You can also find Cora and Plum at the City Flea and the Oakley Fancy Flea (the O.F.F. Market). 

Please note this feature was not a sponsored post, just a brand I discovered and loved. 

I thought you would enjoy it too!

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My Kentucky Tee - June "Independence"

This weekend is all about gearing up for the Fourth of July party we will host next Saturday. We're asking family and friends to "Celebrate Independence Day in Independence"... Independence, Kentucky that is. (Throwing your own Fourth of July party? Get inspiration here.)

One thing I can definitely check off my list: attire selection. 

I was thrilled when this month's My Kentucky Tee subscription featured a patriotic design, especially one that calls out the name of our city. If you entered the giveaway last month, you know how I plan on styling this tee - a pair of white skinnies, glam jewelry and some strappy sandals. 

Wondering what's My Kentucky Tee? My Kentucky Tee is a monthly subscription program that sends you a unique Kentucky-specific t-shirt in the size of your choice every month. The best part? This subscription service is only $15/month. 

Want a sneak peek of the July design? You can find it here.

This post was sponsored by My Kentucky Tee, but all opinions are my own.

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Fabulous Fun and Fashion Observation at I Love Lucy Live on Stage

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending I Love Lucy Live on Stage. The Broadway in Cincinnati team was so kind to invite me to opening night. I brought my sister-in-law, Laura, who is a huge theater fan. She's currently starring in the Showbiz Player's The Addam's Family at the Carnegie. Laura is also the talent behind the vlog Camera Behind the Curtain. Although she had never watched I Love Lucy (I'm going to say because of her age), she was thrilled to attend. This girl never turns down show tickets. 

I personally remember watching I Love Lucy as a child. Growing up in a household without cable TV, I only had five channels to choose from and I Love Lucy was often a choice on one of the five. I would say I have seen enough episodes to be pretty familiar with the characters, but wouldn't go as far to say I have seen every episode.

What I loved about this Broadway show is that the story was told from behind the curtain making the audience part of the show. The Aronoff was transformed into a 1950s TV studio in LA and we were instantly part of a live taping of I Love Lucy. Throughout the night, they filmed two episodes of the show, and in between, we enjoyed live commercials featuring memorable brands. I chuckled when the cast sang, "See the USA in your Chevrolet." The lyrics state, "Drive your Chevrolet..." I had to agree. In fact, I drove my Chevrolet to the show that night. I have actually only owned Chevrolets. 

Another aspect of the show that spoke to me was the fashion. Lucy looked quite stunning in her costumes. I would have loved to live in the 1950s. Big A-line skirts and cocktail-style dresses suit me well. Lucy's outfit (see above) in the first episode was so unique and lovely. It was essentially a pants suit with a wrap-around skit. I tried to find a photo of her standing online, so you could see it in its' greatness, but had no luck. I did find this old sewing pattern that reflects a similar style.

The other female cast members also donned gorgeous gowns for the live commercials. I especially love the navy one below. 

The entire show is entertaining. The cast meets the mark when bringing Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel to life. Thea Brooks and Euriamis Losoda are dead-on replicas of Lucy and Ricky - both in look and character execution. And that Ricky is such a cutie! 

I promise you'll laugh and chuckle throughout the show. You even get to participate in the storyline as you're transformed into the studio audience. 

There's still time remaining to catch I Love Lucy at the Aronoff. It runs through June 14, with shows every day, but Monday. You can find additional ticket information here.

A special thanks to Broadway in Cincinnati for inviting me to join them on opening night!

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This "My Kentucky Tee" could be your Kentucky tee

I'm a Kentucky girl through and through. "Kentucky proud" is an understatement. Why do I have such Kentucky pride? Well, let's see...

1. I've only lived in Kentucky - four Kentucky cities in 30 years to be exact.
2. I'm a Kentucky Wildcat. My years at UK were some of the best of my life. What a feeling it is to be apart of such a nationally acclaimed school.
3. I come from a family who built a business in the equine industry. Where else would you do that but in the state that earned the title as the "horse capital of the world." 
4. Kentucky is home to the most talented cheerleading squads in the country. This sport consumed my life for 20 years, and I take pride in the legacy Kentucky teams have built.
5. I believe there is no better way to spend a spring or fall day than tailgating on the rolling hills at Keeneland.
6. I love bourbon. I love touring bourbon distilleries. 
7. Every May, our state hosts "the most exciting two minutes in sports." We garner attention for fast horses, southern hospitality and big hats. What more could you ask?

There is no doubt that I'm proud of My Old Kentucky Home. That's why I was delighted when I stumbled upon a new company My Kentucky Tee on Instagram. My Kentucky Tee is a monthly subscription company that sends you a unique Kentucky-inspired tee each month. What a great concept! The "1792" shirt shown above is the first you'll receive as part of your subscription.

The best part? The subscription is only $15 a month and the t-shirts are made of a super soft fabric. The shirts are unisex, but will be a slim-fit on guys. They even offer youth sizes. There's no commitment when you register. You're able to cancel at any time.

Here's a sneak peak at the June tee, which will be perfect for the Fourth of July festivities. I'm looking forward to this one as my husband and I recently moved the city of Independence which makes this shirt even more fitting. 

Kentucky Independence Shirt |  Loren Hope Bracelets | H&M Jeans

Loren Hop Earrings | Kate Spade Satchel | J.CREW Sandals 

Imagine how cute this soft vintage-style tee will be with your favorite pair of white skinny jeans, sandals and big post earrings. It would even look great with a high-waisted, A-line skirt.

My Kentucky Tee is partnering with Simply Sarah Style to give away one of their signature logo tees. See the details below to enter, and best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post was sponsored by My Kentucky Tee, but all opinions are my own.

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The Wedding Series: Part IV

RECOMMENDED VENDORS 

(Did you miss Parts I, II and III? If so, start here, here and here.)

Our big day came together beautifully thanks to a collection of talented vendors. I vetted the list of weddings professional in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, plus a handful of Etsy shops, until I found the perfect match for our style and budget.

While there are a couple vendors I wouldn't work with again, here's a list of those who went over and beyond to wow us with their products or services:

Reception Venue - Bell Event Centre

Photography - Sherri Barber

Flowers - Posy Floral Designs

Limo Service - Motortoys (Most affordable rate for quality in town.)

Bridal Party Gifts - MK's Totebags & Monogramming (The best gift shop for every occasion.)

Large Wooden Monograms - Scrappin Plus on Etsy

Wooden Letter Guest Book - Route 17 West Weddings on Etsy

Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins - Confetti Grey on Etsy

Custom Gift Tags - Tagged with Love on Etsy

Wedding Garter Set - Lucy Bridal Boutique

RSVP Management Service - RSVP Services (Seriously, the best $160 we spent on our wedding!)

Wedding Invitations - HEN & CO. on Etsy

Wedding Stationery - Wiregrass Weddings

Calligraphy - The Purple Squid (Another great investment. Our invitation envelopes were stunning. So stunning that I had a hard time dropping them in the mail.)


Do you have a local favorite not listed? Share below and help out other brides!

My bouquet photo via Posy Floral Designs

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The Wedding Series: Part II

THE DECOR ELEMENTS

(Did you miss Part I? If so, start here.)

We started with a spectacular base. The Bell Event Centre in Cincinnati, where we had our reception, has such a wow factor.  While I live for sensational styling, the thought of crafting 20 centerpieces did not excite me, especially with a to-do list a mile long. I kept this in mind when selecting a venue.

My criteria for a venue:

• a place that was somewhat new to our family and friends 
• a space that had a ton of character and required less investment in the decor department 

I was oh so happy with our selection! The venue was perfect. I am still tickled when I think about it.

Holly, our florist and owner of Posy Floral Design, was so helpful in selecting an arrangement that would achieve our desired look and feel while also fitting in our budget. 

We varied centerpieces, featuring a tall floral arrangement on some tables and a lantern set in bronze, copper and gold on others. I have to shout out to my friend Melissa who allowed us to purchase the lanterns after she had painted them for her own wedding. Talk about saving time! 

Looking back at these pictures now, I should have layered additional ribbon on the kraft boxes to create greater interest. 

My cousin, a very talented cake baker, set out out to create our wedding cake, but due to time, ended up having Fantasy in Frosting in Newport prepare the main cake as she baked the supplemental cakes.

Inspiring Kind Boutique Bakery created a variety of shortbread cookies for us. I thought these would be perfect for our guests who aren't cake people or those who want a small sweet. (Can you believe those non-cake people exist?)

And finally, a bird cage for cards. Of course, you already know that trick though as I'm sure you have seen it on Pinterest a gazillion times. 

If you're looking for a unique wedding venue in the Cincinnati area, I highly recommend the Bell Event Centre! The staff was so easy to work with and the pricing was easy to understand (one price per person, without a ton of other fees lumped into the equation).

And did I mention the outdoor courtyard makes a spectacular backdrop too? 

Photos of our big day by the talented Sherri Barber

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