A wedding inspired by elegance + culture at Cleveland Museum of Art
Both physicians with demanding schedules, Nicole and Joe knew they wanted their wedding day to feel intentional, meaningful, and reflective of the life they were building together. Throughout the planning process, they remained focused on creating an experience that would not only celebrate their story, but also honor the people, traditions, and details that mattered most to them.
Their celebration brought together 250 guests for a wedding weekend that blended timeless elegance, cultural traditions, and unforgettable guest experiences. From the welcome gathering through the final dance, every element was thoughtfully curated to create a celebration that felt uniquely their own.
Before the wedding day even began, guests were welcomed with an experience that reflected Nicole and Joe's personalities and heritage. A welcome gathering at a Lebanese restaurant set the tone for the weekend, bringing family and friends together over incredible food, meaningful conversation, specialty desserts, and coffee service from a local barista.
For Nicole and Joe, hospitality wasn't simply a detail, it was a priority. Every touchpoint throughout the weekend was intentionally designed to make guests feel welcomed, appreciated, and included in the celebration.
Wedding day began with traditions and the people who mattered most. Before guests gathered for the ceremony, family and friends participated in a Lebanese drumming procession that brought energy, excitement, and a sense of anticipation to the day.
Following the celebration, guests gathered at a historic Catholic church in downtown Cleveland before continuing to the Cleveland Museum of Art for portraits and the evening's festivities.
Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed into a reception space layered with soft ivory florals, candlelight, and intentionally curated details designed to complement the architecture of the venue.
The design aesthetic centered around a timeless palette of white and ivory accented with touches of gold and subtle hints of black. Organic florals, romantic lighting, elevated rentals, and carefully selected details created an atmosphere that felt sophisticated, graceful, and inviting.
One of the most memorable aspects of the evening was the incorporation of Lebanese traditions throughout the celebration. The energy, excitement, and joy brought by the drummers created unforgettable moments for both the couple and their guests. These cultural elements added personality and authenticity to the wedding reception while honoring an important part of Nicole's heritage.
Guests enjoyed exceptional service and experiences throughout the evening. One particularly personal touch was the inclusion of Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, a Youngstown staple that allowed Nicole and Joe to bring a piece of home to their Cleveland celebration.
The result was a wedding that felt cohesive from beginning to end, balancing elegance, culture, personality, and guest experience in a way that felt curated specifically for them.
Nicole and Joe placed an incredible amount of trust in their vendor team throughout the planning process, allowing each professional to contribute their expertise while keeping the overall vision at the forefront. That collaboration resulted in a wedding that was not only beautiful to look at, but unforgettable to experience.
From the welcome party at Taza Lebanese Restaurant to the final dance at the Cleveland Museum of Art, every detail was considered, every experience was intentional, and every moment reflected who Nicole and Joe are as a couple.
Creative Partners
Planning + Designer: Lorenda Howell Events
Floral Designer: Heather Lily, Inc.
Photography: The Cannons Photography
Videographer: The Digital Team
Hair: Rania’s Hair Salon
Makeup: Nina Samarani (freelancer)
Violinist: Stellare Strings
Soloist: Ashley Nemeh
Officiant: Father Tony Massad
DJ + Lighting: Haddad Entertainment (DJ Nibal)
Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental/ 1978 Collection
Linens: L’Nique Specialty Linens
Draping: Party Decor by Alina
Stationery: Brittney Nichole Designs
Cake: The Cake Boutique
Creamery: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream (Mayfield Heights)
Barista: Zeal Coffee Co.
Ice Sculpture: Ice Artistry
Transportation: A1 Mr. Limo
BTS Branding Videographer: J Stickel Productions
BTS Branding Content Creator: Whiteford Social
Ceremony Venue: Saint Maron’s Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Cleveland Museum of Art
Welcome Party Venue: Taza Lebanese Restaurant
Getting Ready Hotel: Ritz Carlton (Cleveland)
