Sometimes the person you’re meant to meet has been just one town over the whole time.
Ava and Carter grew up in neighboring towns but didn’t cross paths until the summer before their junior year at Bowling Green State University, when Carter sent Ava a message on Instagram in 2021. Their first date followed that August at Easy Street Café in Bowling Green, and it quickly became one of those “where have you been all my life?” moments.
From college nights and long conversations to building a life together in Columbus with their dog, Rosco, their relationship grew naturally. On September 13, 2024, Carter proposed on the bridge at Bridge Park in Dublin, Ohio. On May 9, 2026, the two gathered with a guest list of nearly 300 family and friends at The Grange Hall for a classic black and white wedding that felt timeless, elegant, and full of joy.
A Timeless Black and White Palette
Ava and Carter kept their color palette simple and striking. Crisp white florals, black attire, and clean lines let The Grange Hall’s black exterior and bright interior become part of the design.
White roses were the signature bloom of the day. Ava carried a full, rounded bouquet of white roses finished with long satin ribbon, and her bridesmaids carried smaller versions of the same. Their 16-person wedding party carried the palette through. The bridesmaids wore floor-length black dresses in a mix of silhouettes, giving each of them a personal touch while keeping the look cohesive.
Classic Bridal Style
Ava started the day in a white robe in the bridal suite, where her gown hung in the window light, waiting for the moment she would put it on. She chose a fitted lace gown with a strapless neckline and a long, flowing train, paired with a cathedral-length veil.
Carter and his groomsmen wore classic black suits with crisp white shirts and black ties, a sharp and timeless complement to the black and white palette.
A Ceremony Framed by Glass and Sky
Their ceremony took place on the north patio, facing The Grange Hall’s glass garage doors, where the reflection of a bright May sky stretched across the windows behind them. Tall white pedestals topped with lush white florals lined the ceremony space, echoing the bouquets and keeping the focus on the couple.
Surrounded by family and friends, Ava and Carter exchanged vows and shared their first kiss as a married couple.
Portraits Around the Property
After the ceremony, the couple took time for portraits around the venue, from the modern black siding beside the barn’s windows to the open, tree-lined lawn, where Carter lifted Ava for a kiss in the evening light.
A Reception Filled with Toasts and Candlelight
Inside, the reception carried the same clean palette. A long head table dressed in white linens and black chargers was lined with white roses in bud vases and glowing candles, creating a warm, elegant setting for the couple and their wedding party.
Guests enjoyed cocktail hour bites from Eighty Eight Catering before sitting down to dinner from The Palazzo, while Tipsy Chicks kept the drinks flowing.
When it came time for toasts, glasses went up all around the table to celebrate the newlyweds.
A Dance Floor to Remember
Once dinner wrapped, the party moved to the dance floor. Light-up marquee signs, including one reading “One Time for the Newlyweds,” and glow sticks, along with The Pulse Brands behind the DJ booth, kept the energy high as Ava, Carter, and their guests danced the night away.
A Classic Wedding Weekend at The Grange Hall
With guests staying nearby at Comfort Suites in Marysville and the venue theirs for the whole weekend, the celebration felt relaxed from start to finish.
With timeless black and white style, an abundance of white roses, and a love story that began with a single Instagram message, Ava and Carter’s wedding was a celebration of the life they’ve built together.
Ava shared afterward that having the venue for the entire weekend, including hosting their rehearsal dinner on site, “was such a stress relief.” We’re so grateful we got to be part of their story.
If you’re planning a classic, elegant wedding in Ohio, we’d love to show you around. Contact us with questions or to book a tour.
Vendors
DJ: The Pulse Brands
Catering: The Palazzo
Cocktail Hour: Eighty Eight Catering
Bar: Tipsy Chicks
