When an events planner gets married, you just know it’s going to jam packed full of details and thoughtful touches! “Joe and I have always had a very specific personal style,” Nora explained. “We wanted everyone at our wedding to understand who we are as people and what our relationship is like!” They were inspired by the Sunset Strip, Norah’s great grandmother’s vintage style and the warehouse space that they were working with. “We wanted the space to feel like a lush rock star afterparty! We kept the traditions we loved and ditched the rest.”

Married at Tenk West Bank, in Cleveland, Ohio, the couple made the most of the leap year to marry on February 29th. Nora DIY’d many elements for their day, from signage, placards and menu cards to the ceremony arbour, chalk wall art and the centrepieces. Joe turned his talents to a pair of murals of the couple with made for a great photo op. They were really able to make the most of the bank canvas and turn the disused warehouse into a cool nightclub feel.

“Joe was very clear about one thing – he didn’t want to see me before I walked down the aisle! Instead, we took a shot back to back before the processional so we could at least feel each other.” They had two close friends play them in to I Wanna Hold Your Hand, and Nora walked in with her father to One Hand One Heart from West Side Story – just like her mother did. Her old sister officiated for them, telling stories about both of them and their relationship. They exchanged personal vows and exited to You Make My Dreams Come True.

As usual, catering was the couple’s biggest expense, with a family style dinner. They saved money on florals, with Nora cashing in on her professional connections, to do floral on a budget. They worked together to find realistic solutions to the high end look that they wanted.

“I get to plan weddings all day, every day, so getting to plan ours was like a cool adventure for us! We could do whatever we wanted with very little restrictions. Planning in seven months was hard work, and we perhaps should’ve delegated tasks more, but we kept things close to our chests because we wanted all our guests to be surprised.”

“Do want you want,” the bride concluded. “Ultimately, it’s your day and your memories, so don’t compromise your vision for anyone or anything! You don’t want to look back on this day and wish you would have been more true to your style!”