For Shelby and Sam, who met on the marching band field in high school, Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Ohio was the perfect setting for their whimsical and slightly nerdy wedding. Wanting a day which reflected their passions and personalities, they were mostly inspired by some of their favourite fantasy games.
“We are both fans of tabletop gaming and Lord of the Rings“, Shelby writes, “so when we toured Landoll’s it all came together for us. Each of our tables had elements of our personal lives and interests, and we held a honeymoon raffle after dinner! We thought we bought enough tickets, but quickly ran out and had to improvise for extra entries!”
Shelby poured herself into the details, ensuring that each element of the day had a piece of their story. “The little details drove me nuts!” she admitted, laughing. “I love a good Easter egg, and I, unfortunately, wanted a lot of them pertaining to our relationship. Thankfully our guests noticed and loved those little details which made it all worthwhile.”
One of the most special parts of their wedding day was the private exchange of vows before the ceremony. “It was a nice way to have a moment to ourselves,” Shelby said. “It allowed us to be present with each other before everything started. And after the ceremony, we took an hour to decompress before the reception started—it was one of the best decisions we made.”
Adding to the day’s magic was a unique choice for their confetti. “I purchased florals from a wonderful witch for our confetti,” Shelby shared. “It was so fun being showered in it walking back down the aisle as husband and wife. My dress and veil still smell like roses, chamomile, and lavender a year later.”
When asked what advice she would give to others planning their wedding, Shelby was candid: “Don’t be afraid to set boundaries! You will not be a bride or groomzilla for doing so. Your wedding and marriage are about you, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. In today’s day and age, there is no wrong way to host a wedding celebration so you do you!”
