When I first arrived, the house was already buzzing with activity. There was Meredith, looking radiant and she wasn’t even ready yet. Her first concern seemed to be me – that I had everything I needed, that I was fed, that I knew where to find important details. I don’t normally get this level of attention, but that is why Meredith and Hunter are truly something different. In fact, their caring traits are common amongst their entire family. It was clear their St. Theodosius and The Country Club wedding in Pepper Pike was going to be something really different and special.
Meredith and Hunter’s wedding was different for many more reasons. The locations were all relatively new to me. The wedding ceremony was being held at St. Theodosius church in the Tremont neighborhood. A first for me, this church is famous for the wedding ceremony scene in The Deer Hunter movie. Aside from being famous, the church is achingly beautiful. The wedding reception was being held at The Country Club in Pepper Pike. When a place is simply named The Country Club, you know it must be unique.
This wedding on this day was special for many reasons as well. First, the weather was the best of the year. Meredith and her mother had planned some absolutely stunning details. The flowers were simple, classic and perfect. Meredith’s wedding dress was like nothing I had seen before. It looked like a prop right out of a movie (Gone with the Wind, maybe). Then there were all the little things – classic wedding invitations, navy dresses, fine suits, and gorgeous jewelry. Being a dog-lover, my favorite wedding attendee was Nestle, Meredith and Hunter’s chocolate lab. During morning preparation Nestle was ever present, but never underfoot. He knew his role well!
The special moments continued throughout the day. Meredith’s sister kept everyone laughing, or crying. The best man gave a heartwarming toast, while Meredith’s father made sure the happy couple was well-roasted. But it was at the end of the night that two really amazing things happened…
A couple weeks prior, I was clued into the big secret. Towards the end of the night, there would be a surprise fireworks display. Looking back at the photos after the wedding, my wife commented that the fireworks, dress, and tux together looked like a scene out of the Old South. The second special moment came with a song. As the band played “Shout”, Meredith and Hunter climbed a chair on the dance floor, looking over the crowd. At the perfect moment, Hunter fell back into the crowd. They carried him aloft, placing him right beside is bride. Both moments were amazing, and something I will likely not see again at a wedding.
There are a million little highlights below. I certainly hope you enjoy this truly epic wedding.