Stating the obvious: we here at GWS love a destination wedding.
But for today, you can put away the packing lists, stop scrolling flights, and hold off on cashing in those precious travel points just yet. We’ve got a wedding photoshoot to show you that takes all the decadence, history, and adventure of a destination celebration in Europe and brings it to life in Ohio!
“There is a common assumption that achieving a European inspired wedding requires travel,” photographer Brooke Makena says. “That a sense of romance and escape must exist somewhere far from home. This shoot set out to show that you can create that same experience for your guests,” Brooke explains, “transporting them into something that feels like a romantic European retreat, even in the heart of a Midwestern city.”
Planners from aptly named Destination Events worked with a team of other Buckeye State-based wedding creatives to build a rich + refined wedding aesthetic from hydrangeas, taper candles, and historic architecture that had an undeniably French je ne sais quoi.
“Set within The Toledo Club, the concept began with intention,” photographer Brooke remembers. “Rather than transforming a space, the focus was on selecting one that already carried the desired atmosphere.”
When the wanderlust strikes you but you want to keep your special day stateside, there are options. And this shoot — in all its wood paneled, filigreed, gold-edged glory — is proof.
“For couples planning now, the takeaway is simple,” Brooke says. “Choose a venue that already reflects the feeling you are drawn to, and build a team that understands how to support that vision with intention. When those elements align, it becomes possible to create something transportive, personal, and deeply memorable without ever leaving home.”
Répondez S’il Vous Plaît
“Stationery introduced softness through delicate texture and ornate detailing,” Brooke says of the shoot’s paper goods by Shaytionary Designs.
Getting Ready
This ruffled blush beauty of a getting ready robe have you jealous? We’ve got a whole shoppable collection of our fave bridal robes you need to see.
Blush Bridal Robes
Pretty, pink pre-wedding looks we love 💕
“Fashion echoed the structure of the setting,” Brooke explains. “A tailored Ralph Lauren suit paired with refined accessories from Prada and Gucci introduced a sense of quiet luxury.”
“Featuring real couple Aaron + Elizabeth, the shoot carried a natural connection that grounded the design in something authentic,” Brooke says. “Their presence brought ease to each scene, allowing the editorial elements to feel lived in rather than staged.”
The Ceremony
“Florals added movement and depth with layered, romantic tones,” says Brook of the day’s dreamy warm-tone blooms by The Flower Mercantile.
Those T-strap Gucci pumps!! 😍
We’ve got roundups of bridal shoes for every kind of “I do” and the most comfortable bridal shoes to help you start your own wedding shoe shopping side quest while you plan.
We ADORE the full-skirt grandeur of this strapless fairytale princess wedding dress from Belle Amour Bridal.
The cascading curls of this bridal hairstyle were the work of Kat from Bio Beauty. And this beautifully bold lipped wedding makeup was done by Amy Lewis & Co..
The Reception
This whole shoot has us thinking of this outdoor wedding at an Italian-style villa in Wisconsin, another US wedding that felt like an overseas adventure!
“The tablescape built warmth,” Brooke recalls, “through candlelight, glassware, and thoughtful composition…”
“…enhancing what was already present rather than redefining it.”
“The design was approached with intention and collaboration.”
“Each element was curated to support the space, not compete with it.”
This wedding seating chart is our new hyper-fixation. The lush ivory-petaled hydrangeas. The statues and busts. The calligraphy. So many elevated elements coming together in such a unique way with a distinctly European influence.
“With its historic architecture, intricate craftsmanship, and depth of character,” Brook says, “The Toledo Club naturally lent itself to a French inspired vision.“
Brooke describes this glorious wedding dress as “a gown that combined structure with softness.”
“What emerged was not a replication of France, but something more meaningful,” Brooke says of what happened as the shoot’s concept took shape. “A translation of its essence through material, tone, and collaboration.”
Loving this divinely ruffle-y wedding cake from Dollop Shop!
Our Favorite Memory
One of the most memorable moments came unexpectedly. As music played softly throughout the day, the atmosphere remained calm and emotive, allowing each scene to unfold naturally. When the couple was invited to dance, the song A Couple Minutes by Olivia Dean began to play. In that moment, they let go of the shoot entirely. They held each other, fully present, as if no one else was in the room. The sentiment of the song lingered, a quiet awareness that this moment was temporary, that real life would return. It gave them space to experience something they both described throughout the day as their dream wedding, even if only for a few hours.
Who needs a champagne tower when you can have a tiramisu tower! Genius wedding dessert idea.
This internationally-inspired Ohio wedding shoot totally has our hearts. Destination wedding dreams can come true close to home, too! Congrats to the whole team!
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Brooke Makena Photography
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Other Vendors in This Wedding
Fashion: Gucci // Fashion: Ralph Lauren // Fashion: Prada // Venue: The Toledo Club // Wedding Planner: Destination Events // Florals: The Flower Mercantile // Dress Boutique: Belle Amour Bridal // Bride's Ring: Kait Noelle // Hair Stylist: Kat – BIO Beauty // Makeup Artist: Amy Lewis // Groom's Ring: Kait Noelle // Paper Goods: Shaytionery Designs // Desserts: Dollop Shop // Models: Aaron Noble // Models: Elizabeth Napier
