Wedding planning can be stressful, scary, exciting, fun and busy all at once. But what makes it all worthwhile is realizing the elegance and beauty you once imagined as a little girl playing dress-up are finally upon you and your big night is here.
So what is more exciting than getting married on a lake, on a beautiful evening by the sunset, on the 4th of July? Nothing- besides having all of that plus playing with sparklers because they were handed out as favors!
Amanda Ohnmeiss’ childhood dreams came true this 4th of July when Brian Smith took her hand as she became Mrs. Amanda Smith in Erie, Pa., at the Bayfront Convention Center. Despite the hot sun and 90 degree temperature, this wedding was perfect.
I know what you are thinking, “She is your sister. You were the maid of honor; this is a conflict of interest.”
This may be a conflict of interest but my review of this event is far from biased. This was one of the most beautiful and original weddings I have seen in a long time.
The evening went as follows:
- Getting ready at hotel and initial pictures- 3-5 p.m.
- Wedding ceremony 6 p.m.
- Cocktail hour with live band while more pictures are taken 7 -8 p.m.
- Reception 8 p.m. -12 a.m.
- More celebration downtown 12 a.m. -2 a.m.
Outfits:
The bridesmaids wore chic, canary yellow dresses while I wore apple red – styles we were allowed to choose on our own from David’s Bridal. The groomsmen wore black tuxes from Men’s Wearhouse with canary yellow vests to match the girls while the best man matched with me with an apple red vest.
The bride wore an elegant yet modern ivory Casablanca Bridal designer dress while the groom wore a white vest with a black tux.
Photography:
Each breathtaking moment was documented by Eric Smyklo and fiancé Katie Ayers of Eric Smyklo Photography. The pictures are indescribable. They captured every moment from smiles to tears to kisses to hugs.
Arrangements:
Clanging of glasses was heard throughout the venue while eyes took in the breathtaking design of the room.
Tables were topped with funky yet classic, approximately 3 feet, feathered, flower center-pieces by Carl Larese floral design to match the bride’s bouquet.
The bridesmaids carried single yellow sunflowers tied elegantly with a single yellow ribbon.
Entertainment:
Kent’s very own band Winslow, who opened for Earth Wind and Fire, played for cocktail hour while pictures were taken and guests mingled before dinner.
DJ Butch Knight from Dynamic Sounds played the classics while guests of all ages danced with laughter and happy-tears.
As the garter was tossed to leaping single males the crowd realized that it was not a normal lacy white garter. It was printed in Pittsburgh Steelers logos.
The Cake:
Most weddings serve a large cake or a cupcake cake- not this one. They served 215 guests with Midnight Delight and Strawberry Passion signature ice cream cakes from Coldstone Creamery. The cake topper sported their childhood favorites- half was Little Mermaid and half was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
A Happy Ending:
Each business involved marked one for the public relations record books. They all worked fantastically together to pull off a well-planned event.
The night ended with thoughts running through the minds of all involved; “All the planning was worth it…” while fireworks lit the sky in the distance.
Images provided by: Eric Smyklo Photography, Google Images and Winslow Soul
PR EVENT-ertainment 
