When planning their big day, Emily and Luke had three words in mind: classic, elegant, and romantic. To them, those words and overall themes embodied who they are as a couple. They wanted the style to not overwhelm the love that they share, but to complement it, and emphasize that the day was about their love and the love of the family and friends around them. To accomplish this, they included romantic touches and classic colors such as pink, white, and gold throughout the wedding, all captured by Chelsey Barhorst Photography.

Cincinnati wedding day with bride holding bouquet — “We loved how each small detail we picked out from the gold frames, roses and hydrangeas, clear vases, the white dance floor, and the string lights all created a romantic and classic day.”

Why did you choose your venue and why did you love how it came together?

We chose the Pinecroft because the mansion had a very classic and romantic feel with a bit of history from Cincinnati. The Pinecroft mansion has an English Tudor style, which matches the style of Luke’s home church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church. In addition, the venue felt warm with dark wood and furniture around set up like a home. The tent in the backyard with the beautiful chandeliers helped bring to life a classic vision with the addition of string lights, and pink and white florals.

Take us back through your wedding day!

The wedding day started with Emily and her bridesmaids getting ready in the upper rooms of the Pinecroft. While Emily and the bridesmaids were getting ready, Luke and his groomsmen were getting brunch out in Covington. While Emily awaited her turn at hair and makeup she could see all the florals and decor items coming together in the Pinecroft house. The Pinecroft team worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was placed just right. Then Kristen brought Emily her bouquet and Emily placed a small lace piece from her mother’s wedding dress on the ribbon around the bouquet. After all the girls and Emily were ready, Emily and her mother stepped into a room to put on her wedding dress. This was a special moment between mother and daughter. Next, Emily’s dad walked in to see her and was speechless. Lastly, the bridesmaids came in to see Emily and took some photos. Then it was time for the first look, which was one of the most anticipated moments for Luke and Emily. It was set up perfectly with Luke facing the garden and Emily walking up behind him. This moment was magical between them and something they will always cherish. After a series of photoshoots, the wedding party made its way to the church. The church was beautifully decorated with florals on the aisles and a lovely floral arrangement on the altar. The church service was beautiful and full of love from the homily to the vows between the bride and groom.

The wedding attendees and the wedding party then made their way to the Pinecroft which was beautifully decorated with florals throughout the house for cocktail hour. Finally, the guests made their way into the reception venue which was full of pinks, whites, golds, and greens, perfect for a summer wedding. The chandeliers and bistro lights over the dance floor complemented the large clear glass vases overflowing with hydrangeas and roses. The Graeters were finally announced and the party began! The first dance captured the guests' attention as Luke whisked Emily around the dance floor with many fancy twirls. The duo of Luke’s dad and Emily’s dad engaged the guests with funny and emotionally touching speeches. After dinner, the dance floor was full of energy as friends and family alike celebrated the couple. In true Cincinnati fashion, dessert included a Graeter’s Ice Cream Truck parked out behind the tent. Guests lined up to get this delicious Cincinnati treat! At the end of the night, the bride and groom exited into a sparkler tunnel made by their loved ones. It was truly spectacular!