Tuscan Charm Meets Midwest Magic In This Dreamy Cincinnati Wedding

When Morgan and Matt first crossed paths at a clinic in Kentucky, the spark was instant. Both pursuing careers in nurse anesthesia, their connection grew through sweet moments and playful teasing around the hospital. After a heartfelt proposal in Turks and Caicos, the couple decided to bring a touch of European romance to their hometown. Inspired by their dream of an Italian elopement, they transformed the historic Peterloon Estate in Cincinnati into a picturesque Tuscan escape. With crisp whites, hints of blush, and lush greenery, their wedding was a beautiful blend of warmth and elegance. Twinkle lights created a canopy over the reception tent, turning it into a magical evening under the stars, while late-night pizza and espresso martinis added a perfect personal touch. Though their beloved pets couldn’t be there, their presence was felt with custom cocktail details that celebrated their furry family members.

I, Morgan, moved to northern Kentucky to pursue a doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia where I happened to stumble upon a handsome nurse anesthetist, Matt, at my first clinical site. Though neither of us were looking for love at the time, the chemistry we shared was undeniable. Fast forward 6 months or so, Matt was untying my shoe and putting tape on my jacket while I was inducing anesthesia—and the rest is history! I mean, who wouldn’t fall for that kind of charm?!

Matt was not discreet with his intent to marry me, at all. He planned a ~casual~ trip to Turks and Caicos where he hired a photographer to take pictures of us—claiming my mom would appreciate them. The photographer picked us up at our hotel and took us to a secluded beach where Matt later proposed! Matt, who usually expresses his emotions on a daily basis, was so nervous he forgot everything he had planned to say. Nonetheless, it was still perfect. 

I wanted to elope to either Tuscany or Lake Como, Italy— particularly inspired by the scenic landscapes, artistic and architectural influence, strong culture, and fine wine. The Peterloon Estate, a historic Georgian-Style Home built in 1928, was the closest thing to Europe that we could find here in Cincinnati. I love simple elegance and dreamed of a romantic and elegant wedding with organic textures and very neutral colors. Simple and understated, yet still charming. Matt and I wanted to create an atmosphere and ambiance that was a reflection of us—warm and inviting. We chose a traditional color palette of whites and greenery with subtle accents of very faint blush and an abundance of light—allowing the natural beauty of the venue, and us as a couple, to shine. My vision of dancing under the Tuscan stars was brought to life by draping the reception tent with a canopy of twinkle lights for all to enjoy. The tent showcased a thoughtful blend of aesthetics and comfort, representing both of our differing personal styles. The design combined vineyard chairs with elegant Louis Cane back chairs, creating an interesting contrast that emphasized our rustic-meets-elegant theme. We had beautiful, embroidered white table linens and the most incredible floral arrangements. 

I was never the girl who had a Pinterest board of 101 wedding dresses growing up. I had no clue what style I wanted, and after going to countless dress stores in Kentucky and Ohio, I began to think that feeling of finding “the dress” just wasn’t going to happen for me. Before giving up hope and settling on a dress I wasn’t in love with, I went on a mission, driving 4.5 hours roundtrip to Indianapolis and back, to try on dresses by one designer—Galia Lahav. Galia Lahav gowns are known for their romantic, sensual nature and exquisite details, along with their figure-flattering silhouettes. There was one dress in particular I had been eyeing online, and saw it as soon as I walked over to the Galia Lahav rack at Marie Gabriel Bridal. The consultant had me put that dress on first and I became overwhelmed with emotion—I knew it was the one. It fit like a glove and, for the first time in my life, I truly felt beautiful. I didn’t pick apart everything I hate about my body and felt like it accentuated my best features. I chose a romantic mermaid dress with a draped v-neckline and an accentuated trumpet-shaped skirt with a rouched back detail and tulle bows on the shoulders. The dress features delicately embroidered lace with 3D flowers in light shades of blush and ivory. It made me feel so special and I knew I had to get married in that dress!

Matt kept it classy with an all-black tuxedo and bowtie. The groomsmen wore the same, but he still stood out amongst everyone! The bridesmaids wore all black gowns from Dessy Group but picked the dress shape/style they felt the most beautiful in.

– String quartet: very elegant & classy for our ceremony and cocktail hour

– Florals: the ceremony arch was breathtaking 

– Cocktail stir sticks of our four fur babies: my favorite small detail. They turned out so cute and were well worth the cost. The guest loved them!

– Late night Dewey’s pizza and espresso martinis—two of our favorite things we couldn’t omit (huge hit).

– DJ Keith with Toad Productions: played all of my favorite 2000’s hip-hop/R&B hits but also played music for all guest to enjoy, just as I had requested. 

– Personal, handwritten vows and first look: private and intimate moment 

– Truly, just seeing everyone we love enjoying themselves meant the world to us. Everyone had such a great time and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. 

– Morgan: I had both a father-daughter (I Loved Her First) and mother-daughter (Because You Loved Me) dance to show my love and appreciation to both of my parents.

Try to find excitement and fun in the planning process and don’t strive for perfection. Remember the purpose of your wedding—to have the people you care about the most celebrate your love and the beginning of your lives together. Though I acknowledge it’s easier said than done, try to stay flexible and accept that things might not go exactly as planned due to budget limitations, vendor availability, weather, etc. Even with hiring a wedding planner, which I also recommend, I was so stressed and wish I had cared a little less about trivial things. 

We loved working with Karen of KMC.