Bellefontaine, Ohio | Tree Links Event Center | Schwartz Wedding

the love story | told by Amber

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Thane and I have known each other since elementary school. We started dating in jr. high and throughout high school. Thane and I just knew that we wanted to be together in high school. We talked about marriage; however, we both intended on going to college and wanted to wait until that chapter of our lives. We both attended the University of Toledo, where we were both active on campus and in Greek Life. In April 2016, Thane lavaliered me. This is essentially a pre-engagment ceremony that allowed him to share his (fraternity)letters with me. It began with a candle pass from my sorority sisters in the Greek village. Immediately following the candle pass, Thane and his fraternity brothers walked out of their house into the village and got down on one knee. They sang their 'Sweetheart' song and Thane presented me with a lavaliere (necklace) with his letters on it and stitch letters. A year later we were engaged!

Thane asked me to marry him after a family gathering, Thane got his parents and my parents together as well as our siblings. He got down on one knee in front of them and asked me to marry him. I was not expecting it at all so there was a lot of surprise. Afterwards, we were able to go out to dinner and celebrate. After our wedding we will be honeymooning in Barbados! 

bridal prep

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Bridal prep for the girls took place at Tree Links. Amber wore a beautiful sleeveless  lace trumpet gown with v-line neck and jeweled buttoned back. Her hair was elegantly gathered at the nape of her neck. She wore a beautiful hair piece and a fingertip veil. 

first look + bridal portraits

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Amber and Thane were are first couple of 2018 to do a first look <3 I LOVE first looks!! (I enjoy traditional timelines too) however first looks are sweet an intimate and they also provide a lot more freedom for the day! We have more opportunities for photos if the weather isn't working and if the weather is working with us then couples have more time with their guests because all the pictures are finished before the ceremony. Anyway, Amber and Thane were so sweet, we had Amber call for Thane as she rounded the corner of the path so he could see his beautiful bride walking towards him. I think his smile said it all <3 

bridal party

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ceremony

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The couple's ceremony was held on the gorgeous Tree Links grounds perched up on a hill under a arbor covered with flowers. The sun was out most of the day except for a 2 minute rain shower that caught us during bridal portraits (we were the fastest golf carts on the planet right then and there, and we almost lost the photographer out the back lol) and approximately 5 drops during the ceremony. Temperature wise it was perfect! The couple exchanged vows and rings and braided a rope for their unity ceremony and exited to guests blowing bubbles. 

reception

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Vendors:
​Wedding Dress: Twirl 
Venue: Tree Links 
Hair & Makeup: Volume the Salon 
DJ: Alpha Omega Entertainment 
Cake: Grace Newland
Catering: The Food Smiths Catering 
Bridesmaid Dresses: Twirl
Groomsmen Attire: Twirl
Invitations: Pipkin Paper Company