St Rose + Shawnee Country Club Wedding || Kylie + David Gerad

Lima, Ohio | St Rose Catholic Church | Shawnee Country Club | David + Kylie Gerad Wedding

8/30/2022

the love story (as told by David)

How We Met | Kylie and David met blowing up balloons in 2009 at Shawnee High School where they both participated in student government. They became friends and spent some time together before David moved to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University upon graduation. They remained friends through college but hadn't spoken in several years before reconnecting. In January 2019 David recognized Kylie walking into the gym! Later that week, Kylie agreed to go on a date with David. Their first date was at Arch City Tavern, David's favorite restaurant in Columbus and from that point on they've been inseparable.

A Birthday Proposal To Kylie's surprise | David proposed on August 2, 2021, Kylie's 27th birthday. They made a reservation at Vaso Rooftop Bar and Lounge in Dublin for Kylie's birthday dinner. The views at Vaso are awesome and they had talked about going there for awhile. David recognized there would be no better spot to propose than at sunset on Kylie's birthday. David had a gift for Kylie at the restaurant, but wouldn't let her open it. They had dinner and drinks and after finishing, they moved to a more private area at the restaurant. The sun was setting and David finally told Kylie to open her present. Inside was a card with a long note. Kylie, with tears in her eyes reached for her gift. It was a plaque inscribed with the location of Vaso on a map and written underneath, "Marry Me?" As Kylie was overwhelmed trying to process the moment, David reached inside the bag, got down on his knee, and presented the ring to Kylie ..upside down. Kylie with the biggest smile on her face and tears in her eyes said YES! As an added surprise, Kylie's parents, Clark and Jennifer along with David's mom, Donna, arrived at the restaurant to celebrate with champagne a few minutes later.

bridal prep

On a perfect sunny Saturday in August bridal preparations started early for the Gerad wedding. The ladies started their morning at the Beauty by Jill Salon in town then headed to the Spieles homestead to finish getting ready and sip on mimosas in their embroidered button up shirts. After makeup, Kylie slipped into her show stopping fitted trumpet gown. Her gown was sleeveless with a plunging V-neckline, sheer modesty panel, keyhole back, sheer lace bodice, and an elegant long lace train with buttons from her waist down. Her heels for the ceremony were champagne in color with beautiful jeweled bands around her ankles and glittery boots for the reception. She wore gorgeous drop earrings and a delicate gold bracelet given to her by her parents. Her hair was half down and lightly curled. She finished her look with a fingertip jeweled veil and a stunning bouquet of white, cream, mauve & light purple flowers.

ceremony

bridal party

mr + mrs

reception

The Gerad's reception was held at the Shawnee Country Club. When I was walking into the reception Clark Spieles, Kylie’s dad, said to me, “Wait till you see this! This is what happens when a landscaper marries a florist!” [Kylie’s parents own Spieles Nurseries and Blooms in Shawnee] Holy moly this reception was gorgeous!!! The stairs to the country club were decorated in mounds of eucalyptus and roses. As you walked in you were greeted by a large gold arch covered in eucalyptus and a neon sign displaying the couple’s last name glowing brightly over a table full of name cards. As you made your way through another set of doors you could see tall vases with grand bouquets of hydrangeas, eucalyptus, and hanging amaranthus scattered among the round white tables. Floating candles, table signs with the couples engagement photos, and the bridesmaids bouquets decorated the remaining tables. Plates were placed on gold chargers with the light green menus tucked neatly into the folded napkins. Instead of a large head table the couple opted for beautiful white chairs surrounded by massive white planters full of trees, hydrangeas and roses. STUNNING... just STUNNING!