Talk about the sweetest couple I’ve ever met!

This December Youngstown wedding was a wonderful surprise for me and a great way to wrap up 2018. Sarah + Jon’s day was an intimate and precious event. The little white church in Boardman Park is the perfect setting in my opinion for a Christmas wedding. I just love it in there. The room was full and the mood was warm despite the temperatures outside.

Sarah + Jon met in Switzerland where they worked as scientists and spent a few years doing long distance from the US and Switzerland. I remember Sarah saying that when Jon left to move back to the US she felt like they committed to each other on that day. Almost like an unofficial engagement. They knew it would take work to make their relationship work overseas and they were willing to make that commitment. After meeting them and hearing their vows, I can definitely say they are meant for each other.

For Smaller Weddings

The Lariccia Family Community Center in Boardman Park has unique details for its location like big, bold beams for example. If you’re looking for a reception hall for a smaller wedding then this place is for you! They had a fireplace going, antique chandeliers and the food was tucked away in another room so it didn’t feel too crowded where the guests were seated. We really enjoyed the dinner and the cookie table was AMAZING. Like I literally could not stop eating the homemade turtle candies.

Add-on something special

Another unique element of Sarah + Jon’s wedding: Sarah’s dad arranged for a horse drawn carriage to pick them up at the church and take them down to the reception. It was so sweet and a fun memory. A blanket kept them warm and their driver even had a top hat on!

If you’re looking for unique ideas for a smaller wedding, I hope this post helps you! A lot of great pics to get inspiration. The winter months don’t offer much daylight so Sarah + Jon decided to do a first look in the church. I’m so glad they did because we were able to get a few pictures outside before it got dark. For those of you getting married in the off season make sure you consider a first look if you want natural light portraits!

Vendors:

Dress: Sarah’s grandmother’s dress
Florist: Willows by Jenny Wehr
Ceremony: St James Meeting House Boardman Park
Venue: Lariccia Family Community Center
Hair/Makeup: Casal’s de Spa and Salon, Makeup by Sarah’s niece Emma
Entertainment: The Elegant String Quartet
Catering: A La Cart Catering
Cake: Das Dutch Haus

Another December Youngstown wedding at Boardman Park – Nicole + Nico

As noted above, Boardman Park is a great venue for smaller weddings. The church seats 125 people and photographs beautifully. There are also other places in the park that wedding are held like the gazebo and outdoor theater. These would be great options if you desire an outdoor wedding. If you decide to have your reception at the Lariccia Community Family Center, then your guests do not have to worry about driving far. They could walk if they wanted! The community center has two rooms you can rent out or rent them both for the whole day. The Stambaugh Room is the nicer and fancier looking room and the rotary room is a plain common looking rental space. Sarah + Jon rented the entire space and kept the food in the rotary room. I thought this was a nice way to keep the wedding vibes festive and the food and refreshments separate but handy.