A Simple, Nature-Inspired Wedding at The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio

This unity of love had the birds singing, literally. The sounds and sights of the natural surroundings outside at The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio, created an ideal ambience for Christine Cassella (29 and a biologist/herbalist) and Mike Bennett's (34 and a nurse practitioner) simple, intimate wedding. “I have grown up going to Holden both with my family and by myself for picnics, hiking and communion with nature,” Christine says. “It's one of my favorite spots to see spring wildflowers and butterflies and embrace the beauty of nature.” The couple were married outside at a willow branch arbor, followed by the cocktail hour on the patio that overlooked the landscaped gardens and surrounding woodland, captured by Martello Photography. The indoor dinner reception was decorated in a simple color palette of sage, lavender and yellow, from the sage green calligraphy for table numbers to the yellow and lavender centerpieces filled with hydrangeas and roses, arranged by Avalon Gardens. Candles adorned the dining tables as well to create a warm, welcoming space for friends and family. We especially loved the bride’s choice of wedding attire for the day, which embodied the natural color palette in a simple style. Her strapless ivory wedding dress was accented with a sage green silk sash, and the yellow rose and baby’s breath flower crown was a nice touch to the overall look.