1. Real Weddings

A Traditional Wedding at La Vera Party Center in Willoughby Hills, Ohio

Genell Strum (47, an office manager) and Jeffrey Strum (48, a district manager) met each other when they were young in junior high school, went on dat

Genell Strum (47, an office manager) and Jeffrey Strum (48, a district manager) met each other when they were young in junior high school, went on dates here and there, but lost touch for a while after graduation. Years later in 2009, Genell and Jeffrey reconnected on social media. They eventually set a date to see each other again, and ever since maintained a strong connection that continued to grow. One year later, Genell moved into Jeffrey’s apartment in Delaware, Ohio and were engaged the following year. The couple held their wedding ceremony at Mentor United Methodist in Mentor, Ohio where Genell grew up, with a stunning pine organ and large stained glass windows that created an elegant atmosphere. Their reception was took place at La Vera Party Center in Willoughby Hills, Ohio, which was an family-owned Italian themed center that provided guests with a delicious and traditional Italian meal, buffet style. As a nice touch for guests to experience, the couple took dance classes before the wedding and choreographed a formal ballroom performance. Guests took home favors that ranged from picture frames to bookmarkers and wine stoppers to remember the big day.

Blue and White Wedding Invitations
Genell wore silver shoes accented with rhinestones on the wedding day.
White With Pink Detail Corsage
Bride with Flower Girl Holding Basket
“Genell dress was white strapless, fitted waist and a flowing bottom, and the entire dress had hints of iridescent sequins, flower appliqués, chiffon and tulle,” says Jeffrey. “She wore a cathedral veil with crystal trim and her headpiece was silver with flower appliqué’s, crystals and pearls.”
“The beautiful and unique pipe organ was a central focal point,” says the couple. “The church also has amazing large stained glass windows, a long isle, and an elegant entranceway with double doors.”
Bride and Groom Facing Ceremonial Altar
Bride and Groom Recessional Outside Church
“Bridesmaids selected their own dress style of dress, with the only direction being that it had to be royal blue and long,” says Genell. “Almost all choose strapless with a flowing bottom in satin.”
The groom stood with his groomsmen, all dressed in black tuxedos. The groomsmen wore bright blue ties while the groom wore a black tie.
Couple Outside with Wedding Party Shot
Married Couple Kissing Under Arch
Groom Kissing Bride on Cheek
Dining tables were dressed in white tablecloths accented with blue napkins. In the center of the table were candles and a tall ivory flower centerpiece.
“The table numbers were done in the design of our wedding invitations,” says Genell. “We asked our guest to write down wedding wishes and thoughts for us. On each year of our anniversary, we will open the table number for the corresponding year of our anniversary and read the wedding wishes of our guest.”
Calla Lily Tall Flower Arrangement
Sweetheart Table With Blue Runner
Candle Assortment in Elegant Glass Holder
Pink calla lilies were arranged in white cylinder vases and decorated the reception at La Vera Party Center venue.
Bride and Groom Figurine in Martini Glass
“Our reception was at La Vera Party Center in Willoughby Hills, Ohio,” says Genell. “It is an Italian themed center that is run and owned by a family known for their amazing food.”
“During our first dance as husband and wife, we started with a slow simple dance, like most couples,” says Genell. “We then broke into a formal ballroom choreographed dance including turns, dips, lifts and a jump at the end that brought the crowd to their feet cheering.”