A Magical Woodland Ceremony at Canyon Run Ranch in Dayton, Ohio

Natalie and Greg took rustic to new heights on their wedding day. “We wanted a backyard-style forest ceremony but with a twist,” Natalie says. “We’re drawn to anything weird or out of the ordinary.” Though the couple let the natural setting of their Canyon Run Ranch ceremony shine, they draped the historic reception barn in furs, Oriental rugs and antlers, and designated an area for a cigar bar and a fire pit as well. Guests headed to tables named after different woodland animals, including deer and peacock, and snacked on slices of naked cake filled with black raspberry jam. Toward the end of the night, Greg and his mom danced to Parliament’s “Give Up the Funk” while attempting to balance beers on their heads, a family tradition.
Greg crafted the handmade wood chargers from start to finish, including chopping the ash and oak trees and then sanding them. “Each one was unique in tone and shape,” Natalie says. They tucked rosemary sprigs and seed packets into black linens as favors. Natalie and Greg spent hours thrifting and collecting different vintage books to use on the tables. “All of them were related to love, marriage and human nature,” Natalie says.