Saint John Cantius (Ceremony) and Windows on the River (Reception)

Lauren & Erlind's Wedding Day

Saint John Cantius

Ceremony

Windows on the River

Reception

Wild Eagle Saloon Downtown Cleveland

After Party

Saint John Cantius Church

St. John Cantius has been serving the Roman Catholic community of Tremont in Cleveland since 1898. The parish was opened to serve the ever-growing Polish immigrant population who arrived in Cleveland to work in the industrial flats. We stumbled upon this beautiful landmark in 2024 after moving near by and fell in love with the vibrant community and the pastor's impactful and thought-provoking homilies. We are so excited to celebrate our big day here!

In 1892, the FirstEnergy Powerhouse was built to provide power for the Woodland and Westside Street Railway Company. With the massive proliferation of the automobile during the 1920s, streetcars were no longer necessary and the plant closed. Over time, the Powerhouse was abandoned and sat deteriorating until undergoing major renovations in the 1980s. Today this historical landmark of Cleveland holds an urban ambiance, high ceilings, exposed brick, and waterfront views making it one of Cleveland's most unique and cherished event venues. We are thrilled to have such a beautiful space to hold our wedding reception.

Our Wedding

It’s crazy to think we’re inching toward a decade together. Erlind says he knew a week after we met, but I don’t think either of us could have foreseen the journey that would lead us here. Ten years (as of October 2025) have allowed us to truly grow together. There’s a unique bond that forms when you endure some of life’s greatest transitions with another person, and we are grateful that as we grew from young adulthood to who we are today, we grew together rather than apart. We often laugh about how well we know each other, quirks and all, even joking that we bicker like an old married couple on most days, but there is so much love and understanding that has come from growing through life’s challenges together. Now, as we look forward to celebrating our special day, we’re excited to share this milestone with the family and friends who have supported us along the way.

10 Years in the Making!

Our Story

Photos

Bridesmaids

"Here’s to you Lauren and Erlind. I’ve had the best time seeing you grow since I was 9 and I can’t wait to see you grow as a married couple. Love you both and congratulations!"

Lindsey Zawie

"I am so excited to see my best friend get married....to my sister."

Logan Zawie

"Congratulations to the lovely couple! How exciting it is to see you begin this new chapter. May you continue to grow together and cherish one another for years to come. Now, let’s party!” 

Halli Blanchard

"I’ve gotten to see Lauren through every phase of life and, for the last 10 or so years, Erlind has been such a special part of her story! They truly bring out the best in each other. I am so excited to be a part of their special day and to watch their love grow for years to come. Cheers!"

Sam Stakolich

“We gonna party like it’s my birthday."


Mallory Doak

“To my wonderful friends, congratulations on your wedding! May your marriage be filled with endless love, happiness, and blessings. Let’s start your happily ever after with a bang! Can’t wait to celebrate you!”

Kylie Hess

"The Iron Man to my Captain America. The sprinter to my should-be-distance-runner. The makeup artist to my needing makeup done. The Glinda to my Elphaba. Lauren you are such a gift of a friend. I am so, so grateful to know and be known by you….and Erlind! I’ve loved watching yall grow together for (almost) 10 years. Yall have the biggest hearts and it is a joy to celebrate your journey!!"

Rita Flanagan

"Congratulations Lauren and Erlind I’m so excited for you guys entering this next stage of life! I love you both and can’t wait to dance the night away!"

Renée Kearney

Groomsmen

"Can’t believe it's been almost a decade since these two met, hoping for a marriage of happiness and joy for many years to come!"

Aeld Allkushi

“Didn’t think the bride would have the same taste in men as me… but here we are”

Emil Hess

"I just hope they can come to an agreement on when to empty the kitchen trash before they get married.”

Jimmy Toner

"I never had any brothers so I never thought I’d get to be a groomsman. It was a pleasure being a testament to your love in Venice and also over the years. Congratulations, and I can’t wait to be part of such an important day for both of you!"

Martin Gega

Erlind, we've talked about this day for years, and I can't believe it's finally happening. Here's to love, honor, and loyalty.

Mina Bastaway

Wedding Party

Where should I park for the ceremony?

The parking lot for Saint John Cantius Church is in the rear of the church off W 10th Street in a gated lot (which is FREE!) Please park here and walk into the side or front entrance.

Where should I park for the reception?

Ample complimentary parking will be available in the lot that sits in front of Windows on the River. For those staying at the Crowne Plaza, there will be valet parking at the hotel and a shuttle available to take you to and from the reception (or you can drive to the venue and use the complimentary lot as well) We will provide more specific information regarding parking details closer to the big day!

What is the attire?

The attire will be formal/cocktail.We ask that you avoid wearing jeans,shorts, and are respectful when consideringyour attire for the church.

Where do I go between the ceremony and reception?

We recommend guests use the time between the ceremony and reception to check into their hotel room, lounge in the hotel lobby/bar, or explore the activities listed on the "Things to Do" section of our website. Many activities have no cost and are all within a 15-minute drive of the venue.

Is there transportation to and from the venue?

Yes! We will provide shuttle service to and from the Crowne Plaza and Windows on the River. The first round of shuttles will leave the Crowne Plaza at 4:30 pm and the last round at 6:30 pm. At the end of the night, the first shuttle will leave Windows on the River at 9:30 pm and the last round at 11:30 pm.

Q + A

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Crowne Plaza for our guests. To ensure you get a room, please make sure to book by September 3rd. After this date, availability and special rates may no longer apply. We look forward to celebrating with you! Click the link below to book in our block:

Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square, an IHG Hotel

     

There will be a shuttle to escort guests to and from the hotel for both before and after the reception. Shuttles from Crowne Plaza to Windows on the River will begin at 4:00 pm and end at 5:30 pm. Shuttles from Windows on the River to Crowne Plaza will begin at 9:30 pm and end at 11:30 pm.

Shuttle Transportation

Accommodations 

A CLEVELAND WEDDING.

The city and suburbs of Cleveland hold a special place in our hearts and our story. Our friends call up two people when they are looking for a Cleveland hype person and that is "Lauren and...well, Greg LOL", Erlind loves the city as well!! Cleveland is known for its midwest charm showcasing a big-city vibe with small-town hospitality, while its suburbs offer eclectic neighborhoods and endless things to do. We encourage you, if you have time, to visit a few of these places between the ceremony and reception or make a weekend trip out of our wedding and hit up all of the fun stuff below!

Enjoy a cocktail right across the River from our venue at The Lakehouse, formerly "Lindy's Lakehouse". Offering both indoor and outdoor seating and exceptional views of the water, there is plenty to check out at The Lakehouse and along the boardwalk of The Flats. Some other good spots are Shooters, Glamper, and Margaritaville.

The Lakehouse and The Flats

This is a nice little aquarium to visit and is located inside the same building as our venue! It will only take you about 45 minutes to get through. They have a ton of unique salt and freshwater tanks filled with amazing fish. They have touch tanks as well for those interested. The shark tunnel is great as well. A fun stop before heading upstairs to cocktail hour. Make sure to share your name and let them know you are there for the "Lauren/Erlind Wedding" to receive complimentary tickets!

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Visit one of Cleveland's best coffee shops and bar that will transport you to Italy! An absolute favorite for us (for obvious reasons) located just minutes from the venue. Grab a coffee or a glass of wine between the ceremony and cocktail hour.

Patron Saint Cafe + Bar

The epitome of eclectic Midwest charm! This neighborhood is home to a ton of MUST-SEE places. Our recommendations include: Mitchell's Ice CreamCleveland's FAVORITE Ice Cream Shop Edda Coffee RoastersVibe-y coffee shop in the heart of Ohio City. The West Side MarketBakeries, Butcher Shops, Fresh Eats and More Townhall Food and BarHealthy eats and a lengthy bar in nature-inspired space Pins Mechanical Co.Vintage arcade games, duckpin bowling, pinball, and more. Tabletop Board Game CafeHumble cafe with every board game known to man.

Mitchell's Ice Cream and Ohio City

Enjoy non-stop gaming action at&nbsp;JACK Casino in Cleveland&nbsp;with slots, table games, poker, restaurants, and entertainment, just minutes away from our hotel.

JACK Cleveland Casino

The Great Lakes Science Center is a waterfront science, technology, and engineering museum. Located in the North Coast Harbor Dock adjacent to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this is a great place to hit up before cocktail hour at 5 pm.

Great Lakes Science Center

Visit the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame, also located in the North Coast Harbor Dock and dive into the world of&nbsp;legendary artists, groundbreaking music, and the cultural impact of rock and roll. In 1985, when the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was deciding where to open its physical museum, Cleveland threw its hat into the ring for consideration. Thanks to a groundswell of public support and a $65 million commitment from city officials, the Foundation chose Cleveland as the winning site, over cities such as New York, San Francisco, Memphis, and Chicago. Clevelanders have great pride in this iconic landmark!

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Considered one of the top art museums in the nation, visit for an hour between the ceremony and reception. Renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection and home to world-class exhibitions, art education, performing arts, and the innovative Gallery One.

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood is a true GEM! Every spot in this pocket of Cleveland offers a different take on Italian cuisine and cultural ambience. Conveniently located right near University Circle, home to Cleveland's world-renowned museums, nationally recognized hospitals, beautiful parks and more! A few of our favorite spots in this neighborhood include La Dolce Vita, Rosso Gelato, Mia Bella, Mount Granita Italian Ice, Corbo's Bakery, and Maxi's Bistro.

Lauren + Erlind

Lauren + Erlind

Accommodations

Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square, an IHG Hotel

Shuttle Transportation