REAL WEDDING | Olivia + Joe | April 12, 2024
Olivia and Joe tied the knot in a breathtaking outdoor ceremony this past spring at The Laurel. Join us in reliving the beauty and romance of their special day, complete with all the stunning details!
Joe and I are a Hinge “success story”! I had a picture of me at the Renaissance Fair holding a turkey leg and after he liked it – the rest is history! We dated for 9 months when I came home from work to see rose petals across my apartment, bouquets of flowers, and our song playing in the background. He proposed in my kitchen, and it was a perfect moment to begin the rest of our journey!
What were you looking for in a venue, and how did that lead you to choose The Laurel?
I actually found The Laurel before we were engaged, and it checked all of our boxes! I knew right away that it was perfect for us! I loved the outdoor ceremony space, the patio was perfect for the cigar bar we planned to have, and the Great Hall is so beautiful with the wood beams and chandelier. My family loved the day-of coordinator, and that catering was included. They wanted to enjoy the day without having to worry about hosting or cleaning up and Boxwood took care of everything.
Although I had the usual wedding day jitters, I did not worry about anything planning related as, Emma, our day-of coordinator handled everything! She took my vision and made it even more perfect than I imagined. The staff were so attentive and sweet with any request or questions we had. My husband even brought his Nintendo Switch to the groom’s suite and the guys had a blast playing games while they were getting ready! We brought in Chick-Fil-A for lunch and everything else was provided for us.
My husband’s favorite moment was our first look and private vow reading! One of my favorite moments was during cocktail hour, Emma set up a plate of our appetizers and glasses of champagne in the bridal suite for Joe and I to have privately! It was so nice to have time with just us by ourselves, and for us to actually eat our wedding food!
I always envisioned my wedding day to have an outdoor ceremony in the Spring, great food, and lots of dancing! Most of our family are from out of town (and even out of the country!) so we wanted to have the wedding be a fun time celebrating with all our loved ones.
My favorite photos from the day were outside along the tree line! My photographer caught beautiful photos with the sun peaking out behind us and greenery was such a pretty backdrop.
Boxwood takes so much planning off your hands – don’t stress! Every venue is so unique as they come that you don’t need to add a lot to them to make them come to life. Trust in the planning process and you will see how everything comes together by your wedding day. All you need to worry about is finding your theme for the day and your other vendors, Boxwood will do the rest!
Our passed appetizers were such a hit! Our guests LOVED the grilled cheese bites, chicken tostadas and pork belly! For dinner we had a Texas barbeque theme with brisket and sausage, mac and cheese, cole-slaw, and potato salad. We also added a late-night snack with Boxwood’s “honey butter chicken biscuit” towards the end of the night. No one left hungry and we are still receiving compliments about the food months later!
I loved how effortless it was working with Boxwood and everyone I met during the planning process was so efficient and professional. As soon as I saw they were hiring, I applied immediately! A company that puts so much effort into each couple to make their day special is a company I wanted to join. Despite managing multiple venues and tons of events, they make you feel like you are their #1 priority.
A Polish family tradition of ours is the breaking of the chair! Joe and I sat on a chair while our family gathered around and sang a song, then our best man smashed the chair after! Tradition says the number of pieces the chair breaks into is the number of children you will have… we have yet to begin on our 9 kids!
Our DJ, Marquis Pro, played the saxophone live and even jumped up on a chair during dinner while playing “Careless Whisper”! Our family and friends loved him, and he was so much fun to work with. He knew how to read the energy of our crowd and it never felt awkward or quiet throughout the whole evening.
Our day was beautiful, perfect and better than we planned it to be!
How has your experience been as a former bride and now employee at Boxwood? What has that transition been like?
Ever since I started planning my wedding with Boxwood – I knew this company was special! As an employee I saw how the effort they put into each couple also extends into each employee. Everyone brings their all every day because each employee truly cares about the work they do, and they invited me in with open arms! I have loved getting to know everyone on this team personally and I am so excited to see what we will accomplish together!
What is it like working in a venue your own wedding was held at?
It is so fun to come back to The Laurel and spend more time there. My wedding day went so perfectly, I love that I get to be a part of other couples’ journeys and share the amazing things we offer. It is so fun to see couples share the excitement my husband and I had when we first saw the venue ourselves.
Why did you apply for a job at Boxwood?
I have always loved weddings and planning my own wedding came so naturally to me that I knew a career in this industry was something I should explore. I love meeting couples and learning about their stories! It is such a special time to select your wedding venue and begin the planning process; and I love being a part of that with our couples!
How did you feel about Boxwood as a company as a bride, and how do you feel now as an employee and former bride?
My appreciation and respect for Boxwood has grown since I became an employee. I have learned so much about the effort that goes into each event, and most of it the couple will never even see or know about! Doing so much for oftentimes no recognition or notice is so admirable and something that sets this company apart.
Olivia and Joe, thank you so much for sharing your wedding day with us at the The Laurel! We wish you nothing but the best in the years to come and look forward to your journey with us at Boxwood!
Vendors:
Catering: Boxwood Catering
Photographer: Hannah Hays Photography
Catering Rentals: CoHost
Videographer: Reverent Wedding Films
Officiant: Andy Schalm
HMUA: Glam by Ash
Florist: All That Glam
Baker: DeVivo Bros. Eatery
DJ: Marquise Pro
Rentals: Big D Party Rentals
