Abby + Keith met during their senior year in high school. At the suggestion of a mutual friend, science-nerd Keith asked English-nerd Abby to the homecoming dance. Ten years later, Keith knew that he wanted to include Abby’s large extended family in his proposal. He decided that the family’s annual vacation in the Outer Banks would be the ideal opportunity. During the week, Keith’s parents “just happened” to show up to “scout a new vacation spot.” While their families waited at the beach house, Keith proposed to Abby with a message in a bottle, on a sand dune, at sunset. After returning to the house, the night’s celebration called for champagne and dancing on the beach!

Abby + Keith felt strongly that their day should not only reflect who they are as a couple, but also pay homage to their Near West corner of Cleveland. Although still under construction during their initial visit, Abby + Keith knew that Gordon Green would be perfect. During the planning process the couple serendipitously purchased their first house across the street from Gordon Green–which not only allowed both families to use the house as a home base during the wedding weekend, but Abby + Keith now get to see glimpses of other happy couples’ celebrations!

This laid-back couple wanted a carefree, fun, boho vibe for their special day. And though it went by quickly, the couple agreed that it was just about perfect. Abby recalls, “I could just enjoy everything without any anxiety about things going wrong, and that was definitely due to Melanie and her team’s planning and direction!” From the bride’s special moments with her dad just before walking down the aisle, to the newlyweds arriving at cocktail hour and realizing how surreal it was that all of their favorite people in the world were in the same place, to ending by dancing the night away to the sounds of the Arch City Lights, Abby + Keith’s day was unforgettable.

Abby + Keith’s tip for couples:

“Don’t get caught up in trying to please anyone else besides you and your partner. The only thing that matters is that you both have the special day that you want. And use Oak + Honey to plan your wedding!”