When Sara and Ryan began planning their wedding, they weren’t sure where to look for a venue to host a rustic wedding in Ohio. At the top of their “wants” were seclusion, privacy, and elegance. Once they knew that they would have exclusive use of The Inn at Honey Run, they were sold. After a visit and approving nods from both sets of parents (who were already familiar with the property), The Inn at Honey Run became the official selection. In the end, it was a fabulous choice for the couple and their 125 guests. Here’s how Sara and Ryan’s elegant and rustic Ohio wedding unfolded on September 6, 2014.
Real Ohio Rustic Wedding Timeline
9—10 am: Preparing for the big day
Sara and Ryan’s big day began with a lot of work from The Inn at Honey Run staff. We know that weddings are a reflection of a couple’s personality, and we wanted to make sure every detail was just right for Sara and Ryan. Early that morning we set up the Treetop Pavilion, Sage Deck and Hearth Room, as well as Tarragon (for the reception) with all the trimmings for the perfect rustic wedding in Ohio—bright bouquets garnished with burlap and twigs and personalized candles added a warm glow.
12—1 pm: Cardinal and Trillium Cottages
After a casual morning, the bride and groom both began to get ready for the afternoon ceremony, each in their own private cottage: Cardinal for the bride and her bridesmaids, and Trillium for the groom and his groomsmen. While the men munched on reuben sandwiches, salad and sodas, the ladies were served delicate finger sandwiches, cheeses, fruit and bottled water.
4—4:30 pm: Guests arrive at the Treetop Pavilion
While final touches like hair, makeup, and calming the groom took place, wedding guests enjoyed a leisurely arrival to the ceremony hosted at the Treetop Pavilion. They were met with a well adorned space filled with fresh flowers and water with a special citrus garnish, a subtle detail that made on a warm September Saturday in Ohio. An elegant and touching ceremony for Sarah and Ryan began at 4:30 pm.
5—5:30 pm: Sara and Ryan greet guests
Sara and Ryan take the time to thank all 125 guests for coming before running off for group pictures with the wedding photographer. Their fun-loving personality—and their jewel-like fall color palette—shone against the green and leafy backdrop of the setting.
5:30—6:30 pm: Cocktail Hour in the Sage Room
While the wedding party was out and about on the grounds snapping pictures, wedding guests started the party with libations and mingled on the Sage Deck with woodland views. Perfectly prepared hors d’oeuvres gave guests a boost until dinner was served: Roasted Red Pepper Risotto Arancini, Chimichurri Beef Skewers, and Spicy Pulled Chicken Spring Rolls.
6:30 pm and on: A Picture Perfect Rustic Reception
The flow from the cocktail hour to the reception was flawless as guests sat down for dinner while the wine flowed. Once the wedding party made their entrance, a champagne toast and the first dance kicked off the rest of the evening in style. The Best Man and Maid of Honor wasted no time and give their speeches while guests noshed on spiced cheese puffs, salad, petit filet mignon with a cabernet demi-glace and dill-crusted salmon.
8—10:30 pm: Party, party, party!
Everyone let loose, the cake was cut and the call bar opened again. Guests danced, chatted, and mingled while enjoying the buttercream-frosted wedding cake, topped with adorable, burnt-edged wooden birds.
Until the wee hours: Conversations by Firelight
Sara and Ryan knew their wedding guests well. This rambunctious and talkative group moved to a pre-planned, outdoor fire pit once the dance floor was worn out and talked the night away. Eventually, Sara and Ryan returned to their “honeymoon suite,” the Cardinal Cottage, which with an outdoor hot tub and wood-burning fireplace, is a fine way to end an incredible wedding day.
All in all, this rustic wedding was a success on all fronts thanks to a lovely bride and groom, a wonderful wedding party, and the staff at Honey Run. All played a part in making Sara and Ryan’s day charming and beautiful.
The Next Morning: Don’t Forget Brunch!
The bride’s mother hosted a morning after brunch for the wedding party and guests where hangovers were cured with guests’ fill of pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs. It offered the perfect opportunity for thank you’s and goodbyes for the bride, groom, and guests.
Sara and Ryan’s rustic Ohio wedding was everything they wanted — an elegant setting with natural surroundings and an unparalleled sense of seclusion. We were honored to be the backdrop. If you are planning a wedding this year, contact us for all the details you need or to explore our options for ceremony and reception venues and guest accommodations.
