A J.Andreatta Gown for a Timeless Shoreby Club Wedding

Modern Elegance Meets Timeless Romance on the Shores of Lake Erie

Annie and Scott’s story began in the most unexpected way—at a pharmacy club meeting at Ohio Northern University in 2016. They started as friends, spending years laughing through late-night study sessions and dreaming about trips and adventures.

It wasn’t until 2022—after a six-month break—that things changed. Their first date was at Maxi’s in Little Italy, a cozy Italian spot where the wine flowed and the conversation never stopped. “We just clicked,” Annie says.

The night before Annie’s 26th birthday, during a lively dinner in Little Italy, Scott had the ring and a plan—but the busy streets had other ideas. He led Annie into Holy Rosary Church instead, quiet and glowing, and got down on one knee. “It was chaotic outside, but in that moment, it was just us,” Annie remembers. Little Italy wasn’t just a backdrop—it was already part of their story.

The morning felt relaxed and easy. Annie got some quiet time with her favorite people while her slick bun was tucked under a flowing veil, and Scott fiddled with his cufflinks, grinning like he couldn’t believe the day was here. The bridesmaids looked incredible in their sleek black dresses—simple, chic, and exactly what Annie wanted. “I wanted timeless,” she says, “and it felt like us.” By the time they stepped out onto Little Italy’s cobblestone streets that afternoon, you could feel the excitement in the air.

Inside the Planning

Annie knew exactly what she wanted from the start: a fall wedding full of romance, centered in Little Italy, and capped with a reception at Shoreby Club. “I wanted black and white, timeless, with candles everywhere,” she laughs. “I now own over 800 of them!” Holy Rosary Church was an easy choice—it felt personal and intimate—while Shoreby Club, with its waterfront views, was the perfect spot for a sunset toast.

Megan and the team at Sirpilla Soirées brought Annie’s candle dream to life, carefully setting up and lighting each one by hand. The result was effortless magic—a space that felt warm and glowing, just like the couple themselves: precise, joyful, and full of life.

The Ceremony

Holy Rosary Church has always been special in Little Italy, its Romanesque arches and weathered brick holding stories from generations past. For Annie and Scott, it was even more personal—the place where he’d proposed. On their wedding day, the church felt warm and intimate. Annie’s mom walked her down the aisle, and Scott’s reaction the moment he saw her in her J.Andreatta gown was everything—wide eyes, a huge grin, caught somewhere between awe and disbelief. Even the little details, like their crisp black-and-white stationery, felt perfectly them: simple, personal, and effortlessly beautiful.

Style & Fashion

Annie’s gown was a story all on its own. Since 2019, she’d had her heart set on the Café de Flore by J.Andreatta Bridal Couture—a fitted, hand-beaded dress that seemed to sparkle with every move. The boat neckline, flared cuffs, and low back hugged her perfectly, balancing modern style with timeless romance. Scott looked effortlessly sharp in a tailored black suit, the perfect complement to Annie’s glow. Her Jimmy Choo Aveline heels, with their playful little bows, added a touch of whimsy as she walked down the aisle. “I saw it years ago and knew it was the one,” she says, and you could feel that certainty in every step she took.

The Reception

The Shoreby Club felt like a dream on Cleveland’s lakeshore, the building glowing in the golden light of a fall sunset. Inside, Annie’s vision came to life: hundreds of candles—tapers, votives, pillars—flickering in clear vases across long tables with crisp white linens. Even the clear signage fit right into the black-and-white theme. It felt like stepping into a painting.

Cocktail hour moved out to the terrace, with guests sipping prosecco as the sky turned pink. Then came the big moments: Annie’s entrance, her excitement impossible to miss as she took in the candlelit room. The first dance—just the two of them swaying to a song that meant everything—made a lot of people pause and smile. Later, Scott’s brother gave a funny, off-the-cuff toast that had everyone laughing through their champagne. By the end of the night, the dance floor was packed, and the whole evening felt effortless and full of joy—just like Annie and Scott.

Reflections & Advice

Looking back, Annie’s eyes still light up with a mix of disbelief and pride. “It was more than I imagined,” she says, marveling at how it all came together. Her advice is simple: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Planning is a lot, but it’s so worth it when you see it all come together.”

For Annie and Scott, the day was a celebration of their journey—seven years of friendship, travel, and quiet Little Italy moments, all packed into one unforgettable night. As the last candle burned out, they carried with them a truth as timeless as their love: the best stories are the ones you write together.