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Dive into Cincinnati's newest wedding gem as we explore The Ventura with owner Sarah Daugherty, a fifth-generation Norwood native. What was once called "the first skyscraper of Norwood" has been transformed into a stunning venue where history meets modern elegance.

The Ventura stands out for its distinctive features and unmatched flexibility. Original bank vaults add unique character throughout the space, while the hardwood ballroom accommodates up to 200 seated guests with room to dance. What truly distinguishes this venue is its rare "no curfew" policy—your celebration can continue until 3 AM if desired, a refreshing departure from the strict timelines most venues enforce. With bar packages starting at just $15 per person and thoughtful details like strategic electrical outlets (goodbye, unsightly extension cords!), The Ventura solves typical venue frustrations before they arise.

Beyond the stunning indoor space, a tranquil outdoor patio creates an unexpected urban oasis, perfect for cocktail hours or intimate ceremonies. The venue's comprehensive package includes gold Chiavari chairs (a significant value typically costing $5-10 per chair to rent elsewhere), tables, and basic linens. Sarah's team offers complimentary day-before decorating access when available and works with two preferred caterers at different price points while remaining flexible for cultural cuisine needs. Partner hotels provide complimentary guest shuttles—an increasingly rare amenity that enhances the guest experience while ensuring everyone gets home safely.

Currently booking into 2026 and 2027, The Ventura represents the perfect blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and unprecedented flexibility. Visit the-ventura.com or email bookings@the-ventura.com to schedule a tour and discover why this converted bank building might be where you want to invest in your forever.

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Gaming your way to wedding bliss might sound unconventional, but as Adam Walton of Walton's Games reveals, arcade machines are becoming the surprise hit of modern wedding celebrations across Cincinnati. This refreshingly different entertainment option solves multiple reception challenges while creating unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages.

The gaming revolution starts early in the wedding day with "grooms' get-ready rooms" featuring classics like Big Buck Hunter and Golden Tee Golf. These setups acknowledge the reality that grooms typically need less preparation time than brides, providing entertainment during those pre-ceremony hours when nerves might otherwise take over. One practical bride even attached a note: "The wedding starts at six. This game shuts off at 5:50. You will not be late to marry me because you're playing Golden Tee Golf."

Cocktail hours transform from awkward mingling into dynamic social experiences when arcade tables featuring 80s and 90s classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong are strategically placed throughout the venue. These games serve as natural conversation starters for guests who might not know each other well. One wedding spontaneously organized a Pac-Man tournament that continued throughout the reception, with guests competing for a dance with the bride. For favors that guests actually want, custom-filled claw machines offer branded teddy bears commemorating the special day.

With packages starting around $595 per game (comparable to photo booth rentals), this entertainment approach provides excellent value while setting your celebration apart from cookie-cutter receptions. The universal appeal crosses generational lines – Adam notes that even children who've never seen pinball machines become instantly enchanted by their sensory richness compared to mobile games. The company handles all delivery and setup, works with every venue in town, and can accommodate special requests for specific games.

Ready to level up your wedding entertainment? Contact Walton's Games through social media, email at sales@waltonsgames.com, or visit their showroom in Blue Ash to see these games in action and discover how they might create those magical, memorable moments your guests will talk about for years to come.

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Rhinegeist Brewery, located in downtown Cincinnati, offers a unique wedding venue with flexible spaces for both intimate and large celebrations, featuring their signature open catering policy that allows couples to bring in any food vendor of their choice.

• Hosting the annual "I Do's and Brews" wedding show on Sunday, May 18th, 12-3pm featuring 75 vendors
• $15 tickets include a complimentary beer and goodie bag with vendor information
• Unique vendors including a tattoo artist creating wedding-themed flash tattoos
• Venue accommodates weddings from 80 to 250 guests across different event spaces
• Partners with Tri-State Valet for convenient parking solutions starting at $1,000 flat fee
• Located near Cincinnati Streetcar route with nearby hotels and accommodations
• Provides venue access from noon on wedding day until 11:30pm
• Offers day-of coordination services to help manage venue specifics
• Celebrating 10 years of hosting events in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine district
• Available for both weddings and related events like rehearsal dinners and welcome parties

Find information about tours and the I Do's and Brews event at rheingiest.com or by emailing events@rhinegeist.com.

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The golden rule of etiquette isn't what you learned in school. As Dina Schmid of Queen City Etiquette explains to Kathy Piech-Lukas of Your Dream Day, true etiquette means finding out how others want to be treated—and then doing exactly that. This principle becomes especially crucial when planning a wedding, where guests ranging from toddlers to grandparents bring different expectations and needs.

Throughout our conversation, we unravel the often-confused concepts of tradition versus etiquette. While traditions are simply repeated practices (like smearing cake in your partner's face), etiquette focuses on creating comfort. That distinction helps navigate thorny issues like adult-only receptions, where Dina offers a masterclass in handling awkward situations with grace. Her advice for dealing with guests who RSVP with uninvited children? A direct phone call offering solutions demonstrates both boundary-setting and consideration.

Communication emerges as the cornerstone of wedding etiquette. Whether it's clearly stating that a reception has a cash bar, providing hotel block options at different price points, or sending timely thank you notes that specifically mention each gift received, thoughtful communication prevents the uncomfortable surprises that can dampen celebrations. We also explore the evolution of wedding traditions, from RSVP cards (once considered insulting!) to modern QR codes, and how etiquette adapts alongside these changes.

Dina shares fascinating insights into dress codes, from the ultra-formal white tie (think gloves and tuxedos with tails) to casual themes, while cautioning against the trending practice of dictating guest color schemes. Her parting wisdom captures the essence of wedding planning perfectly: "It's okay to break tradition, but it's not okay to break etiquette." By focusing on what makes your guests comfortable while staying true to your vision, you'll create a celebration that honors both tradition and consideration—setting the perfect tone for your marriage.

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Step behind the velvet rope and discover Greater Cincinnati's newest wedding destination! Kathy Piech-Lukas explores the stunning Delhi Event Center with venue coordinator Tiffany Combs just days before their inaugural wedding celebration.

This gorgeous contemporary space, completed in June 2024, offers couples a seamless wedding experience with its comprehensive package of amenities. From the moment you arrive at 8 AM on your wedding day, you'll enjoy access to a luxurious bridal suite equipped with comfortable seating, full-length mirrors, and perfect lighting for hair and makeup preparation. The venue's all-inclusive approach provides tables, chairs, linens, napkins, dance floor, and crucially—a professional day-of coordinator to ensure everything runs perfectly.

What sets Delhi Event Center apart is its beautiful design featuring abundant natural light through expansive windows, complemented by stylish globe lighting that creates a modern yet timeless atmosphere. With a capacity of 240 guests, the space accommodates both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. Additional options like uplighting, centerpieces, and charger plates allow couples to customize their experience while still benefiting from the venue's turnkey approach.

Beyond exploring the physical space, Kathy and Tiffany share fascinating insights about wedding industry challenges, including handling difficult guests and maintaining professional boundaries. Their candid stories highlight the importance of working with experienced professionals who can navigate unexpected situations while preserving your special day's magic.

Ready to see this beautiful space for yourself? Visit www.delhieventcenter.com or call 513-379-3010 to schedule your personal tour and discover why this venue might be the perfect setting for your dream day.

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Every bride knows the heartbreak of watching her wedding bouquet wither away after the big day. But what if those meaningful blooms could become a permanent keepsake of your celebration?

Wedding planner and wedding content creator Kathy Piech-Lukas of Your Dream Day Weddings and Events welcomes Sebra from The Rambling Florist to explore the fascinating world of bouquet preservation. With passion and expertise, Zebra breaks down the artistic process that transforms wedding flowers and wedding bouquets into lasting works of art. She details her two primary preservation methods—pressing flowers between glass and creating dimensional arrangements in shadow boxes—and explains the distinct beauty each approach offers.

Timing emerges as crucial for successful preservation, with Sebra recommending couples book services 6-8 weeks before their wedding and get flowers to her within three days after. She walks listeners through her entire process, from initial booking to collaborative design to finished artwork, typically completed within 4-6 weeks. Sebra shares stories of her most memorable projects, including a stunning fall bouquet of dahlias and a striking blue-and-orange arrangement complemented by the couple's wedding invitation.

The conversation expands to creative possibilities—incorporating boutonnières, wedding photos, invitations, and even flower girl crowns into preservation pieces. With prices ranging from $375-$550, these keepsakes allow couples to transform fleeting wedding elements into daily reminders of their special day. As Kathy poignantly notes, while most wedding elements disappear, preserved flowers join photographs as tangible memories you can treasure forever.

Ready to transform your wedding flowers into lasting art? Find Sebra at www.theramblingflorist.com and ensure your bouquet lives on as beautifully as your wedding memories. Subscribe now for more expert wedding planning insights!

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Dive into the delicious world of wedding catering with this behind-the-scenes look at what makes truly memorable reception food and service. Meet the talented team from Garnish Catering and 3GLS Catering, located in Cincinnati, who reveal the secrets to curating a dining experience that tells your unique love story through food.

From the moment Kathy Piech-Lukas, wedding planner and content creator with Your Dream Day in Cincinnati, Ohio, sits down with these culinary experts, they serve up both wisdom and mouth-watering samples prepared by Chef Chris. You'll discover the meaningful difference between a custom menu that reflects your favorite date night spots and family recipes versus the convenience of turnkey catering packages that still deliver on flavor. The team shares candid advice about cocktail hour strategies, current bar trends (espresso martinis are still going strong!), and the real pros and cons of buffet versus plated service.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is the practical insight you won't find in typical wedding planning guides. The wedding caterers reveal why some couples are now opting for private meals during cocktail hour, how their team handles complex dietary restrictions, and the impressive lengths they'll go to accommodate cultural food traditions. Their hilarious stories about "the twice-baked potato incident" and narrowly avoiding driving a golf cart into a lake offer a refreshing glimpse into the realities of event catering.

Whether you're weighing catering options for your upcoming wedding or simply fascinated by culinary event planning, this episode delivers substantial food for thought. You'll walk away understanding why professional full-service catering involves far more than just delivering delicious food—it's about creating seamless experiences where every detail from setup to cleanup is handled with expertise and care.

Ready to explore how custom wedding menus could elevate your celebration? Check out www.GarnishCincinnati.com to learn more about their personalized approach to wedding catering.

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Have you ever wondered why wedding dress shopping can feel so limiting and overwhelming? Owner Terry of Renee Grace Bridal challenges the traditional bridal shopping experience by offering fully customized wedding dresses designed specifically for your body and vision.

During our delightful conversation, Terry reveals how the name "Renee Grace" honors her two daughters' middle names, reflecting the family values at the heart of her business. She explains the frustrations many brides face when shopping off-the-rack: loving the top of one dress but hating the skirt, or being told certain alterations are possible when they actually aren't. At Renee Grace, these problems disappear because everything is designed and created in-house.

The most valuable insight Terry shares is about the emotional connection to finding the perfect dress. When you find the right dress, three things happen --You swish back and forth, you start petting yourself, and you don't want to take it off. This visceral reaction is something every bride deserves to experience, which is why Terry advises against visiting too many bridal shops and becoming mentally exhausted by options.

For brides eager to experience this unique approach to wedding dress design, Terry will be at the Bride's Mafia "Mimosas with the Mafia" event on March 23rd at Memorial Hall, where you can play with paper dolls and sample components to design your dream dress. Whether you visit her downtown Sharonville boutique or catch her at an event, you'll discover why the right wedding dress is about far more than following trends—it's about celebrating your body and personal style on one of life's most significant days.

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