Julia and Will’s wedding day was a breathtaking celebration of enduring love, thoughtful details, and classic elegance. Set against the picturesque backdrop of The Darby House, their celebration was brought to life with an abundance of white roses, timeless design elements, and sweet, personal touches — from a bow-adorned gown and cake to their private getaway in a vintage Rolls-Royce Ghost. The aesthetic captured everything Julia and Will envisioned: refined, romantic, and filled with beauty at every turn.
Beyond the stunning decor, it was the heart of the day that made it unforgettable. Their deeply personal ceremony, emotional vows, and carefully choreographed first dance reflected a love built on honesty, laughter, and mutual support. Julia and Will’s journey — from meeting in graduate school to long-distance wedding planning while finishing their doctorates — made their wedding day even more meaningful, filled with both joyful celebration and poignant tributes to beloved family members. Every moment felt like a true reflection of their story: heartfelt, courageous, and full of light.
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We met in graduate school in Chicago where we were both pursuing our doctorates in clinical psychology. William first saw me at orientation and leaned over to his new friend, a fellow student, and said “Who is that girl? I’m going to marry her.”
We didn’t meet officially for several months but we began talking over the phone as COVID started to shut the world down, then realized we could talk for hours without getting tired.
We had our first date at home, Will cooked a delicious meal for us and we dressed up like we were out at a fancy restaurant. It was an absolute perfect first date 🙂
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
One of my bridesmaids fainted during the ceremony, not out of heat or anything like that, she just locked her knees too long! We were both worried of course about our friend, but slightly relieved to have a break from the vows that were about to make Will sob and me pass out from nerves. The bridesmaid was totally fine, thank goodness!
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
We were long distance during our engagement due to our doctoral internship placements being Julia in Indiana and Will in Utah. That made planning so hard since we couldn’t enjoy a lot of things together, but we did many zoom calls and made as many decisions as possible when we visited each other.
Also finishing our doctorate degrees while together was quite a feat, we had long nights of talking psychological theory, and other nights of staring at the ceiling without a single brain cell left.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
I had my grandmother’s photo and a floral bouquet on an empty chair, she was one of my greatest friends and passed early in our relationship. But Will, despite being together only a few short months, was there for me at the funeral. He knows she meant the world to me so we had a special memorial chair for her at the wedding.
Will’s brother, Bobby, was unable to come to our wedding because his wife (my lovely sister in law now) was over 8 months pregnant and there was concern she would go into labor. Bobby and Lauren dressed up in their wedding suit and dress and took photos as if they were there the night of, and Bobby sent an incredible speech to be played over the speakers at dinner.
The pastor who married us was Will’s childhood pastor, so she got to see him all grown up and marrying his wife. It was a really special moment for both he and our pastor.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
The ceremony was our first priority, the vows especially because they were personal and we both love expressing ourselves in writing. It was a longer ceremony but we got to soak up every moment of the experience of being wed.
Our first dance was also extremely important. We loved every minute of learning our dance and the day of it went sublime.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Will – Julia has helped me learn to be vulnerable
Julia – Will has taught me that it’s okay to see the joys and lighter side of life, to enjoy little moments of laughter and happiness, and to let go of small inconveniences
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Will – her sense of humor, her intelligence, her willingness to go along with all kinds of adventures
Julia – his love of adventure, sense of humor, and his ability to be stable, constant and decisive when he needs to be (also his amazing hair)
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
Learning how to dance together! We took private lessons and got to plan/choreograph our first dance. It was so fun to do together and made the day of performance a breeze, we could really enjoy the moment.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Julia’s advice – You won’t have it all figured out right away, and that’s okay. Love and marriage is a process and wisdom isn’t something you gain without practice.
Will’s advice – Be honest to and with yourself about what you want and need, and don’t be afraid of sharing that with your partner (conflict avoided is conflict invested).
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
It exposes every part of you to another person. Insecurities, hopes, fears, inadequacies, scars, and moments that bring you pure bliss. It then asks, “Will you take hold these with me?”
Love is the spirit that calls you to the most wonderful things, you just have to have the courage to listen and respond.
Photography: Alison Mae Photography / @alisonmaephotography
Event Planning: Ashley Stephan Weddings / @stephanweddings
Cinematography: ALC Productions / @alcproductions
DJ: Josh Staley Productions / @joshstaleyproductions
Music: Viva La Strings / @vivalastrings
Floral Design: Dalay Ket Event Design / @dalayketevents
Hair: Lauren Wolff / @lo.wolff_hairdesign
Makeup: Columbus Wedding Makeup & Hair / @columbusweddingmakeupandhair
Stationery: Avant-Garde Impressions / @avantgardeimpressions
Catering: Creative Cuisine / @creativecuisine
Cake: Le Gateau Elegant
Transportation: Columbus Coach
Cigar Lounge: Aiden and Grace / @aidenandgrace
Ice Sculpture: Rock On Ice / @rock.on.ice
Rentals: Got Ya Covered / @gyclinens
Coffee: Ravello’s Coffee / @ravelloscoffee
Venue: The Darby House / @cmpe_columbus
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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