Downtown Toledo Wedding at The Blarney Event Center

December 5, 2020

Mandie & Callan

Their love story did not begin until after high school, but it didn’t take long for them to reconnect after one fateful Halloween night. Little did they know, their chance reunion foreshadowed how they would celebrate their very special downtown Toledo winter wedding at The Blarney Event Center a few years later.

Mandie and Callan attended high school together. They knew one another, but never dated. However, on Halloween night in 2015, they ran into each other at The Blarney in downtown Toledo. Callan messaged Mandie the next day and asked her out on a date. The couple has been together ever since!

Mandie has always loved handing out candy on Halloween and seeing all of the costumes. When Mandie and Callan bought a house of their own in Columbus, they were sure to be ready to celebrate the holiday! They got dressed up – along with their beloved dogs – and passed out candy at the door. Little did she know, Callan had a “treat” of his own prepared to surprise Mandie. After their last trick-or-treater visited, Mandie closed the door and turned around to find Callan down on one knee! He was wearing the same costume he was wearing when they reconnected four years earlier. Of course, she said, “yes”!

Their wedding planning process was paused in March 2020 when COVID-19 affected so many throughout the state of Ohio – and the world. Meanwhile, Callan was busy caring for patients in the midst of his anesthesiology residency at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Mandie continued to work from home.

As things began to reopen in late spring, they reached out to discuss options to capture the memories from their special day, and I am so glad they selected me to be there with them! Naturally, it seemed only fitting that they return to the place it all began … The Blarney in downtown Toledo.

Planning to continue with their wedding safely was not something they took lightly. The affair was transformed from an event with well more than one hundred guests to one attended by only their closest family members and friends. They incorporated numerous safety precautions and were mindful of all guidelines and orders to protect their guests. Who would have thought that quarantining would be necessary before their wedding day? … but it is 2020.

When their wedding day finally came around, the couple prepared at the lovely Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Toledo … only a few blocks from their wedding venue. Their sweet pups could stay there with them to participate in the fun, too! 🐾

One thing that really struck me throughout the day was the raw emotion that I could feel from the couple and those they love. When it came time for their First Look, Mandie hesitated several times before tapping her groom on the shoulder before they saw one another for the first time. She was tearful and was waiting for just the right moment. Mandie’s laugh is infectious … and her smile just lights up a room! You could tell she was having a ball with her girls, and you can tell that Callan (who can be pretty calm and stoic) loves her with his entire soul.

Mandie and Callan’s downtown Toledo winter wedding at The Blarney Event Center was simply perfect. Between the delightful holiday music playing as they welcomed guests, having her best friend officiate the ceremony, and the joy that could be felt in the room all around them … it was a special day.

Mandie and Callan, it has been a pleasure to get to know you. I am delighted to share some images from your beautiful day. Wishing you all the best for a happy future!

Photography: Amy Simkus Photography
Bridal Gown: Morilee
Bridal Shop: Atlas Bridal Shop
Bridal Shoes: Kate Spade New York
Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Florals: GardenView Flowers
Venue/Coordination/Catering: The Blarney Event Center
Hair: Alex Poplawski
Make-up: Nicole Urbanski
DJ: Jim Lopinski
Dessert: So Many Somethings Desserterie
Officiant: Ryan Truman
Invitations: Minted
Rings: Blue Nile
Jewelry: Northwood Jewelers

Are you newly engaged?? Congratulations! I’d love to serve you and your fiancé on your special day! Check out Anney and Trey’s engagement session at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon, Ohio to see more beautiful photos with Amy Simkus Photography!