Eric and Danielle’s story began in 2016 when Eric organized a rafting trip with a group of friends. He invited Nick, who invited his future wife Michelle, who brought Danielle. The trip was fun, but the two didn’t get to know one another all that well until later in the summer when the aforementioned couple invited the two to join their kickball team. Sparks flew, and the pair soon became inseparable.
Fast forward to 2018; Eric was designing a surprise engagement ring for Danielle when he received news of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “We’d talked about the possibility of him pursuing an expat contract, but we didn’t have a sense of if or when an opportunity would present itself, so we were both surprised when he found out he was selected for a position in Germany,” says Danielle. There was a slight catch – his contract would start in six months.
On March 31, on a date night in Over-the-Rhine, they walked through Washington Park when Eric popped the question. She, of course, said, “Yes!”
Three months later, the couple moved to Germany. “The first year flew by. We promised each other we’d have a wedding someday, but we didn’t have a timeline,” says Danielle. In the fall of 2019, the couple decided it was time to set a date.
“Planning a wedding from across the world was a challenge,” she explains. “We knew we wanted to have an outdoor wedding that reflected our laid-back nature.”
The couple had planned on getting married in June 2020, but the pandemic put their plans on hold. “Of course, we were disappointed, but I can’t say we were surprised. We decided to cancel and were advised to reschedule for the fall,” she says. “We were feeling optimistic and picked a date in October, but I think we both knew in the back of our minds it wasn’t going to happen.” In September, the couple once again put their nuptials on hold and pushed their wedding to June 11, 2021.
“We hadn’t been home since Christmas of 2019, so we had a lot of details to sort out. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t freaking out a bit,” she laughs. “Fortunately, we booked a team of amazing vendors!”
Eric and Danielle exchanged vows in front of friends and family under a canopy of trees.
“The day went by in a flash! We had guests travel from across the U.S. and EU to attend, and that really touched us, especially after not seeing them in so long,” Danielle says. “We couldn’t have done it without the support of our families and wedding party. Their love and support throughout the pandemic and leading up to our wedding day was invaluable. We’re so thankful for them!”
“We couldn’t have done it without the support of our families and wedding party. Their love and support throughout the pandemic and leading up to our wedding day was invaluable. We’re so thankful for them!” -Danielle
Wedding info:
Venue and Florals: The Marmalade Lily
Event Coordinator: MiMi with The Marmalade Lily
Photography: Ahava Studio Photography
Caterer: Vonderhaar’s Catering
Dress: Mansion Hill Bridal
Alterations: Alternations by Toni
Suits: Folchi’s Tuxedos & Menswear
Hair and Makeup: Andi and Haley with Moxxie Makeup & Hair
Rings: Bario Neal and Mountain Ring Co.
Cake and Dessert Bar: The BonBonerie
Cookies: Kathy’s Knit-Knacks ‘n’ Snacks
Mobile Bar: Cincy Bubbles
Music: Upbeats DJ’s