Rooftop Garden Wedding at North 4th Corridor's The Revery in Columbus, Ohio

Amrta + Leo | Exclusively Featured on Martha Stewart Weddings

Something spectacular is guaranteed to happen when a Columbus, Ohio wedding florist is getting married and some of the best in the industry rally around her to bring her Verdic garden-scape vision to life.

I was so honored and excited when Amrta reached out. She is such a dear friend and someone I cherish deeply. When she described her wedding to me, I knew there wouldn’t be a detail left unnoticed and when learning it would be The Revery at North 4th Corridor’s first wedding since its grand opening, that she would make sure those details went far beyond expectation.

Amrta and Leo knew when celebrating their marriage that they wanted to emphasize their strong cultural roots. Leo is Albanian and was raised in such a beautiful country filled with rich history, while Amrta was raised Vaishnava, a form of Hinduism, and spent a large part of her adolescent and teen years living in the lush mountains of Puerto Rico. Together, their love for serene mountain ranges, gardens filled with blooms, and branches of greenery keeps them connected to their origins. This was the source of their lush theme.

Thanks to Lupine Letters, right away you were able to experience elegance and grace, words that describe the couple well, when receiving the invitation to their nuptials. The envelopes, printed with a white Henna motif across the base, were sealed with an Albanian eagle wax and lavender and lilac blooms sprinkled out when opened. These tangible details prepared guests for a garden affair with delicate calligraphy adorned on handmade paper.

Upon arrival at The Revery, layers of gold and brassy tones paired with the textured stone and cement vessels created the perfect foundation with mercury glass votives, vines of greens and floral petals peppered across the space.

The day consisted of multiple first looks. The first being Amrta’s and the airy ceremony space that Evergreen Flower Co. and Prema Designs meticulously created. I was speechless when I saw the space and knew Amrta would become flooded with emotions too. As she walked into through the glass doors, she couldn’t help but fall to the ground in disbelief that this was where she’d be getting married. Tears filled everyone’s eyes along with a wave of gratitude flooding in.

This made getting ready feel even more real. After some time in make up and hair, it was time to get in her gown by Watters from La Jeune Mariee Bridal Collection. Amrta stepped into soft tulle with a bodice of delicate flowers and vintage lace added by her mom. My favorite part of the gown experience was seeing a piece of her grandmother’s dress stitched inside. Amrta looked so effortless in her gown. It was made for her in every way. Leo looked exceptionally dapper in his maroon suit from Pursuit Yourself. His henna print tie, another cultural display, was paired with a gold tie clip which perfectly matched the gold ring he was soon to wear.

Before the two saw each other, Amrta shared an exciting first look with her bridesmaids and nephews where her youngest sweet nephew shouted “Riri, you’re so pretty” without hesitation… trust me when I say this melted everyone’s hearts.

The couple shared a much anticipated first look in the exact place where they would say “I do.” They both knew that once they saw each other, nerves would dwindle. The reactions of Leo seeing Amrta was one of complete adoration and proudness. He seemed mesmerized by her and during their portraits just wanted to hold her.

Amrta soon after shared a first look with her dad, who was to lead the ceremony between his daughter and Leo. The tender hugs that happened instantly and tears that Amrta wiped from her dad’s face showed just how proud he was of her.

After a processional that consisted of the bridesmaids, who wore tones of mauve and traditional bindis, Amrta’s most monumental moment came when walking down the aisle, surrounded by the men who mean most to her. Her uncles stood in the corners, representing the pillars they have been in her life. Then to each side, her brothers, part of her spirit and soul. As she says, “her warriors”. The men who have shown unmeasurable support during her every pursuit of happiness.

From the evergreen ceremony, it was time for one final first look for Amrta and Leo. The reception, where the tables were adorned in luxurious velvet and airy gauze in soft shades of blush, lush greenery, and moody candlelight to give the space a storybook type of ambience. The two were all smiles when seeing it for the first time along with embracing the team that worked hard to make it happen. Soon enough, the reception space was filled with laughter and champagne toasts, a special guest performer, Eli Fara, who flew in from Korce to serenade guests throughout the evening.

Following dinner, guests were invited back up to the rooftop where the space had been transformed into a breathtaking dance floor with luxury seating areas throughout. They were greeted with smoking signature cocktails as they walked through the doors to see large marquee letters of the couple's last name lighting up the space with the handcrafted cake by Kuro Neko Cakes taking center stage. Everything was thought of for this delicately bold day celebrating Mr. and Mrs. Saliaj.

Now enough story telling, here’s some of my favorites from this special day!