I've been sick since Tuesday, and it's been one of the strangest illnesses I've ever experienced. My symptoms keep changing, I'm tired, and I feel like I'm walking in a dream (ever had those dreams where you try to run but it feels like you're stuck in a pit of marshmallow fluff? It's like that...).
Anyhoo. To make up for my lack of posts this week, here's a picture of my puppy, Dakota.
Awww. Isn't she adorable?? Always makes me smile.
I promise I'll have more posts next week! I hope that everyone has a Happy Easter. He is Risen!

My good friends James and Annie are getting married at the end of May, so Annie gathered some friends and family together to tackle some big wedding projects.

Soft and Romantic:

 

Hollywood Glam:
 

the Piggery at Anna Dean Farm, photo via Rachel Kunzen Photography

There are a myriad of barns available for rent for weddings in Northeast Ohio (and central Ohio, and probably all over Ohio), but while I was doing research, I stumbled upon some barns that have recently opened/are under renovations to open soon that are stunning. These barns are all unique and have a really high level of flexibility when it comes to rental terms, all for a reasonable price point!

The Historic O.C. Barber Anna Dean Farm

A historic 102 year old brick and mortar barn located on 6 acres in Barberton. Beautiful and historic, it is definitely a unique, blank canvas space for the DIY bride. Rental fee includes two days and the ability to use your own caterer.

Image via Kalyn Mann Photography

Image via J Tate Design

248 Robinson Ave.
Barberton, OH
email: annadeanevents@gmail.com

Case-Barlow Farm:
A farmhouse and barn in Hudson Ohio on 4 acres surrounded by a 60 acre park.
Used to be a stop on the Underground Railroad (awesome).

Unfortunately, as of Summer 2014, the barn itself is under renovation and is not available for rental. However, the grounds, wagon shed and farmhouse are available. Contact them for pricing. The farmhouse holds 50 people, but I've been told that with creative planning it could hold more.What a perfect venue for a shower or rehearsal dinner! 

1931 Barlow Rd.
Hudson, Ohio
tel:330-650-0591
Casebarlow@aol.com 

Heritage Barn
A lodge owned and operated by the Parks and Recreation system in Stow. Has a beautiful, windowed interior and sits on a lake. Holds 200 people, tables and chairs included. $500.00 non-resident rental (!!!!)

Here is a shot from a really cute wedding via Stephanie Brann photography, love the outside dancing concept!!:

Image via Stephanie Brann Photography

Head over to Stephanie's blog for other beautiful photos.

5238 Young Rd
Stow, OH
Rental Information

The Lodge at Allardale
Guys. This place is RIDICULOUSLY awesome. It's a 4,800 square foot facility designed to look like a farm building, and is located smack dab in the middle of a beautiful park. It is small (only holds about 100), but what a perfect excuse to cut down that guest list, save money on your rental, and really treat your nearest and dearest?? There is also a small room apart from the rental space that could be used for a bridal suite. And a fire ring outside. And a kitchen. Awesome.

Image via Allard Ward Architects

Check out these beaaauuuutifuuuul images via Addison Jones Photography (click the link to see more on her blog):

Image via Addison Jones Photography

Image via Addison Jones Photography

141 Remsen Road
Medina, OH
Rental Information

Gish Barn

A beautiful, historic barn (circa 1820s) in Rittman. Surrounded by oak groves and gardens with a beautiful traditionally rustic interior.

This place is so gorgeous that it's hard to pick which images to share, but this ADORABLE wedding shot by Nathan & Amanda Photography is a great place to start. Seriously, look at how beautiful these pictures are:

Image via Nathan & Amanda Photography

Image via Nathan & Amanda Photography

Image via Nathan & Amanda Photography

The Gish Barn
530 Gish Rd


Again, this is only a minuscule sampling of the available barn venues in Ohio. However, because of the popularity of other venues, you may have a better chance of securing a date for your event if you use a venue a little less heard of!

Last night I watched the Boy in the Striped Pajamas for the first time, and was nearly sobbing and heartbroken when it was finished. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it, but make sure you have tissues handy.
After that was over, I needed something cheerful and happy, so I turned to one of my favorite movies of all time: Gwyneth Paltrow's Emma.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Emma. Image via FanPop.
There are so many lovely scenes in this movie.

That veil? Perfect. And who doesn't want gorgeous flower laced canopies to walk under? Image via Screen Junkies.
There are several locations in the movie that would make for a beautiful destination wedding spot:
Mapperton Gardens:
Located in the civil parish of Dorset in South West England; Mapperton House was the site of Mrs. Weston's home at Randall's in the movie.


Image via Simpson Photography
Claydon House:
The scene where we begin to see that Mr. Knightley is in love with Emma, and just hope that Emma feels the same way.
 
Image via Vitrearum on Flickr.

Emma and Mr. Knightley at the ball. Image via Jane Austen Society.
Syon Park: 
Image via Syon Park.

Image via Syon Park.

Image via Syon Park. I think I would like to go there someday...so beautiful.
What do you think? Anyone want to have an Emma inspired destination wedding? Can I come?

Let's talk about how expensive bridesmaids' dresses are (REALLY expensive!!). I don't know about you, but when I think of deals on clothes, I don't think of spending $100 on one dress, but most bridesmaid dresses advertised as low cost are $100 or more, and that doesn't include accessories.