Our stunning real bride Simone, a Program Manager at Microsoft, married her now-husband, Bernee, a Real Estate Investor, on a perfect Columbus Summer day, at none other than the dreamy Columbus Museum of Art. Simone shares that she and Bernee met years prior at a real estate event here in Columbus. “I had bought my first project and I was struggling to get it done. I came to the event with the intention of finding help. A mutual friend (and at the time our only mutual) had introduced us. We exchanged Instagrams and about 2 weeks later had our first date.”, shared Simone about their first meeting.
After dating, Bernee finally popped the question to Simone while on a family cruise vacation in April of 2023. Unbeknownst to Simone, Bernee had already let Simone’s parents, brother and aunties know about his plans to propose on the vacation during their stop in Santorini. Simone, on the other hand, didn’t think they would get engaged until the holidays!
“The time we had on Santorini was limited before we were due back on board. Bernee was so focused on finding a beautiful picture taking spot and making sure all of the family was present. It was quite the journey coordinating over 20 people on that island. I honestly thought he just wanted to find a great backdrop for an awesome Instagram post. After literally a bus and over 3 miles of walking, Bernee finally found the spot. He was walking much further ahead than I, which I was so bummed about because I wanted to take in all the beautiful scenery of this island together. I just assumed he wanted to spend the time with his dad, so I respected it. When he finally found the perfect spot, one of my cousins signaled ahead to come down and see. I thought it was just my turn to strike a pose to get an iconic Santorini Instagram photo. By the time I was finished taking all of my shots, the rest of my family had joined us. On the last shot, Bernee asked to jump in the photo. Before I could stretch out my arm to embrace him, he was down on one knee. Everything went silent around me and all I could see was the love of my life asking me to spend the rest of my life with him. It was one of the best moments of my life!”
As we mentioned above, Simone had no idea that a proposal was coming on vacation, and once she returned, it was time to start planning and begin looking for a dress! Simone shares that she knew she had wanted to shop at LJM since before she got engaged, as she passed our old boutique location and loved the gowns in our window display. We were “easily the first stop and choice for bridal gown shopping”, shared our beautiful bride.
Once at her appointment, Simone bonded with Annmarie, her stylist, and ended up saying yes to the second dress she tried on, Calla Blanche Lilia. This gorgeous gown boasts a fitted silhouette, intricate botanical lace, and a timeless sweetheart neckline, for a truly romantic bridal feel. Simone shared that Lilia was exactly what she had pictured herself walking down the aisle in!
Once she had her dream dress secured, it was time for all of the other fun parts of wedding planning! Our bride shared that her favorite parts of planning their big day was touring venues with Bernee and shopping for her dream dress with her mom and aunt. On the other hand, her least favorite parts were discussing smaller details that weren’t as important to her as other aspects of the day.
After months of planning and preparation, Simone and Bernee’s big day was finally here. Their ceremony took place in the airy atrium of the Columbus Museum of Art, and Simone shared that her favorite detail was their incorporation of praise and worship into the ceremony. “I had a moment where I got to privately pray and have a moment with God before I walked down the aisle. It was such a beautiful moment.”
Following their ‘I do’s’, Simone shared another favorite moment of the day – their entrance into the reception as husband and wife. “Realizing you’re in a room full of people you love and that are celebrating you is truly magical.”
Simone’s day was filled with breathtaking color, and she shares that her florists JD Luxe Designs + Battiste La Fleur completely nailed the inspo she shared. She shares that her whole vendor team was amazing, giving specific shoutouts to her photographer, Melissa Chu, and videographer, Nathan Peppers, for their efficiency and kindness throughout the day.
As for any unexpected greats of the day – Simone shared that their musicians extended the song that she walked down the aisle to so that she could have an extra moment with her father at the end of the aisle, soaking in the magical moment.
As Simone reflects on her wedding day, she has advice to share with future #ljmrealbrides:
“Don’t get so focused or hung up on planning a ‘perfect day’. The idea of that is overwhelming in itself… You don’t have to do everything you see on social media at all. Only do what you and your spouse want to.”
We couldn’t agree with this wise advice any more. Remember that your wedding day is about you and your partner’s love for each other, not about trends!
We’re so honored to have been a part of Simone + Bernee’s magical Columbus Museum of Art wedding day. Keep scrolling for more photos from their day and to view their full vendor list!
