REAL-WEDDINGS

Real Columbus Wedding: Jennifer and Matthew Stell Hold a Destination Wedding in Columbus

While vacationing on a beautiful beach in O’ahu, Hawaii, Matt proposed to Jennifer. They took dance classes for an entire year leading up to the big day, as their first dance was important to them.

Columbus Monthly

Jennifer and Matthew Stell stand in front of the Bluestone in Columbus, where both ceremony and reception were held.

Who: Jennifer and Matthew Stell

When: Nov. 12, 2022

The story: Jennifer and Matthew Stell met at the Second City in Chicago in 2017, as both were there to pursue their comedy dreams. They had their first date on New Year’s Eve, “which made planning anniversaries very difficult,” the couple says.

The proposal: While vacationing on a beautiful beach in O’ahu, Hawaii, Matthew proposed to Jennifer. He was planning to do it later in the trip, but when he saw they were alone on the beach, he took his chance. “He set up our tripod to ’take photos,’ and I took that as an opportunity to do some cartwheels for the camera,” Jennifer says. “I was still dizzy when he asked. It was a complete shock!”

The wedding: The couple married at the Bluestone in late fall of 2022, showcasing a color palette of gray, desert pink and gold. The bride is originally from Pittsburgh and the groom from Chicago, so they met in the middle to have a destination wedding in Columbus, a place that all of their friends and family traveled to to celebrate their wedding. “We love the city and were so thankful to have our special day there,” the couple says.

Their biggest goal was to have as many loved ones involved in their big day as possible—something apparent through their 22-person bridal party, three ring bearers, flower girl and two readers for the ceremony. “Our first dance was also important to us,” the couple says. “We took dance classes for an entire year leading up to the big day.”

Some of Jennifer and Matthew’s most memorable moments included “finally being able to take a breather” as soon as the first dance was over, enjoying the cocktail hour (as they took all photos ahead of that time) and finally being able to spend time with each of their 175 guests. “Having a sweetheart table on stage was also amazing because we could be alone and take in all of our loved ones that gathered to celebrate us,” the couple says.

From the couple: “All of our vendors are incredible and the Bluestone was an amazing venue.”

They honeymooned afterward in Belize.