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STILLWATER PLACE
CLEVELAND, OH
NICK'S VERSION:
It wasn’t like the movies…
There was nobody “…staring at me in Personal Growth.” I never bolted to the observation deck of the Empire State Building. Not at any time did I get wind of those three little words: “You’ve got mail.” And yet…
Many years ago — back in my days of being a Bennett dancer — I accepted a late night proposal of frozen yogurt from an unknown number. I remember being picked up by a somewhat shy, youthful-looking fellow, wearing a blue sweater that matched his four-eyes. Sactown was quiet that night; our first date charming.
Shortly thereafter, Matthew introduced me to San Francisco, set to the recording of Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall. A friend asked, “What will you two do when you get back to New York?”
Our timeline would go on to consist of many goodbyes at airports, bus stations, and subway stops, but our hellos were always within sight. Along the way, our family grew to 3 - our pup Norway adopted us.
Then one day, our love grew so big that we couldn’t keep it inside any longer. We decided to get married.
We can’t wait to share this love with you.
-Nick
MATTHEW'S VERSION:
I remember seeing Nick on stage at Sacramento Music Circus the day I arrived in Sacramento in 2014. He had a light about him, and I was immediately drawn to this person I'd never even met. Our first outing was to one of my favorite haunts in Sacramento...Yogurtagogo. We spent a wonderful day in San Francisco the day after our show closed. He went back to NYC while I stayed for the rest of the season at Music Circus. We picked up where we left off when I returned to the city. We've each spent time holding down the fort while the other is away on exciting adventures with various shows. We adopted a pup named Norway. We've taken trips all over the world to visit each other. Nick is my best friend. He balances me and provides a soft place to land. He challenges me to be my best self. He's my biggest fan. He lifts me up when I need a boost and lets me do the same for him. We've been engaged since 2018...and I cannot wait to marry Nick and start the next chapter of our life together.
-Matthew
THE PROPOSAL:
Matthew popped the question on a sunny October afternoon in the UK Pavilion Gardens at Epcot Center in 2018. Nick thankfully said "of course." We spent the entire day taking a memorable trip around the world with our friend Liz (who was in on the surprise). After the proposal we ventured to France to toast with champagne.
She helped plan the engagement, so it's only fitting that she be the one to marry us.
Shiny Penny Studios will be shooting our wedding, so be sure to smile for her camera!
Whitney Miller
One part of the dynamic duo from Shiny Penny Studios...get those smiles ready!
TRELLIS ROOFTOP
1384 Hird Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
5:00PM-7:00PM
A low-key chance to meet and greet.
STILLWATER PLACE, CLEVELAND
5:30PM Ceremony
6:00PM Cocktails
7:00PM Dinner + Dancing
THE GOODBYE
STARBUCKS
1 Saint Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114
Corner of West Mall Ave/St. Clair Ave
9:00am-10:00am
Coffee before adieu.
Why the zoo?
The decision to host our wedding in Cleveland was an easy one. Nick grew up in Mentor, and it's an easy trip from our home in New York City. Our main goal was to find a venue that showcases Cleveland, and we found that in Stillwater Place at Cleveland MetroParks Zoo. The zoo sits a few miles outside of downtown Cleveland and certainly qualifies as a showpiece of the city.
Every guest of our wedding receives free admission to the zoo on June 10, 2023!
You can visit the zoo in the morning, go back to the hotel to change, and come back for the ceremony. Or simply come a little early to enjoy the zoo before the festivities begin.
The theme.
We decided to have a Disco themed wedding to make this a true celebration.
Attire.
Vintage 70's glam. Think a night at Studio 54. Wide lapels. Large Bow Ties. Jumpsuits. Sequins. Statement shoes.
We are utilizing three sites within steps of each other in the middle of the zoo. Download a zoo map HERE.
WILD WONDER PAVILION
Our ceremony will be held outside under the roof of the Wild Wonder Pavilion. The pavilion looks out over a forest of lush green trees making it the perfect place for a wedding. The covered space will offer shade from the sun and protection in the event of inclement weather.
CIRCLE OF WILDLIFE CAROUSEL
After the ceremony, take a short stroll across the plaza to the Circle of Wildlife Carousel to imbibe, socialize, and take a spin on one of the carousel's 64 hand-carved animals.
STILLWATER PLACE
A plated dinner followed by dancing will follow at Stillwater Place, Cleveland MetroParks Zoo's premiere event center. Stillwater Place provides plenty of space to dine, dance, and celebrate.
CHICKEN WITH CHAMPAGNE BUERRE BLANC (GF)
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Herbed Butter Haricot Vert
Mixed Green Salad
Rolls
Petit Fours
Cream Puffs
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI, PARMESAN WITH BUERRE BLANC SAUCE
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Herbed Butter Haricot Vert
Mixed Green Salad
Rolls
Petit Fours
Cream Puffs
Open Bar serving Liquor, Beer (Domestic, Premium, and Craft), and Wine
Coke
Diet Coke
Sprite
Ginger Ale
Dasani Water
Coffee Station
Continuing a Varricchio family tradition, we will have a cookie table showcasing the finest desserts provided by our family.
Bring your appetite and be prepared to take some home.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is certainly the easiest airport to fly into. Air Canada, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United all service the Cleveland area.
Car rentals can be arranged through Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Be sure to check out the Superman exhibit at Baggage Claim.
Uber and Lyft are available from the airport, as is Cleveland's RTA. The 29 minute ride on the RTA Red Line picks up at the airport and drops passengers at Tower City Center. Hotels are a short distance from this stop.
We have arranged a block of rooms at Cleveland's historic Drury Plaza Hotel. The Drury Plaza offers a complimentary Breakfast and a 5:00pm Happy Hour. The hotel also offers complimentary wifi throughout the property.
Please make your reservations by Monday, April 24, 2023 to receive the group rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rate and availability. Reservations may also be made by calling 1-800-325-0720 and refer to your group number 10027072.
CUT OFF DATE: APRIL 24, 2023
We have arranged a block of rooms at the Crowne Plaza Playhouse Square. The Crowne Plaza offers a full breakfast buffet for an additional $16.95 per guest. Ask for this when making the reservation. The buffet is located in their restaurant.
Please make your reservations by Friday, May 12, 2023 to receive the group rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rate and availability.
CUT OFF DATE: MAY 12, 2023
We have arranged a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn. The Hampton offers a complimentary Breakfast. Complimentary wifi is also provided.
Please make your reservations by Tuesday, May 9, 2023 to receive the group rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rate and availability.
CUT OFF DATE: TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2023
Two shuttles from A1 Mr. Limo will be provided from the Drury Plaza Hotel to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo entrance. From there you have the choice to walk to the ceremony site or take the complimentary Stillwater Place shuttle.
SCHEDULE:
Departures to Venue
First shuttle departs at 4:00pm from Rockwell Avenue (southeast side of the Drury Plaza)
Departures to Drury Plaza
Shuttles depart at 11:45pm
Cleveland's diverse history comes to life here! Ride the beautifully restored Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel, unwind in the Gardens, and get up-close to LeBron James' shoes.
Park, picnic, and parade the shoreline. Be on the lookout for the famed "Lake Erie Monster..." Bonus points for finding the Cleveland sign!
The "Broadway of Cleveland" is the largest theater district outside of New York. No visit is complete without a photo under the giant chandelier.
Follow the sound of Dean Martin's voice to the historic Murray Hill! Enjoy cannoli at the famed Presti's, traipse the neighborhood's cobblestone, and get spooked by the "Crying Angel" at Euclid Cemetery.
Cleveland's most vibrant, social scene! *Note: the Cuyahoga River is aflame for different reasons these days...
You'll shoot your eye out if you miss a visit to Ralphie's house. Relive a dose of Cleveland cinema history, and don't lick the lamp post!
One of the premier art institutions in the country, CMA is not to be missed. Get caffeinated at Provenance Café, and let spirits past be your guide.
For the foodie-lover in you! Home to over 100 locally-owned businesses, the cacophony of this echo chamber is a love song to local culture.
Sports have the power to unite us all. Meet the Guardians on Hope Memorial Bridge on your way to Cleveland's home field. The Guardians are playing the Astros at home this weekend.
We love your kids—we really do. But we want our wedding to be your night off!
Yes, check out our Travel section for all the info you need.
If your invitation says “and Guest,” then yes, if not, we would prefer if it was just you.
Vintage 70's glam. Dress to impress. DJ Liza will be spinning Disco hits all night long!
As we are still navigating a global pandemic, we would ask that you be smart about attending our wedding. If you are feeling unwell, please take a test before attending.
Masks are not required, but are welcomed at your discretion. Our wedding will be a judgement free zone, so if you feel more comfortable wearing a mask - wear it with pride.
The ceremony and cocktail hour will take place outside. The interior of Stillwater Place is large, and we will be seating 8 guests per table. The rear patio of Stillwater Place overlooks the lake and will be an additional outdoor space during the reception.
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