Travis Steele’s move to Cincinnati to take a coaching position for the Xavier College basketball team forever changed his and Amanda McCaw’s lives by interlacing their fates. “Travis had just moved, and didn’t know anyone in the city, so he would just stay at the office all day and night,” recalls Amanda. “A mutual friend was in town and made Travis take a break from work and come out for New Year’s Eve with us.” The two were instantly taken with each other and inseparable from that very night.

The sophisticated event that would join the pair in matrimony was to take place out of doors. “I have always wanted an outdoor wedding; however, I wanted it to feel very classy with very special touches,” reveals Amanda. “With the picture-perfect landscaping, layout, and privacy of Greenacres Art Center, I knew this was where I wanted the wedding of my dreams to take place.”

A balmy early evening was the scene of the couple’s vow exchange. It was kept unblemished with an all-white design, allowing the natural canvas of tall trees and lush greenery to provide the inspiration for subtle, yet enchanting, personal touches throughout. Diaphanous fabric draped the wedding canopy, while additional sheers – one solid and two with floral patterns – were used to cover the white seating. A peony design that appeared on one of the fabrics recurred in the custom aisle runner and wedding stationery.

Tall pillar vases of white flowers were placed on each side of the aisle. The exquisite bride walked past carrying a bouquet of light blush-pink peonies, vanilla roses, and creamy hydrangeas. Amanda recollects, “I wanted the music to be personal, so I chose the song ‘Marry Me’ by Train to be performed for the processional, while the recessional included the quartet and the guitarists performing ‘Viva La Vida’ by Coldplay. It was beautiful and fun to have some of our favorite music included in our ceremony.”

The stylishly glamorous outdoor reception followed as guests were guided into a blush-carpeted tent that featured a striking tent liner. Romantic elegance was achieved with a mostly white palette with hints of ivory, bullion, and blush. The main dining tables were festooned with luxurious textured linens in alternating crème brûlée and gold with crystal napkin rings. Table numbers were framed in crystal to match the glistening chandeliers, and the warm, rosy lighting created a spectacular effect on the dazzling facets after the sun set. The entire milieu was enhanced by a beautiful, custom feature: “The most unique element was the 16-foot round bar of white, tufted leather that created serious impact on the space,” says Amanda.

Before the live dancing ensued, guests were treated to a touching video highlighting the events of the day including unique views of the myriad of preparations. A live band kept the dance floor filled throughout the night, while a DJ played during the band’s breaks. The new bride and groom continued the joyful ambience by treating their family and friends to a late-evening snack from a fireside pizza wagon. Amanda explains, “When we travel for Travis’ away basketball games, we are always on the hunt for a new pizza place. We knew we wanted our favorite food to be a fun part of the evening.”

Travis and Amanda’s vision of their wedding day as a resplendent celebration of their love embracing family and friends was fulfilled. What they had found enhanced by each other was bestowed to all. Travis sums it up best: “Amanda brings out the best in me, and I hope she would say the same. We are a good team.”