Autumn Love in Chagrin Falls

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Autumn Love in Chagrin Falls

CATEGORIES

August 25, 2023
Words by Marisol Acosta
Photos courtesy of

A chance at love can often begin with a simple tap of a screen. When Alyssa and Tim saw each others’ profiles on a dating app, they knew this could be the beginning of a beautiful journey. Not being swayed by a canceled first date, the two persisted and agreed to meet, this time at a local brewery. There, they connected and a beautiful spark set them on a path to their “always.”

When it came to finding a destination to celebrate their love, they had one important requirement: a place where family could easily come together. “Tim grew up in Honolulu,” Alyssa tells us. “We considered a destination wedding to Hawaii. However, we ultimately decided we wanted a bigger wedding and to be able to incorporate as many family members as possible.” When the pandemic hit, the couple opted to shelter in place together in the town where Alyssa grew up, Chagrin Falls. There, the love they had for each other continued to grow as Tim was introduced to the town that held so many memories for Alyssa. Chagrin Falls was not only a meaningful place to her, but it quickly held a special place in his heart as well. It became clear: this Ohio oasis would be the perfect place to bring everyone together for their wedding celebration.

Chagrin Valley Country Club already held significance for Alyssa’s family as they found community there in the bride’s childhood. While dating, Tim spent many days there on the links, enjoying the surrounding nature. The location offers robust rolling hills nestled upon a beautiful canopy of Beech and Sassafras trees. As the leaves turn shades of gold and amber in the Fall, the couple knew this would be the perfect backdrop to their October wedding.

As the Big Day crept closer, the couple meticulously planned all the details that would make this day extra memorable. “We did a Catholic ceremony,” the bride says, “but tried to make decisions that reflected us as a couple and our families as well.” The bride’s family have been parishioners at Holy Angels Catholic Church and felt it would be the best place to bless their union.

The groom’s upbringing in Oahu led him to incorporate traditions that added a special touch of home for him. He wore a traditional Maile Lei which is a symbol of respect, peace, friendship and love. The ring bearer also wore a Maile Lei and the flower girl wore a Haku Lei (a traditional Hawaiian flower crown). With Tim having two sisters and Alyssa having two brothers, the couple chose their siblings to accompany them along with their chosen wedding party. Even their pupper, Kona, had a place of honor in the festivities!

The reception looked as if you had just stepped into a garden wonderland. The walls covered in greenery and trailing plants and flowers were among the bride’s favorite things. Rattan lanterns and light fixtures lit up the night as the couple and guests danced amongst the ivy. While a wedding cake is the default celebratory dessert, the couple thought wedding pies would be far more fun…and tasty! Being fans of Harry Potter, they had a neon sign that read, “After all this time? Always.” A nod to a character’s unchanging love for another.

The couple will forever cherish the assistance their families provided during the planning process. Making family the centerpiece of their celebration significantly strengthened the bond between their families. The bride offered some advice, saying, “It can be helpful to remember why you are doing all of this, which is to celebrate you and your partner. Also, lean as much as you can on your support systems. They want to be there for you – let them!”