Elegant Black & White Wedding at Athletic Club of Columbus | Emily & Rio
Emily and Rio’s wedding at the Athletic Club of Columbus was the kind of celebration that feels both timeless and completely personal. Rooted in a classic black-and-white palette, their day blended refined details, emotional moments, and an unmistakable sense of joy—creating a wedding that was as meaningful as it was beautiful.
Planned by Ashley Stephan Weddings, every moment unfolded effortlessly, allowing Emily and Rio to stay fully present while their vision came to life around them.
Athletic Club of Columbus Wedding Venue
Set in the heart of downtown, the Athletic Club of Columbus provided a striking backdrop for the day. With its rich wood interiors, grand staircase, and historic character, the venue naturally lends itself to a black-tie wedding aesthetic.
Soft candlelight and touches of greenery brought warmth to the space, creating an atmosphere that felt romantic and inviting—an intimate contrast to the venue’s grandeur.
Bridal Style: Timeless Black-Tie Wedding Fashion
Emily’s bridal look was effortlessly stunning. She wore a structured, strapless satin gown by Kelly Faetanini, sourced through Gilded Social, whose custom styling experience guided both her gown selection and overall fashion direction. Paired with a soft, flowing veil, the look felt both modern and enduring.
Her beauty team, Eigensee Artistry and Lauren Wolff Hair Design, completed the look with a sleek low bun and natural glam—polished, radiant, and understated in the best way.
Bridesmaids wore black dresses with white rose bouquets, creating a striking, cohesive palette, while Rio complemented the look in a custom J.Hilburn tuxedo, also sourced styled by Gilded Social for a seamless black-tie finish.
Wedding Design & Details
Every detail of the day felt intentional without ever feeling overdone.
The invitation suite by Avant-Garde Impressions set the tone early clean, refined, and quietly elegant. Floral design by Dalay Ket Event Design leaned into lush white blooms, letting texture and movement take center stage.
Layered rentals from Event Source and Rent Wedding Chairs added depth to the space, while a timeless cake by Kitties Cakes completed the look with understated elegance.
Reception & Celebration
As the evening unfolded, the energy shifted into full celebration.
The Conspiracy Band kept the dance floor packed, setting the tone for a night that felt joyful and alive from start to finish. Thoughtful touches like Rock On Ice added a unique guest experience, while The Fun Bus Transportation provided a charming trolley ride for the couple from ceremony to reception, creating a seamless and celebratory transition between each part of the day.
As the founder of Emily Walker Social, Emily knows the value of capturing real, in-between moments and that perspective was felt throughout the day, with every candid, emotional moment thoughtfully preserved.
A Wedding That Feels Like Them
Emily and Rio’s wedding is a beautiful reminder that timeless doesn’t have to mean traditional—it can feel fresh, personal, and full of life.
From the classic black-and-white palette to the energy on the dance floor, every detail reflected who they are and how they wanted their day to feel: intentional, joyful, and completely their own.
For couples planning a wedding in Columbus, Ohio, this celebration is the perfect example of how thoughtful design and the right team can create something truly unforgettable.
Columbus Wedding Vendor Team
- Wedding Planner: Ashley Stephan Weddings
- Venue: Athletic Club of Columbus
- Photography: Lauren Lee Photography
- Bridal Gown, Dressing & Styling: Gilded Social
- Tuxedo: Gilded Social
- Videography: Prodigy Video
- Floral Design: Dalay Ket Event Design
- Beauty: Eigensee Artistry; Lauren Wolff Hair Design
- Invitations & Calligraphy: Avant-Garde Impressions; Lovely Arrows Design
- Decor & Rentals: Event Source; Rent Wedding Chairs
- Cake & Desserts: Kitties Cakes
- Entertainment: The Conspiracy Band
- Transportation: The Fun Bus Transportation
- Content Creator: Emily Walker Social
- Specialty: Rock On Ice
