Grace & Brendan’s Timeless Westin Columbus Wedding

Introduction

Grace Murley and Brendan Fitzgerald brought timeless summer style to downtown Columbus with an elegant wedding rooted in classic details. After exchanging vows at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Powell, the couple welcomed 188 guests to The Westin Great Southern Columbus for a refined ballroom reception.

A soft palette of white, ivory, greenery and gold complemented the venue’s historic architecture without competing with its ornate details. From Grace’s structured ball gown and cascading bouquet to the candlelit tables and towering floral arrangements, the celebration felt polished, romantic and thoughtfully connected from beginning to end.

Wedding Profile & Quick Facts

• Couple: Grace Murley & Brendan Fitzgerald
• Wedding Date: August 9, 2025
• Season: Summer
• Ceremony Venue: Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church
• Reception Venue: The Westin Great Southern Columbus
• Cities: Powell and Columbus, Ohio
• Wedding Style: Timeless, Classic, Elegant
• Color Palette: White, Ivory, Greenery and Gold
• Guest Count: 150+

Why This Wedding Stands Out

Grace and Brendan’s wedding paired two distinct settings within one carefully coordinated celebration. Their Catholic ceremony took place at Saint Joan of Arc in Powell before the festivities continued inside the historic Grand Ballroom at The Westin Great Southern Columbus. Transportation from Ace of Clubs Party Bus helped connect the day’s locations.

The reception design embraced the character already present inside the ballroom. Rather than covering its marble floors, stained-glass windows and ornate gold detailing, the couple selected a neutral palette that highlighted the architecture. White flowers, greenery, gold chairs and clear glass candleholders created an elegant setting that felt cohesive with the venue.

Robb McCormick Photography captured the couple throughout the hotel, using its grand lobby, downtown entrance and light-filled interiors as distinct portrait settings.

The Design Vision & Wedding Palette

The wedding’s white, green and gold palette offered a timeless approach to a summer celebration. Petals & Leaves Florist designed Grace’s bouquet with white roses, softly textured blooms and trailing greenery. The same combination continued into the reception through both elevated and low floral arrangements.

Tall arrangements placed white flowers and greenery above guests’ sightlines, adding height without overwhelming the tables. Smaller arrangements, greenery runners and floating candles filled the remaining tables with softer layers of texture. White linens and gold Chiavari chairs kept the room bright while reflecting the gold details found throughout the Grand Ballroom.

The couple’s three-tier white cake from Kennedy’s Kakes followed the same understated design. Horizontal buttercream texture and fresh-looking white roses with greenery gave the cake dimension while maintaining the wedding’s clean palette.

Bridal Style & Fashion Details

Grace wore a structured strapless ball gown from Attelé Bridal Boutique. The folded neckline, fitted bodice and full skirt created a classic silhouette that felt fitting for both the Catholic ceremony and historic hotel reception. A long family veil added a meaningful detail to her bridal look.

Goode Beauty styled Grace’s blonde hair in soft waves with a polished half-up design. Her makeup remained natural and luminous, while pearl drop earrings and rings from Diamonds Direct completed the look. Brendan wore a traditional black tuxedo from Jos. A. Bank with a black bow tie, white boutonniere and classic formal shoes.

The contrast between Grace’s bright white gown and Brendan’s black tuxedo reinforced the timeless style seen throughout the wedding.

Ceremony & Reception Experience

Grace and Brendan exchanged vows at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Powell, with violin music from Columbus Musicians helping set the tone for the ceremony. Following the service, guests continued the celebration at The Westin Great Southern Columbus.

Annie Rose Events coordinated the day across both locations, while Columbus Wedding Videos preserved the ceremony and reception in motion. Inside the ballroom, guests were welcomed by candlelit tables, white floral arrangements and the venue’s historic architectural details.

After dinner and cake, Buckeye Entertainment led the evening’s entertainment and dancing. The movement from a formal church ceremony to a lively downtown ballroom reception gave guests two distinct experiences while maintaining a cohesive sense of elegance.

Planning Takeaways From This Wedding

• Let a historic venue guide the design instead of competing with its architecture.
• A white-and-green palette can feel dimensional when florals are arranged at different heights.
• When the ceremony and reception are in different locations, arrange transportation and build travel time into the schedule.
• Select a venue with several portrait settings to create variety without adding another stop to the timeline.
• Carry the same colors through the florals, cake, linens and attire to create a cohesive look.
• For a large guest count, use a mix of tall and low centerpieces to balance visual impact with comfortable conversation.

Planning a Wedding at The Westin Great Southern Columbus

Built in 1897, The Westin Great Southern Columbus combines historic architecture with modern hotel hospitality. Its Grand Ballroom features original stained glass, marble floors, chandeliers and soaring ceilings, creating an elegant foundation for classic, romantic and black-tie weddings.

The ballroom can accommodate celebrations of up to 300 guests, making Grace and Brendan’s 188-person reception a comfortable fit. The hotel also has 189 guest rooms and a dedicated event team, allowing couples to bring their reception, accommodations and other wedding-weekend details together in one downtown location.

Couples considering the venue can find additional inspiration in Wed Society’s Columbus wedding venue guide and Minaicis and Jeffrey’s black-tie Westin wedding.

Featured Wed Society Columbus Wedding Vendors

Vendors below are part of our curated network of trusted Columbus wedding professionals, known for delivering exceptional wedding experiences.

Wedding Venue: The Westin Great Southern Columbus

A historic downtown Columbus hotel known for its iconic Grand Ballroom, original architectural details and convenient wedding-weekend accommodations.

Photography: Robb McCormick Photography

A Columbus wedding photographer with more than 15 years of experience creating timeless, light-driven imagery filled with genuine moments and dramatic portraits.

Complete Creative Team

• Ceremony Venue: Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church
• Reception Venue: The Westin Great Southern Columbus
• Wedding Coordinator: Annie Rose Events
• Photography: Robb McCormick Photography
• Videography: Columbus Wedding Videos
• Floral Design: Petals & Leaves Florist
• Ceremony Music: Columbus Musicians
• DJ: Buckeye Entertainment
• Cake: Kennedy’s Kakes
• Hair: Goode Beauty
• Makeup: Goode Beauty
• Bridal Boutique: Attelé Bridal Boutique
• Groom’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank
• Jewelry: Diamonds Direct
• Invitations: Zazzle
• Bridal Shoes: Etsy
• Transportation: Ace of Clubs Party Bus

Frequently Asked Questions

How should couples plan for a ceremony in Powell and a reception in downtown Columbus?

Confirm the route close to the wedding date, build extra travel time into the timeline and share exact pickup instructions with the wedding party. A coordinator and dedicated transportation provider can help keep departures organized.

What portrait locations are available at The Westin Great Southern Columbus?

Couples can use the hotel’s columned lobby, marble floors, ornate architectural details, Grand Ballroom and exterior entrance for a variety of portraits without leaving the property. Nearby downtown streets can offer additional urban backdrops.

How can tall wedding centerpieces work without blocking conversation?

Use narrow or elevated stands that place the main floral arrangement above seated guests’ sightlines. Mixing tall centerpieces with lower arrangements also adds dimension while keeping the room comfortable.

Can wedding guests stay at The Westin Great Southern Columbus?

The hotel has 189 guest rooms, allowing couples to host accommodations and the reception in one downtown location. Couples should ask the hotel team about room-block availability, reservation deadlines and welcome-bag policies.