Shaina & Joe’s Timeless Black Tie Wedding at The Westin Great Southern Columbus
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Introduction
Some weddings are beautiful because of the details, while others become unforgettable because of the story they celebrate. For Shaina and Joe, their elegant summer wedding at The Westin Great Southern Columbus honored both. After meeting in Columbus in 2019, building a life together across the country in San Francisco, navigating long distance, the uncertainty of the pandemic, and the heartbreaking loss of Joe’s father, the couple returned to the city where their relationship began to exchange vows surrounded by the people who had supported them every step of the way.
Their timeless black tie celebration blended sophisticated design with deeply meaningful Jewish traditions, creating a wedding that felt refined, personal, and filled with joy. Soft white florals, candlelight, classic architecture, and an unforgettable live band transformed the historic ballroom into an elegant setting where every detail reflected the beginning of their next chapter together.
Wedding Profile & Quick Facts
- Couple: Shaina Dubinskiy & Joseph Bryan
- Wedding Date: June 20, 2026
- Season: Summer
- Venue: The Westin Great Southern Columbus
- City: Columbus, Ohio
- Wedding Style: Classic, Elegant, Timeless
- Color Palette: Soft White, Blush, Greenery & Black Tie
- Guest Count: Mid Size (101–300)
Why This Wedding Stands Out
While the timeless black tie aesthetic created an elegant backdrop, what made Shaina and Joe’s wedding truly memorable was the intentional way they honored both their love story and their family traditions. Rather than simply returning to Columbus for convenience, they chose to celebrate in the city where they first met, allowing their wedding day to come full circle.
Throughout the ceremony and reception, meaningful Jewish traditions reflected Shaina’s heritage while bringing generations of family together. During the ceremony, Joe broke the ceremonial glass, symbolizing both the fragility of relationships and the lifelong commitment of marriage. Later, guests enthusiastically gathered around the dance floor for the horrah, lifting not only the newlyweds on chairs but also their parents in one of the evening’s most joyful celebrations.
Equally meaningful was the time Shaina intentionally set aside with her 95-year-old grandmother, knowing those photographs would become treasured family heirlooms for years to come.
As Shaina shared,
“Looking back, what makes our wedding so special isn’t just how beautiful it was to us, but how authentically it reflected our story. It celebrated where we began, everything we overcame together, and the incredible community that carried us to this moment. It was timeless in style, deeply meaningful in spirit, and the most joyful beginning to the next chapter of our lives.”
The Design Vision & Wedding Palette
The couple envisioned a celebration that embraced timeless elegance while allowing the historic beauty of The Westin Great Southern Columbus to remain the focal point. Rather than overwhelming the grand ballroom, soft white florals accented with blush blooms, lush greenery, candlelight, and gold details enhanced the venue’s ornate architecture and soaring ceilings.
Lavender Haze Wedding Co. designed an organic floral concept featuring statement ceremony arches overflowing with fresh blooms, romantic aisle arrangements, and elevated reception centerpieces that created warmth throughout the ballroom. The ceremony space welcomed guests with gold Chiavari chairs framed by delicate floral accents, while candlelight and lush greenery softened the formal architecture without competing with it.
One of the most memorable design elements was the couple’s custom seating display, thoughtfully created with layered architectural details, soft draping, integrated lighting, and fresh florals that greeted guests as they entered the reception. Custom stage facades carrying the same floral aesthetic seamlessly blended the live band’s performance area into the overall room design, creating a cohesive experience from every angle.
The result felt classic, romantic, and effortlessly elegant while ensuring the focus remained on the celebration itself.
Bridal Style & Fashion Details
Shaina selected a romantic Dany Tabet gown from La Jeune Mariee Bridal Collection, pairing its floral lace bodice with a flowing cathedral veil that created breathtaking movement throughout the day. Her timeless bridal style perfectly complemented the formal black tie celebration while remaining soft and effortless.
Her beauty look, created by Lauren Wolff Hair Design and Made By Maddie Merwin, featured glamorous Hollywood-inspired waves and natural makeup that enhanced her classic bridal aesthetic without overpowering it. Delicate earrings completed the elegant look, allowing the gown and veil to remain the focal point.
Joe wore a traditional black tuxedo with a crisp white boutonniere, while the wedding party embraced a timeless black palette that beautifully contrasted the soft white bouquets accented with blush florals and fresh greenery. Together, every fashion choice reinforced the couple’s vision of a wedding that would remain elegant for decades to come.
Ceremony & Reception Experience
Guests experienced an elegant celebration from the moment they arrived at The Westin Great Southern Columbus. The ceremony took place inside the venue’s historic ballroom, where soaring stained-glass windows, grand architectural details, and lush floral installations created a romantic setting for the couple’s vows. Gold Chiavari chairs lined the aisle, while abundant white florals framed the ceremony and complemented the venue’s timeless design.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed dinner and cocktails prepared by The Westin Great Southern before celebrating late into the evening. Rather than opting for a DJ, Shaina and Joe chose live entertainment from Arch City Lights, creating an energetic atmosphere that kept the dance floor full throughout the reception.
The horrah quickly became one of the evening’s highlights as family and friends gathered to celebrate the couple with laughter, music, and cherished Jewish traditions. Guests also enjoyed capturing memories at Social Booth Columbus before ending the evening surrounded by the people who had supported the couple throughout every chapter of their journey.
Every element of the celebration balanced timeless elegance with meaningful personal touches, creating an experience that felt both sophisticated and deeply heartfelt.
Planning Takeaways From This Wedding
- Returning to the place where your relationship began adds meaningful storytelling to your wedding day.
- Incorporating cultural traditions creates memorable moments that connect generations of family and friends.
- Historic venues with timeless architecture pair beautifully with soft neutral florals and classic black tie attire.
- A live band can completely transform the reception atmosphere and encourage guests to stay on the dance floor throughout the evening.
- Investing in custom installations, such as seating displays or stage facades, creates a cohesive guest experience while making the celebration feel uniquely personal.
Featured Wed Society Columbus Wedding Vendors
Venue: The Westin Great Southern Columbus
A timeless downtown landmark, The Westin Great Southern Columbus offers elegant historic spaces, attentive service and a refined setting for unforgettable Columbus weddings.
Attire / Fashion: La Jeune Mariee Bridal Collection
One of Columbus’ premier luxury bridal boutiques, La Jeune Mariee Bridal Collection offers an exceptional selection of designer wedding gowns and personalized styling to help every bride find a dress that reflects her unique vision.
Decor & Rentals: Aiden and Grace
Aiden and Grace is a boutique Columbus wedding rental company offering thoughtfully curated decor, distinctive design details and custom pieces that bring a personalized, elevated feel to every celebration.
Complete Creative Team
- Ceremony Venue: The Westin Great Southern Columbus
- Reception Venue: The Westin Great Southern Columbus
- Photography: Hailey Lauren Photography
- Wedding Planner: Lavender Haze Wedding Co.
- Floral Designer: Lavender Haze Wedding Co.
- Bridal Boutique: La Jeune Mariee Bridal Collection
- Wedding Dress Designer: Dany Tabet
- Hair Stylist: Lauren Wolff Hair Design
- Makeup Artist: Made By Maddie Merwin
- Catering: The Westin Great Southern Columbus
- Bartending: The Westin Great Southern Columbus
- Entertainment (Band): Arch City Lights
- Ceremony Music: Arch City Lights
- Decor & Rentals: Aiden and Grace
- Decor & Rentals: Grace K Designs
- Cake: Yummy Bakery Dublin
- Late Night Catering: Dirty Franks
- Photo Booth: Social Booth Columbus
- Groom’s Attire: Vera Wang
- Hotel: The Westin Great Southern Columbus
- Transportation: RMAN Vans
- Rehearsal Venue: Citizens Trust
- Invitations: Mackenzie Grace Designs
- Calligraphy: Mackenzie Grace Designs
- Signage: Grace K Designs
- Registry: Zola
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Westin Great Southern Columbus located?
The Westin Great Southern Columbus is located in the Brewery District just south of downtown Columbus, offering a historic setting with elegant ballrooms and convenient accommodations for both local and out-of-town wedding guests.
What wedding styles work best at The Westin Great Southern Columbus?
The venue is especially well suited for timeless, elegant, black tie, romantic, and classic weddings. Its historic architecture, grand ballroom, and neutral interiors provide a beautiful backdrop for a variety of design styles.
Can you host both your ceremony and reception at The Westin Great Southern Columbus?
Yes. Couples can host both their ceremony and reception onsite, allowing guests to enjoy a seamless experience without traveling between venues.
How can couples personalize a timeless wedding design?
Custom installations, meaningful family traditions, personalized stationery, and intentional guest experiences allow couples to create a wedding that feels unique while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.
