This story first appeared in the Fall / Winter 2020 issue of Columbus Weddings, which was released in August 2020.
openings
The fives, an elegant rooftop eatery with breathtaking views of the city center that opened on May 31st Floor-to-ceiling garage windows, elegant and contemporary interior design and seating for up to 400 guests characterize the room. The Fives is operated by Together & Company, which also runs the High Line Car House in the brewery district and recently acquired the German village bakery Kittie’s Cakes (495 S. Third St.).550 Reach Blvd., Columbus, 614-256-8850, thefivescolumbus.com
The postmark is housed in a beautiful former post office in downtown Chillicothe. The historic exterior and the modern renovated interior were built in the early 20th century and offer a perfect blend of past and present. The married couple Josh and Michelle Staley – a wedding DJ and a wedding photographer, respectively – bought the room at the end of 2019 with their parents-in-law Terry and Beth Staley. The coronavirus pandemic has abandoned plans for a grand opening in March, but the space started with weddings in late spring and is now booked for 2020 and 2021.105 pp. Paint St., Chillicothe, 740-414-4165, thepostmarkoh.com
A beautiful European style property that looks like it was straight out of a romance novel.Capriella castle is home to 47 acres of woodland, two main buildings and a stable. Named after its new owners, the Capriotti family, Capriella Castle was opened to demonstrate the beauty of the property and to give something back to other, especially military couples. A military family themselves, the Capriottis hope that spectacular weddings can take place on their property, especially for those who fearlessly defend freedoms. Capriella Castle is accepting bookings, but it won’t officially open until March 2021.6665 Eagle Creek Ln., Ostrander, 614-653-3937, capriellacastle.com
The WenbeckLocated in Little Bear Golf Club, the hotel was purchased by Brad Wentz and his family in 2019 and closed for renovations. The property officially reopened in July and has a fully stocked bar and grill, as well as a banquet room upstairs. There is also a 9-hole golf course here.1940 Little Bear Loop, Lewis Center, 833-545-2327, facebook.com/LittleBearGC
Lavender & honey wedding cakesThe former Florida-based company, run by Kelly Jo Jackson, makes high quality, impeccably made wedding cakes and other gourmet desserts. Since moving to Columbus in 2019, Jackson has been creating all of her cakes from home and serving customers through Concierge Cake Tasting, a delivery system that allows couples to have cake samples delivered straight to their homes.614-547-9851, lavenderandhoneyweddingcakes.com
Bear roots flowers is a down to earth flower shop that specializes in wild yet modern flower arrangements. The owner Kirstin West is currently working on the creationAlways rootsWest, who combines her artistic flair of textures and unique designs with her love for people, develops Ever Roots as an alternative to fresh flower arrangements – dried flowers last forever, after all.[email protected], bearrootsfloral.com
BTTS Holdings – the Brooks family brand that owns The Estate at New Albany, the Brookshire venue and WatersEdge event and conference venue – is expanding its portfolio. Last year the company acquired space in the short north and opened this summerThe fig room. The room where C.Krueger’s used to live has undergone a thorough overhaul to give it an industrial, chic feel with exposed brick walls, an in-house kitchen and an integrated sound system. The micro-venue has a capacity of 60 seats (reduced to 30 during the pandemic) and has a BYO license for spirits and a range of taps that customers can set up with kegs or half kegs of local beers. 17 Brickel St., Columbus, 614-725-1212, figroom.biz
Changes
Botanica 215 was renamed asRose & Berry in July. After five years in the business, owners Tiffany Schneid and Bekah Berry felt it was right to have a name that recognizes all of the hard work and creative energy they have put into their brand. The name Rose & Berry is a combination of the first and last name of the owner.215 King Ave., Columbus, 614-372-5537, botanica215.com
This August, Cheer Up Letterpress changed its name toLumaca paperto reflect the company’s sustainable, committed motto. The word “Lumaca” is Italian for “snail”, an allusion to the snail mail philosophy of owner Alaina Cherup – slowing down, living on purpose and making beautiful paper creations of all kinds.400 W. Rich St., Columbus, 419-889-8324, lumacapaper.com
The couple, Kirk and Leah Dapo, renamed their Westerville-based video company Clear Sky VideoCapstone cinema this July. Since starting in 2008, the couple has focused on video sharing the stories of the clients they serve.
On paper has changed hands and new owner Margaret “Margie” Lydy-Meeker bought Short North stationery this January. On Paper specializes in handmade custom wedding invitations as well as European stationery, leather journals and other writing implements.737 N. High St., Columbus, 614-424-6617, onpaper.com
Update
The Mohicans, a cabin / tree house resort and home to the Grand Barn at the Mohicans, has expanded significantly, adding six new tree houses and four luxury cabins to three new tree houses. The newest tree houses named “El Castillo”, “The View” and “The Silver Bullet” are designed for couples. The Silver Bullet is particularly interesting: it’s made up of a 31-foot vintage Airstream RV that has been renovated with amenities like a steam shower and is surrounded by a covered deck that is 25 feet in the air.22650 Vess Rd., Glenmont, 740-599-9030, themohicans.net
Brookshire venue Major renovations recently took place and were completed in May. It now features a new lobby, an expanded outdoor ceremony area, and an updated ballroom and bathroom. Folding glass doors have been installed in the ballroom, allowing plenty of natural light and an opening to the outdoor entertainment area, which has been redesigned with colorful new landscaping.405 Griffin Parkway, Delaware, 740-548-8188, brookshire.biz
Since September 2019Darby House has undergone a major renovation and expansion process to meet the needs of future customers while preserving its history and legacy. Changes include expanding the groom and wedding suites, redesigning the main entrance, adding storefronts and custom-made chandeliers to the ballroom, and improving the ADA accessibility of the venue.
Closings
On June 12, the popular wedding venues Dock 580 and Juniper Rooftop announced on Facebook that they would be permanently closed due to the economic impact of COVID-19 (see more on page 20). Red Brick Occasions in downtown Columbus and the Catering by Design banquet hall on the north side are closed due to nationwide shutdowns in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.