There are projects that come along every so often that just feel special ones where the couple, the vision, and the vibe all align in the most perfect way. Stephanie Haney and Mike Polk Jr.’s wedding was absolutely one of those projects, and I’m still smiling thinking about it.

If you haven’t heard of these two, they’re a big deal in Cleveland. Stephanie is a journalist, Ideastream host, and all-around powerhouse, and Mike is the comedian and WKYC features reporter beloved for his hilariously relatable Cleveland humor. Together, they are the most distinctly Cleveland couple and their wedding reflected every bit of that. It was featured in Cleveland Magazine, and honestly, it deserved every word of that coverage.

Working with Stephanie

Let me start here, because this is important: Stephanie Haney is one of the sweetest, most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She’s warm, communicative, and so thoughtful about the details that make a celebration feel personal. The article described her as “an exacting planner” and yes, she absolutely knows what she wants, but she brings such joy and trust to the creative process that it never feels like pressure. It feels like collaboration. Working with her was truly a gift.

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The Invitation Suite

The foundation of any wedding paper story is the invitation suite, and for Stephanie and Mike, it had to be as layered and intentional as they are. Their wedding was deeply rooted in their Cleveland identity, from the Italian Cultural Garden ceremony to the warm industrial reception space at AURA Venue CLE. The stationery had to carry that same feeling: elevated, personal, and full of heart.

The suite set the tone for a 350-person celebration that brought together comedians, broadcasters, longtime friends, and out-of-towners many of whom were experiencing Cleveland for the very first time. The invitation was their guests’ very first look at what was ahead, and we wanted it to feel like a warm, beautiful welcome.

Day-Of Pieces: Programs, Table Numbers & Seating Chart Cards

The suite was just the beginning! I also had the honor of creating all of the day-of paper pieces, ceremony programs, table numbers, and seating chart cards.

The venue was transformed from a former warehouse into something warm and gorgeous, the day-of stationery had to work hard AND look beautiful doing it. Every piece was designed to feel cohesive with the suite while guiding guests seamlessly through the celebration.

The ceremony programs captured the humor and heart of Mike and Stephanie perfectly this was, after all, a wedding where the groomsmen walked in to a string rendition of The Final Countdown and the officiant was a longtime comedian friend. The programs had to honor the meaningful moments while leaving room for personality.

The table numbers and seating chart cards rounded out the paper story, giving the reception space those polished finishing touches that guests notice even when they don’t realize they’re noticing them.

A Wedding Worth Celebrating

At the end of the day, Stephanie and Mike’s advice to couples was simply this: Don’t reinvent yourselves for the wedding. Bring your people into your real life. That philosophy made my job so meaningful because every piece of paper I created was in service of a celebration that was completely, authentically them.

Getting to be even a small part of this love story, featured in Cleveland Magazine and seen by so many is the kind of thing that reminds me why I do what I do.

Congratulations again, Stephanie and Mike. It was an honor. 🥂