Rhinegeist Brewery

Wedding Ceremony + Reception

Ceremony

Reception

RSVP by March 15

Signature Room + Lounge

Please plan to arrive between 5:00-5:15pm ESTCeremony to begin at 5:30pm EST

Our Wedding

Schedule of Events

Wedding Details

When should I arrive?

5:00 - 5:15pm EST

Please arrive at Rhinegeist Brewery (910 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202) between 5:00 and 5:15pm EST. The ceremony will begin at 5:30pm. (If you arrive after 5:30, you will not be able to enter until after the ceremony is finished; you can grab a drink in Rhinegeist's main taproom while you wait and come back at 6pm!) The ceremony and reception will take place in the Signature Room + Lounge, which has a street entrance separate from the brewery's main taproom. Just follow the signage on the sidewalk! The Signature Room + Lounge is a street-level space. If you find yourself going up multiple flights of stairs and end up in a room with huge fermentation vessels, you're in the wrong place! Head back down to the street and look for the entrance in the image below.

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What should I wear?

Cocktail Attire

This is a semi-formal event, so we ask that you come dressed in cocktail attire. Cocktail attire typically includes: For Men: A suit or dress pants + button-down shirt, a tie (optional), leather dress shoes For Women: a midi- or knee-length dress, jumpsuit/pantsuit, a skirt + blouse, heels or dressy flats If you're looking for inspo, don't shy away from moody colors (even black is okay if that's your vibe!). Aesthetically, instead of a more traditional spring palette of florals/bright colors, we're aiming for the evening to feel more like a cocktail party - leaning into the industrial and art deco vibes of our venue. Including some examples, but ultimately wear what makes you feel chic and comfortable!

What is the color scheme?

Burgundy, Olive Green, Pale Blue-Gray

Some of you have asked about our color scheme, so if you are curious: the primary colors are olive green and burgundy, and the accent color is a pale blue.

What's the bar situation?

Open Bar

There will be an open bar after the ceremony, including liquor, wine, and 12 Rhinegeist beers on tap.

What's being served for dinner?

Prior to dinner, we will serve cocktail hour snacks. Dinner is buffet-style and catered by CITY BBQ. The Menu will include: Protein: Pulled Pork, Smoked TurkeySides: Smashed Potatoes (w/gravy), Macaroni &amp; Cheese, Salad (w/ Ranch + Italian dressing)Toppings: Coleslaw, pickles, jalapenos, various bbq saucesNon-alcoholic beverages: Sweet tea, lemonadeDessert: Tiramisu cheesecake, coffee

Is this a kid-friendly wedding?

Leave the kiddos at home

Due to limited space and the nature of the venue, we ask that all guests be 18+. The guestlist is limited to those included on the invite you received via mail (unless otherwise permitted by the grooms).

Where is venue parking located?

We recommend Uber/Lyft or The Connector

Due to limited parking, we recommend guests either rideshare to Rhinegeist via their chosen car service or use The Connector (the FREE Cincinnati streetcar). For those staying in hotels/BnBs in Over the Rhine (OTR) or the Central Business District, <a href="https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/streetcar/how-to-ride/hours-route-and-station-stops/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Connector</a> runs a 3.6 mile loop through those areas; anyone can ride, the streetcar is ADA-compliant, and there is no fare! The streetcar runs from 8:30am - 11:30pm on Saturdays, and there is a drop off right in front of Rhinegeist (Station 11 - Brewery District). For those who choose to drive to the venue, there is a small lot directly across the street from the entrance to Rhinegeist's Signature Room + Lounge where the ceremony and reception are to take place, but that lot is also open to brewery patrons in Rhinegeist's main taproom, so space availability will likely be very limited on a Saturday night. More parking is available at the Findlay Market North Garage a couple blocks away from Rhinegeist (1810 Logan St); see our Travel &amp; Stay page for a map. Rates and space availability may vary depending on other events occurring in the area. The garage is a 5-10 minute walk from the venue. Both metered and free street parking are also available, and there are other pay lots around the Over The Rhine (OTR) neighborhood; just plan on a bit longer walk.

Wedding FAQ

The Venue

Rhinegeist Brewery's Signature Room + Lounge is the venue for both the ceremony and reception. Wedding signage will be placed outside the entrance, which is accessible from the street and separate from the brewery's main taproom.

Venue Parking and Transportation

For those staying in hotels/BnBs in Over the Rhine (OTR) or the Central Business District, The Connector&nbsp;runs a 3.6 mile loop through those areas; anyone can ride, the streetcar is ADA-compliant, and there is no fare! The streetcar runs from 8:30am - 11:30pm on Saturdays, and there is a drop off right in front of Rhinegeist (Station 11 - Brewery District). You can find a map of the stations on their website.

Connector

For those who choose to drive to the venue, there is a small lot directly across the street from the entrance to Rhinegeist's Signature Room + Lounge where the ceremony and reception are to take place, but that lot is also open to brewery patrons in Rhinegeist's main taproom, so space will likely be very limited on a Saturday night. More parking is available at the Findlay Market North Garage a couple blocks away from Rhinegeist. Rates and space availability may vary depending on other events occurring in the area. The garage is a 5-10 minute walk from the venue. Here's a <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/XHqEXSugXsT32BJN6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link to directions</a> from the garage to the brewery.

Findlay Market North Garage

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Hotel Blocks and Accommodations 

Use the link to access the discounted rate of $199 per night. This hotel block and discount is only available if you book by Wednesday, March 25th. Parking: This hotel has a self-park garage at a rate of $21 per day per vehicle. They also offer valet at a rate of $48 per day.

Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel

Use the link to access the discounted rate of $199 per night.&nbsp;This hotel block and discount is only available if you book by&nbsp;Friday, March 20th, at 5pm EST. Parking: This hotel does not have a self-park garage; they offer valet parking at a rate of $48 per vehicle per day. However, there are various public garages and lots around downtown and OTR.

The Westin Cincinnati

Other Places to Stay

If you would like to find alternative accommodations to the two hotel blocks above, check out this <a href="https://travel.usnews.com/hotels/cincinnati_oh/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">list of Cincinnati Hotel reviews</a>. There are also lots of <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/a/stays/Cincinnati--Ohio--United-States?mlamenities=true&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;&amp;c=.pi0.pk475441696_40441834005&amp;localized_ghost=true&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=475441696&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADz55LmYNSzpG_teHSU5Y-TMxnlUD&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiArt_JBhCTARIsADQZaylCcTWL4t8BJKsXBUrgVci-myn8hC1fZ13JhNW-RaS88NXHG3qxc0MaApLvEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">great BnBs in the city</a>.

Travel & Stay

Hanging around Cincy before or after the wedding day? Here are some recs for site-seeing, food, and drinks!! 

Fun Sites to Visit

<a href="https://www.findlaymarket.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Findlay Market</a> in OTR (1801 Race St) - a fantastic indoor/outdoor market. Lots of local vendors, some food options, and a coffee shop - among other things

<a href="https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/find-a-parkfacility/washington-park/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Washington Park</a> in OTR (1230 Elm St) - one of the prettiest parts of the city; there is an in-park outdoor bar, a great view of the iconic <a href="https://www.cincinnatiarts.org/music-hall" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cincinnati Music Hall</a>, and you're in walking distance to tons of bars/restaurants

<a href="https://www.contemporaryartscenter.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) </a>Downtown (44 E 6th St)

<a href="https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/find-a-parkfacility/smale-riverfront-park/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Smale Riverfront Park</a> Downtown (166 W Mehring Way)

<a href="https://roeblingbridge.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Walk the Roebling Bridge</a> from Cincy to Covington (from Smale Riverfront Park)

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/reds/ballpark/tours" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great American Ballpark</a> (100 Joe Nuxhall Wy)

<a href="https://cincinnatizoo.org/?utm_source=Compulse&amp;utm_medium=Search&amp;utm_campaign=cz&amp;utm_content=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=11177281084&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACKy3ojG1QW6tcg70_PGhaLYPfnkC&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwlaTGBhANEiwAoRgXBeMs1wmiwVPkIuK0vUp-ChIGocl5ml_nHNFREz9QqF9kQwVDGQ1B6xoCt80QAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cincinnati Zoo &amp; Botanical Gardens</a> (3400 Vine St)

<a href="https://www.bookerycincy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Bookery</a> (3704 Eastern Ave - about a 15 minute drive from downtown) - JD &amp; Anthony's favorite neighborhood bookshop

<a href="https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/customer-service/faq1/krohn-conservatory/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Krohn Conservatory</a> in Eden Park (1501 Eden Park Dr)

<a href="https://www.newportaquarium.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Newport Aquarium</a> in Kentucky (1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY)

<a href="https://www.newportonthelevee.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Newport on the Levee</a> in Kentucky (1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY) - houses a bowling alley, top golf, and a movie theater among other activities and food spots

<a href="https://riversideantiquescincy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Riverside Centre Antique Mall</a> (3742 Kellogg Ave - about a 15 minute drive from downtown)

<a href="https://junglejims.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jungle Jim's International Market</a> (5440 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH) - Popular site but far away; approx. 40-minute drive from downtown. Browse their huge international grocery selection with a draft beer in hand

Restaurant Recommendations

*** Reservations are necessary for some of these spots, so plan ahead if you are looking for a dine-in experience ***

<a href="https://abigailstreet.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Abigail Street</a> (Mediterranean small plates) - Located in OTR. JD &amp; Anthony's favorite dine-in restaurant!

<a href="https://www.gomezsalsa.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gomez Salsa OTR</a> (Affordable, walk-up Mexican tacos/burritos) - highly recommend the "Turtle"

<a href="https://www.eattaglio.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Taglio Bar &amp; Pizzeria</a> OTR - we like the Hot Honey Pepperoni + Jalapeños

<a href="http://zundootr.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zundo Ramen &amp; Donburi</a> OTR (Japanese) - Great ramen and also located a few doors down from <a href="https://www.qcrbar.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Queen City Radio</a>, a bar with a great beer garden and German food truck

<a href="https://www.bibibop.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bibibop Asian Grill</a> Clifton (Affordable, fast casual - think Chipotle but Korean-inspired)

<a href="https://www.bakersfieldtacos.com/?utm_source=GoogleBusinessProfile&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=MapLabs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bakersfield</a> OTR (Tacos and Margs)

<a href="https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0TMsrTzNNykgyYLRSNaiwsDAxTDI2SU4zNEwyMkgztTKoSDJPMU80NEyxSDMzSUoxTPQSKEgtKFBIzEtRSMnPyS9KLQYA8RsVyA&amp;q=pepp+and+dolores&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1113US1113&amp;oq=pep+and+d&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqFwgBEC4YChhDGK8BGMcBGIAEGIoFGI4FMgYIABBFGDkyFwgBEC4YChhDGK8BGMcBGIAEGIoFGI4FMgkIAhAAGAoYgAQyCQgDEAAYChiABDIJCAQQABgKGIAEMgkIBRAAGAoYgAQyCQgGEAAYChiABDIJCAcQABgKGIAEMgcICBAAGIAE0gEIMzIyM2owajSoAgCwAgA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pepp &amp; Dolores</a> (Italian)

<a href="https://www.eaglerestaurant.com/locations/?utm_source=GoogleBusinessProfile&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=MapLabs&amp;utm_content=OTR" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Eagle </a>OTR (Fried chicken and southern fare)

<a href="https://www.quanhapa.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Quan Hapa</a> (Asian street food) - located in OTR

<a href="https://www.delwoodcincy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Delwood</a> (American w/slight Latin twist) - located in Mt. Lookout, approx. 15 minutes from downtown. Great burger w/waffle fries and garlic aioli

<a href="https://www.thehimark.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Hi-Mark</a> (Classic bar food) - located in Columbia Tusculum, approx. 15 minutes from downtown. Great patty melt and chicken tenders

<a href="https://hangovereasy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hangover Easy</a>, Corryville, or Hangover Easy Diner, Mt. Lookout (Brunch)

<a href="https://www.brownbearbakes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brown Bear Bakery</a> (Breakfast pastries)

Recommended Bars & Breweries

<a href="https://artifactbeer.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorlM-VpKRgFRe_xCuCP7LZ6bCS6gsCziJOfOiMygfdBZwuXLcK9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Urban Artifact</a> (Northside - 10 minutes from downtown) - a Brewery specializing in sours

<a href="https://www.streetsidebrewery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Streetside Brewery</a> (Columbia Tusculum - 15 minutes from downtown) - located in JD and Anthony's neighborhood; interesting beers and a food truck with tacos

<a href="https://madtree.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Madtree Brewing</a> (Oakley - 15 minutes from downtown) - huge space, great beer selection, and decent in-house pizza

<a href="https://mellotonebeer.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mellotone Beer Project</a> (OTR) - a newer, upscale brewery and restaurant concept in Cincy

<a href="https://esotericbrewing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Esoteric Brewing</a> (Walnut Hills - 10 minutes from downtown) - Cincy's first Black-owned brewery

<a href="https://www.somersetotr.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Somerset Bar</a> (OTR) - JD's favorite bar! Beautiful bohemian bar that feels like a terrarium with unique outdoor seating

<a href="https://www.ghost-baby.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ghost Baby </a>(OTR) - Nationally-lauded bar located four stories underground in a historic lagering tunnel

<a href="https://theblindlemon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Blind Lemon</a> (Mt. Adams - 10 minutes from downtown) - cozy bar located in a beautiful historic neighborhood with unique architecture that overlooks the Ohio River

<a href="https://www.homemakersbar.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Homemakers Bar</a> (OTR) - good drinks, nice vibes

Things to Do

Wedding Party

Our story started in November 2017 with a Tinder swipe (see our profile photos below) and a date at Gravely Brewing Company in Louisville. JD arrived looking like a charming English teacher in his sweater and gingham shirt. Anthony wore a leather jacket and was told by the waitress he looked just like... Robert Pattinson...? The date lasted three hours, and as the conversation flowed, we both felt a connection (JD reported to a friend after that he was a "big fan -- big, big fan").

Anthony, who wanted to take things slow, waited until March 2018 to make the relationship official. But JD sped things up a few months later by dropping the first "I love you" while nursing Anthony through a bout of the flu. Nothing says romance like Mucinex and fever dreams. In 2020, we moved in together. If we could survive a global pandemic in the same house, our relationship could survive anything, right? That theory was immediately tested when Anthony took a job in Cincinnati just eight months later. We spent the next two years traveling up and down I-71 on weekends, splitting our lives between two cities until JD finally joined Anthony in the Queen City in 2023.

We weren’t always sure about marriage, but Anthony insisted that if it ever happened, he would be the one to ask. During a last-minute theatre trip to NYC in 2024, Anthony popped the question at the edge of the Harlem Meer in Central Park. We decided to keep the engagement to ourselves until we returned home, but we couldn't help but share the news when we met Cole Escola (the star of the Broadway play Oh, Mary!) at the stage door that night.

Our relationship works so well because of how we balance each other. Anyone who knows JD knows he's a bit of a ham; he loves to entertain and is a deeply curious and thoughtful person. Anthony tends to be quieter until you get to know him (or get a few beers in him); he's creative, analytical and loves to make people laugh with his dry wit and dad jokes. JD pulls Anthony out of his shell, and Anthony keeps JD grounded. Whether we’re chatting about our favorite books/authors, watching Drag Race, debating sci-fi, playing board games, or obsessing over our dogs, we are each other's favorite audience.

We can't wait to celebrate the next chapter with you this April!

Our Story

As we embark on this next chapter as husbands, we want to pay homage to those who fought to make our legal union possible. Take a moment to read this brief history of the Supreme Court case that led to marriage equality in the U.S. 

In the landmark 2015 case Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that all state bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional, making gay marriage legal throughout America. The ruling was a culmination of decades of struggles, setbacks and victories along the road to full marriage equality in the United States. The case involved several groups of same-sex couples who sued their respective states (Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky&nbsp;and Tennessee)&nbsp;for the states’ bans on same-sex marriage and refusal to recognize such marriages performed elsewhere. The plaintiffs—led by Jim Obergefell, who sued because he was unable to put his name on his late husband’s death certificate—argued that the laws violated the Equal Protection Clause and Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. In each case, trial courts sided with the plaintiffs, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit&nbsp;disagreed, bringing the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. As with United States v. Windsor, conservative Justice Anthony Kennedy sided with Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan in favor of same-sex marriage rights, ultimately making gay marriage legal across the nation in June 2015. A Pew Research Center poll in 2001 found that 57 percent of Americans opposed same-sex marriage and only 35 percent supported it. In 2022, a Pew poll found 61 percent of Americans said that the legalization of same-sex marriage is good for society. These excerpts are cited from a History.com article on gay marriage. Read more about the history of same-sex marriage pre-dating Obergefell v. Hodges <a href="https://www.history.com/articles/gay-marriage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. Marriage equality's 10-year anniversary was just last year. Check out <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/style/same-sex-marriage-supreme-court.html?unlocked_article_code=1.nE8.0kHa.hd6EAYF-7HW3&amp;smid=url-share" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this NYT article</a> where people across the country share what the ruling has meant to them.

“Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of the community, where it really counts.” –  Barbara Gittings

JD & Anthony

JD & Anthony

J&A

RSVP by March 15

Rhinegeist Brewery

Signature Room + Lounge