Bride and Groom Have 'Mini Dress Museum' at Wedding with Gowns and Veils From all the Women in Their Family (Exclusive)
The bride and groom showcased the wedding dresses, veils and portraits of their mothers and grandmothers at their wedding
A wedding dress exhibit made for a sweet and personal touch at a recent wedding.
Bride Sophia Urshan, 22, and groom Ethan Elms, 23, honored the elder women in their families during their wedding at The Monastery Event Center in Cincinnati on Nov. 12 by featuring an elegant display of their wedding dresses.
"Honoring previous generations has always been highly valued in our families," Urshan tells PEOPLE. "A display acknowledging the grace and beauty of our mothers and grandmothers seemed like the perfect way to honor and celebrate the women in our lives and the example of their beautiful marriages."
A video captured by Alexandria Herde of The Luxe Reality showcases the couple's "mini museum" of wedding dresses. Included was the dress, veil and portrait of the mother of the bride, Heidi Urshan, and that of the bride's maternal grandmother, Rebekah Enis. Next to that was the veil and portrait of her paternal grandmother, Kathy Urshan.
Representing the groom's side of the family was the dress, veil and portrait of his mother, Melanie Elms. Portraits of his paternal grandmother, Linda Elms, and maternal grandmother, Brenda Hale, were on display as well.
"While we did not have all six dresses in the exhibit, we were blessed to have all of their wedding portraits," Urshan says. "All six of these amazing women are in good health today, and are each married to their original spouse. We are so grateful for this blessing in our family, and wanted to find a creative way to celebrate it."
Wedding guests were in awe of the touching exhibit, which was "one of the highlights" of the entire day.
"Our guests seemed to love the idea of honoring our family’s heritage by showcasing the dresses, veils and portraits of our mothers and grandmothers," the bride continues to PEOPLE. "These wonderful women helped shape us into who we are. In our eyes, they have truly set the gold standard in demonstrating just how joyful life, love, and marriage can be. It was so special to Ethan and I to be able to share this cherished history with our guests."
For her wedding gown, Urshan followed in her mother's footsteps by wearing a beautiful, full "dream dress" designed by Nicole + Felicia Couture. Its Mikado silk train was extended by three feet, and beaded sleeves were added. The head-turning look was accented with a custom veil by Toni Federici and a Swarovski tiara from Sandra Iskandar’s Collection.
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The newlyweds met in 2020 while Elms was ministering at a church conference in Palm Bay, Florida. A few months later, they began dating while they were both attending college in Wentzville, Missouri.
Elms popped the question to Urshan after three years of dating at Melbourne Beach in Melbourne, Florida — the same place where Urshan's father had proposed to her mother 27 years prior.
"As soon as she said 'yes,' our families, who were hiding and watching from a distance, rushed out to the beach to celebrate with us," Elms recalls. "Following the proposal, I arranged for our families to enjoy a meal together at Chart House in Melbourne, the same restaurant where her parents had dined the night of their engagement."
Six months later, the two tied the knot alongside 15 bridesmaids and 15 groomsmen.
"It was the day of our dreams," Elms says.
