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The Couple’s Friends Helped Make This Westside Warehouse Wedding Come To Life

May 9, 2023 | justine

Planning a wedding is all about adding a personal touch that reflects who you are, and Halie and Paul nailed it! They embarked on a thrilling journey with their gang, combining their love for art and creativity to create a one-of-a-kind Westside Warehouse wedding. Infusing bold hues into every aspect of the celebration, they went all out with unique decor, gorgeous florals, and stylish fashion.

Set in a converted warehouse with exposed iron beams and concrete floors, they softened their venue‘s industrial aesthetic with an installation of streamers. They used white Hercules chairs and ground arrangements at the altar to ensure that all eyes were on the beaming couple during the ceremony. The reception continued to exude the same vibe, thanks to the eye-catching streamer backdrop and beautiful floral arrangements at the sweetheart table.

These photos captured by Crystal Ann Ward might just inspire you to add more personality and playfulness to your wedding day. Scroll through to learn more about their love story and score unique ideas for your own celebration.

The Couple:

Halie and Paul

The Wedding:

Westside Warehouse, Atlanta, Georgia

How Their Westside Warehouse Wedding Came To Be

At the outset, we wanted to create an atmosphere where people could relax and have fun. And we wanted  the look and feel of the space to help set the tone. Like many brides, I started getting inspiration for the design on Pinterest. From there, I met with my amazingly talented designer friend, Mimms Cross, and we bounced ideas around until we devised a plan. I was fortunate to work with someone we knew because she really “got” us and understood the vibe we were going for. We wanted fun, lighthearted, and festive, which is exactly what we got.

Having Their Friends Involved In The Wedding Made Their Day More Special

We hired friends to do things where we could. The designer who created the streamers, the paper flowers, and other decor is a friend of mine, and that went a long way in us being on the same page about the look and feel of the day. Our DJ is also a good friend of ours, which was huge. We made a collaborative playlist and spent hours curating just the right music. Our good friend made our batch of specialty cocktails, and another made the cupcakes. One of my very best friends—and my roommate when I started dating Paul—officiated the wedding. Even though our wedding was big, having our friends involved in these ways made it feel intimate and personal.

Creating A Westside Warehouse Wedding That Resonated With Who They Were As A Couple

Our wedding planning priority was staying true to ourselves as a couple. We kept the traditional elements that resonated with us and chucked the ones that didn’t. It might sound cheesy, but we’re most proud that we could bring everyone we love together for a weekend. It’s so special to have all these people from different areas of your life mixing and having fun together. It truly felt like a big family reunion. And the most memorable part of the day was going up in the chairs during the horah. I wish I could live in those two minutes forever. And on a more shallow note, I am very proud of those streamers. Those were killer.

Wedding Planning Advice: Hire Vendors You Can Trust

Take your time interviewing vendors and book people you trust. You can’t control every detail about how the day will turn out, but you will feel much better if you know you’re in good hands.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Crystal Anne Photo
Event Planning – Fete and Figs + Mimms Cross Designs
Ceremony + Reception Venue – The Westside Warehouse
Floral Design – Young Blood Boutique
Catering – Fox Brothers Barbecue
Cocktails – J Strahl and Megan Corbat
DJ – Fat Tony
Invitation Design – Mimms Cross
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Jade Jamrozy
Wedding Dress – The Sentimentalist
Bridal Accessories – Hushed Commotion
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino

 

Congratulations to Halie and Paul on their Westside Warehouse wedding. And many thanks to Crystal Ann Ward for capturing the unique details, the festive vibe, and all the memorable moments they will cherish for the rest of their lives. 

How fortunate was this couple to have friends who happened to be wedding vendors? Their big day was infused with extra special touches because their loved ones intimately knew the ins and outs of their unique love story. Imagine having a dream team like that who can flawlessly bring your wedding vision to life. Look no further! We have a curated directory of the world’s best wedding vendors, ensuring you find the perfect match for your special day.

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From DJs to Fireworks: The Best Wedding Entertainment Ideas to Consider

May 8, 2023 | justine

Image by Igor Demba. Keep scrolling for our best wedding entertainment ideas.

Your wedding day is a time to celebrate love and an opportunity to throw a party that your guests will never forget. The reception is the perfect time to let your hair down and have some fun with your loved ones. And coming up with wedding entertainment ideas that keep the atmosphere lively and gets everyone on the dance floor is crucial.

That’s why we have compiled a list of the best wedding entertainment ideas to make your special day even more fun and unforgettable. From photo booths to live bands and DJs, choose the one (or more!) that best suits your style and personality and take your celebration to the next level!

Best Wedding Entertainment Ideas

Follow The Second Line And Join The Fun

Add a touch of New Orleans culture to your wedding by incorporating a second-line parade. Led by a lively brass band, your guests will have a blast dancing and celebrating in the streets with you!

Image by Yana B. See more of this real wedding right here.

Thrill Your Guests With A Tarot Card or Birth Chart Reading Session

For a mysterious and captivating experience, consider offering your guests tarot card or birth chart readings. It’s a fun and unique way to entertain your guests and add an element of mystique to your wedding. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter and will keep your guests engaged and entertained throughout the night.

Hire A Caricature Artist

A caricature artist can turn your guests into hilarious cartoon versions of themselves. As they draw, guests can watch in amusement and excitement, wondering what kind of exaggerated features will end up on paper. And the best part? They get to take home personalized, hilarious, and one-of-a-kind pieces of art.

Elevate Your Big Day With A Cigar Lounge

Consider setting up a cigar lounge for cigar aficionados at your wedding. It offers your guests a sophisticated and luxurious experience while providing a relaxing and elegant atmosphere for unwinding and socializing. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase top-quality cigars and impress your guests with refined taste.

Image by Simply Finn. See more of this real wedding right here.

Provide An Interactive Experience With A DIY Bouquet Bar

A DIY bouquet bar lets your guests create their unique bouquets with various flowers and greens they can take home as a keepsake. It also doubles as a practical and budget-friendly alternative to traditional floral arrangements.

Leave A Lasting Impression With A Tattoo Station

Want something more unconventional? Setting up a tattoo station at your wedding is a unique way to add personality and edginess to your special day. Your guests will love the opportunity to get a custom temporary tattoo (or a permanent one) and show off their creativity.

Image by Apollo Fotografie. See more of this real wedding right here.

Keep The Nostalgia Alive With A Classic Photo Booth

A classic photo booth is a timeless addition to any wedding. It’s an excellent way for guests to take fun and silly photos and creates lasting memories that they can take home with them. The photos can be personalized with your wedding hashtag or other fun props.

Image by Laetitia Donaghy. See more of this real wedding here.

Jump Into The Fun With A Bouncy Castle

Perfect for both kids and adults, a bouncy castle adds a playful touch to your big day and also provides some hilariously entertaining photo opportunities. Whether your guests want to jump around and let loose or just sit back and watch the fun, a bouncy castle is sure to be a hit at your wedding. What guest could ever forget a wedding that had a bouncy house?

Add Some Playful Competition With Lawn Games

Take your wedding to the next level with some friendly competition! There’s a game for everyone to enjoy, from horseshoes to ring toss. Lawn games are not only perfect for breaking the ice and getting your guests to mingle, they also create a laid-back atmosphere and bring a touch of the outdoors to your celebration.

Do A Dance Off With Your Wedding Party

A dance-off with your wedding party is a great way to add excitement to your reception and get your guests moving on the dance floor. You can choose to have a formal or informal dance-off, depending on the tone of your wedding, and you can even include props and costumes to make it more entertaining.

Keep The Energy High With A Drag Queen Performance

If you want to add sparkle and sass to your wedding, a drag queen performance is perfect. Your guests will love the high energy and fabulous entertainment. The talented performers bring their larger-than-life personas to the stage, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere. It’s a great way to inject fun and humor into your special day.

Image by Ann and Kam Photography. See more of this wedding by clicking here.

Party It Up With A DJ

A professional DJ can help set the mood and keep the energy high throughout the night. They can play a variety of music to keep all your guests happy and also take requests to personalize the experience. Plus, they can help make important announcements and keep the timeline on track so that you can focus on enjoying your special day.

Dance All Night To A Live Band

A band is a great choice for your wedding reception if you prefer live music. They bring energy and excitement to the celebration and can interact with the crowd and create a personalized experience for you and your guests. You can choose a band that suits your style and musical tastes, and consider asking for a setlist beforehand to ensure they play all your favorite songs.

Enjoy A Unique Party Experience With A Silent Disco

Silent discos are a great way to create a unique and unforgettable party experience. Instead of blasting music over loudspeakers, each guest wears headphones and dances to their own beat. It’s an interactive way to get everyone involved, allowing guests to choose their music without worrying about volume levels.

Image by Rachel Wakefield Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

Showcase Synchronized Swimmers

Hiring a group of synchronized swimmers is a unique and unexpected way to entertain your guests. The synchronized movements and graceful routines will leave your guests in awe, and it’s a great way to add some elegance to your wedding reception. Plus, it’s perfect for a summertime wedding, especially if you have an outdoor reception near a pool or beach.

Image by John & Joseph. See more of this real wedding right here.

Make An Unforgettable Finale With A Spectacular Fireworks Display

End your wedding night with a bang by lighting up the sky with a stunning fireworks display. Imagine you and your partner taking center stage, surrounded by your loved ones, as the colorful explosions light up the night sky. It also makes for some incredible photo opportunities. Just be sure to check with your venue to ensure that fireworks are allowed. And to hire a professional pyrotechnician to ensure a safe and spectacular display.

If you want to throw a wedding that your guests will never forget, think beyond the usual dinner and dancing. Consider some of these wedding entertainment ideas to add a unique and fun element to your special day. And if you can’t decide on just one option, why not combine a few for an unforgettable experience? But don’t let the party stop there! Check out our list of after-party ideas to keep the celebration going all night long.

Image by Rachel Wakefield.

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Edgy Yet Whimsical Lowndes Grove Wedding

May 7, 2023 | justine

Kate and Jeremy’s Lowndes Grove wedding was an absolute dream come true. Their ultimate goal was to create a warm, home-like atmosphere that embodied their personalities. And to achieve this, they took inspiration from their own home, used a dusty rose and black color combo, exquisite florals that added a dreamy touch, and modern elements for a surprising twist. With the help of their trusted vendor team, they pulled out all the stops to bring their vision into an extraordinary reality.

Lowndes Grove was undoubtedly the perfect venue, with its oak-lined banks and sweeping riverside views. For their waterfront ceremony, they kept the decor minimal, with only two floral pillars framing the couple as they exchanged their vows. But the real magic happened at the tented reception. They kept the same sleek vibe, with an all-white tablescape, low floral clusters, and candles. To top it all off, the overhead installation of fresh blooms, dried foliage, and black pendant lighting added an unexpected touch of edge to the romantic ambiance.

Every detail was thoughtfully chosen, and it all came together seamlessly to create an unforgettable event. So if you’ve ever dreamed of a classic yet unique wedding style perfectly combined with personal, meaningful touches, take notes from this couple and swoon over every photo captured by Franzi Annika.

The Couple:

Kate and Jeremy

The Wedding:

Lowndes Grove,St Margaret St, Charleston, South Carolina, United States

 

The Bride Always Knew That The Lowndes Grove Was The One

Jeremy and I interned in Hilton Head one summer in college. I interned with a luxury planner in HHI, and her first wedding of the season was at Lowndes Grove. It was the first wedding I was ever a part of, and I knew I wanted to get married there from the moment I stepped foot on the property. It truly was magical to have such a full-circle moment.

They Wanted Their Lowndes Grove Wedding To Feel Like Home

As a wedding planner, I always tell my clients that if they want their wedding to feel like them, their home is an excellent place to start for inspiration. Our biggest goal was for our guests to feel like they were stepping into our home away from home. So we took my advice and looked to our home to assist with the design process. We love to play with balancing masculine elements like black metal furniture pieces. And balance them out with more feminine elements like dried florals.

The Groom Wore A Pink Suit In A Styled Shoot Which Inspired Their Color Palette

My husband wore the same dusty rose suit jacket in a styled shoot we modeled together and loved it so much that he said he wanted to get married in it (we were not engaged at the time). That was the starting point for our color palette, and we built everything else around that punchy rose tone. It’s funny how the smallest things can be the biggest sources of design inspo.

Having A Trusted Vendor Team Made The Planning Process A Great Experience

Take time to enjoy every moment. It’ll be over in the blink of an eye. Try your hardest to stay as zen as possible. I promise you’ll look back at everything you were upset about and wonder why you wasted so much energy on the minutiae of it all. Little things tend to seem like big things when you’re stressed. And we were lucky because we genuinely had the dream vendor team. They all are such talented, hard-working people. Working with a wedding planner on her wedding was sometimes intimidating, but they all treated my wedding as their own—a dream come true!

Their First Look Broke The Tension And Set The Tone For The Rest Of Their Lowndes Grove Wedding Day

Kate: The most memorable part of our wedding was the first look. Having him by my side was so exciting (and honestly a relief). I loved seeing each other before the ceremony and spending a few extra hours with him that I wouldn’t have gotten if we hadn’t opted for a first look.
Jeremy: The feeling of walking up the stairs to the balcony of the first look location was the most memorable moment of the day. All of the emotions were building up, which was such an exciting portion of the day. Kate broke the tension when she was about to tell me to turn around. She decided she needed to hit pause and get her bouquet. We laughed, and it so perfectly encompassed our relationship. Getting to see her was such a good emotional relief. Seeing her in her wedding dress was everything I could have imagined and then some.

Planning To Be Under Budget Helps Prepare For Those Last Minute Expenses 

Being in the wedding industry, I had a good idea what it would cost to have our dream day. Our vision evolved throughout the planning process and ended up over budget. It’s essential to ensure you are planning to be under budget because so many last-minute things pop up. 

Taking The Leap With DIY Signage

It’s incredibly ironic that I did so much DIY because I never encourage my brides to DIY anything—it can be super stressful. But for my wedding, I wanted to have personal touches everywhere. I created/designed both bar menus, menus at the place settings, escort display, and the timeline sign.

 

Serving Their Signature Drinks And Setting Up Food Stations To Give Their Guests A Chance To Mingle

For dinner, we opted for stations because we love getting a bunch of different appetizers at our favorite restaurants to have a little of everything. We also wanted our guests to be able to try more than one thing and to mingle. Espresso martinis are one of our go-to cocktails so we served espresso martinis with the letter H dusted in cinnamon. Our specialty cocktails were what you would find us drinking on date night. I chose a French 75, and Jeremy chose an old fashioned. 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Franzi Annika Photography
Event Planning + Invitation Design – The Coordination Company
Venue + Catering + Cake – Lowndes Grove
Floral Design – Rosebay Floral Co
Officiant – Chris Hunt
DJ – ML Event Entertainment
Videography – Clicked by Carly
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Bridal Beauty Authority
Wedding Dress – Gown Boutique of Charleston
Bridal Accessories – Modern Trousseau
Groom + Groomsmen Apparel – The Black Tux
Groom’s Accessories – Burberry
Rentals – Curated Events
Transportation – Lowcountry Vallet + Adorn Charleston + Eventworks
Linen – Nuage Designs + Stradley Davidson
Tenting – Snyder Events
Lighting – Lit Charleston

 

Congratulations to Kate and Jeremy on their Lowndes Grove wedding. And a big thank you to Franzi Annika for capturing all the beautiful details, joy, and love that filled their big day. 

Make your wedding day one-of-a-kind and truly reflective of your love story by blending timeless traditions with your personal style. By selecting meaningful elements and partnering with a trustworthy vendor team, your special day will become an unforgettable celebration of your love. Start creating your dream team today by exploring our directory of the world’s top-notch vendors.

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Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings
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