Jessica & Austin- 1.11.20

Jessica & Austin

Saturday, January 11, 2020
Empire Mills
Madison, GA

Our Planning Time Together

Jessica and I started planning together 6 months before the wedding. She had already clued me in on her color-scheme and some other design ideas before this, so I was SO excited to get started. Her vision was classic black-tie with a hint of boho and it came together flawlessly.

Jessica was so laid back during the planning process and was always open to chatting through ideas. Her mom and mother-in-law were also super involved in the design process and we always had a blast when we visited the venue together. And we all really connected in the fact that they wanted their reception to be a party for the books – and it truly was!

Wedding Day

On wedding day Jessica wore an elegant, fitted, crepe gown with off the shoulder sleeves and subtle flaring at the bottom. She wore her hair down in a very natural, loose-curled look with a floor-length veil to top. The bridesmaids wore long, solid black dresses with plunging necklines and capped sleeves. Their bouquets featured lots of soft greenery and neutral shades of ivory and mauve blooms. Jessica’s bouquet stole the show with blush, tan, rust, and ivory ranunculus, antique carnations, lisianthus, protea, eucalyptus, and white Italian ruscus.

The groomsmen wore classic black tuxes and sported ivory bloom boutonnieres. Austin added a special touch to his look by featuring a black and white featured bowtie. It was absolutely dashing.

Getting Ready & First Looks

Both the guys and the girls got ready at The James Madison Inn, a bed and breakfast a few minutes down the road from the venue. They actually rented the entire house for both the wedding party and the bride and groom’s immediate family to stay the weekend. It was so convenient for planning and looked like so much fun.

Once the guys were all dressed and ready, a limo party bus picked them up and took them to the venue for photos. When we finished up their photos, we made sure to have them tuck away in the groom’s suit so no wandering eyes would see the bride when she arrived!

Once hair and makeup was complete, the limo party bus swung back around to The James Madison Inn to pick up the girls. We had the bridesmaids go ahead and put their dresses on at the inn so they didn’t have to transport as many belongings, but Jessica stayed in her adorable bridal getting robe until she got to the bridal suite

Once the girls arrived (in the rain I might add), it was time for Jessica to put on her dress. With just her and her mom in the dressing room of the bridal suite, they buttoned up the back, fixed her veil, and put the finishing touches on her bridal look.

Jessica then had the chance to share a first look with her dad and her bridesmaids. Both were absolutely touching and definitely brought on some happy tears. She. looked. stunning.

Finally, it was time for Jessica & Austin’s first look.

To avoid the rain, they shared their private moment under the awning directly outside of the bridal suite. Austin was totally in awe of his bride and his reaction was precious. After their first look, they were able to take some incredible couple photos, then took a few with their entire bridal party.

The Ceremony

The ceremony was inside Marsden Hall at Empire Mills. Our team had placed two black and blush, boho rugs lining the aisle and a large one to adorn the stage. The rugs really tied the boho twist together with the elegant chandelier and candle-lit staircase. The florist and her team designed floral installations for the tops of the sliding doors as well as two large arrangements to go on either side of the staircase. The look and feel of the room was warm, beautiful, and calming – a perfect refuge from the nasty weather happening outside.

The band played some soft instrumental tunes as guests took their seats and the grandparents were escorted in. Once everyone was seated, it was time for the processional, starting with the parents. The entire wedding party entered, and after everyone was in place, our team shut the double doors to get ready for the bride’s grand entrance. With the switch of a song and the standing of the guests, the doors opened together and Jessica and her dad made their way down the aisle.

The ceremony was brief and heart-felt, officiated by Jessica’s uncle and celebrated by all when the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the bar room while the family took their formal photos.

During cocktail hour, our team, alongside the venue and catering team, put the finishing touches on the reception area. Dinner tables were topped with black linens and the centerpieces were a collection of gold vases, lanterns, candelabras, votives, and floral arrangements. The industrial chandeliers that hang in the reception room were strung with lush greenery to add a bit of drama and texture to the room. A large head table, complete with gold charger plates, candles, and tall floral arrangements, was placed at the center of the room for the wedding party and bride and groom.

Dinner

After cocktail hour and formal pictures came to an end, the guests made their way to the guest tables to find their seats. The wedding party was introduced and Jessica & Austin enjoyed their first dance to “Ninety-Nine” by Nathan Angelo. The father-daughter and mother-son dances flowed nicely after, then Jessica’s Uncle David blessed the food. The carving stations were opened and dinner was served.

The Reception & Party

While guests were finishing dinner, a beautiful toast was made by Jessica’s dad, Jeff. Post-toasts was the perfect time to cut into their absolutely show-stopping, 4-tiered cake.

After the wedding cake, the dance floor was officially opened and boy, did this crowd know how to party. From the first guitar strum of the band to the very last, the dance floor was jam-packed.

When it was time for sendoff, everyone grabbed a mini bubble tube and made two lines under the awning outside of the bridal suite. Meanwhile, our team cranked up the industrial sized-bubble machines.

Jessica and Austin made their way through their cheering loved-ones and a sea of bubbles to their white 1967 Rolls Royce Austin Princess gettaway car.

Even through the rain, this was one of the most gorgeous, fun-filled weddings we’ve seen!

Congratulations to Jessica & Austin!