The NotWedding 2011 Atlanta was an incredible night full of inspiration. Guests received a wedding invitation as their ticket upon arrival and were then led by our ushers to their seats at handmade farm tables, each with a unique tablescape from one of our designers. The bridal party entered to Mumford & Son’s “Sigh No More”, and spoken word artist Sean Grant led an emotional wedding ceremony (seriously, tears were shed)! Guests enjoyed dinner and sangria, the cake was cut and “toasts” were given to the vendors who had made the event possible. A song-and-dance flashmob ensued in the crowd, the band joined in, and guests danced the night away. The last song included a confetti-and-ballon drop, and guests were able to meet the vendors and “trick-or-treat” for gifts and information through the “Tunnel of Love” on their way out.
Below is a copy of the toasts that were shared at the event along with some eye candy visuals. Raise your glass as we toast to the 2011 NotWedding team…
For her willingness to do anything we asked, for buying into our crazy dream of this event, and for making it beautiful from the thoughtful handmade invitations to the adorable tablescapes- here’s to Jessica of a darling day. (photos: the long farewell)
Lauren Weems of Adorned Event Design took on the near impossible task of designing, building and “adorning” the stage just three days before the event. Seriously, she did every bit of this in just three days. From the floral arrangements and decor on this stage to the actual pallet stage itself, Lauren has worked tirelessly but with the greatest attitude. Thank you Lauren! (photo: Chelsea Patricia)
The epic night of music and dancing was brought to you by the great guys at A-Town A-List. Thank you guys for making the night so fun! (Photos: Top two, Chelsea Patricia; Bottom two, (once like a spark) photography)
For taking on a challenging space, the entrance, and making it the beautiful mood setting experience that we hoped for – here’s to Andrea Gray Harper. From your gold streamers to your cupcake-liners-garland, you brought so many clever ideas to life! (photos: left, the long farewell; middle and right, (once like a spark) photography)
The gorgeous and absolutely tasty cake was brought to you by Apple-Butter Bakery. Aside from being fun and easy to work with, Shellane does a perfect job of making both beautiful and yummy cakes. (photos: the long farewell)
Amy Osaba and team. Your design in the catering area and the floral design for the head table are just what we were hoping for. What a fun, visually stunning take on a typical backdrop and centerpiece. Thank you for jumping in and making this event stand out. (photos: (once like a spark) photography)
You’ve probably noticed the super hot shoes that our bridesmaid’s are wearing tonight. Bloomingdales Lenox Square provided that opportunity in addition to being our registry vendor. Bloomingdales has a wonderful selection of registry items and a killer selection of shoes. Thanks Lauren for all you’ve done to make this possible. (photos: (once like a spark) photography)
For her relentless support of The NotWedding brand, her thoughtfully crafted Inspiration Board and storyline, the lovely calligraphy that added the finishing touch on our invitations, these beautifully styled tables and this ridiculously cool lantern installation above the stage- here’s to Abany of Brown Linen & Company. (photos: left, the long farewell; right, Chelsea Patricia)
Buzzy Craftery designs a lot of cool stuff. From her fabulous invitations to the menus to the pennant pencils used to jot down ideas from the event, Ashley’s style, execution and attention to detail are the accents that make an event completely you. (photos: top left and right, Chelsea Patricia; bottom left, the long farewell)
Chelsea Patricia shot the photos of The NotWedding’s Rehearsal Dinner that were featured on Green Wedding Shoes and Occasions Online. Excellent job Chelsea. You have been so fun and personable, and you truly take gorgeous photos! (photo: Chelsea Patricia)
Thanks to Classic Tents and Events, our guests had chairs to sit in and tables for the food to be served on. An event rental company is essential when planning a wedding in a non traditional venue like this one. Classic Tents and Events is easy to work with and has a great selection of rental items. Thanks Bari. (photo: (once like a spark) photography)
So we already talked about the shoes, but seriously, this is one good looking wedding party. Claudia Mejerle has done a great job with hair and makeup. She comes to the venue and styles on-location, making the process simple and refreshing ensuring that you look your best on the big day. She is also just so stinking sweet. (photos: middle, the long farewell; left and right, (once like a spark) photography)
We have a lot of new and different things here tonight, but one vendor that we are particularly excited to introduce to you is CORE Bridesmaids Couture. Their line of bridesmaids attire is brand new and totally different than anything else on the market. These pieces are designed as separates. That way every bridesmaid looks great and can actually do what every bride claims: wear their bridesmaids dress again. Amazing job CORE. (photos: (once like a spark) photography)
At any event, your hope is that your guests enjoy themselves, worry as little as possible, and focus on the fun – not the logistics. With Eagle Parking, we’ve been able to do just that. Patrick and his team have made this event as seamless as possible by providing valet for all of our guests. Thanks Eagle Parking.
To add dimension, soften spaces, or even to just cover up some ugly, Event Drapery provides the solution. They looked at the space and knew exactly what size and style of drapery to bring in, and their team was a joy to work with. Thank you Marina, Chris, Jonathan and Arneese! (photo: Chelsea Patricia)
You’ll notice that our toss bouquet was made out of something a little non-traditional: scarves. Our charity partner fashionABLE seeks to provide jobs making scarves and help rehabilitate women in Africa who have been exploited due to the effects of poverty. FashionABLE not only creates jobs, but being a non-profit, they help create a sustainable business so that the women aren’t dependent on charity, but instead are a vital part of a developing economy. Thanks so much fashionABLE for sharing your mission … and your scarves … with us. (photos: left, (once like a spark) photography; right, Chelsea Patricia)
The ladies’ style wouldn’t have been complete without accessories. Fine and Fleurie provided jewelry and handmade hair pieces for Caroline and each of the girls in the wedding party. Jessica was able to look at the dresses and design and create custom pieces to match, and it’s obvious in her work and her attitude that she loves what she does! (bottom right photo, Chelsea Patricia; all other photos, the long farewell)
You’ve probably noticed all of the awesome vintage furniture and accents throughout the space. She brought in pews, the lounge area, did table design – she even brought in pieces for the fantastic Engagement Shoot. She is also the one renting out the 25 farm tables! [Four Inch Fold] Vintage Rentals seriously has awesome stuff. Thanks Mao for all you’ve done to make this event look amazing. (photos: left, (once like a spark) photography; right, the long farewell)
All of the table flowers you see, the chair and pew hanging flowers and the bouquets and boutonnieres were designed by Gertie Mae’s Floral Studio. Well done Sherry. Thank you so much for jumping in and really making the inspiration board come to life. Everybody is still talking about those incredibly gorgeous and unique bridesmaid bouquets! (photos: left, Chelsea Patricia; top right, (once like a spark) photography; bottom right, the long farewell)
Our event was emceed by the always charming DJ Josh Whitlock. He can throw a mean party, but he can also be trusted as a gracious, funny and just-right host. Thank you, Josh, for making the event flow so smoothly! (photo: (once like a spark) photography)
Most brides agree that once you find the dress, everything just falls into place. Well, Bekah of Laurel and Fife designs custom gowns and did so for our bride Caroline. Bekah, you have been wonderful to work with, and we are confident that we will be hearing your name more and more in the months to come! (photos: the long farewell)
We couldn’t have had this event without lights and sound. Thank you so much Jason and Live Event Solutions. They worked so hard to transform this space, and they made our ceremony, dance party and even our flashmob flow seamlessly. While lighting and sound design often get overlooked when planning a wedding, you proved just how important they are! (photo: Chelsea Patricia)
To the girls of Muncle Fred Art – you are the heart of what we do: friends teaming up to create something lovely. We are well aware of the blood sweat and tears that went into making these adorable hair flowers that were given to our brides-to-be. Jessica, Michaela, Meghan and Kayla, we’re honored to call you friends and to be a part of your business venture. (photo: Chelsea Patricia)
Nosh Swill and Bliss, it means the world to us that you came on board in the beginning, dreamed with us, kept us excited, and pulled off some beautiful table designs in the process. Shawndra is also the girl behind the “Love is All” piece that hung above the stage and the confetti and balloon drop during the last song. What amazing ideas! (photos: left and top right, the long farewell; bottom right, (once like a spark) photography)
Another set of photographers that you’ll see running around are the lovely ladies of (once like a spark) photography, the gals who shot our beautiful Engagement Photos that were featured on 100 Layer Cake. There’s something about working with a group of friends that just makes all of the difference. Thanks for sharing with us this party that you call a job. (photo: (once like a spark) photography)
To the wonderfully kind and comfortably organized wedding planner genius Corrie Kirk of Signature Weddings and Events: thank you to you and your team for being our logistical minds, hands and feet in this crazy whirlwind of an event. You kept us calm and brought to light the details that we would have never considered. (photo: Chelsea Patricia)
We were thrilled to be able to give each bride a copy of Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married brought to you by StartMarriageRight.com. We’ve always wondered how we can convey that all of this wedding stuff is the celebration of something greater, a marriage. StartMarriageRight.com is an online resource that offers articles, a 5 Love Languages assessment, and online community for couples-to-be. Like they say: Enjoy the Wedding, Love the Marriage.
The GuestBox is a modern day guestbook. Guests choose either a truth or a dare and then walk into the video booth to perform on camera. Thanks so much Natalie for being here to host our guests in a super fun addition the wedding scene. We can’t wait to share some footage!
the long farewell is a photography duo made up of a husband and wife team that we just cant get enough of. They are wonderfully charming, they put you at ease the second they open their mouths and they take rockin photos. They are also the ones behind the bridal portraits of Caroline! (photo: the long farewell)
Sophia and Valerie of Sam Flax. Ladies, you have been unbelievably accommodating. We are so grateful for your beautiful design work. The letterpress invitations and the programs were just perfect! (photos: left, (once like a spark) photography; right, the long farewell)
Westside Creamery! What a treat. Any bride would be crazy not to have you (an artisan ice-cream truck? yes please.) at their wedding. You’re a total hit. (photo: (once like a spark) photography)
We can’t wait to share an awesome cinematic video of the evening brought to you by Kaye with White Dress Media. Her wedding movies are emotionally evocative, beautifully shot, and have a personal touch like none other. Thank you thank you thank you for teaming up with us.
We’ve saved these last few vendors for last because it’s their undying devotion to our vision and their investment in this crazy idea that has made this event a reality and a success.
When you’re planning a wedding, you know you’re obsessed with magazines and blogs, and in our humble opinion, Occasions Magazine is one of the best. It’s modern, easy to use and has great inspiration and ideas. The NotWedding was kept alive last year by Heather, the editor and chief of Occasions Magazine, and we owe so much of the NotWedding’s success to her. She’s an unbelievable resource, networker extraordinaire, and undying supporter of The NotWedding. Thanks for all you do Heather.
Max. Your food is fabulous. The Rehearsal Dinner was perfect. And you. You have stepped up above and beyond what we could have ever expected. Thank you for everything. Everyone has been talking about how they had never experienced such amazing food at a wedding. Seriously, we recommend Sun in my Belly for catering or as an event venue whole-heartedly. They also happen to be our favorite breakfast spot, so you can’t go wrong there either! (And thank you for partnering with Peachtree Tents and Events to provide us with dishes and silverware!!) (left and top right photos, Chelsea Patricia; middle and bottom right, the long farewell; installation in catering room, Amy Osaba)
And Jason. From the beginning, it was no question that Ambient + Studio would be the venue for this year’s NotWedding. We walked in, and it was automatic. You’re forever forgiving of our outlandish expectations and worked tirelessly to make all of this come together. Jack, every pot of coffee, unloaded box, and encouraging smile hasn’t gone unnoticed. You are truly a gentleman. Thank you for everything. (photos: (once like a spark) photography)
Finally, a huge thank you to Drew & Caroline and our bridal party, our summer intern Kelley Girardin and all of the event interns and volunteers who donated so much of their time and talent to make the event a success: Megan S., Megan G., Laura, Lauren, Sherri, Sara, Maggie, Cara, Jessica and Tyler (oh and to all of our flashmobsters!) You people are beautiful.
We are still humbled by all you guys did in the name of inspiring brides, promoting small businesses and encouraging healthy marriages. Much love and thanks to you all!
-Callie and Michal
