I absolutely loved planning with Chelsey and Bill for their July 2016 wedding for so many reasons. From their mustard yellow and grey color palette to their trusting in my vision and recommendations, it was an effortless process and resulted in the party of a lifetime. This group knew how to par-tayyy and I think the snaps from my friend, Vesic Photography, attest to that!
The ladies started the day downtown at their hotel getting dolled up with Carla White + team before heading to the church for a traditional 2 PM Catholic ceremony at Our Lady of Grace. One of my favorite churches in Greensboro, hands down!
Chelsey and Bill decided to do a first look prior to their ceremony and read letters from one another. So sweet!
Our Lady of Grace is stunning on it’s own so we went minimal with decor in the church. We brought a pop of personality with the ceremony programs, tying them back to the design of the invites from Smitten On Paper.
Because the ceremony was a tad earlier in the day, we planned for a break between the wedding and the reception. Guests were invited to our favorite local spot, 1618 Midtown (formerly known as 1618 Wine Lounge) for drinks and a reprieve from the heat. After the ceremony, the bridal party hopped on a party bus and headed to Fisher Park for some photos before heading to the reception.
When I think of a hot summer day, I think about Chelsey and Bill’s wedding day. It was bordering on 100 degrees with sweltering humidity. You know, just your typical North Carolina July day! To keep guests comfortable, we created lots of shade for cocktail hour, installed multiple high powered fans, and kept ice cold drinks flowing. Of course, anyone that was uncomfortable was welcome to come on inside but most guests were enjoying the NC sunshine and fun! For their guest book, Bill built a custom Jenga set. Guests were able to sign the pieces and it provided some extra fun for cocktail hour.
Designing with this color palette was so refreshing! I partnered with Just Priceless to create a natural look that Chelsey loved for florals with our more modern color palette. April from Tender Love and Cakes created the most beautiful cake with a cascade of custom sugar flowers. It was even more lovely in person!
I am always trying to mix up floor plans for venues we work at frequently. No one wants the same ol’ same ol’ and I’ve been dying to do another dance floor down below at Rev Mill. Most weddings put their cake in this area, which isn’t my favorite use of the space. I had this vision of Hooman shooting through the lights and Chelsey and Bill looking up at their guests during their first dance .. and as you can see, I totally delivered on that vision!
Side note: if your photographer asks to steal you away during the reception, say yes!
Chelsey came to me during planning and said she had this idea for hula hoops during dancing. There is a funny story behind them between her, Bill, and some of their friends .. one of those “one time at the bar” stories that always lead to some laughs. The hoops were the perfect touch for dancing photos that Hooman always captures so well!
Hello, gorgeous! Talk about a snazzy get away car.
Congrats, Chelsey and Bill!! You two are the life of the party and I absolutely adore you both!
Wedding Planner + Event Designer: Leigh Pearce Events | Photography: Vesic Photography | Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Revolution Mill Events Center | Caterer: Pepper Moon Catering | Florist: Just Priceless | DJ: K2 Productions | Rentals: Southern Event Rental | Lighting: Kenneth Eller | Transportation: A Formal Affair | Cake: Tender Love & Cakes | Hair + Makeup: Carla White | Invitations: Smitten On Paper