Rooftop weddings are the ultimate in chic, but this one from Emilie Duncan Event Planning is also romantic, sweet, and pretty as can be. The venue provided for some absolutely stunning images from Benjamin James Photography, but the adorable couple and all their nearest and dearest were the center of some of our favorite images. It’s a gallery you will kick yourself if you miss, so click here!
From the lovely bride … I met Brad through mutual friends at a concert and two years later he popped the question during a trip to central Europe, a question that proved so surprising I often struggle to remember everything he said. The next year of planning was a continued blur, the amount of planning that goes into one day is truly overwhelming at times. I knew that I wanted the perfect mix of vintage and romantic, urban while not too modern and as intimate as possible even though I knew we’d be expecting a large guest list. That is where Emilie Duncan stepped in and really made our vision a reality.
From the first visit, we knew that we wanted the downtown Columbus rooftop venue, an unrealistic dream for August in the Midwest however we decided it was worth the risk (I think I spent a year with my fingers crossed). Over the next several months I swallowed the reality that we may very well be inside as August tends to be hot, humid and rainy. As the big day approached, I began to realize that when it comes to weddings you really cannot plan for everything, who would have thought that the forecast could be calling for cold weather and high winds? Luckily the weatherman got this one wrong, and the day was absolutely perfect.
We tried to incorporate our passion for travel which was the basis for our table names and guestbook. The venue was scattered with old vintage books, birdcages, picture frames and handmade touches that were either ours or borrowed from close friends, together it helped to bring a little vintage detail to mix with the urban locale for a more intimate feel. We involved friends and family whenever possible, including my aunt sewing my great-great-grandmother’s locket into my dress (as I was dressing!), a family member performing the ceremony, our eighteen person wedding party, and the touching ceremony speeches by two very important people in our lives.
For the wedding party attire I really wanted something that was comfortable and simple while still semi-formal. We selected floor length chiffon dresses and let the girls pick their style and color, while the boys opted for navy suits adding a bit of flair with plaid shirts and Puma sneakers. We spent the time during cocktail hour to take the wedding party on a trolley ride around town and stopping at our favorite local bar. We were really grateful that we made that decision and got to spend some quality time with the group before heading back for the reception.
The entertainment was a top priority for us, we wanted to ensure that everyone simply had a great time, and the Conspiracy Band really delivered on that. From the beginning to the very end, the dance floor was never empty (we even decided to forgo the planned bouquet/garter toss to continue the party). Highlights include an impromptu version of “We Are Family” with all of my bridesmaids and a unique version of “Ice Ice Baby” sung by the best man, which I believe all of downtown Columbus had the pleasure of hearing. The night wrapped up with a late night snack of mini burgers and cookies.
Looking back I know that I could not have done this without Emilie’s help, all of the wonderful work of our vendors, and most importantly the support of our friends and family. We are forever grateful. Every detail pulled together perfectly and really was everything we had envisioned. To top everything off, we had the most amazing photographer who is not only the best at his job but also a wonderful human being and a pleasure to work with, I am so thankful for his ability to capture how great this day really was.
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Photography: Benjamin James Photography | Event Planning and Design: Emilie Duncan Event Planning | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Renaissance Hotel | Floral Design: Flowers on Orchard Lane | Paper Suite: Seedlings | Rentals: Event Source | Ceremony and Reception Entertainment: Conspiracy Band | Wedding Dress Designer: Jenny Lee | Bridal Store: Big Rock Little Rooster | Suits: Banana Republic | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Catan’s Bridal | Hair + Makeup: Jolie Laide | Lighting: Neff Lighting | Transportation: Urban Express | Photo booth: VIP Photo Booth