How to Soften an Industrial Wedding Venue With the Right Florals

The Planning
Design / Vibe / Vision
The vibe we were going for was city rooftop garden party. Part urban, part luxe, we wanted to highlight the juxtaposition between soft florals and industrial steel beams with brick. Those elements appear to be so opposite and yet they can work well together when done with intention. I think that sort of describes the blending of our style as a couple. We wanted the day to feel authentic to us and we wanted to create an experience. We didn’t want it to feel too predictable so we incorporated hidden elements, games, and surprises for guests to discover so that they feel an active part of the day and not just a spectator. We had a live painter who allowed guests to paint a portion of the piece themselves so the artwork is not only a snapshot of the day but it’s made by those we love, we had trivia questions on our napkins, cookies made in the image of our dog Brooklyn and Adam’s pants (a nod to the odd pants he wore on our first date). The theme of our wedding is soulmates because we both firmly believe (and have been told by complete strangers) that we are soulmates.
Proposal Story
On a Friday afternoon last summer (2022), during a beautiful stroll through Richmond, England (shout out to Ted Lasso) Adam surprised me with a book he had made about our love story. The book titled, “Babe, You Ready Yet?” – because *sometimes* I take a while to get ready – was an illustration of some of our favorite moments that we’ve shared including the time we met a raccoon in Tulum that I named Marvin – hey Marvin – and that time I was late to our “second” first date.⁣ On the very last page of that one-of-a-kind book my love asked me to be his wife. It was the most thoughtful and sweet surprise. I felt (feel) so authentically loved. It brought me to tears #fullblownuglycry. ⁣ ⁣ Somewhere through that ugly cry and pale teal eyeliner I said yes. ⁣ This is a glimpse into the book Adam made & our love story... Well babe, what a journey it has been. So let's take a look back, all the way to two-zero-seventeen. From a right swipe on Bumble, to a wine bar in the E-Vee. That night you brought your A-game, while my pants clung too close to my knee. We chatted for hours, all in all it was a pretty good date. But when all was said and done, all you saw in me was a “mate”. Time kept ticking, like it tends to do. Until on my Instagram - a new friend request, No way! It's you! Many would say, what you did was cyber-stalking. But I didn't care at all, I was just happy we were talking. Things started shaky, on our second-first date. Restaurants were closing early, and of course you were a lot late. We grabbed dinner and desert to go, of course you ate the later. Then we went back to my place, for along night of amazing chatter. That night was the start, of infinite more that were to be. Spy dates, Burlesque dates, even ones with Van Gogh and Banksy. I love seeing you happy, be it on the couch with a bottle of Iced Tea. Or exploring foreign countries, eating short-rib quesadillas by the sea. Or it could be jetting off, to see the Suns run up the score. Or dinner at our favorite spot, under the fireworks of July Four. You see no mater, if the moment is big or if it's small. I know with you (and Brookie) by my side, it'll always be a ball. You are my team mate, my neighbor and my best friend. And now it's time I ask you something, something that makes it “us” until the end. But the ask is bigger, bigger than just one. As you know we're soulmates, so this journey has only just begun. Crazy right? We did it! We found each other once more. And for this life and the others, I promise it's only you I'll ever adore. July 1, 2022 Richmond, England
The Fashion
Wedding Gown
I’m wearing 3 different looks over the course of the weekend. Adam and I are both wearing custom looks. My ceremony gown is by Maria Faribini. I discovered her work when I went to try on dresses at LBR Bridal in Miami. Vilma the salon owner, and Katherine, the lead bridal stylist picked out a Maria Faribini gown for me to try on and then Maria customized the design from there. Something about the delicate appliques and the way it twinkled in the light really spoke to me. It was also surprisingly comfortable. Adam is a t-shirt, joggers and jordans kind of guy so when it came time for his wedding look we went to the best - Michael Andrews Bespoke in NYC. They made his beautiful satin tux. From start to finish the whole process was with Frazier and the Michael Andrews team was outstanding. We both had multiple looks. Adam had a second look - a bespoke dinner jacket made in deep purple velvet - an homage to the purple velvet tux his dad wore when he married Adam’s mom. Adam wore the exact velvet bow tie his dad wore on his wedding day over 40 years ago and swapped out his all white jordans that he wore during the ceremony for white and purple Jordans to compliment this second look. Adam had the lining of the jacket made from two autographed jerseys of his two all time favorite hall of fame Phoenix Suns Players, Steve Nash and Charles Barkley. A nod to his love of basketball. For the welcome dinner I wore a modern two piece all white number from Australian designer KYHA, another nod to Adam’s heritage. I complimented the look with delicate white butterfly heels from Aquazzura. For the reception I wanted to dazzle Adam - literally. I chose a beautiful hand beaded gown with a structured bodice, sexy silhouette, and elegant train.. In person, the way the beads dance under the light is just mesmerizing. I really love their KYHA’s fresh take on modern silhouettes. I’d wear their dresses every day if I could.
Bridesmaid Dresses
From Jenny Yoo and Bella Bridesmaids
Groomsman Attire
From Generation Tux
The Details
Food & Drink
With Adam being from Sydney- we have friends and family traveling from Australia to Kansas City (my hometown) for the very first time. We wanted to honor their journey and give our guests an authentic Kansas City experience. We chose Jack Stack because I grew up loving their BBQ baked beans as a kid, I still do, and I was excited to share some of my childhood with friends and loved ones who hadn’t ever been to Kansas City. For the wedding/cocktail hour/reception we did a custom menu with Brancato’s Catering. I had this vision of combining midwest food with some Australian favorites. I also wanted it to be visually appealing too. For cocktail hour guests will have a selection of passed hors d'oeuvres that included Summer Bruschetta with edible spoons, New Zealand lollipop lamb chops, and Australian baby potato skewers. During the reception we had a plated dinner that kicked off with a salad course that featured mesclun greens, chioggia beets, and a floral goat cheese coin. The following courses included Grilled Tenderloin Filet in a Peppercorn Cognac Cream Sauce, Chicken Piccata in Lemon Caper Cream Sauce, and Grilled Salmon with a Lemon Chive Beurre Blanc. Cake was one of the first things on my list after we got engaged. I really wanted the cake to be special. For dessert guests enjoyed slices of a beautiful 5 tiered cake by Vanilla Bean Bakeshop. The cake had a floating layer, edible wafer fans adorned the front, and each tier alternated flavors between - chocolate espresso (decadent chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, with espresso buttercream) and sparkling champagne (champagne cake, sweet strawberries, sparkling champagne buttercream). The cake was accompanied by artisan alcohol infused ice creams from Aubi Ramsa that included flavors like Tangerine Mimosa and Espresso Martini. I’m a big dessert lover so we had to have multiple dessert options. Brancatos made us key lime tartlets and individual chocolate bundt cakes (a nod to my heritage) and mini-pavlovas (a nod to Adam’s heritage). We also had a s’more bar where guests could roast their own s’mores. S’mores aren’t really a thing in Australia so we wanted our guests from abroad to get to experience that American treat. Brancato’s once again brought our vision to life with 3 specialty cocktails. His - “Brooklyn’s Manhattan” - a pineapple twist on a classic manhattan - named after our dog Brooklyn. Hers - “The Perfect Date” - a gin based cocktail that featured a butterfly pea flower to give it a gorgeous purple color and a floral ice cube. Theirs - “Soulmates” - a Godiva chocolate martini with an espresso aroma bubble creating a fun sensory experience for guests as they get to pop the bubble before taking a sip. It was hands down the best chocolate martini I’ve ever had! I kept seeing guests crossing the dance floor with them, ha. They couldn’t get enough!
Florals & Decor
Fun. Memorable. Personalized. One of one. Rooftop celebration with great food, positive energy, and lots of laughs. It was a dream that we are so fortunate to have experienced with so many that we love. It was elegant but not stuffy. It was refined but it didn’t take itself too seriously. It was Kansas City, Sydney Australia, and New York all it one. It was perfectly Adam + Devyn.
Wedding Cake
Cake was one of the first things on my list after we got engaged. I really wanted the cake to be special. For dessert guests enjoyed slices of a beautiful 5 tiered cake by Vanilla Bean Bakeshop. The cake had a floating layer, edible wafer fans adorned the front, and each tier alternated flavors between - chocolate espresso (decadent chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, with espresso buttercream) and sparkling champagne (champagne cake, sweet strawberries, sparkling champagne buttercream). The cake was accompanied by artisan alcohol infused ice creams from Aubi Ramsa that included flavors like Tangerine Mimosa and Espresso Martini. I’m a big dessert lover so we had to have multiple dessert options. Brancatos made us key lime tartlets and individual chocolate bundt cakes (a nod to my heritage) and mini-pavlovas (a nod to Adam’s heritage). We also had a s’more bar where guests could roast their own s’mores. S’mores aren’t really a thing in Australia so we wanted our guests from abroad to get to experience that American treat.
Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs
The theme of our wedding is soulmates because we both firmly believe (and have been told by complete strangers) that we are soulmates. Adam’s sister who is flying in from Australia will be doing a reading on the significance of soulmates. I did a Mother Daughter dance at the reception as a way to honor all she’s done for me. It was to a custom mix of Boyz II Men’s - Mama and Carrie Underwood’s - A Song for Momma. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I met with my band director in advance and told them what I had in mind and they were on board for creating the mix as requested. It was perfect. (We’re having and a singer (Shelby Winfrey) and guitarist for the ceremony and then a full band (Lost Wax) and dj for the reception ○ Processional: “Stand By Me” - Ben E. King (acoustic) ○ Bridal Walk - “How Long Will I love You” - Ellie Goulding (Acoustic) ○ Recessional - “Someone Like You” - Snoh Alegra (acoustic) ○ Grand Entrance Song - “This Will Be an Everlasting Love” - Natalie Cole (Live Band) ○ First Dance Song - “Can’t Help Falling in Love” - Kina Grannis transitions into “Simply the Best” - Noah Reid’s Version (Schitt’s Creek) - (Live Band Mashup) ○ Father/ Daughter + Stepfather/Daughter dance - “What a Wonderful World” - Louis Armstrong (Live Band) ○ Mother/Daughter Dance - “A Song for Mama” - Boyz II Men transitions into “Mama’s Song” - Carrie Underwood. (Live band mashup) ○ Last Song - “Empire State of Mind” - Alicia Keys (full song) then fade into New York New York - Frank Sinatra (Full Song) ○ Couple solo dance after the party - “Someone Like You” - Snoh Alegra (track)
Special Detail #1
Any familiar faces in attendance, current or former costars? Clinton Kelly (What Not To Wear, The Chew)), Jawn Murray (The Sherri Show), Taty Cokly (My co-star on Match Me In Miami - currently the #1 Show on Roku), Tiff Barra (also my co-star on Match Me in Miami), Jayice Pearson (former Kansas City Chiefs player). Who is officiating? Clinton Kelly is a dear friend of mine and has been for many years. We created and co-hosted a tv show, Love at First Swipe, a few years ago and have had so many fun and memorable moments together. There’s no one in the world I’d rather have officiating such a special moment. He did a fabulous job. He incorporated our sense of humor and personalities so well. It was a cheerful ceremony that felt so comfortable and warm. I am forever grateful to Clinton for doing that for us.
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Photography: Hunter Hennes Photography | Cinematography: Her Third Eye Productions | Event Design: Devyn Simone | Floral Design: Heart and Soul Floral Design Studio | Wedding Dress: LBR Bridal | Wedding Dress: Maria Farbinni | Cake: Vanilla Bean Bake Shop | Invitations: The Letterist | Ceremony Venue: Corrigan Station | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Brancato's Catering | Makeup: Shelice Mua | Hair: Hello Lovely-Ashley Backs | Band: Lost Wax Band | Groom's Attire: Michael Andrews Bespoke | Groomsmen's Attire: Generation Tux | Transportation: Showtime Transportation | Hotel: Loews Kansas City | Ice Cream: Aubi & Ramsa | Veil: Britten Weddings | Content Creation: Dear Diary Social | Rentals: Icon Event Group | Production: Inspired By This | Rehearsal Dinner: Jack Stack BBQ | Reception Dress: Kyha Studios | Rentals: Le Luci Lighting and Design | Bridal PJs: Le Rose | Weddings Rings: Melanie Casey | Garden Photos: Nelson Atkins Museum | Live Painter: Rebekah Lynn Studio | Rentals: Supply Event Rentals And Planning | Bridal Earrings & Necklace: Verstolo | Signage: Yellow Brick Graphics