When we began working with Emily and Kyle for their September 2023 wedding, it was clear they wanted to strike a balance between classic traditions and modern elements that reflected them as a couple. The result? The perfect intersection of timelessness and trendsetting.
Check out the details from E+K’s wedding that are at the top of our trendsetting list for 2024 weddings.
Mixing traditional and contemporary elements
Emily & Kyle elected to get married in a classic church with gorgeous exposed wooden beams and the cutest red door paying homage to tradition. While their reception venue was an out-of-box location: their favorite restaurant, Prime Social. Located on the rooftop of a 16-story building in the heart of the Country Club Plaza, this small-bite seafood restaurant was the perfect location for their reception. We reimagined the traditional ballroom reception with three-course meal by embracing the restaurant’s lounge-style seating and small-bite menu.
Breathtaking moments
E+K chose to create significant, impactful moments both during the ceremony and the reception. As guests arrived at the church, they were greeted by a stunning floral installation that beautifully framed the iconic red entry door.
At the reception venue, a floral-adorned welcome sign extended a warm greeting to the guests guiding them to the elevators that whisked them to the rooftop space. The dance floor was elegantly enclosed by suspended florals and disco balls, while we maintained minimal floral decor on the lounge table and bar, ensuring the larger installations and custom-designed signage took center stage.
Personalized, hand-crafted cocktails
Upon exiting the elevator to the reception space, guests were greeted with champagne and once inside the venue, specialty cocktails named after their dogs were on display; The Gus, an espresso martini (the bride’s drink of choice) and The Shea, a negroni (the groom’s).
To revitalize the atmosphere when transitioning from dinner to the dance party, the couple’s favorite smoking margarita shots were tray-passed to all guests, igniting the energy for an exhilarating night to come.
Highly curated menu & epic food display
Playing off of Prime Social’s menu, which encourages sharing small plates, the couple chose to create a dynamic dining experience. For the cocktail hour, they presented a sushi bar featuring a variety of specialty rolls, nigiri and caviar. As guests took their seats at the bar and lounge tables, the couple’s favorite dishes were served… including mouth-watering wagyu, lobster, pizza and more.
To fuel the late-night dancing, guests were treated to pretzel bites, truffle fries and sliders. In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, the couple preferred to showcase an assortment of mini desserts. This thoughtfully curated menu not only reflected the couples favorite things, but also guaranteed an unforgettable culinary experience for their guests.
Emersive music experience
During cocktail hour, a saxophonist harmonized to the music spun by DJ Ashton Martin, while meandering his way through the space. After dinner, the DJ was accompanied by a live violinist, igniting the dance floor and energizing the guests with their dynamic musical collaboration. While there was not enough space in the restaurant for a live band, the additions of the saxophonist and violinist created that same feeling and interaction for their guests.
Intimate wedding party
Like most of this couple’s decisions, they made the wedding party all their own. Instead of traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen, they elected to limit their wedding party to family only. Their small wedding party didn’t mean there was a lack of celebrating with friends. Both the bride and groom enjoyed their mornings getting ready amongst close friends, but when it came to the ceremony, the small wedding party meant the focus stayed on them as a couple.
Style staples
Emily and Kyle collectively made several on-trend fashion decisions for their wedding day. One enduring trend that adds a timeless touch of femininity is the resurgence of bows. Gracing dresses and hairstyles with an elegant and charming touch. Emily also chose a petite bouquet, allowing her to take the spotlight while walking down the aisle. Another noteworthy fashion statement is the trending idea of dancing shoes. Couples are now trading their formal footwear for trendy sneakers to dance the night away.
Kodak moments
In addition to their photographer, E+K wanted to provide their guests with the means to capture their own cherished moments. To achieve this, we set up a selfie station complete with a full-length mirror monogrammed with their names. Their guest book was thoughtfully crafted using Polaroid snapshots, accompanied with heartfelt notes to the bride and groom.
Topping off the 2024 wedding trends with booking Harper & James
Emily and Kyle’s wedding was the perfect balance of timelessness and trendsetting. Their decisions ensured that their guests enjoyed an incredible evening of celebrating in an authentically “them” way. While many trends come and go, the team at Harper & James is here to help you create an authentically “you” wedding. Get in touch with us today!
