Gabrille was 8 and Michael was 11 when they first met in school. With a four- year age difference between them, the two Louisville natives never connected. Until, that is, they hit it off while attending the wedding of a mutual friend.
For their October wedding, the couple decided to aim for a dark, moody theme that featured lots of nods to their favorite fandoms, like Harry Potter, Labyrinth and Skyrim, all with little Halloweeny touches.
The bride wore a dramatic cape over her gown while the bridesmaids wore lush velvet dresses. The groom’s red suit helped bring the day’s color scheme to life. For much of the night, the bride and groom wore masks as a festive touch.
For the ceremony, the couple chose to do a handfasting ceremony. They selected three cords. One was chosen to represent Michael’s family, and was brought up to the altar by his parents. Another was chosen to represent Ga- brielle’s family, brought up by her brother.
The bride lost her father just three months before the ceremony. He raised her as a single father after her mother passed away when Gabrielle was only 11, so their absence was deeply felt throughout the day. The bride framed a photo of her parents and had their handfasting cord photographed in front of it. She also used dried florals from her father’s casket arrangements in her bouquet, so that a part of him could walk her down the aisle.
Gabrielle and Michael aimed to find the right reception venue that would provide a blank canvas for them to truly make their own. The greenhous- es at 3rd Turn offered that and more. String lights, candles, rough wood and greenery took on an ethereal quality as the sun set over the glass roofing. Paper lanterns and handmade chandeliers cast a beautiful glow on centerpieces made of vintage pewter goblets filled with moss and dried florals. Gabrielle foraged porcelain berries the night be- fore the wedding to bring color to the tablescapes.
The creative couple loved using their wedding day as a fun outlet, from collecting props to doing DIY projects. In lieu of a DJ, the two hand-selected a playlist of music videos. This added a fun element to the evening’s dancing that helped further the otherworldly theme. From a whimsical, eerie, dark forest photo booth to frosted sugar cookies at every place setting, the night had personalized touches everywhere.
Because the venue is connected to a brewery, some curious locals came and peeked around the corner during the reception. Three women mustered up the courage to hit the dance floor and the bride struck up a conversation; the would-be wedding crashers became fast friends with the couple! They led guests in dancing to “Thriller” and “Backstreet’s Back!”
THE VISION
WEDDING STYLE
Planning your wedding is the perfect opportunity to create a day that represents the couple you are and what makes you unique. This couple did just that. With mystical details and crisp fall colors, this is one-of-a-kind.
MUST-HAVES
PERSONAL ELEMENTS
Never be afraid to include personal details that truly represent you and your passions. Whether it's through your wedding stationery or unique accessories, just be yourselves! It will create a day that's truly unforgettable.
DRIED BERRIES
A fun and different way to incorporate nature and whimsical elements into your unique fall wedding is using dried berries and fruits within your floral design. This is a great way to add in those pops of color.
MIX-MATCHED ATTIRE
With a theme as unique and fun as this one, you have the freedom to play around with different shades and tones in your attire. Incorporating different styles–and even different materials–on each person will create depth when looking at the bridal party as a whole.
COLOR PALETTE
A mystical palette with dark shades of gold and brown with classic pops of fall in holiday red and earthy greens.
THE TEAM
PHOTOS: Liz Terry Photography
CEREMONY VENUE: Duncan Memorial Chapel
RECEPTION/FOOD: 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens
CAKE: Sweet Surrenders
COOKIES: Preston Fouts of Sweet June Bakery
FLOWERS: Native Oak Floral
BRIDAL GOWN: Sarah Seven The Dress Theory, Nashville
BRIDAL CAPE:Custom Design, Elizabeth Crum Bridal
BRIDAL PARTY: Valdenize Soares and Revelry
GROOM/GROOMSMEN: Express and Asos
MAKEUP: Beauty by Katie LLC
HAIR: Darcee Rogers
R E N T A L S / D E C O R: Southern Classic Rentals
