Tyler and Lexi’s Heartfelt Western September Wedding at The Urban Cowboy in Nashville, TN
THIS COUPLE THREW A SURPRISE WEDDING IN THEIR PARENTS LOFT!
We are so excited to share this colorful, retro DIY wedding with you! It was held at a loft in downtown Phoenix, AZ and the best part? The guests thought they were attending an engagement party, and were so SURPRISED when it was announced that the wedding was happening instead! Here is bride Lacey to tell you more…
“We were married in Jesse’s parents historic loft right in the heart of downtown Phoenix” Lacey began.
“We wanted it to be whimsical, colorful, have a touch of retro flair, and (most importantly) be a total party.”
“I knew from the moment we began planning that the loft was the perfect place, and really the only place I could picture our wedding happening. It’s warm, yet industrial, modern, yet retro and so amazingly decorated and since we were telling everyone it was just an engagement party it made sense to hold it there.” Lacey explained.
“I knew we wanted to DIY almost everything because we are both creative and come from artistic backgrounds, so I used pinterest a lot (obviously) and had a couple of blogs that I loved. I made the bouquets out of crepe paper using the book ‘Paper to Petals’ and yarn. Jesse is an artist who works primarily with sculpting playing cards and decided that’s what he wanted to do for the boutonnieres. Almost all the decor for the wedding was DIY and done by me and my mother in-law. The only things we didn’t do were the ‘Treat Yo Self’ banner over the dessert table and our glasses, which were made for us by one of my best friends.”
As the couple didn’t have a traditional wedding we wanted to know how they felt it differed.
“I didn’t have to spend all day at the venue doing prep, getting ready, etc.” Lacey told us.
“It was awesome because I got to have breakfast with just my parents and spend some time in the afternoon with my girlfriends trying to relax.”
Super Suppliers – Photographer: Mike Olbinski Photography | Culinary: Green New American Vegetarian & Harumi Sushi | Dress Store: JW Vintage Closet | Submitted via Two Bright Lights |
The Ultimate Plot Twist: Tips for Planning a Surprise Loft Wedding
Planning a surprise loft wedding is like pulling off the ultimate plot twist—exciting, a bit nerve-wracking, and absolutely unforgettable. The charm of a loft wedding lies in the way you can transform a raw, industrial space into a romantic, personalized haven. With exposed brick, high ceilings, and open layouts, lofts provide a unique backdrop that’s both chic and edgy. But let’s be honest, pulling off a surprise wedding in such a space requires more than just a love for the dramatic—it demands careful planning, a bit of trickery, and a solid sense of humor.
Setting the Stage: Crafting the Perfect Cover Story
The element of surprise is the heart of a loft wedding like this. Imagine your guests thinking they’re attending a simple engagement party or birthday bash, only to have you drop the wedding bombshell on them. Timing is everything here, and the trick is to create a believable cover story that lulls everyone into a false sense of security. When I helped plan a surprise loft wedding for a friend, we told everyone it was a casual dinner party. The look on the bride’s face when she realized what was really happening was priceless. The key is getting everyone, including the bride or groom, to the loft without arousing suspicion. A “holiday gathering” or “anniversary party” can work wonders as a cover story.
Transforming the Loft: Turning Industrial into Intimate
Let’s dive into the beauty of a loft wedding venue. Lofts are like blank canvases waiting to be adorned. Their spaciousness can be both a blessing and a challenge. You want to make sure the space feels intimate without being too cluttered. Lighting is your secret weapon here—twinkling fairy lights, moody uplighting, and a few well-placed candles can turn an industrial loft into a dreamy, romantic setting. I’ve seen some incredible loft weddings where the couple used the original beams to hang greenery and drapery, creating a perfect blend of the old and the new.
Overcoming the Challenges: Logistics and Accessibility
However, don’t forget the logistical challenges that come with a loft wedding. Accessibility can be a concern, especially if the loft is in an older building with limited elevator access. You’ll need to think about how guests, especially those who might need a little extra help, will get around the space. Parking is another potential headache—urban lofts often lack adequate parking, so consider arranging a shuttle service or valet to keep things running smoothly. Nothing kills the vibe faster than guests arriving flustered because they had to park miles away.
Food and Drink: Getting Creative with Catering
Food and drink at a loft wedding can be as unique as the venue itself. Lofts rarely have built-in kitchens, so you’ll need a caterer who’s flexible and creative. Pop-up food stations or a cocktail-style reception can add to the laid-back, celebratory atmosphere. I once attended a loft wedding where the couple brought in their favorite food trucks. Guests loved wandering around, sampling different cuisines, and the casual dining style added to the relaxed feel of the evening.
The Big Reveal: Keeping the Ceremony Short and Sweet
Finally, the big reveal—the moment your guests realize they’re at a loft wedding and not just another party. It’s a magical experience, full of surprise and joy. But here’s my advice: keep the ceremony short and sweet. Remember, your guests weren’t expecting a wedding, so they might not be prepared for a lengthy ceremony. And most importantly, make sure your officiant is in on the surprise. The last thing you want is for someone to spill the beans too early.
Embracing the Chaos: The Magic of a Surprise Loft Wedding
In the end, a surprise loft wedding is all about creating a moment of pure magic. It’s a day that’s unexpected, memorable, and entirely your own. So, if you’re planning one, embrace the chaos, laugh at the inevitable hiccups, and remember that at the heart of it all is the love you’re there to celebrate. And really, what’s more surprising and wonderful than that?
This is such a cool and fun wedding! I loved the bride’s dress and turquoise shoes. Congrats to an adorable couple!
Wow, her dress and shoe combo is so great! Love this unique look.
What a unique way to celebrate such a big day! everybody was dressed so smartly and all looked so happy.
A big congratulations to the bride and groom!