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OLD MOVIE THEATRE WEDDING IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Balloon installations, cotton candy stands, marquee signs, oh my! Grace and Matt’s wedding was overall one word…FUN! Their vision for their wedding day was to do something different at every turn, and this gallery says it all!
Grace and Matt met serving in a ministry at a college in Hawaii, so a huge part of their relationship has always been focused on giving back and impacting the world for good. Grace’s gift to her gals were shirts from some of her favorite non-profit organizations, and of course some super cute custom jean jackets! Their wedding favors included their favorite drink, Topo Chico, and a “SteelStraw,” which is a handy item to keep in your purse that helps eliminate the need for plastic straws. SteelStraw also partners with multiple marine foundations to save wildlife, and Grace and Matt couldn’t think of a better gift to give each of their loved ones as a wedding favor!
Their invitation suite was filled with colorful confetti–this truly gave each of their guests a little inkling to the fun that was about to be had at their wedding!
Grace and Matt chose an old movie theater in Fort Worth, Texas to host their wedding in called The Ridglea Theater. This venue provided the perfect backdrop for their funky vibe. With marquee signs welcoming guests, balloon installations creating perfect photo ops, cotton candy machines bringing guests back to their childhood, and the most gorgeously styled black wedding cake we have ever seen, this wedding was one that guests won’t soon forget!
“When Matt and I were just a few months into dating and we had both just moved to the Fort Worth area, we began to visit churches. At the time, our church was meeting in the Ridglea Theater. We had probably been talking about marriage for just a few weeks, but I think we both knew when we walked into the space that it was something special. From the aged brick exterior walls to the marquis sign and lights out front, we were instantly drawn. Then we walked in…. The Spanish murals, the blue Broadway seats, and the architectural details, we were sold!” Grace began.
“In the middle of the church services, we looked at each other, and Matt said what I had been thinking all morning, “This would be a cool place to get married.” Six months later, after we got engaged and began planning our wedding, I told everyone, “We’re getting married at the Ridglea!” Honestly, a lot of people thought I was crazy. They didn’t understand the vision or the fact that there’s a sketch smoke shop right next door, but I didn’t care. I knew that’s where we were supposed to get married.” She laughed.
“I hate the word “theme.” Why? Because when I think of themes, I think of cheesy TLC shows and brides that wear colored dresses. So, my awesome sister (who planned most of the wedding) asked me one question that would steer the entire planning and design process for our wedding, “What do you want people to feel like at your wedding?” It took me no time to respond to that question, “I want it to be like prom but BETTER!” That was my response. I wanted people to take away memories that they would never forget. From what they ate, to what they wore, to their interactions with us. I wanted it to be MAGIC. Every meeting that we had, every professional we talked to, that’s what I told them, “Like prom but better.” Grace told us.
“Most of our suppliers were chosen because of relationships. From the beginning, my sister’s connections in the Bridal industry were super helpful, but really it all came down to meeting people. When I met someone, and I connected to them, that was it. They were on my team. The first person chosen was of course, Liesl. I had so many reservations about putting too much weight on photography and spending too much money on it, but then I met Liesl. Liesl is a GIFT. Her heart and talent made my day and the whole process!”
“After that, the big decision was flowers. I wanted someone who would do balloons, and I wanted to support someone who wasn’t a part of “big business.” Taylor was an easy yes! We met at the Ridglea, so she could see the space and pitch her vision. It’s like she could read my mind. Immediately after, we chowed down on some Salsa Limon (which served from taco trucks at our wedding) and yummy margs. Taylor is my kind of girl. She’s free spirited and fun. There’s no template for what she does, and she makes a vision come to life. She’s exactly what I was looking for.” She explained.
“Once I had Liesl and Taylor, everything fell into place. I used the same baker, Heather, that my sis used at her wedding-she’s really become our family baker. We also knew we wanted taco trucks, and Salsa is the best in Fort Worth. Really everything was perfect along the entire process.”
“All of the design planning came from me and my sister. I told her vision and dreams and she made it happen. It only took us about 4 months to have the whole thing planned. Organization and scheduling really just came along in the process. We had an excel sheet that listed our budget out by my priorities of wants. We went through that list in order to get things done. The only thing we did out of order was the dress. I of course wanted to pick the dress as quickly as possible since the designer I loved handmade the dress over six months, and then had to ship it from Austrailia (Rue De Seine IS LIFE). The final step in this process was all Ashlee. Ashlee took the day and organized it. She made schedules, she contacted people, and she took care of me all day. EVERY bride should have a day-of coordinator (it also helps that she’s my best friend)!”
“My only fear about the day was not being able to hang out with Matt! My dream for the day was for us to spend time together. I hated the idea of not seeing him until the ceremony, so we quickly chose to do an early first look! This alleviated all of my stress, so I had no fears or worries.”
“However, there are two things I would have loved. The first would have been a live wedding painter. This just wasn’t in our budget, but I wish I had the painting now. The second was to preserve the wedding bouquet. I have it dried now, but I love the pressed bouquets that many brides are doing. I just didn’t have the forethought about things I might want after the fact.”
“My advice for future couples is to HAVE FUN! Matt and I loved our wedding. Every piece of it spoke to our personalities and who we are as a couple. Everyone who came to the wedding could feel that. Stop making your wedding about fitting a certain mould or living up to the expectations of others. Enjoy each other, and let your wedding be an outpouring of your relationship. Also, pick vendors and artists that you want to serve. Choosing people as a part of your wedding team is a big deal for them too. Give small businesses a shot and don’t count out “one-man teams.” She added.
Venue: The Ridglea Theater I Beauty: Styling by Macey I Photography: Liesl Claire Photography I Tamale Cart: The Tamale Company I Catering: Salsa Limon I Rentals + Cotton Candy: Social Llama I Florist: Floral Eclectic I DJ: Mark Cutz I Cake: Crumb + Kettle I Dress: Rue De Seine I
Why We Love The Idea of an OLD MOVIE THEATRE WEDDING
Just look at the stunning photos above and imagine yourself in that scenario: a flickering neon marquee, the sweet smell of popcorn in the air, and a hushed murmur as loved ones take their seats in velvet chairs, awaiting the most anticipated premiere of their lives. This isn’t just any film screening; it’s an old movie theatre wedding, where classic romance meets Hollywood glamour. The allure of tying the knot in such a unique setting is undeniable, transforming a wedding day into a cinematic experience that’s both memorable and magical.
The charm of an old movie theatre wedding lies in its nostalgic appeal and unique atmosphere. Unlike a traditional venue, these theatres offer a blend of history and glamour, which is hard to resist. You can almost hear the whispers of old Hollywood stars echoing through the halls. The decor possibilities are endless, from vintage movie posters featuring the happy couple as the stars to customized tickets serving as invitations. It’s like being in a live-action romance film, complete with dramatic lighting, a red carpet, and perhaps even a screening of the couple’s favorite movie to cap off the evening.
However, the idea of an old movie theatre wedding isn’t without its challenges. Some might argue that the setup could be limiting. After all, movie theatres aren’t built to accommodate dance floors or elaborate dining setups. But think of it as a creative canvas where the unconventional becomes the rule. Instead of a standard dance floor, couples can plan a cozy lounge area where guests can mingle and enjoy themed cocktails. Catering can feature movie-inspired hors d’oeuvres and a candy bar overflowing with classic cinema snacks.
From a personal standpoint, the notion of an old movie theatre wedding conjures a whimsical blend of past and present. Attending one such wedding myself, I found it fascinating to witness how the couple seamlessly wove their love story with the theatre’s storied past. Each scene was thoughtfully crafted, from the opening credits—er, ceremony—to the grand finale of dancing under the marquee lights. It taught me that love, much like a good movie, is best experienced when shared with an audience.
An old movie theatre wedding symbolizes a celebration of love that transcends time, inviting guests to be part of a story that’s still unfolding. It’s a setting that encourages creativity, infuses personality into every detail, and most importantly, allows the couple to star in their own romantic classic. So, as you consider the backdrop for your big day, why not roll the credits in a setting that’s both distinctive and enchanting? After all, love is the greatest story ever told, and it deserves a stage as unique as the bond you share.
