When bold gowns, musical vows, and theatrical glam stole the spotlight
Q: What made this wedding so unforgettable from the start?
From the first meeting, I knew this one was going to be a showstopper. Once I introduced the couple to the Mahaffey Theatre as a potential venue, everything clicked. The drama, the grandeur, the built-in stage? It was the perfect backdrop. And when one of the brides shared she’d be wearing a red gown, the entire color story shifted on the spot. Blue was out. Black, white, red, and gold took center stage.
Q: How did the brides’ looks influence the design?
They were the inspiration. One bride in a jaw-dropping red gown, the other in timeless white—we played off that contrast in everything. The bride in red carried an all-white bouquet, while the bride in white wore a deep red faux floral wrist corsage (thank you, allergies). Their portraits on the theatre stage? Iconic. They looked like stars on opening night.
Q: Talk to us about the ceremony. Any surprises?
Oh, yes. The aisle featured a custom runner and towering altar florals. But the moment? Mid-ceremony, one bride surprised the other by singing her vows live. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house—myself included. It was romantic, personal, and completely unexpected.
Q: What was the cocktail hour vibe?
A soft-glam nod to the 1920s—pearls, feathers, and vintage touches. But you won’t find any red. We intentionally held it back so that when the draping dropped for the reception, the drama hit hard.
Q: And the reception reveal?
Think theatre magic turned full Gatsby fantasy. Floor-to-ceiling red velvet draping, ticket-style escort cards (torn at the entrance by an attendant), black and gold tablescapes, candelabras, ostrich feathers, and candles for days. Every place setting featured gold flatware, crystal champagne coupes, and a mini brooch with a feather accent. It was opulence without apology.
Q: What detail were the brides most obsessed with?
The “J&T Bakery” station! We created a full-scale dessert counter—complete with a plexiglass barrier for a safe-but-gorgeous presentation—where guests “ordered” from a stunning display like they were in a luxury pâtisserie. It was playful, pretty, and totally on-brand.
Q: And the grand finale?
Double outfit changes, a surprise rap performance, and a dance floor that never let up. This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a full production. Lights, vows, action.
mahaffey theater wedding