Every wedding vendor team is created a little differently. In this series we explore how and why each couple selected the right wedding vendor team for their wedding day.
Britton always wanted a wedding at home, so when Kyle proposed and they started planning their dream day, moves were made to make that dream a reality. While many guests would travel from around the country to attend the wedding in Lake Wales, Florida, most of the family (and the bride and groom) were local or lived relatively close to the central Florida town.
As at-home weddings—more often than any other kind—come with a lot of logistical needs, an expert planner and designer was the number one necessity to pull off a seamless celebration.
Easton Events was the first vendor on board and from that point forward, they worked closely with the couple to curate the best team of professionals to execute the bride’s vision—a juxtaposition of modern touches with Old World Florida influences.
Immediately upon signing with Easton, Britton and Kyle also secured a ceremony spot that was just as special to them: Bok Tower Gardens.
In choosing Britton’s parents’ home, which is located in a private community, the onsite inn and social club was contracted to handle the wedding cake, which pulled inspiration from the petite floral embellishments on Britton’s gown.
Most of the time, Easton Events books their vendors in a similar order. Of course, different locations require different needs, and each couple has varying priorities. In the case of this wedding, the first move to make was securing a tenting company, so there was a designated space for the 200 guests to celebrate in style. TentLogix built a 60x120-foot sailcloth tent under which the festivities would transpire.
Then it was time to start designing the couple’s printed pieces. Dear Elouise was selected to craft a suite of items in line with the style of the day. Day-of items included a ceremony program with an illustration of the iconic location, elegantly calligraphed table numbers, and gold-accented menus to match the gilded place settings—while guests’ feet interacted with some of their work too: the multi-use monogram in the center of the the patterned dance floor.
Eric Kelley and Nate Puhr Photo + Cinema were booked next for wedding photography and videography, respectively. For photography, Easton Events always reviews the type of photography their clients lean towards and typically offer two or three suggestions within their target price point. In this instance, the couple chose Eric, who, like Easton Events, came from Virginia for the wedding. Nate had less distance to travel, as the couple wanted a Florida-based videographer, and not only was he in-state but they truly connected with his work.
All musical entertainment was booked through Élan Artists, whom Easton Events partners with almost exclusively for all of their events. The band Ground Control performed during the reception, playing upbeat music as well as classics like Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic” for the couple’s first dance song.
The wedding’s aesthetic was inspired by the design of Britton’s parents’ home, and since the tent and house were right next to each other, it was critical that the two harmonized (and that the designs spoke to the couple). Jackson Durham Events prepared an initial design deck prior to being hired to spearhead the floral design, production, and rental sourcing to be sure they were all cohesive. And indeed they were, creating an environment with a lot of crisp, negative space and hard lines that were warmed up with pops of blue and soft textiles. Custom banquettes (with cushions and custom Schumacher linens) were a focal point. Chandeliers installed at dining height brought the attention down to the center of the room, versus the cavernous ceiling of the sailcloth tent.
“The place setting was our favorite feature. We mixed and matched Marie Daâge plates for a pop of modern style that also suited our color palette, which made the tabletop sing. Another fun fact: the dance floor was inspired by the tile inside the interior of the house!” —Lynn Easton, planner
While Jackson Durham handled custom fabrication and oversaw all rental pieces, they also brought in Nüage Designs, Inc. for additional linens and reception chairs that fell in line with the bespoke design of the tent.
Creative Edge Parties came on board for all things food and beverage. Dinner began with a grilled watermelon salad, and guests chose between braised short rib and Chilean sea bass for their entrée. Along with the wedding cake, a myriad of desserts were served: butterscotch pudding parfaits, key lime pie tarts, and vanilla milkshakes with donut holes.
Two local talents were secured to provide hair and makeup services: Harlow House Studios, Lindsay Travis Artistry, and Perry L. Oakley Makeup Artistry. Britton went with a stylish low updo created by Emma Evans of Harlow House Studios—which anchored her veil and highlighted her off-the-shoulder neckline and pearl drop earrings—paired with a natural makeup look. Similarly, the five ladies in her bridal party (who also wore white) sported updos or ponytails, fresh faces, and big smiles.
The last move made was in hiring a lighting vendor. Technical Event Company not only illuminated the reception tent, but the surrounding area, including hanging metal lanterns of various sizes which dangled from a tree, and uplighting for the palms in the yard to capitalize on their height and the classic Florida ambiance.
