What transpires when two industry professionals get together? The short answer is magic. Tara is a local Wedding Planner – a Wedding Planner at Premier Party Planners to be exact – and beloved member of our team. Lee, the man she fell in love with, is an Executive Chef. When these two decided to get married, they had an opportunity to showcase what they do best as pros and who they truly are as a couple. Theirs was not a traditional church wedding with a country club reception. Tara routinely makes those happen for clients with dazzling results. She and Lee decided to italicize their biases for an industrial setting, warm lighting, excellent beer and scrumptious farm to table food in a unique and intimate wedding.
But first – the venue and the inspiration….
During one of their first trips together as a couple, they visited One World Brewing in downtown Asheville. This nearly hidden pub features exposed brick and ductwork, wooden tables, warm Edison bulbs and lighting, and a tucked-in, happy, intimate feeling. Locals love this spot and these two fell in love with it as they were falling for each other. It became the inspiration for their wedding venue. When a new venue opened and Tara went to tour it, she heard that audible click that happens when you know that it’s going to be a special place in your life. Forest Hall at Chatham Mills was the spot and was perfect for their March wedding in 2019.
As a planner, Tara was specific for her own day, combining warm grays, ivory, blush pink, delicate floral arrangements, greenery with wood, mixed metals, fabrics with brick, satin ribbons and loads of soft lighting. The mix of industrial with warmth and variety of textures was the realization of her vision for the space and their day.
Details from the day include greeting guests with cookies made by both families, a handmade seating chart and wedding day stationary that Tara created herself. Edison bulbs were thoughtfully placed near the guest book, around a cozy lounge area and as part of the custom lighting installation over the ceremony space.
The English Garden expertly decorated the space in lush blooms to give a romantic balance to the industrial nature of the venue, making it perfect for an early spring wedding. And there were other deeply personal and touching details included. Tara’s now 4 year old step-son requested orange flowers for the day and his boutonniere featured one that matched another orange bloom in Tara’s bouquet. She shared that seeing him notice that his wish had been heard by the florist brought tears to her eyes.
At precisely 5:30 pm, the couple said their vows while bathed in natural light and the glow of Edison bulbs. The 60 guests, made up of their closest friends and family, were treated to farm to table food from Redneck BBQ Lab and local beer from Bright Light Brewing. Light as a theme was everywhere including the moment when the couple celebrated groom Lee’s grandmother’s 90 birthday. Guests sang Happy Birthday as she blew out her candle on the top of their wedding cake – marking a full circle moment.
And finally, the last lights of the evening were in the form of sparklers for the couple’s send off. It was a gorgeous day for a gorgeous girl and her sweet husband.
Are you ready to start planning your big day with Premier Party Planners by your side? Then Let’s Chat!
Vendor info:
Wedding & Reception Venue: Forest Hall at Chatham Mills
Lighting: Get Lit Special Events
Catering: Redneck BBQ Lab
Cake: Edible Art
Florist: The English Garden
Rentals: Party Reflections
Photographer: Your Still Life
Videographer: Bradford T Productions
Decor: Greenhouse Picker Sisters
DJ: Wilson Entertainment Services
Stylist: Wedded Kiss
Officiant: Humanist Celebrant
Transportation: White Glove
