I’ve always been captivated by the allure of an evening wedding. The soft glow of candles, the twinkle of lights, and the air thick with romance and magic – it’s an atmosphere that never fails to leave me breathless. And that’s exactly what Whitney & Neko aimed for in their enchanting winter wedding at a warehouse venue in Atlanta. With photography courtesy of Brittany Rae Photography, and coordination by Chancey Charm Weddings, we’re thrilled to share the stunning details of their special day.
From the tender first look that had us beaming with joy to the poignant unity candle moment, which added an extra layer of depth to the ceremony, this wedding is a treasure trove of thoughtful touches. The dazzling decor, the warm glow of candles, and the whimsical wish lantern send-off all contribute to an unforgettable experience. Whitney shone as a radiant bride in her bespoke gown, with those sheer sleeves being the perfect touch for a winter wedding.
Her bridesmaids looked stunning in their gilded mix-and-match attire, while Neko and his groomsmen exuded modern sophistication in their matching navy tuxedos. As you plan your own special day, whether it’s a nighttime celebration, a winter wonderland, or an industrial-chic setting, be sure to scroll all the way to the end for inspiration.
Wedding Day Snapshot
I’ve always been captivated by the allure of an evening wedding. The soft glow of candles, the twinkle of lights, and the air thick with romance and magic – it’s an atmosphere that never fails to leave me breathless. And that’s exactly what Whitney & Neko aimed for in their enchanting winter wedding at a warehouse venue in Atlanta. With photography courtesy of Brittany Rae Photography, and coordination by Chancey Charm Weddings, we’re thrilled to share the stunning details of their special day.
From the tender first look that had us beaming with joy to the poignant unity candle moment, which added an extra layer of depth to the ceremony, this wedding is a treasure trove of thoughtful touches. The dazzling decor, the warm glow of candles, and the whimsical wish lantern send-off all contribute to an unforgettable experience. Whitney shone as a radiant bride in her bespoke gown, with those sheer sleeves being the perfect touch for a winter wedding.
Her bridesmaids looked stunning in their gilded mix-and-match attire, while Neko and his groomsmen exuded modern sophistication in their matching navy tuxedos. As you plan your own special day, whether it’s a nighttime celebration, a winter wonderland, or an industrial-chic setting, be sure to scroll all the way to the end for inspiration.
Our Love Story
We crossed paths in 2007, amidst the nostalgic charm of a century-old building on the corner of 10th and Peachtree, once home to Jock’s and Jill’s. It was here that our friendship blossomed, despite initially being oblivious to the romantic undertones. Our friends, however, were quick to pick up on the subtle cues that hinted at something more. As we navigated the early days together, our ‘framily’ – a blend of friends and family – bore witness to the unfolding love story.
From sun-kissed Braves games and picnics in Piedmont Park to birthdays and holiday celebrations, we’ve shared countless memories that have shaped us into who we are today. A cross-country move to Colorado further solidified our bond as we explored, adventured, snowboarded, and – of course – made music together, living life to the fullest. However, as all good things must come to an end, we returned to Atlanta, our hometown, to put down roots.
A year later, Neko popped the question, finally sealing what everyone had been waiting for over a decade (3,271 days if you’re counting). The proposal took place during winter, Whitney’s favorite season, directly across from where it all began – 10th and Peachtree. This location held sentimental value as it was here that we shared our first kiss. It was an intensely symbolic moment, perfectly encapsulating our love story.
The Inspiration
We envisioned a sophisticated, ageless wedding celebration that exuded refinement and poise. Our palette featured crisp winter whites and neutral tones, punctuated by subtle accents of gold and navy blue. The ambiance was further elevated by our fascination with glass and fire. We chose our venue for its unique location and inherent character – a converted industrial space nestled along the city’s rail line in the heart of downtown.
As an interior designer and architectural enthusiast, I was drawn to the space’s raw beauty and storied past. In a nutshell, our wedding could be summed up in three words: timeless, understated, and romantic.
The Attire
The wedding party attire was meticulously curated to reflect the couple’s personal style and complement the overall aesthetic of the celebration. The bride’s dress, sourced from Demetrios Bridal, featured an ivory silk-satin fabric with a fit-and-flare silhouette, illusion sleeve, and open back, while a custom-built sleeve by Gloria added a touch of uniqueness. A gold bar waistline accent and polished square gold buttons at the wrist further enhanced the gown’s elegance.
The bride’s shoes, Jimmy Choo’s Alana sandals in gold glitter, provided a glamorous finishing touch, while her jewelry choice, Kate Spade’s semiprecious square studs, added a delicate yet sophisticated flair. Neko, the groom, opted for a tuxedo from Savi Formalwear’s Ike Behar Slim Fit Collection, boasting a navy blue hue, two-button design, and matching navy vest, bowtie, white shirt, and pocket square.
His Gucci brown leather lace-up shoes added a rich, earthy element to his overall ensemble. The groomsmen followed suit with their own navy tuxedos, creating a cohesive and stylish group. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids each selected individual dresses in gold and neutral tones that harmonized without matching exactly, featuring designs from Adrianna Papell and Joanna August among others.
The family members, on the other hand, coordinated their attire to blend seamlessly with blues, golds, and neutrals, subtly reinforcing the celebratory atmosphere and creating a sense of continuity throughout.
The Photography
Brittany brings an infectious enthusiasm to her role as photographer. While capturing the essence of your special day, she doesn’t simply observe – instead, she immerses herself in every moment, actively participating and contributing to the experience. Her unique blend of talent, fun, and passion makes her a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a photographer who will truly be present throughout their event.
The Music
Setting the tone for our special day was crucial, and we knew that music would play a huge role in making it unforgettable. To achieve this, we brought on board the talented Paul Taylor Smith to curate and perform live covers of our favorite tracks. The result was an emotional and joyful atmosphere that perfectly captured the essence of our celebration.
Here’s a breakdown of our playlist: Family Seating: We kicked things off with the Avett Brothers’ January Wedding, setting the scene for a day filled with love and laughter. Processional: As our loved ones walked down the aisle, we had the White Stripes’ We Are Going to Be Friends playing in the background, evoking feelings of warmth and excitement. Aisle: Seven Lions’ Don’t Leave got everyone’s spirits soaring as we exchanged our vows, creating a sense of anticipation and joy.
Recessional: As we made our exit, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros’ Home brought the house down with its infectious energy and celebratory vibe First Dance: Band of Horses’ No One’s Gonna Love You was the perfect soundtrack for our romantic moment, capturing the essence of our love story Father/Daughter: Tom Petty’s Learning to Fly got papa and his little princess swaying to the rhythm, creating an unforgettable memory.
Mother/Son: Lee Ann Womack’s I Hope You Dance brought mom and her mini-me together for a heartwarming dance that we’ll cherish forever.
The Ceremony
As we commemorated our Christmas Eve-inspired ceremony, every attendee – including the entire bridal party – held a vigil candle, symbolizing how our love began as a solitary spark that spread to encompass all those we cherish and have in our lives. This collective significance was reflected in the unity candles, which served as a poignant reminder that life’s essence lies not solely in the union of two individuals, but in the interconnectedness of everyone present.
The evening’s soundtrack featured an original cover of Mumford & Sons’ ‘Awake My Soul’, performed by our musician on the keys during the candle-lighting ceremony. This enchanting melody harmonized with the warm glow of the vigil candles, creating a truly unforgettable ambiance. Throughout the night, Paul Taylor Smith showcased his impressive musicianship by performing original covers on both guitar and keyboard.
His rendition of ‘Don’t Leave’ by Seven Lions featuring Ellie Goulding, played during the bride’s walk down the aisle, was nothing short of magical. This unique adaptation allowed us to incorporate a song that held immense personal significance in a manner that was both elegant and romantic, perfectly suiting the occasion. We were truly fortunate to have him share his remarkable talent with us.
The Refreshments
To toast the union of the happy couple, our special day featured two signature drinks – an Extra Dirty Martini for the bride and a Bourbon and Ginger concoction for the groom. The culinary delights didn’t stop there, as we enjoyed an array of heavy hors d’oeuvres and dinner stations that catered to every taste bud. And no wedding would be complete without a show-stopping cake.
Ours was a masterpiece featuring three individual cakes with unique frosting designs, all rendered in ivory buttercream – think lemon, carrot, and German chocolate – a truly decadent treat for our guests to savor.
The Budget
When it came to the budget, we knew we had a challenge on our hands. A big thank you goes out to my parents, who essentially helped us cover the costs by gifting us this special day. While I didn’t aim to break the bank or go overboard with extravagant expenses, there were certain priorities for me – like ensuring our guests were well-fed and enjoyed premium drinks.
Initially, we had a budget of $30k in mind, but as things progressed, my fiancé and I ended up spending out of pocket to stay within our means. The final tally was higher than we initially projected, but it was worth it.
Advice for Other Couples
There’s no such thing as having ‘enough’ money when it comes to planning a wedding, but you can still make the most of your time and budget by doing things at your own pace. Take the time to enjoy the process and don’t rush into anything. Include your loved ones in the planning stages, as they too are likely experiencing growth and expansion in their own lives.
Be sure to express gratitude to those who help you along the way – it’s often easy to get caught up in the chaos of wedding planning, but those helping hands are there because they care about you. To keep things organized and stress-free, create a dedicated spreadsheet or use an existing one to track all your wedding-related tasks and details.
Additionally, consider setting up a separate email address specifically for wedding communications – this will help keep your regular inbox clutter-free and make it easier to find important information.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on an unforgettable adventure in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. As city lovers who adore snow, we combined our passions to create a unique experience. We spent the initial two days exploring SF’s beauty and lounging at The Marker. Then, we rented an SUV and headed to Tahoe, where we bundled up for a week of winter wonderland activities: dog sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, and visiting the Travertine hot springs were just a few highlights.
It was an exhilarating, breathtakingly beautiful, and romantic experience that left us forever grateful. Our commitment to prioritizing this special time together paid off, and we encourage others to do the same: it’s a fleeting moment worth celebrating. We’re thrilled to have shared Whitney & Neko’s enchanting winter wedding with you, featuring a memorable first look and magical candlelit ceremony.
A huge thank you to Brittany Rae Photography, Chancey Charm Weddings, and of course, the lovely couple for sharing their special day.