It might be winter right now, but that doesn’t mean we cant look ahead to the spring and summer we know is quickly approaching, and Chelsi & Justin’s wedding is just the one to bring us some happy vibes. We were hired just a couple months out to help Chelsi and her mother bring all the details together and help with the overall design. Chelsi most certainly had a vision, but it was a bit too wide and was a little overwhelming, but we were so excited to help.

They had chosen the Sunset Coffee Building in Houston, which is an office building by day and event venue by night (and weekends of course). It has 4 stories of space; two ground level crushed gravel areas plus what could be best described as a huge empty concrete basement, the main level industrial space, a 3rd level of offices (and staging areas for the couple) and a rooftop ceremony location that is just amazing. Having so many spaces to design, and the industrial feel mixed with Chelsi’s whimsical florals was just something out of our dreams and we had so much fun working with them to bring their summer wedding to life!

They got ready at the Hotel ICON to go right along with Chelsi’s vision. I am pretty sure she was just as excited about getting photos taken in this beautiful hotel as she was at the wedding. The clawfoot tub, tiled floor, arches, and touches of green were all part of the overall feeling.

She choose to have a small wedding party but wanted to include her close friends in the experience as well. To keep the excitement to a minimum, they joined her later in the afternoon for a first look that was hands down the best we have ever seen. Since they hadn’t been with her all morning the reaction was so much better and we will never tire of seeing these pictures. She also included a first look with Justin’s mother, and her face when she walked in the door is just priceless.

We can’t forget Justin in all this, and much like Chelsi, he had some beautiful moments as well. There wasn’t a dry eye during his first look with his parents, or when his mother gave him a wedding day gift to complete his look for the day.

After Chelsi had a final group prayer with her girls, everyone was off to the ceremony to get these two lovebirds married!

As guests arrived at the Sunset Coffee Building they went up to the rooftop for the evening ceremony. Not going to lie, it was HOT (it was late June) but they had some cover while waiting and had fans and water to help keep them cool.

Flora + Fauna did an amazing job with the florals, giving Chelsi that whimsical feel while still keeping it elegant and bringing in the springs tones she wanted, especially orange. The circular arch overlooking the skyline surrounded by ghost chairs was the perfect modern vision Chelsi had been dreaming of.

Religion and family was a very important part of their day, so they add some extra elements like communion to their ceremony, and made sure parents and family were included. Their friends Albert and Candace Rogers provided the music that played as they became husband and wife.

Cocktail hour was on the ground level patio with fans and Scoop Ice Cream in custom bowls so everyone could cool down and enjoy a the beautiful summer day.

While guests enjoyed their ice cream the bride and groom took the opportunity to take photos in the many areas around the building. Photographer Phylicia Willis was flown in from Washington DC and braved the heat to get some of the most beautiful portraits ever. Just going to apologize up front for the amount we are sharing because we just couldn’t narrow it down. Not only was she amazing, but Chelsi and Justin are just the cutest couple ever and the love they share together just shines through.

The dinner and dancing portion of the celebration was inside the main level’s event space. Very industrial with an open ceiling, exposed wall elements, and a very unfinished floor meshed perfectly with the soft decor. With rentals coming from four different companies it was a lot to pull together, but the end result speaks for itself. Even with all the beautiful centerpieces and place settings, Chelsi’s favorite piece was the floral chandelier over the dance floor, and we have to agree that it was perfection.

Once portraits were done it was time to get this night going! The reception started off with the special dances and we were loving them. Chelsi and her dad had so much fun on the dance floor and Justin’s mom had to fight back the tears during their dance. As a delicious buffet dinner got underway the happy couple danced to each table for a fun group shot that we know they will always treasure. As the guests enjoyed their time visiting and celebrating Chelsi and Justin took some time to sit back at their sweethearts table and take it all in.

After dinner close friends of the couple gave a toast and the bride and groom said a few words of thanks to everyone, but especially their families. Then it was time for the cake cutting, which Chelsi’s mom was very much looking forward to. She has so many memories of welcoming guests into her home and serving them and she wanted to do the same for this special day. She brought along a cute apron and all the supplies needed so she could cut and serve all the guests the wedding cake for her daughter. Cutting a wedding cake isn’t the prettiest (or easiest) thing, but she was ready for the challenge.

I bet you know what is coming, its dancing time! The DJs of The Signature Eventx know how to keep a party going, they were on the dance floor right along with all the guests. As the night went on Chelsi changed into her party dress and blue shoes and it was all fun from that point on.

As the guests went outside to grab their sparklers, the new Mr & Mrs Williams took some time for photos under their neon sign, and their private last dance. They said goodbye to their guests through a sparkler tunnel and took off into the night into a departure car rented just to match everything else!

It was a pleasure being part of your day, and we wish you a happily ever after Chelsi & Justin!!