04.12.2014 {{The Reception Venue}}

One thing that I particularly loved about our wedding venue was the idea of having everything in one central location. No one had to drive anywhere after the ceremony in order to get to the reception venue. In fact, no one had to walk more than twenty feet before they were greeted with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. 

After the ceremony the guests made their way to the reception area while the family and wedding party stayed behind for pictures. The venue was plenty large enough to accommodate taking all the pictures that we wanted to take without being in a focal point of our guests. Meanwhile, we had both bars open and plenty of hors d'oeuvres for our fabulous guests to enjoy during cocktail hour while we were busy finishing up pictures.

The entire back courtyard served as the venue for the reception. We had tables placed throughout the yard for guests to sit and enjoy the seated dinner, a barn that was opened after dinner for the photobooth and grooms cake, and an atrium in the back that housed another bar, the restrooms, the wedding cake, and a memory table. The center of the venue featured a gorgeous large water and fire feature that was one of the main focal features of the venue. Finally, between the barn and the atrium, underneath a large oak tree, featured the band and dance floor. 

I made it a point to add personal touches throughout the wedding and venue. We had a framed dedication to our parents as well as pictures of them on their wedding day, a monogrammed cornhole game, and my favorite, a memory table with pictures of our loved ones who were looking down on us from heaven. Some of the pictures included my granddaddy, Steven's grandparents and great grandparents, my great aunt and uncle, and my high school best friend who passed away a couple of years ago. 

The tables were adorned with short centerpieces filled with gorgeous purple flowers and greenery and beautiful vintage candles that gave off the perfect amount of light as the sun began to set. We had different size and shaped tables throughout the venue with two different kinds of lines on each so they gave an asymmetrical vibe but still coordinated beautifully. 

It was so amazing to see everything come together on the big day. I had a vision of how I wanted the venue to look, but it was so much better than I could have ever imagined. Our wedding day was a dream come true!

 Venue || The Oaks Plantation

Flowers || Hot House Studio

Design || Christopher Confero

Dress || Lazaro 

Photographer || Armosa Studios
Catering || Kathy G. & Company

If you missed it, be sure to check out the rest of our wedding day recap:

{{Wedding Day Preparation}}

{{Ceremony}}

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