Erin + Brian Wedding at The Atrium - 4.27.14

The moment I met Erin + Brian, I knew they were the perfect couple to introduce as my first official Knot Too Shabby couple with a wedding at The Atrium. I have always adored The Atrium and it's one of my favorite venues in lovely downtown Wilmington, NC. As most of you know, I have worked a number of weddings at The RiverRoom but not yet The Atrium. And to be honest, I was a little nervous about being at a new, unfamiliar venue. Being who I am, I was over-prepared and thought of all the possible ways the day could go. At the end of the wedding day, everything turned out better than I could have even imagined.The timeline was flawless and I even had access to pliers for Erin's bustle issues at the last minute! Erin + Brian were so easy and sweet to work with. I loved hearing about their wedding vision together and being able to give them some professional insight on the side. The week of the wedding, we met at the swanky 9 Bakery & Lounge and finalized wedding plans. We even walked around downtown to scout out spots for the photographer. Is it even work when you have so much fun?!

The wedding was on April 27, 2014 and the morning began with greeting the rental company, Etc. Party Rentals. Once the tables and chairs were set, it was time to set each table, paying special attention to each place setting, making them identical to the next (something I'm pretty picky about I'll admit). Jill White, the event coordinator of The Atrium, was there to let us in but really let us transform the venue as we wish. We created a smooth floor plan with 8 foot long rectangular tables, topped with ivory white linens. Notice we did not have floral centerpieces...we used vintage blue and green mason jars with candle votives and hand-made twine balls designed by the bride and some friends! High Performance Lighting hung beautiful Edison lights throughout.

Erin + Brian did a first look with their amazing photographer, Sonya Ewing Photography. I always recommend a first look. Those emotions captured on film in such an intimate way are priceless. Penelope Morningstar officiated the sweet ceremony with nearly 80 guests in attendance. Since Erin + Brian are both from beach towns, they used sand from their hometowns for the sand ceremony. Following the ceremony, the newly married couple took some photos with their family and around downtown. Guests enjoyed appetizers during cocktail hour from Middle of the Island Catering. MOI also provided an always delicious dinner with everything from shrimp and grits to pasta. Active DJ Entertainment was there to provide all DJ and MC service. Erin + Brian spent the evening dancing with their loved ones and having the time of their life. We brought out fun props later in the evening and guests enjoyed being silly with them on the dance floor! Erin + Brian chose to end the night with a simple exit with one rockin', last dance and lots of hugs to all of their friends and family. Words can't say how much I truly enjoyed getting to know this couple, from our meetings at 9 lounge to walking around downtown to possible photo spots, each moment was time well spent. The day was so smooth and I'm so honored to have been just a small part of it! I wish you all the best in life, love and happiness. Thank you to all of the talented vendors who made this wedding day possible for Erin + Brian!

-Melissa Burton Mendoza
Knot Too Shabby Events


Erin's WeddingWire Review:
"... I am so thankful we chose her! Pre-wedding discussions were collaborative, productive, and fun- it was like talking to your best friend while getting serious planning done at the same time! She organized our discussions in a way that absolutely nothing was missed, and every detail was captured on a shared document which I could add comments and questions to at any time. I really appreciated Melissa’s approach. She was very respectful of our vision so we could make the day exactly how we wanted, even if it wasn’t typical for a wedding, but she was always ready with excellent suggestions on anything we hadn’t thought of or couldn’t decide on (or disagreed on!). Throughout the process she was supportive and super enthusiastic and extremely organized. She is a busy woman but I always felt like I was her top priority! The day of, I didn’t have to worry about a single issue because she solved anything that came up (including tracking down pliers for my bustle!) ..."

Click on images below to enlarge.

Favorite Wedding Moment: Erin danced with her father during the father-daughter dance and Brian danced with his mom for the mother-son dance together. It was touching to see both the bride and groom dancing with one of the most important people in their life on such a wonderfully important day. After dancing with each parent for a couple minutes, Brian + Erin joined together and their parents were now dancing with each other. Before we knew it, everyone was coming on to the dance floor and having a great time! I love a good dance party, especially one that starts so early into a reception! Having a great DJ helps! 


Vendors
Venue: The Atrium
Music: Jay Tatum of Active DJ Entertainment
Catering: Middle of the Island
Photography: Sonya Ewing Photography
Lighting: High Performance Lighting
Rentals: Etc. Party Rentals
Bouquet & Boutonnieres: Lou's Floral World
Cake: Sweet 'N Savory Bake Shop
Officiant: Penelope Morningstar
Month-Of Coordination: Knot Too Shabby Events
Attendees: 80 guests