Mickey + Caitlyn | COOPERS HALL Wedding
6 things these two did to help make their wedding even more fun & memorable.
The first of which was them getting ready together, with their friends and family. I'm always a fan of getting to see your person more on the wedding day—after the ceremony, things can go really fast.
Another great aspect that many don't think about is not having a bridal party. Mickey and Caitlyn just had friends with them getting ready, with no formal bridal party, and this removed so much stress. With a bridal party, the timeline often needs to be more strict and less fluid, and the day can become more about photos than you both getting married and having a great party with the people you love.
They both opted for a shorter family and couple formal photo time, which gave them lots more time to enjoy the day with friends and family. I recommended we do one large group photo on the dance floor after the first dance. I believe in 10 to 20 years, a large group photo with everyone you can smash into the photo will have way more value than the 13th family combo photo. Plus, after the quick group shot, everyone has already been brought on the dance floor and are now ready to party.
Another thing I loved about this wedding was that it was held at Coopers Hall. I love indoor spaces because, rain or shine, hot or cold, you can have a lot more control over lighting, and guests are almost always more comfortable due to AC or heat. Plus, Coopers Hall is naturally beautiful with great lighting, plants, and wine barrels. You don’t have to do much to make this place stunning. And fun urban photos in Portland are a bonus.
Live bands have NEVER been a bad idea. Guests being able to interact with the band is so much fun, and there's so much more life, at least when Blue Wave Band is running things.
The last thing that is huge to help make it a great party at any wedding is: how much the bride and groom are on the dance floor. If they are nowhere in sight, people seem to lose interest. But when you like to dance like Mickey and Caitlyn, then you're going to have lots of friends and family tearing it up with you on the dance floor.
Mickey and Caitlyn got ready in their own home with their friends and family.
Caitlyn's friend running to get the dress so Mickey doesn’t see it.
Caitlyn’s dad patiently waiting to see her.
Mickey nervously playing the piano as he waits.
