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Two tents bring romantic literature to life for a wedding ceremony and reception.
By Michelle Hope and Jaime Newsom
A client of Social Butterflies LLC of Memphis, Tenn., was inspired by author Jane Austen for a fall wedding and reception. At first she was skeptical of tents, but a plan to begin with a blank canvas and design two separate structures convinced her.
With the freedom to design two tents, opportunities for unique details and creativity were limitless. With tents installed by Classic Party Rentals, the Memphis Botanic Garden provided the backdrop to a magical and romantic scene that could have jumped off the page of a Jane Austen novel.
A Jane Austen quote illuminated the floor at the ceremony tent entrance, setting the stage for a romantic journey.
The open-air structure featured elegant ceiling draping and a seamless faux wood floor. Whitewashed church pews along with custom chair covers offered seating for guests among tree branch decor.
Following the ceremony, guests were led through a passage of trees adorned with twinkling lights to the cocktail hour, which then led to the reception tent. Cocktails were served alfresco amid grand fountains. Candlelight and lanterns contributed to the romantic ambiance inside and out; however, inside the tents, LED candles were used to keep within code. It’s amazing what is now available for battery-operated lighting. An entire room can glow with the touch of a button, with no safety concerns.
The reception tent boasted a glass wall for entry and a partial clear-top. Fabric lined the ceiling and remaining walls of the tent. Guests were treated to a gourmet dinner and dancing, and HVAC kept everyone comfortable. More Jane Austen quotes were incorporated throughout the design, and table numbers and place cards were crafted out of pages of Austen’s novels into handmade rosettes. A grand finale of fireworks glittered in the sky—the perfect ending to the ultimate evening of romance.
The client had never seen a structure as grand as what was designed for the reception. Our mission was accomplished! No other venue would have offered what we needed to fulfill all of this couple’s romantic dreams.