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Attention to detail and a strong focal point inspire wedding guests’ awe.
By David Caruso
With the shores of Lake Michigan and the downtown Milwaukee skyline as a backdrop, a tented wedding reception requires a vibrant and focused design to complement the scenic locale.
Dynamic Events by David Caruso designed this wedding to be a sumptuous culinary and decor experience that reflected the couple’s love of food, the outdoors and unique artistry. With a bride favoring a classical style and a modern-influenced groom, the celebration featured a contemporary design with a color palette of white, wisteria purple and a splash of pistachio green.
On the grounds of Discovery World Science and Technology Center, 250 guests experienced three distinct spaces throughout the evening. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed into an open-air patio and treated to a gypsy jazz band and signature Lavender Collins cocktails.
When it was time to invite everyone into the 66-by-115-foot clearspan tent for dinner, two sets of double doors opened simultaneously to “oohs” and “aahs.” From top to bottom, the tent was completely transformed, including a carpeted Bil-Jax flooring system and thousands of yards of custom-sewn fabric.
To achieve a dramatic billowing effect with the purple mosaic silk liner, a system of rigging points was welded to fit the frame of the tent, resulting in the beautiful swoop from the tent center to the sidewalls. The fabric flowed from the ceiling to the floor to disguise the remaining frame. Two 40-foot truss bars were rigged to the spine of the ceiling for mounting 100 lights that accented the dining tables, custom decor elements and floral centerpieces.
A 16-foot-tall handmade Manzanita tree created the focal point in the tent. The tree, painted a bright white, bore purple ribbon on which guests shared their wishes for the new couple.
The head table surrounded the wishing tree in two separate half circles. The table was designed with a custom white shantung linen and topped with a wisteria shantung cap. Lucite mirage chairs surrounded the table, and the bride and groom’s oval chair-backs included custom white vinyl graphics of “Mr.” and “Mrs.” with purple flowers framing the bottom half of the ovals.
Guest tables were a mix of rounds, squares and ovals appointed with white shantung linens with a white ribbon sheer overlay. Classic white chiavari chairs with white Lamour chair pad cover shams completed the look. Large crystal chandeliers set a romantic ambience. Table angles and floral colors and styles were designed to draw eyes to the center of the room.
After dinner, guests moved to the Pilot House of Discovery World for dancing. Every detail of this event contributed to a unique experience and memories that will last a lifetime.