Inspiration: Deck the Hall

For many of us, we don't have the luxury of planning an outdoor wedding(even though you wouldn't know that from reading the countless blogs which feature endless barns,boathouse, vineyards, outdoor gardens and parks). Some of us don't live near gorgeous gardens. Perhaps we want an adorable barn wedding but there's isn't one within 50 miles. Some couples choose a winter date and an outdoor weddings doesn't sound possible(trust me - you don't want to do an outdoor wedding when it's zero below). And of course, a few of us feel that indoor is more comfortable for the guests(no bug bites or getting your shoes caught in the ground).

The truth is if you let your imagination run, indoor halls can be changed and transformed. Take a cold bank hall, contemporary ballroom, high school meeting room, or community church and turn them into something special with your own signature flair.

Photography by Lisa Lefkowitz at Bently Reserve

Lighting, soft floor to ceiling fabric and even a chandelier transformed the ground floor of this banking hall into a grand ceremony space.

Photography by Kevin Chin at Mercy Burlingame High School (also know as Kohl Mansion)

Who would believe this ornate room(located in a girl's high school) can look like a fancy ballroom with some hanging features, beautiful linens, and candles. I love candles. And the flowers aren't bad either.

Photography by Kevin Chin, Lighting by Enhanced Lighting

Can you believe this is inside a modern hotel ballroom? Draping an entire room is a true investment but as you can see, you can't see the wooden walls or the contemporary fixtures. By turning the lights low and focusing on the table decor, we've tried to "distract" from the carpet which doesn't quite work with the "ethnic influenced" decor. Another great thing is having the luxury of hiring an amazing event designer. Our design partner was the adorable Gloria Wong of Gloria Wong Design who has amazing input and ideas.

Photography by Gertude & Mabel.

Finally, even if you are getting married indoors(in a grand church) doesn't mean that you can't try to make the space feel like a garden.  See what inventory the venue has.  This church had an vintage table sitting on the left side.   Unused.   Transforming this old, scratched up table into the "altar" made the space feel soft and rustic.   Bringing in contemporary glass and choosing very airy foliage and flowers was intended to make this church feel not like a church but a lovely indoor space.  Bringing in the garden can't make something a garden but we can't stop trying.


By the way, for those who celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas!