Reflecting on the Beautiful Fernbank Wedding

~Settings the stage~

September 7th was a perfect day—warm, yet not too hot—setting the ideal backdrop for Kyle and Tia’s wedding at Fernbank Natural History Museum.

Kyle and Tia’s love story began in 2018 when a mutual friend (their self-proclaimed “accidental matchmaker”) introduced them. After eight months of building a solid friendship, they began dating and decided to tie the knot five years later.

Engaged at the Fernbank

~Planning the big day~ 

Working with Kyle and Tia offered unique insight into their relationship. They are kind, patient, and deeply respect each other. Kyle’s active involvement, despite living in Texas during the engagement, and Tia’s commitment to ensuring the wedding reflected both of their visions, made the planning process seamless. They knew what they wanted but trusted me to guide them through the details.

As their month-of coordinator, I stayed in constant communication with Tia, who made sure I was updated on finalized contracts and other important details. Helping them coordinate decor was especially enjoyable. They loved bold colors, and collaborating with the florist to bring their vision to life was a highlight.

The months leading up to the wedding brought the usual organized chaos, amplified by additional cultural events both families planned. Though I wasn’t directly involved in those, I provided support where needed and even got to attend a few.

~Wedding Day~

The Fernbank Natural History Museum was the perfect venue—not just for its stunning architecture but also because it held sentimental value. It was where Kyle and Tia had their first date and where Kyle proposed.

I arrived at 2 PM to manage vendor coordination while Fernbank bustled with Saturday visitors. The couple opted for a first look to calm pre-ceremony jitters, but Tia had a surprise in store for Kyle. A few weeks earlier, she conspired with the Best Man for a prank. Using the museum’s dinosaur theme, the Best Man donned a dinosaur mask for a fake first look. Kyle’s reaction was priceless, and everyone shared a good laugh. The real first look with Tia followed and was truly heartwarming.

The ceremony, held in the dramatic Star Gallery, was breathtaking. The space was lit with soft blue and navy tones, with a starry ceiling overhead. Kyle and Tia enhanced the ambiance with fairy lights lining the aisle and a floral arch. The setting was intimate, unique, and magical.

The reception carried their personality and vision beautifully. Highlights included their first dance, performed live by two close friends, Tia and her dad doing the Macarena, and a menu featuring half Indian and half American cuisine. The atmosphere was joyous, with guests reveling in the celebration and Kyle and Tia dancing the night away.

One of my favorite moments was their private dance at the end of the night. It was a tender, unscripted pause for them to soak in the day’s magic before the festivities ended.

First Look

The ceremony was probably what I was looking forward to most since it was in a very unique setting. The couple chose to have it in the Star Gallery, a space dramatically lit with light blue and navy hues, and a ceiling that twinkled with stars. Kyle and Tia wanted to accent this with fairy lights, which lined the aisle in place of candles. The rest of the decor was minimal, with a floral arch at the end of the aisle.

The wedding continued to reflect their couples’ personality and vision during the reception. Kyle and Tia’s first song was performed live by two close friends, Tia and her dad did the Macarena, and the dinner was half Indian food, half American food, to list a few examples. The night carried on joyously, with everyone enjoying each others’ company and the bride and groom tearing it up on the dance floor. The most beautiful moment, in my opinion, was Kyle and Tia’s private dance at the end of the night. I love that they were able to have a few moments to love on each other without everyone watching (except me, LOL) before the night ended. 

Kyle & Tia's Sweetheart Table

Tia's bridal party

Of course, we can’t forget the grand exit. Kyle and Tia opted for a sparkler exit, doing some dips, walking through the sparkler tunnel twice, and going back to high five all their friends and loved ones! The newly married couple drove off in a white Corvette with the top down. Rumor has it that their night continued with a trip to Jeni’s (Tia’s favorite) and a bumpin’ after party organized by the Best Man and the bride’s cousin. 

Kyle & Tia's Sparkler Grand Exit

Something that stood out to me in the whole experience was how supportive Kyle and Tia’s wedding party was. Everyone truly had the bride and groom’s best interests at heart and was ready to assist at a moment’s notice. Tia’s Maid of Honor, Sarah, was notably selfless in ensuring Tia’s needs were met. That doesn’t always happen, so I was pleased to see it. 

At the end of the night, Kyle and Tia seemed to enjoy their wedding day to the fullest. It felt like they didn’t want it to end, and that’s one of the best outcomes I strive for as a wedding planner. 

Wedding Vendors

Wedding Coordinator: @acrystalevent

Caterer: @_affairs_to_remember_

Entertainment: @rvkkvs

Makeup Artist: @bb_themua

Hair Stylist: Kimberly Valyria

Photographer: @jdgensler

Videographer: @jdgensler

Photo Booth: @bookhipstr

Venue and Bar: @fernbankmuseum

Wedding Cake: @alonsbakery