Every now and then, I have the opportunity to take part in something really unique. When I was approached about the Big Fake Wedding, I immediately knew I wanted to be involved. I had followed their tour over the past few years and it always looked so interesting. Now, having taken part myself, I’m here to share five reasons that YOU should say “yes” to the Big Fake Wedding if given the chance.
While I love styled shoots, there is a lot of controversy surrounding their integrity. Often times there are models hired, details are perfectly planned, and the ideal is provided at all costs. Wedding days aren’t fail-proof. One aspect of the Big Fake Wedding is that they provide a real couple to celebrate. They are typically approaching a milestone in their relationship, such as an anniversary. Their real-life friends stand beside them as they renew their vows. Their family is even invited to come witness it! The doors may be opened to ticket holders, or “guests,” but it creates a very authentic atmosphere for everyone involved.
The Big Fake Wedding brings in top-notch designers. Mood boards that compliment, but test, trends are created and shared. This allows the team to go to work! Over the course of a few months, collaborators are given the opportunity to communicate and plan around one another. The result is high-end, inspiring, and such a treat to capture. Our particular theme mixed classic elements with Gatsby inspired vintage. Earthy tones contrasted with metallics in the rustic, chic space that is Main Street Ballroom.
Hands down, one of my favorite things about working this event was meeting the other vendors. Seeing them at work was awe-striking. There were so many talented makers in one space, transforming it for the grand affair. I was lucky to chat with many of them about their businesses, continuing that relationship into the present. If all goes well, we will be re-uniting for a styled shoot later this year!
Being part of the Big Fake Wedding exposes you to new clients. With the Tunnel of Love, I was given the opportunity to network with all of the attending guests. From hearing what they thought of the wedding ceremony to talking about their own big day, it was so nice to see so many new faces. I’m also happy to report I’ve received numerous promising inquires from this event, proving the value of being involved!
Perhaps one of the most noteworthy things that happened through being a participant of the Big Fake Wedding was the recognition. BFW is part of a massive network of wedding professionals and publications. It was an extreme honor to have our work collectively shared on Wedding Chicks as well as the BFW blog. Every single person who took part in this event was crucial to the success of it. Huge shout out to all of the amazing vendors I got to work with, to Barb Kaas for assisting me, to my husband for holding my booth down, and to Jamie Bohlin for knocking it out of the park.
For a full list of the vendors, scroll down through the photos:
Photography | Ashton Kelley Photography
Event | Big Fake Wedding
Venue | Main Street Ballroom
Stationary | House of Catherine
Hair & Make-up | Dettloff Makeup
Coordination | Rachel Kendall Events
Wedding Day Dog Care | Fur Ever & Fur Always
Bar | SOCIAL Sparkling Wine
Select Floral & Event Design | Wrenegade Floral Design
Select Rentals & Table Design | Vintage Affairs
Select Floral & Event Design, Head Table | Tira Lynn Events
Select Floral & Event Design, Ceremony Backdrop | Flor de Casa Designs
Select Floral & Event Design, Cake Backdrop, Registration Table | House of Design
Bridal Gown, Bridesmaid Dresses | Proposal to Promise
Alterations | My’s Bridalterations
DJ | DJ Jimmy T Entertainment LLC
Dessert Bar | Sweet Beginnings Bakery
Dessert Favors | Malvi: Marshmallow Confections
Catering | Zeffert & Gold Catering
Bar | Oh My Gahs, LLC
Jewelry | Smyth Jewelers
Accessories & Lingerie | Little Things Borrowed
Favors & Details | The Standard Canvas
Cake | The Cake Studio
Candy Station | A Vision from Shaye
Men’s Accessories | Christopher Schafer Clothier
Photo Booth | Lux Amare Photography
Spa Services | HourGlass Body Contouring Spa
Signage | White Coffee Lettering
Champagne | Le Grand Courtage
June 29th, 2018 at 9:11 am
Thrilled you had such an amazing experience with the Big Fake Wedding. I absolutely love the setting they chose and the vendors really seemed to knock it out of the park on this one!!
June 29th, 2018 at 9:26 am
I love the styling of this so much, and love even more that they included a pup!! Such an awesome event!!!
June 29th, 2018 at 9:38 am
So, you’re saying I should have said yes… DARNY DARN DARN!!!! ;) Gorgeous pics by the way, love that aisle where everyone is holding the lights!!!
June 29th, 2018 at 10:08 am
This is soooo beautiful! These vendors pulled out all the stops and it shows. Amazing team.
June 29th, 2018 at 10:36 am
Ok so everything about this is epic! I love the quote “I love her…” well done! Oh and I love how you photographed the dress without blowing out the window light
June 29th, 2018 at 12:35 pm
So many pretty details! All the vendors did such a good job with this event! Great job capturing the event!
June 29th, 2018 at 2:25 pm
This was so incredibly cool! I just wanna be the bride. Sigh… So cool.
June 29th, 2018 at 5:35 pm
How fun is this!! Gorgeous images
June 29th, 2018 at 8:36 pm
Girl, I just can’t even decide what I love most about this!! All of the vendors really came together to make an amazing shoot!
June 29th, 2018 at 8:48 pm
All the love for Main Street Ballroom!! Looks amazing for the Big Fake Wedding!! Gorgeous photos, love how the couple is selected. It’s so great to see all these fun vendors come together!!
July 3rd, 2018 at 12:27 pm
These are so awesome Ashton! How lucky are you to be asked to shoot such a fun event! Love every second of it!
July 3rd, 2018 at 12:37 pm
These photos are gorgeous, Ashton! What a cool concept for a wedding show.