GEMS AND JAZZ - Melanie and Stephen's Big Band Estate Wedding

When describing Melanie and Stephen, it's a confounding challenge to know which angle to take because there are so many uniquely interesting and wonderful facets to consider. 

These jazz-loving geologists started dating in Carlsbad, New Mexico - where they both worked for the same company - and were engaged only two weeks later. Melanie is German, and in the times I met with them prior to the wedding, Stephen's tireless efforts to learn the language were both a charming and adorable testament to his affection for Melanie. 

 Both lovers of fine dining, grand fetes and the art deco era, their autumn estate wedding offered a dazzling music review, featuring a sampling of Asheville's local jazz artists, including a surprise second line parade during the ceremony, a 1920s gypsy jazz cocktail hour, and a big band reception.

The duo's al fresco ceremony site featured a stunning backdrop of vintage windows suspended from trees and adorned with floral details. Peachy blooms and succulents festooned everything from the lemonade dispenser to the program sign. 

The reception was peppered with details reflective of the couples' interests. Guest tables were named after the minerals that embellished their stunning floral centerpieces. Words like kyanite and lepidolite were hand chalked, with their geological formulas, on custom chalked signs. And each place card came with its own smaller piece of the mineral as a keepsake. 

Hand-wrapped bars of German chocolate - flown in by Melanie's parents - were placed at each seat, with personalized wine glasses. And hot German gluewein - a mixture of red wine and mulled spices - was one of three signature cocktails offered by the bar. 

Melanie's remarkable gift for sourcing gorgeous hand-made wedding decor permeated every aspect of the event, from the heart shaped, custom-tagged sparkers, to the hand-made wooden cake topper featuring their names in script.

Guests donned everything from authentic German dirndls to dinner jackets, and danced the night away until the couple's parade-style sparkler exit in a vintage blue corniche convertible. 

Vendor Connections:

Photography:

Jennie Andrews Photography 

http://jennieandrewsphotography.squarespace.com/

Florals:

Blossoms at Biltmore Park

https://www.blossomsatbiltmorepark.com/

Cake:

Short Street Cakes

http://shortstreetcakes.com/

Hair:

Zhenya Lazarchuk

https://www.salonzhenya.com/

Makeup

Doll Box Productions

http://www.dollboxproductions.com/

Signage:

Amber Hatchett Designs

https://engagedasheville.com/project/amber-hatchett-designs/

Band:

Russ Wilson's Big Band

http://www.everswinging.com/russ-wilson-and-his-nouveau-passe-orchestra.html