a big fake wedding (that you’ll love)

It was about a month ago that I stumbled across The Not Wedding. Intrigued, I got in touch with Callie, the founder of this amazing new alternative to a traditional wedding expo, and learned that The Not Wedding is “a bridal show alternative in the form of a big, fake, wedding. Wedding guests are brides-to-be who enjoy an emotional ceremony, a tasty dinner, and a dance-party reception while truly experiencing the wedding vendors in action.”

Isn’t that awesome?! If you love weddings half as much as I do then this is going to be right up your alley. These events serve as a source of inspiration for brides and grooms as well as a way to really see your local wedding vendors in action!

The Not Wedding holds their events all over the US (check out upcoming locations here) and one of their recent weddings was held in the Historic Rice Mill Building in Charleston, South Carolina. I love that when planning this event, because there are so many vendors involved in making it come to life, they of course created an inspiration board first!

The inspiration for the Charleston Not Wedding includes a gorgeous lavender and rosemary color palette that is perfect for a laid back and intimate wedding with lots of organic accents. It’s so fascinating to me to see inspiration boards come to life – and that’s what you’re about to witness here!

Another fabulous aspect of this event is that afterwards you’ll get to see an array of different image styles from local photographers who were there. This first set of pictures covering the bridal party and ceremony (including an epic DIY backdrop) is from Lime Green Photography.

Part of the reason I love styled shoots so much is that the wedding vendors who participate can really cut loose and get creative. The vendors at this Charleston Not Wedding were no different and these invitation and reception shots from Izzy Hudgins Photography are stuffed full of inspirational ideas.

Part of the draw of The Not Wedding is that while you’re there, not only do you get to experience these wedding vendors as a guest would at your own wedding, but you get to meet and greet them, ask them questions, and get to know them.

Plus, as with most real weddings, there’s a dance, bouquet toss, cake, and at least in this case – a sparkler send-off! Angela Cox Photography captured all the fun below.

Needless to say, I’ve fallen quite in love with the entire concept behind The Not Wedding and hope to someday attend one (hint hint, big obvious wink to The Not Wedding – how about Hawaii?!). Being able to see their initial inspiration board and how it was brought to life by local vendors for brides-to-be is pretty amazing!

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Photography: Lime Green, Izzy Hudgins, & Angela Cox Photography // Coordination & Event Design: Ashely Nicole Events // Jewelry: Birdsong Designs // Logistics: Bowtied // Transportation: Charleston Black Cab Company // Entertainment: Charleston Groove Factory // Desserts: Cupcake // Makeup: Dannon K Collard // Travel Solution: Destination Wedding Experts // Rentals: Event DRS // Vintage Rentals & Event Design: Ever Thine Vintage // Wedding Dress: Fabulous Frocks of Charleston // Alcohol Sponsor: Ferrari // Groom & Groomsmen Accessories + Flower Girl Dress: French Knot Studios // Venue & Catering: Historic Rice Mill Building & Good Food Catering // Drapery: JLV Creative // Paper Flags & Banners: Liddabits Design Shop // Videography: Low Country Wedding Films // Bridesmaid Attire: Maude Couture // Floral & Event Design: Mimi Nicole Events // Stationary: Miss Wyolene // Pew Rentals: P.E.W.S. // Hair: Pastel // Floral & Event Design: Statice Floral Couture.