Stefan, the groom, is from South Africa, so a big priority for me was pronouncing the Afrikaans names of his family and friends correctly during intros, toasts, etc. It took a bit of practice and leaning on my phonetic guide, but they say I got them right. 😊 One of my favorite South African traditions they planned was a pre-reception send-off immediately after the ceremony. Think of the energy and excitement that radiates from a send-off at the end of the night, but instead as the finale to the wedding ceremony. I honestly think every wedding should have this!

Chelsey and Stefan also booked our live saxophonist, who played the ceremony songs (minus the send-off) and the cocktail hour outside at the bar. While he played there, I played a similar vibe inside for guests who started making their way in for the reception. I've always loved the Collegetown vibe, and the Gathering in Tallahassee was the perfect setting for this wedding. Considering Chelsey and Stefan met at FSU, the fact that the stadium is visible from the Gathering is a nice touch. It didn't hurt that FSU basketball had a killer win that night as well. The music covered everything from EDM and pop (and EDM remixes of pop songs) to rap and hip hop from a few different time periods. The energy never left the packed dance floor, and these guests, many of them traveling from South Africa, came to party. And party they did. All in all, it was one of those weddings for the books and I was so thrilled to have been a part of it!