Falling in Love in Fall: Kim and Artie Emken

On Riverfest Saturday, October 5, 2013, The RiverRoom hosted Kim and Artie Emken's deck wedding ceremony and reception. We were joined by 100 of their closest friends and family members from all across the US. I loved the way we set up the ceremony! It was very intimate...even with 100 guests and tons of strangers roaming the streets. We created two semi-circles of chairs along the top part at the deck. On the bottom level, we arranged four guests round tables and a beverage table, stocked with wine, screwdrivers, beer and bottled water!

The ceremony was lovely, officiated by Artie's good friend, Raul. The coolest part about the ceremony was the way we all concluded it together. Prior to the start of the ceremony, each guest was handed a piece of paper with a quote. Instead of just the officiant reading it at the end of the ceremony, everyone read it aloud together. It was so cute! A perfect way to start an amazing marriage! Kim and Artie not only united their marriage, but they also united two families. Kim has a daughter and Artie has two sons, each involved in the big day in a very special way.

The Emken's right before Mom and Dad tie the knot!

After the ceremony, guests traveled inside to enjoy passed appetizers and a tasty fruit and cheese display, catered by A Thyme Savor. A Thyme Savor also prepared a delicious dinner!! They're one of the best in town!

The room had a very nice fall feel with white linens and orange runners. The floral centerpieces had yellow, orange and green flowers, designed by Bloomers Floral Design! Etc. Party Rentals provided the linens and extra tables and chairs. The Audio Visual People hung the Edison lights and I added Kim's yellow and orange Chinese lanterns to the strands.

DJ Nick of DJ Professionals & Video did an outstanding job providing DJ/MC service throughout the event. He played lots of great dance tunes for us to enjoy. At one point, he led a soul train in and around the building with the Bride and Groom in tow! We have a video on our Instagram account to prove it! Artie and Kim enjoyed their first dance and then took time to have some special dances with their children and grandchildren.

We cut the cake around 7:00pm! Willy's Bakery made the pretty Fall cake! It had three beautiful tiers, each with a different flavor and filling! Kim didn't hesitate when feeding Artie the cake to put it in his face! Great moment there!

Dana Hawley Photography was hired to capture the big day for Kim and Artie! Dana is a local Wilmington photographer who did a great job and was very easy to work with! We can't wait to see Dana's images! Kim & Artie gave each guest a gourmet chocolate party favor. The almond toffee was to-die-for! The card box was an adorable black bird cage! Artie used to live and work in New York so it was only fitting to have a large black and white print of the empire state building as their guest book! I, Melissa, was hired as their day-of coordinator so I was here all day setting it up and making sure everything was perfect!

We continued to dance the night away, only stopping for Riverfest Fireworks shot off across the River at the Battleship. We all went out on the deck to watch the fireworks at 9:00pm. The fireworks wrapped up our amazing evening and everyone traveled safely home. We wish you all the best Kim and Artie! We are so happy for you all. It was our pleasure getting to know you and being their as such a crucial part of the big day! Congratulations!!