Rachel & Steven

Certainly you’ve been to weddings in churches, on farms, in barns or gardens, but have you ever been to a wedding in an art museum? If you’re like us, the answer is probably “no,” but let us be the first to tell you - our first experience was nothing short of impressive. On this day in April, Steven and Rachel said “I do” in the magnificently modern and sleek Taubman Museum in downtown Roanoke, Virginia.

The Taubman Museum is a must-see site in the Roanoke Valley - displaying unique architecture with sharp rooftop lines and a gorgeous glass atrium with a grand staircase and art exhibits floating high above (not to mention the 10+ art exhibits displayed throughout on various floors). On Steven and Rachel’s wedding day, the “Divas Descending“ exhibit floated high above the ceremony site in the glass atrium - a display of used & repurposed gowns from The New York Opera. Aside from the beautiful art and architecture, the Taubman offers a top-tier location and team for weddings - spearheaded by our new friend Whitney. We will place her contact info below. She’s a superstar and can help guide you on your planning journey should you land here.

With Steven in a custom tuxedo and Rachel already glowing, the two met prior to the wedding for “first-look” pictures. Watching Steven overcome with emotion, you could feel the love between these two from the beginning. While pictures commenced on the balcony, art galleries and around the venue, Whitney’s team, ourselves, and Blue Ridge Catering hurried along with final touches for the impending ceremony and reception.

While immaculately dressed friends and family arrived at the venue, the bridal party dressed in classic black dresses and tuxes were gathered in anticipation behind the scenes. As the ceremony began, the guest were entertained by “beer boys” who danced and distributed beer down the aisle. A new trend in 2023 weddings that was a hit amongst this crowd. Steven walked down the aisle before Rachel made her grand entrance down the museum staircase. Met by mom and dad at the bottom, the bride awed the crowd as she met her eager future husband. The ceremony, albeit quick per the couples request, was perfectly tailored to Steven and Rachel’s love story. It was a wonderful recollection of their time together to this point and towards their future ahead.

As the guests were ushered off to cocktail hour in the “theatre,” Whitney and her team flipped the ceremony location into a bustling reception site. It was astonishing to see how quickly and flawlessly this happened. Cocktail hour saw signature drinks and beautifully constructed passed hors d’ oeuvres by Blue Ridge Catering (a trustworthy contracted vendor with the Taubman).

With the reception site now readied with food, a dessert display, bar and tables outfitted with fresh white roses, carnations and greenery - guests found their seats as they watched Rachel and Steven share their first dance as Mr and Mrs Wilkes. After speeches by siblings and a dear friend, the dance floor was opened and the party began. They had such lively friends and family willing to dance the night away. They are clearly blessed with amazing village around them.

As the evening turned to night, guests gathered along the entrance to the museum to send the bride and groom off into their next chapter of married life. Before their grand exit, however, Steven and Rachel shared in a private dance to commemorate and reflect on their wonderful day. Eventually, the couple escaped into the night accompanied by cheers and hugs beneath a glow stick lined tunnel. The perfect ending for the perfect couple.

We owe so much to Rachel and Steven for being the first to give us a chance in this wedding business thing. We are forever indebted to them, their family, and Whitney at the Taubman for helping and being patient with us along the way. We wish Steven and Rachel nothing but years of happiness together and Whitney at the Taubman continued success. Cheers!

Our Favorite Special Touch: Beer Boys & the private last dance

Vendors:

Venue: Taubman Museum of Art

Event Coordinator: Whitney Engstrom (wengstrom@taubmanmuseum.org)

Catering/Dessert: Blue Ridge Catering

Photography": Crystal Image Photography

Hair/Makeup: Innovation Day Spa

DJ: Freddie Mac

Flowers: Kroger & Fresh Market