ELEVATED ENTERTAINMENT WEDDING BLOG

THE BYRONS

06.29.2024

THEIR STORY
Jesse and Lia tied the knot at the University of Montevallo’s Center for the Arts—a place that’s special not just to them, but to us too! It’s where Elevated owners Emily and Andrew met, where Andrew grew up, and now works as a third generation on UM’s campus.

This sweet couple met through the theatre program and went from friends to forever over the years. Getting to celebrate their love in the same building where it all started made the day a full-circle moment.

A PERFECTLY THEATRICAL “I DO”
The ceremony took place in the Center’s Black Box theatre—a moody spot here for the -DRAMA- that perfectly fit Jesse and Lia’s vibe.

The wedding party and family walked in to A Big Day Ahead, and Lia made her entrance to The White Way of Delight both by Ari Posner. Their ceremony was sweet, personal, and full of quiet joy. Ending the ceremony with a walk back down up aisle to Love You for a Long Time by Maggie Rogers, the perfect upbeat tune, as they soaked in the newlywed joy.

A LOBBY FULL OF LOVE (AND DANCING!)
The party moved into the Center’s beautiful lobby, with Montevallo’s iconic entry arch and Main Quad framed in the stunning oversized windows.

Guests arrived to Do You Believe in Magic by The Lovin’ Spoonful, and the vibe from the start was relaxed, upbeat, and ready to celebrate. Jesse and Lia made their entrance down the grand stairway to Jessie’s Girl (naturally), before sharing their first dance to Dancing in the Moonlight by Olive Klug. This was the perfect cover of the classic wedding song!

After the sweet parent dances, and even sweeter cake cutting and champagne toast from the groom Jesse, the dance floor stayed full. We loved playing a mix of songs that reflected their fun personalities—think Taylor Swift and Hozier remixes, indie and 80s rock classics, and even the Classic Pokémon Theme Song.

We also got their guests involved in a long-time wedding tradition, the money dance! This is where guests bring anywhere from $5-$20+ to give to the couple and cut in for a dance. Traditionally the money is pinned onto clothes but they had a cute monogrammed bag which was much safer! We have more about this special dance and more interactive dances on our blog HERE.

Their crowd brought the energy all night, (we even had a dance train at one point!) and even after the sparkler sendoff, a small friend crew stuck around for a bonus dance party with HOT TO GO! leading the charge. This Chappell Roan banger was the 2024 dancefloor song of the year, and continues to be a “Must Play” instant classic.

COFFEE, COMMUNITY, AND CELEBRATION
If you know these two, you know they love a good mug of joe—and they spent months collecting the perfect ones to gift their guests, gifting them along with their “The Perfect Blend” coffee and tea. It was such a thoughtful and fun touch, and everyone loved choosing “their mug” at the reception.

We have noticed that guests really like personalized favors like a hand picked mug and coffee WAY more than something generic with your names slapped on it.

CURTIAN CALL ON A PERFECT DAY
At the end of the night we sent this couple off in style through the front double doors of the building, with guests lining the sidewalk for their last hooray of the night. Guests used their LED foam tubes from the dancefloor fun in lieu of the typical sparkler send-off, and it was the perfect 2-in-1 use for them!

Jesse and Lia’s wedding was joyful, laid-back, and filled with personality—just like them. It was such a treat to return to Montevallo and be part of a celebration that felt both nostalgic and completely one-of-a-kind.