Westside Warehouse October 2024

I started working with Minola and Anil in January, for their November wedding in Atlanta.

Minola and Anil met on Bumble, so it was fun for me to chat with them about their experience of online dating while I was doing it myself for the first time.

They came to me with their venue already selected, but they originally thought they would have a two day wedding being that they wanted to incorporate both of their culture's into their wedding, Hindu and Sri Lankan. After a budget conversation and detailed spreadsheet of comparisons, we decided to move forward with a one day fusion event.

The Westside Warehouse is one of my favorite Atlanta venues. Anne and Julian, owners, are a mom and son duo. We're at WW often, and every time I'm there, Anne is present the entire night. It's incredible to me how much they both care about our couples. The venue itself is a super cool industrial vibe with several unique furnishings and furniture to use throughout the space. Our ceremony was in the main room. Cocktail Hour in their outside patio. Reception back in the main space. There is a room flip.

My co-manager, Alyssa, found an amazing officiant who will perform our South Asian fusion weddings. Suvin Mehta with Great Officiants. He would really do any wedding, but is specifically knowledgeable in the Hindu culture and customs. We love working with Pandit's who are willing to customize a ceremony for each of our couples.

Minola and Anil booked one of my favorite photo and video teams, Andres Lopez Films. There's usually 4-5 team members on the squad, so I know they'll capture ALL details of the day and take really great care of my couple.

Weddings by Epic designed this wedding. We hosted an in-person mockup with the bride, groom, and their parents over the summer to select florals and other decor items. Check out this hanging install we did over the VIP table!

Minola's Auntie created her faux wedding cake. She matched the florals from Minola's bouquet on the cake.

Minola and Anil decided not to have the photo and video team stay for their send off since we had the team start coverage so early in the day. I always capture photos for my couples on their personal devices if this is the case. Check out their bubble send off.

Other Vendor Details

• Rehearsal Mixer: Pour Taproom Midtown Atlanta

We looked at SEVERAL spaces for this event and Anil went through an extensive amount of research to finally nail down Pour Taproom. I really love the vibe of this venue and space, giving guests wristbands to pour their own drinks. The venue staff were really easy to work with and helpful in customizing our mixer.

• Transportation: Atlantic Limousine and Mint Life Limo

We used both based on pricing for each of the transportation options we needed. We had a sprinter bus pickup the wedding party and VIP family for photos prior to the ceremony. And a charter bus for hotel guests.

• Hotel: Canopy by Hilton Midtown

They allowed us to use their meeting space for our ceremony rehearsal, because the venue was booked the day prior. I always tell my couples, if we cannot use the venue for our rehearsal the day before, I can do it anywhere! And the first place I look is at their host hotel or rehearsal dinner space.

• Hair, Makeup, and Draping: Beauty by Ami Patel

Very important for a South Asian wedding to have someone who can do drapery!

• Bartenders: Drinks By Ashia

We use Ashia for anytime we don't use catering as our bartender OR want an elevated bar experience. Also, for our company Christmas parties, we love her!

• Caterer: District Events & Catering

A great option for South Asian fusion dinner, they can do Indian food AND Western!

• Saxophonist: The Zclive Experience

Minola's dad really wanted a saxophonist during cocktail hour. I ALWAYS use Zdanny Chislom. He is reliable, economical, and stylish. Before the wedding, he always asks me the color palette so he can match. I love it! Zdany has also put together Jazz Trios for me and worked with me on specific sound requirements at Cator Woolford Gardens.

• DJ and Dholi: DJ Jaz

I was so excited to work with him because I had heard and seen really great things! He threw a super fun dance floor. And I've started recommending him as my South Asian DJ. He did include a Dholi player in his package for our baraat.

• Baraat Vehicle: Milani Exotic Car Rentals

No traditional white horse here!

• Photobooth: Snap and Fun Photobooth

Photobooths are still a thing, and so much fun!

• Stationary and Website: Minted

• Farewell Brunch: Canopy By Hilton Midtown

We went with the hotel doing our farewell brunch, it worked out nicely!

Minola and Anil have recommended us to several of their friends. They're all in their getting married era. We'll be seeing Minola and Anil in April and October!

Favorite Memory: During cocktail hour, Minola and Anil sat in the groom's suite eating dinner together. I went to check on them, and they personally thanked me for handling all of their details. I could tell they were so genuinely happy, relaxed, and enjoying themselves. Which is exactly how I want all couples to feel!

Additional Photos I Loved From Their Day

Tips For a Successful Wedding Day

• Hire a freaking planner!

• Do a first look - I know it's a dream to see your bride for the first time walking down the aisle, BUT, because Minola and Anil did a first look, they were able to enjoy time to themselves AND with their guests at cocktail hour instead of taking photos the whoe time

• Do an outfit change, because why not!

Happy Planning, Aubree

Event & Wedding Planner

Account Executive

With Weddings by Epic Since 2019