Phaedra Bradley & Paige Lucas
July 2, 2021, at The Refinery at 120
When they set out to envision the tone and theme of their July wedding, Phaedra—who has a background in wedding planning—and Paige decided to veer from traditional summer wedding vibes, opting instead to utilize pops of darker colors. Black candles sat atop flowy gray table runners, geometric chargers wrapped with knotted black napkins held graphic menus.
“We wanted to purchase things that we knew we would use one day in a future home or could donate to other friends getting married.” Phaedra says. (The greenery garlands they constructed currently frame the mantel in their home.)
The venue—Culpeper’s Refinery at 120—helped drive it all home, with its pared-down industrial look, but in the end the most important thing (even beyond the details) was the party. The couple had eloped in Rapidan, Virginia, the summer before, so this celebration was a long time coming.
“We were the first guests to arrive [at the party], allowing us to say hi to everyone as they walked in,” Phaedra says. “After months or years of not seeing them, it was the best to reunite.”
Hey, Mr. DJ
The couple’s favorite detail from the night? The music. “Our DJ did an amazing job keeping the dance floor packed,” says Phaedra. “Because we chose food trucks versus a seated or more formal service style, no one had to miss their favorite song. The dance floor was full of dance moves featuring slices of pepperoni pizza and signature cocktails.”
So handy
Phaedra and Paige DIYed almost everything—the candlesticks, card holder, bar menus, greenery, signage and more, the most difficult of which was constructing 11 five-foot garlands for the guest tables and welcome sign.