How Couple Plans Awesome Skirvin Wedding Reception

September 20, 2022

Emily and Taylor are PROOF
Sharing your story will add even more energy to your reception.

When Emily and Taylor first thought about sharing the story of how they got married at their wedding reception, they had questions. Like all engaged couples, they wanted their Skirvin wedding to be incredible and we had already discussed song ideas throughout the evening. They were interested in other unique wedding reception ideas.

We shared having their story told the way it should…with romance, humor, sentiment, and surprises. It would be engaging and it wouldn’t replace anything at your ceremony. It would be a unique way to surprise your guests and bring everyone together. THEY LOVED IT!

In this process, I ask both to separately fill out a questionnaire with as much detail as each can recall. Not everything is included in the performance, but the more I have to work with the better.

They both wholeheartedly agreed!

Emily and Taylor kept many traditions and shared moments private. Gifts and letters were exchanged while they waited to see each other.

Taylor and Emily’s wedding reception was at this classy ballroom called the Venetian Room. Family from Texas/Wisconsin, and friends from all over packed in - standing room only - on the top floor of The Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City. — Taylor and Emily’s wedding reception was at this classy ballroom called the Venetian Room. Family from Texas/Wisconsin, and friends from all over packed in – standing room only – on the top floor of The Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City.

Their itinerary needed to accommodate quite a few detailed moments, including:

Full Wedding Party Grand Entrance
Choreographed First Dance
Father of the Bride’s welcome
Champagne Toast
Full Dinner Service
Cake Cutting
Anniversary Dance
and LOTS OF DANCING
Informal Family Photos
Send-Off

Note: If you are having adult beverages, it makes sense to have all the spoken parts out of the way earlier in the evening.

Guests were first greeted with signature drinks and an incredible-looking room with incredible floral and many personal details. Then the grand entrance of the wedding party set up the perfect background for what came next.

When the story ended and the doors opened, everyone was on their feet! Some were drying their eyes, but most everyone was cheering.  Some even stood on their chair waving napkins. — **When the story ended and the doors opened, everyone was on their feet! Some were drying their eyes, but most everyone was cheering. Some even stood on their chair waving napkins.**

Like a gentleman, Taylor escorted his wife to the dance floor for their first dance and, he seldom took his eyes off her.

“EVERY DJ DOES THE SAME THINGS – HOW THEY DO THEM DRASTICALLY AFFECTS YOUR EVENT.”

Guests cheered as Taylor dipped his bride to signal the end of their first dance. With the wedding party smiling and everyone engaged, Emily’s father, Jim, began his welcome by referencing that story he just heard and segueing to his message. Everything just flowed effortlessly.

Their cake-cutting ceremony was beautiful and sweet. Each toast was endearing and hilarious. Everyone felt together and connected. In so many years, this was one of the best Skirvin weddings I had been part of. So what’s my point?? It takes a little bit of time and being a little vulnerable. That’s all.

“The Grand Entrance sets the tone for their entire wedding reception.”

**It was all for Emily and Taylor. Guests felt comfortable knowing the party was in good hands. They could relax and be free to have the best night.**

The grand entrance sequence required a little time and preparation. Editing the written content and the songs, rehearsing, prepping the wedding party, having the catering and wedding team in sync, informing the guests, etc. Look at these photos! Emily and Taylor were floating on a cloud all night! And all the guests at that Skirvin wedding thought it was one of the best weddings ever.

PHOTOGRAPHER – Lydia Royce

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