The Venue

Tess + Sam’s artful and sustainable wedding at the Knockdown Center was one we’ll never forget! Tess + Sam’s love for architecture led them to the Knockdown Center, a location that blends industrial chic with artistic flair. A repurposed factory in Queens, NY has incredibly spacious halls adorned with expansive windows with natural light. The versatile layout allowed our team to customize their wedding experience, utilizing all parts of the outdoor space to create a unique experience for their guests. Surrounded by vibrant art installations and lush greenery in the outdoor courtyard, Tess + Sam’s celebration was amidst an atmosphere of creativity and romance. The location wove together modern elegance and urban charm against the dynamic backdrop of Queens.

The Stationary

With our couple’s appreciation for modern aesthetics and architecture, we enlisted the help of Sesame Letterpress + Julia Bez to craft their wedding invitation and day-of paper. The invitations artfully combined the couple's playful style with the contemporary vibe of the Knockdown Center, resulting in stationery that effortlessly captured the essence of their love story and the ambiance of the venue. Each element, from the vibrant colors, to modern topography, to Julia’s whimsical envelope handwriting, reflected the couple's personality while harmonizing with the modern surroundings. As guests received their invitations, they were greeted by a tangible representation of the couple's joyful spirit and the unique charm of their chosen celebration venue. The specialty cocktail signs throughout the venue on the day-of the wedding were a twist on the invitation design incorporating Julia’s hand painted letters and illustrations that were in keeping with the original invitations.

The Ceremony

Tess and Sam's ceremony was held on the steps of the Knockdown Center, where a stunning display of natural greenery on a white wall served as the backdrop. The florist, Bourgeon, worked their magic, seamlessly blending blooms, vines, and additional greenery with the existing surroundings of greenery and concrete stairs. Long wooden benches added to the inviting atmosphere, welcoming guests as they arrived. A natural jute runner adorned the aisle, adding a touch of softness and marking the significance of the occasion. The steps provided the ideal platform for the couple to exchange vows, while Bourgeon brought an extra layer of romance and softness to the industrial space.

Cocktail Hour

The Cocktail hour unfolded in the backyard of the Knockdown Center, where the remnants of a room's ruins added a unique indoor/outdoor ambiance. String lights adorned the awnings overhead, casting a playful glow, while contemporary and inviting furniture was strategically placed to create cozy lounge areas for guests. Fig + Pig catering delighted everyone with a selection of delectable hors d'oeuvres, featuring elevated comfort foods and grazing tables. As the sun set, guests savored the picturesque scenery and engaged with the couple's interactive seating chart, a creation by Julia Bez inspired by Joseph Alber, a beloved abstract painter and designer cherished by Tess + Sam.

Reception

When Jove envisioned the reception area, it became clear that concealing the kitchen and providing a striking backdrop for the band would require draping. However, rather than settling for a basic pipe and drape setup, Jove embraced the opportunity to collaborate with local artist and installation expert Josi Blue. Together, they conceived, crafted, and installed a stunningly vibrant backdrop that completely transformed the space and acted as a focal point for the remainder of the evening.

Lighting also played a crucial role in the design as well. Jove created a lighting plan featuring oversized paper lanterns expertly arranged to infuse the space with a modern, inviting glow, creating an unexpectedly intimate atmosphere within the expansive venue.

Taking a holistic approach to eco-friendliness, the floral arrangements were repurposed for future events and composted by Garbage Goddess after the festivities concluded. Every aspect of the decor was meticulously curated, from the whimsical table numbers handcrafted by Julia Bez to the charming addition of organic candles gracing the tables alongside the lively blooms by Bourgeon.

In alignment with the couple's dedication to sustainability, Josi ingeniously repurposed the backdrop into keepsake items for the couple. Furthermore, the floral arrangements by Burgeoun Flowers were thoughtfully displayed in handmade vases crafted by another talented local artist, providing guests with enduring mementos to cherish well beyond the event.