For Lucy and Kyle, creating an unforgettable celebration meant blending cinematic romance with a night-long dance party inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s signature film style. Their wedding paid homage to iconic movies like Romeo + Juliet, The Great Gatsby, and Moulin Rouge featuring custom neon signs (made by the best man!) vintage Versace champagne flutes, wearable florals for the groom and a vintage inspired cake.

Each segment of the day showcased this theme, transforming the historic venue, The Jam Handy in Detroit, into a series of visually immersive experiences. The couple worked with Graham Stanton Co. who planned the wedding to perfection and did all the incredible flowers.

“We wanted the wedding to feel like it was directed by Baz Luhrmann,” Lucy said. “The ceremony drew from Romeo + Juliet, dinner from The Great Gatsby, and dancing from Moulin Rouge. It was all in the florals, lighting, and fabrics.” The result was a wedding that felt both intimate and grand, romantic and eccentric.

The couple’s main goal was to host “the best party we’ll ever throw,” with all the elegance of a high-end event but with a comfortable, laid-back vibe. “Obviously, we wanted to dramatically, publicly declare our love in front of all our friends and family,” Lucy continued, “but the party aspect was so important.” Kyle summed it up best during planning when he said, “I want high-end, low-end: the most beautiful flowers, and all the people we love sweaty from dancing, eating a hot dog.”

The reception set up featured a sweetheart table for the newlyweds and open seating for everyone else. They kept the food simple but delicious, with a gourmet hot dog buffet and a late-night nacho bar. They spent the year before the wedding collecting vintage crystal candlesticks and glassware and they designed all of the signage themselves. The beverage napkins were printed with a custom emblem and they homemade ten fringe chandeliers for the entryway.

Lucy’s dress journey was one of the more challenging parts of planning. “I thought I knew exactly what I wanted,” she told us, “but after trying on my ‘dream dress’ I sobbed. I had wanted that dress for years but I looked awful and I felt awful. I visited a couple of local boutiques that catered to plus size brides and was equally disappointed. I love fashion and felt so defeated by the limited options. I ended up finding a seamstress on Etsy who made the most perfect custom dress after I explained what I wanted. Sadly she is no longer on Etsy but I’m so thankful I found her.”

After an evening of dancing to house, 80s ballroom, and disco tunes, the couple slipped away from the crowd for a private, final dance. Only the DJ and their photographer were there to witness it. “It was just us,” Lucy remembers. “Soaking in the last moments of the day together. That was the best part of the day.”

Reflecting on their wedding day, Lucy credits Rock n Roll Bride magazine as a major source of inspiration. “I’d been saving issues for ages. It played such a huge role in shaping our day, so thank you so much for existing!”