🌿 Inside Content Creator Julia McGuire’s Two-Part Wedding: A Romantic Garden Ceremony and a Chic Industrial Celebration
When content creator Julia McGuire started planning her wedding, she quickly realized that one traditional day just wouldn’t cut it. With so many ideas, styles, and emotions she wanted to capture, Julia and her partner decided to break the mold and plan a two-part celebration that felt like a true reflection of who they are—both as a couple and as individuals.
The result? A magical wedding experience that seamlessly transitioned from a quiet, romantic garden ceremony to an edgy, high-energy party in a downtown warehouse. Every detail—from her custom outfits to the florals and music—was intentionally designed to reflect both intimacy and impact, tradition and modern flair.
Here’s your exclusive look inside Julia’s wedding weekend, including her design inspirations, personal style choices, and the creative decisions that made both parts of the celebration so memorable.
💍 The Vision: Why Julia Went for a Two-Part Wedding
From the start, Julia and her partner knew they wanted something more than the usual all-in-one-day format. Instead of rushing through a jam-packed schedule, they envisioned a wedding split into two meaningful moments: one for heartfelt connection, and one for pure celebration.
“We wanted our ceremony to be intimate and sacred, and then completely shift gears into something fun, creative, and energetic,” Julia shared.
The Plan:
- Part One: A private garden ceremony with close family and friends.
- Part Two: A large, modern reception in a chic warehouse venue downtown.
This approach allowed the couple to honor tradition while also giving themselves (and their guests) the space to truly savor each part of the experience.
🌸 Part One: A Soft and Sentimental Garden Ceremony
The first chapter of Julia’s wedding unfolded in a lush garden setting tucked away at a historic estate just outside the city. The venue was all ivy walls, cobblestone paths, and blooming flowers—perfect for the quiet, romantic energy they wanted for their vows.
🪴 The Atmosphere
Julia and her partner exchanged vows beneath a natural-looking floral arch made to blend in with the surroundings. The ceremony space was styled to feel more like a secret garden than a traditional altar, using wild, loosely arranged florals in soft whites, dusty rose, and blush tones. The aisle was lined with potted plants and scattered petals to keep things casual but beautiful.
The guest list was purposefully small—around 30 of their closest people—to keep the moment intimate and allow everyone to feel deeply connected to the ceremony.
“We wanted every guest to be present, not just watching but really feeling it with us,” Julia said.
👗 Julia’s Ceremony Look
Julia wore a softly tailored gown with romantic lace detailing and a sweeping train. Her hair was styled in loose, natural waves, adorned with sprigs of baby’s breath to echo the garden aesthetic. Her makeup was dewy and understated—just enough to highlight her natural glow.
She completed the look with vintage-inspired pearl earrings and minimal accessories, letting the setting and her dress do the talking.
🏙️ Part Two: A Stylish Warehouse Reception With Big Energy
After a brief pause between events, the second chapter of the wedding kicked off in the heart of the city. This time, the vibe shifted entirely—from dreamy and delicate to modern and bold.
🖤 The Venue Vibe
The reception was held in a converted warehouse with exposed brick, concrete floors, and high ceilings, offering a clean canvas for Julia’s creative vision. Lighting played a huge role in setting the tone—think moody uplights, hanging Edison bulbs, and dramatic candle clusters scattered throughout the space.
Florals went from soft and romantic to rich and sculptural, incorporating jewel tones, dried textures, and oversized statement arrangements. A custom neon sign with their last name lit up one wall, giving the space a trendy edge. Lounge nooks were styled with vintage velvet sofas and coffee tables for a cozy, social feel.
👗 The Reception Look
For the evening party, Julia did a full 180. She changed into a tailored white jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and open back—modern, sleek, and made for dancing. She paired it with sparkling heels, a bold red lip, and dramatic earrings for a glamorous touch.
Her hair was pulled into a slick bun to contrast with the softness of her ceremony look, proving that two styles can coexist beautifully in one wedding weekend.
🎶 Food, Music, and Special Touches
🍸 Custom Details That Made It Personal
- Signature cocktails named after their pets
- Cocktail napkins printed with love quotes and inside jokes
- A photo station with instant film cameras and a guest book
- Personalized escort cards tucked inside mini floral arrangements
The couple’s menu was fun and unfussy—mini grilled cheese sandwiches, sliders, charcuterie boards, and gourmet tacos kept guests full and happy.
🎧 The Soundtrack
A live jazz band set the mood during the early evening, transitioning to a vinyl-spinning DJ as the night went on. Think throwback hits, disco classics, and indie-pop dance tracks.
“We didn’t want a typical wedding playlist. We wanted music that made people feel like they were at the best party of the year.”
💡 Advanced Planning Tips Inspired by Julia’s Wedding
Planning a wedding with two distinct vibes takes a bit more effort—but it can also make the whole experience feel more thoughtful, less chaotic, and way more personal. Here are some planning insights if you’re considering this format:
1. Use the Day(s) to Tell a Story
Make each event its own chapter. Let the vibe, fashion, music, and venue reflect a different mood—but keep a shared thread (like color palette or design motif) to maintain cohesion.
2. Stagger Your Guest Lists If Needed
If budget or space is tight, invite only your closest people to the ceremony and then cast a wider net for the reception. Just communicate clearly with guests so everyone knows what to expect.
3. Design with Contrast in Mind
Don’t be afraid to go from light and airy to bold and edgy. The difference in mood can actually highlight each part more effectively.
4. Plan for an Outfit Change
Your wardrobe can help reinforce the energy shift between events. Go classic and romantic for the ceremony, then switch into something fun and functional for the party.
5. Create a Mini Schedule for Guests
Whether you’re hosting everything in one day or over a weekend, make sure your guests have clear info on where to go and when. Include timelines on your wedding website, invitation inserts, or signage.
🙋♀️ FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Two-Part Weddings
Q: Do I have to do both events on the same day?
A: Not at all. Julia’s wedding took place over a weekend, but you can space them out however works best for your schedule and guests. Just make sure travel and lodging are convenient.
Q: Will this type of wedding be more expensive?
A: It can be, but not necessarily. You can keep costs balanced by scaling down on decor, food, or staffing at one event and going bigger at the other.
Q: What if guests can only attend one part?
A: That’s totally fine! Just be clear in your invitations or communications. Guests will appreciate the honesty and structure.
Q: Can I carry a theme across both events?
A: Yes! Use a consistent font, floral element, or color scheme as a thread that connects both settings, even if the style shifts.
Q: Is it too extra to change outfits?
A: Not at all—especially if your ceremony and reception are in different locations or have very different vibes. It’s also a fun way to express multiple sides of your personality.
💫 Final Thoughts: Two Vibes, One Beautiful Celebration
Julia McGuire’s wedding proves that you don’t have to fit your love story into a traditional one-day format. With creativity, intention, and a little flexibility, she crafted a weekend that honored both intimate connection and bold celebration—without sacrificing style or authenticity.
From the serenity of a garden vow exchange to the sparkle and edge of a city dance party, every detail reflected Julia’s personality, priorities, and love for her community.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that breaks the mold, feels deeply personal, and gives you space to truly savor every moment, a two-part celebration might be the perfect fit. Follow Julia’s lead and design your day(s) your way—whether that means wildflowers and candlelight, or cocktails and neon signs.
Need help building a two-part wedding timeline, sourcing venues, or creating a style board like Julia’s? Reach out anytime—I’d love to help you bring your unique wedding story to life.