Upstairs Atlanta Wedding // Michelle & Skyler

Michelle & Skyler’s wedding at Upstairs Atlanta was chock full of color and life and a rad as hell party. They brought an incredible topical vibe to the blank space at Upstairs Atlanta, bringing their personality to such a unique venue. One of the things I love most about Michelle & Skyler’s wedding day is that it was simple. They chose to let their florals make the biggest impact – and it worked SO well for their wedding. I’m stoked for you to see all of this incredible wedding day in Atlanta!

Getting Ready

Before their celebration, Michelle got ready with their best friend and mom. They were gathered in a gorgeous black and white room. Michelle & Skyler chose to have no wedding party, which was really special, so they simply chose to have the people that mean most to them with them throughout the morning. Michelle & Skyler’s outfits were one of my favorite things about their day. Skyler’s dark turquoise suit, dark boots, turquoise shirt, and crossover tie & Michelle’s pearls, textured lace dress, and ribbon-tie pointed shoes. They both brought so much personality to their outfits for the day of the wedding – and I LOVED the fun pop of color that Skyler’s tux brought to all of their portraits.

First Look at Upstairs Atlanta

We found a beautiful spot outside Upstairs Atlanta for Michelle & Skyler’s first look. I’ve never photographed at this venue before now, but I always make sure to scope out the best spots for moments like this. We weren’t sure how much time we’d have with the ceremony (and then reception) space, so I kept my eyes out for a neutral space that would work well for their first look. This space definitely delivered! As Michelle & Skyler had their first look, I really had a chance to check out of all of the little details of their looks. Like the fact that Skyler had a tiny pineapple in their boutonnière! It was adorable. After their first look, Michelle & Skyler headed back inside for a little privacy and to check out all of the incredible work their planner and florist had been putting together. Michelle’s friend was actually their wedding planner and she was amazing all day long – keeping us moving and on schedule for this beautiful celebration.

Tropical Wedding Ceremony

For their ceremony, the decor was full of deep pinks, reds, turquoise, and green with tiny pineapples and palms and monstera everywhere – and there was even a gorgeous arch behind them for their ceremony. Upstairs Atlanta is a pretty neutral, white space, so all of the deep tropical colors and greens of their florals really popped even more than normal in a space like this. As their guests filtered in, I began to realize that Michelle & Skyler are surrounded by incredible, artistic people. It was fun to watch them arrive and see the looks they chose for the big day! When it was time for the ceremony, Skyler walked in before a sweet “bubble” girl. All day long, she had fun using an enormous pink bubble gun! It was SO fun. She was obsessed the whole day but it was so worth it. Michelle & Skyler had a lovely ceremony that included lots of emotional moments. There was definitely a ton of tear wiping with their handkerchief {everyone should have one!}.

Portraits at Upstairs Atlanta

Michelle & Skyler are loved by so many incredible people. They were amazing the day of the wedding – letting me quickly direct and move us through the family portraits and formal portraits. We wanted to get out of Anna {the wedding planner}’s way so they could flip the ceremony space into the reception! I’m always grateful for people who work together to make those transitions possible. Michelle & Skyler truly had the best vendor team, for the record.

Cocktail Hour & Wedding Reception

As the vendors worked to flip the room, Michelle & Skyler and their guests were able to explore more of Upstairs Atlanta. The venue has some really cool spaces that allow people to get some air and space during their parties. All of their guests were able to take a breather and have time before the reception began. Michelle & Skyler even had a giant charcuterie spread for their cocktail hour! When Anna was done flipping the space, it was time for the reception. Michelle & Skyler had the most beautiful centerpieces throughout the space {I even got to take one home and STILL love it!}. Behind their sweetheart table, Michelle & Skyler had a custom neon sign – and you know I’m a sucker for neon! They also had pink and white rock candy at each place setting. It was just a lovely little touch.

During the reception, one of my favorite moments of their wedding day happened. Michelle was dancing with their dad and had issues with the train on their dress. Skyler ran out to the dance floor and swooped up the train. It was so special and just a way to see how Michelle & Skyler really care and serve each other. The reception was truly a wild party, with Skyler changing into shorts {but keeping the jacket and boots: stunning} and Michelle changing into a dancing dress. I highly recommend a second outfit if it feels right for you, even if it’s just a small change for your comfort!

This day was such a blast and it felt so, so right for these two. Congratulations again, Michelle & Skyler!

Atlanta Wedding Vendors

Planner & Florist: Sweet Grass Weddings
Venue: Upstairs Atlanta
Caterer: Boards and Platters, The Mad Greek, and Tacos &Tequila
Bakery: Publix, Fresh Market, and Dulce Vegan
Entertainment: FaeDead
Beauty: Courtney Musick Beauty
Wedding Dress: Kenneth Winston
Suit: Studio Suits
Rings: Brilliant Earth
Officiant: Dani Heard

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Raven is an Atlanta Wedding Photographer who captures real people on their totally unique and awesome wedding day, specializing in people who feel awkward in front of the camera. She travels throughout Georgia, including Athens, North Georgia, and beyond.

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