Introducing the 1908 Grand: A Dreamy Gainesville Wedding Venue

Your wedding day is just around the corner, and it’s time you found the picture-perfect location to host your special event. If you’ve got a thing for classic elegance and historic charm, we know that this wedding venue will blow you away.

Located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, the historic 1908 Grand is one of the most breathtaking wedding venues around. From the ballroom’s rich hardwood floors to the stunning chandeliers throughout, this historic building is full of incredible views.

At Matthew Harris Photography, we recently had the privilege and honor of co-hosting a styled shoot at this spectacular wedding venue. Join us now as we take you through an inside look at the timeless style and luxury of 1908 Grand.

Exploring the Elegance of the 1908 Grand Styled Shoot

This styled shoot was designed with classic elegance in mind, using the architecture and decor of 1908 Grand to create something simple, yet sophisticated. While this space is conveniently flexible and can be used for a variety of events, we wanted to plan a styled shoot that celebrated the venue’s original design.

During this shoot, we had access to the entire wedding venue, including the main floor meeting room and upstairs ballroom, as well as the bridal suite and groom’s room. Four hours of event time was hardly enough for us to capture 1908 Grand’s extensive spaces.

The Inspiration Behind the Shoot: Bringing History to Life

While this venue has recently become one of the city’s most sought-after event locations, Gainesville locals can tell you that this wasn’t always the case. You may be surprised to find out that over a century ago, this popular wedding venue served the community as an active Masonic Lodge!

As a historic location, the building was recently restored to its original grandeur under the direction of Senator Keith Perry. In honor of this restoration, we wanted this styled shoot to be the perfect marriage of historic design elements and modern conveniences. 

Unveiling the Design Elements: From Vintage Decor to Luxurious Details

Ultimately, our team of vendors settled on a Pearl Grand Wedding theme for this classy styled shoot. The main colors for this wedding ceremony would be black and white, highlighted by gold and a hint of lilac.

To add character and color to this event, we envisioned striking floral arrangements and luxurious decor options. I think it’s safe to say that our dedicated team of wedding vendors delivered far beyond our wildest dreams.

Spotlight on the Vendors: Collaborating to Create a Magical Experience

Naturally, an event of this caliber could not have been executed without a talented team of wedding professionals. The styled shoot was hosted by 1908 Grand through the coordination of Kaitlyn Marie’s Events & Design.

We were pleased to co-lead the photography team with our skilled colleague, Brooklyn Focus Photography. In addition to this, our incredible decor (tabletop, signage, and invitation suite) was provided by the dynamic duo at Mercer + Smith events.

Florals were arranged by Ashley Rodriguez of Gainesville’s own, Garden & Grace. As for the delectable wedding cake, we were honored to partner with local baker, Cake Crazzie.

Hair and make-up were exquisitely done by Hair by Sabrina Lynn and Kara Winslow MUA, respectively. Our stunning bridal gown and pearl-covered veil were provided by the talented team at Allure Bridal Boutique, Gainesville.

*Full List of Vendors at the end of the blog.

A Grand Love Story: Meet the Happy Couple

We would be remiss if we didn’t take the time to introduce you to our models for this timeless styled shoot. Real life couple, Courtney and Fabio, were incredibly professional and easy to work with throughout the event.

Although Courtney and Fabio have already married, they did not get the opportunity to book a professional photographer for their wedding. For this reason, it was a privilege and honor to provide them with images that truly capture their love for each other.

Booking Your Dream Wedding at the 1908 Grand: Pricing and Packages

If you’ve been inspired by this breathtaking styled shoot, just know that we still haven’t gotten over it ourselves! For couples who are looking for the wedding venue of their dreams, 1908 Grand is the perfect choice.

If you and your spouse-to-be need a little more info before saying “I do” to 1908 Grand, feel free to check out their detailed pricing guide. If you have any further questions about their amenities, guest capacity, and event spaces, their dedicated team can address you concerns via their contact form.

Conclusion: Creating Lasting Memories at the 1908 Grand Styled Shoot

In conclusion, the 1908 Grand in Gainesville stands as a truly dreamy wedding venue that exudes classic elegance and historic charm.

The success of the styled shoot was made possible by the collaboration of a talented team of wedding professionals, including event coordination, photography, decor, florals, cake, hair and makeup, and bridal attire. Their expertise and creativity ensured a magical and unforgettable experience for the happy couple and all involved.

In essence, the 1908 Grand is a venue that captures the hearts and imaginations of couples looking for a picture-perfect location to celebrate their special day. Its historic allure, combined with its timeless elegance and dedicated team of professionals, makes it a truly exceptional choice for unforgettable weddings in Gainesville.

Featured Vendors:

Venue: 1908 Grand

Coordination: Kaitlyn Marie’s Events and Design

Lead Photographers: Brooklyn Focus Photography and Matthew Harris Photography

Florist: Garden & Grace Florals

Rentals + Invitation Suite: Mercer + Smith Events

Wedding Cake: Cake Crazzie

Hair: Hair by Sabrina Lynn

MUA: Kara Winslow – Makeup Artist

Bridal Gown: Allure Bridal Boutique