Real Weddings
Local Couples Tie the Knot at Area Venues
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Common House
Taylor & Graham Manor
Photos by Our Ampersand Photo
When it came time to plan their wedding, getting married at Common House was an easy decision for Taylor and Graham Manor. “We’ve both always loved Common House,” shares Taylor. “Before renovations started, Graham went through with the previous owner and took so many wonderful photos. It was actually one of the first conversations we had! I love the spaces we use for events and how they can be tailored to fit anyone’s style. I was part of the opening staff from 2021 and have always known if I ever got married it had to be at Common House.”
Taylor and Graham married on September 16, 2023, in Common House’s garden followed by a reception upstairs in its Ruby Hall. The ceremony smoothly transitioned to a cocktail hour, where the happy couple was able to mingle with guests while taking photos. “I didn’t feel like I had to miss out on anything! The Common House team did a great job of seamlessly transitioning our guests upstairs once cocktail hour was over,” says Taylor.
Deep purples, greens, and oranges comprised the day’s décor, and at the reception, floral arrangements hung from the ceiling while candles created a romantic and moody atmosphere. Common House catered a dinner of lamb meatballs, pork belly, roasted vegetables, and fresh bread, as well as late-night bites consisting of sliders and mini fried chicken biscuits to fuel the fun. Macarons and cookies made by the venue’s pastry chef served as dessert while bartenders provided libations from a circle bar in the center of the room.
The day contained many meaningful moments involving family, including a first look with Taylor’s “bonus” son and her cousin officiating the wedding while Graham’s brother played the piano. “We also got to have our golden retriever, Waylon, in our ceremony! He
was really the star of the show,” she adds.
From the bridal suite to the celebrations, Common House hosted every second of the special day. And since the couple was staying the night in one of its rooms, they were able to remain at the reception with their loved ones, “dancing until the last song ended.”
How He Proposed: “We had my bonus son, Coltrane, for the week, and after dinner the boys went off to do their thing. They came around the side of the house, and all of a sudden Graham proposed – I totally blacked out from surprise. While they were inside Graham had shown Coltrane my engagement ring and he said that Graham had to propose that day. We have the sweetest video of him coaching dad through it – he was in kindergarten at the time. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
