What were you looking for in a venue?
We were looking for a venue that was unlike any we had seen before, but that was still within our budget. We fell in love with the exposed brick walls and hardwood floors at Mill 1. I loved the flexibility that we had with the decorating, and once we toured the space, I immediately had ideas about what I wanted to do. The date we wanted was available, and we were thrilled to get started with the planning process!

In what order did you secure your wedding vendors and do you recommend other couples do the same?
I’m fairly certain we chose the venue first, and then immediately after secured catering, and the ceremony space. I recommend that other couples think about what their “must haves” are, and go from there. If there’s a florist or photographer they are set on booking, maybe they can be more flexible with the availability of venues and other vendors.

You had your ceremony off site. Tell us where you chose and why.
Having the ceremony off site (at Elms College), and then traveling to Mill 1 for the reception went smoothly. The travel time actually gave us an opportunity to briefly celebrate and unwind with our best friends in the bridal party, as it was the first time we were all together that day.

Which three photos are your favorites and why?
Picking just three photos from our wedding day at Mill 1 is so hard! If I had to pick my favorite, it would be a black and white photo {left} of our first dance at such an angle that captures the paper lanterns we had hung (by CJC lighting). It also just catches us in our little moment alone, but surrounded by everyone we love. We also loved a silhouette shot that Dani took of us standing in one of the huge windows {below left} in the lobby. It’s so simple, but striking. I would also definitely say the black and white photo of the sparklers we lit  {below right} with our bridal party outside the main door.

What time of year did you choose for your wedding and why?
Buckle up for cheesiness–Terrence and I have literally been together since the day we met, and thought it was pretty special that we were lucky enough to celebrate that fact at each anniversary. When it was time to pick a wedding date, we knew that we wanted to try to keep it the same if we could. (Why add more dates to remember, right?) So our dating anniversary was July 10th, and the year we got married, July 9th was a Saturday. Mill 1 was available, and so our decision was made!

In your experience, which wedding details are worth sweating?
We had a long list of songs for our DJ, because we wanted to make sure both of our families would get on the dance floor throughout the night, and we were so happy with the outcome. Particularly for the venue, I knew for sure that I wanted the paper lanterns and string lights over the dance floor, as well as the up-lighting throughout the space. It just added so much warmth in contrast to the exposed brick and hardwood floors. I also wanted to make use of all the window ledges. Originally I had wanted a digital photo slideshow, but I had the idea of getting the pictures printed and framed inexpensively, and placed them throughout each window. I think our guests had fun walking around and looking at them, and it also gave us more flexibility with time for socializing and dancing. Instead of the traditional memory table for loved ones who had passed, including my Dad, we put their photos on windows to each side of our sweetheart table. It was important for us that they were recognized and nearby.

What special details of your celebration are most memorable to you?
We loved dancing with everyone, but one of our favorite moments was our last song of the night. The DJ played the song we chose, and had the remaining standing guests swaying and clapping along to the music. We were so happy and just really felt all the love. It was a perfect end to the day.