The Complete Guide to Planning a Wedding in Mobile Bay

Photography: Victor Villatoro

Embarking on the journey to plan your dream wedding can indeed feel like stepping into a whirlwind of decisions and details – and rightly so! The task of orchestrating this special day, from envisioning themes to selecting the perfect florist, caterer, and photographer, can often seem like a monumental undertaking. This is especially true in a city as abundant with wedding resources as the beautiful landscape of Mobile Bay.

These professionals stand ready to cater to your every wedding whim and necessity, ensuring that your vision transforms into a flawless reality. Rest assured, from the grandest of designs to the tiniest of details, we’ve got you covered. So, sit back, take a deep breath, and allow us to guide you through this exciting journey towards your unforgettable day.


PLANNER


BLAIR EVENTS

@blairevents | At the helm of Blair Events is Blair Gewin, a fun-loving and outgoing lifelong Mobilian with a commitment to raising the standard of excellence and elegance to those entrusting her with one of the most important days of their lives. Blair Events is known for creating “wow” moments — moments that reflect every couple’s unique style and personality. Blair’s services are best in class while you enjoy the freedom to be as involved or as hands-on as you wish to be. Wherever you are on your wedding planning journey, Blair recommends, coordinates, and works with the most sought-after vendors on the Gulf Coast.  


VENUE


CROWN HALL

@crownhallevents | Discover unparalleled elegance and seamless event planning with our all-inclusive full-service package at Crown Hall. Elevate your special occasion with stunning venues, expert catering, and personalized attention to every detail. From exquisite decor to top-notch service, we ensure a memorable experience for you and your guests at Crown Hall Event Venue.

FAIRHOPE INN

@fairhopeinn | From wedding receptions to brunches, family celebrations to corporate functions, the Fairhope Inn delights in all kinds of celebrations. They offer a diverse array of venue options, including porches, private dining areas, and a courtyard patio, accommodating up to 300 guests. With a seasoned events team, they have coordinated numerous events, collaborating with trusted local vendors for flowers, photography, music, and event rentals. Combining sophisticated Southern historic charm with spectacular service, the Fairhope Inn ensures that every occasion is truly memorable.

GRAND HOTEL

@grandhotelresort | Nestled within The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa is 41,000 square feet of banquet space, perfect for grand receptions or intimate gatherings. With an additional 550 acres of outdoor event space, this resort offers expansive celebrations in a beautiful natural setting. Ideal for Alabama destination weddings, The Grand features lush gardens and pristine beaches. Their banquet facilities and various wedding packages cater to diverse styles, while customized menus ensure a unique culinary experience. The award-winning catering and banquet staff add to the allure of this Gulf Coast beach wedding site, making The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa the ideal choice for a memorable wedding.

HOPE FARM

@thehopefarmfairhope | The Hope Farm is a Food + Wine Bar and Event Venue located in Fairhope, AL. We can host an array of events for guests during their wedding season including engagement parties, bridesmaid luncheons, showers, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, toast dinners, and more! Our event spaces include The Barn, The Hall in our main dining room, The Pavilion, and The Back 40. With a full-service event space, we can create the perfect food and beverage menu for your event, all in-house.

THE VENUE

@thevenuefairhope | Nestled in the heart of downtown Fairhope, The Venue stands out as a premier event space, conveniently situated near a plethora of city attractions. With an expansive 8,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor event space, it graciously accommodates gatherings of up to 300 guests. For those seeking a more intimate setting, The Venue offers the delightful option to section off rooms, ensuring a personalized and comfortable experience for all. Included in your rental package are all the necessary tables and chairs, simplifying the planning process and adding to the convenience. Step outside onto their charming tented outdoor patio, covering an impressive 2,400 square feet, perfect for creating memorable moments during outdoor events.


DECOR AND FLORALS


PORT CITY RENTALS

@portcityrentals | Port City Rentals is the oldest and largest full-service event and wedding rental company in Mobile. From weddings of all sizes to corporate events and private parties, we’ve been bringing special events along the Gulf Coast for over 45 years. Their team of creative specialists will work with you to tailor your event to your specific wants and needs, bringing your vision to life! Helen Brunner shared, “Our staff of event experts will be with you every step of the way from onsite visits and consultations to item fulfillment and day of setup. Our team also includes a carpentry team that can create custom pieces along with custom colors that will surely make your event stand out from all others!”

REVELRY BLOOM

@revelrybloom | Revelry Bloom provides design consultations and production of all types of social events including weddings, corporate parties and any custom floral event. Julia and her team specialize in creating a truly unique atmosphere through the use of fresh flowers and decorations. Besty Greer, lead florist and owner, shared, “Nothing spruces up a room like a vase of fresh flowers. Being able to do that on a large scale is something special. Happy smiles on our clients’ faces are also a special treat that keeps us coming back for more!” At Revelry Bloom, they offer a variety of services beyond registry assistance. This includes supplying stunning floral arrangements for large corporate events or luncheons. They also curate their ever-changing retail spaces at the Greer’s St. Louis Market in downtown Mobile, AL, as well as the Greer’s Fairhope Market in Fairhope, AL. Additionally, Revelry Bloom specializes in designing and constructing custom Mardi Gras Regalia for Kings, Queens, Leading Ladies, and Court members of any Mardi Gras organization.


CAKES AND CATERING


BAY GOURMET CATERING

@baygourmet | Savor the essence of local flavors and elevate your event with Bay Gourmet Catering and Bar Service. Our culinary artisans specialize in crafting custom menus inspired by the region’s rich tastes, while our bar service complements the experience with a selection of premium beverages. Immerse your guests in a feast of local delights, curated with precision and served by our full-service staff. Additionally, experience the same culinary excellence with our offsite catering option, bringing Bay Gourmet’s signature touch to your chosen location.

SUKAR BAKES

@sukarbakes | Every delightful creation bearing the Sukar Bakes name is the brainchild of Nour Hasan herself. In 2020, she established Sukar Bakes right in her kitchen, located in Mobile, AL, where she resides with her loving husband and three beautiful children. With a knack for all things crafty, she sees baking as an art form where she can combine diverse techniques into one mixing bowl. Many of Nour’s creations are so stunningly beautiful that they almost seem too perfect to eat. However, once you take that first bite, the taste is as exquisite as the appearance. Her exceptional work has garnered attention and accolades, including being featured in Alabama Weddings magazine, among other prestigious publications.

THE WASH HOUSE RESTAURANT

@thewashhouserestaurant | Nestled in Point Clear, Alabama, The Wash House offers fine, locally sourced coastal cuisine in a rustic, fine dining atmosphere. Despite its unassuming exterior, this hidden gem is renowned as one of the best dining experiences in all of Mobile Bay. Within their venue, three distinct rooms await your selection. The main dining room exudes elegance with its hanging, twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere. This spacious area accommodates up to 100 guests, perfect for various reception-style events such as weddings, parties, anniversary gatherings, and business functions. Step into The Lodge for a cozy atmosphere, complete with a crackling fireplace and a private bar. Here, up to 70 guests can relax and enjoy the intimate setting. For a more intimate affair, the Cypress Room offers a charming space with the combined allure of The Lodge and Main Dining Room. Seating up to 40 guests, it provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere for smaller gatherings or events.


PAPER SUITE


IT’S INVITING

@itsinviting | It’s Inviting goes above and beyond, taking the time to truly connect with each and every bride on a personal level. This deep understanding allows them to perfectly capture the personality and desires of the couple through their bespoke paper suites. From the first consultation to the final product, It’s Inviting ensures that every detail reflects the unique essence of the bride and groom, resulting in wedding stationery that is not just beautiful but a true reflection of the couple’s love story. Owner, Genie Baker shared, “This is truly one of the happiest times in a person’s life, and my favorite moment is when they get to see their invitation. It’s like a magical moment that makes the whole wedding experience feel even more real and special.”


WHERE TO REGISTER


CHAPEL FARM COLLECTION

@chapelfarmcollection | Nestled in the charming Point Clear area, Chapel Farm Collection provides a unique experience for couples registering for their special day. From elegant China patterns to exquisite glassware, they have everything you could possibly dream of for your registry. But what truly sets them apart is their stunning collection of antiques. With a carefully curated selection of both new and timeless treasures, Chapel Farm Collection is an absolute must for couples looking to add a touch of magic to their big day.

IVY COTTAGE

@ivycottage | When it comes to registry services in Mobile, Ivy Cottage offers a delightful journey for engaged couples. They thoroughly enjoy assisting soon-to-be-married pairs as they envision their table settings and dream about the gatherings they’ll host for loved ones in their new life together. Ivy Cottage aims to grasp each couple’s unique style, offering suggestions for registry items that perfectly match their vibe. Post-wedding, their joy continues as they collaborate with couples to ensure they have all the essentials in place. For those residing out of town, Ivy Cottage happily arranges gift shipments. Their commitment extends far beyond a sale – their service remains steadfast throughout the entire process.


BRIDAL TROUSSEAU


LILIBET BRIDAL & COUTURE

@lilibet_bridal | Founded by sisters Corinna Hill and Elizabeth Parnell, this boutique has since been a haven for brides across the Gulf Coast in their quest for the perfect wedding gown. At Lilibet, the experience is intimate and personalized, with private appointments allowing brides the luxury of time to select or even design their dream gown. Choosing the gown is often the highlight of wedding planning, and at Lilibet, it’s more than just a task — it’s a passion. Corinna and Elizabeth are dedicated to bringing each bride’s vision to life, making it their utmost priority. As Corinna aptly puts it, “There is no greater reward than seeing a bride come out in her gown, knowing how beautiful she is.”


FOR HIM


EAST BAY CLOTHIERS

@eastbayclothiers | Let’s not overlook the important role of our grooms, for without them, there would be no brides! East Bay Clothiers stands out as the go-to destination for the finest suits and tuxedos in town. With a plethora of options for customization, they are the perfect choice for the entire wedding party. Whether you envision your groom in a classic suit and tie or a sleek, tailored tuxedo, East Bay Clothiers has it all. From head to toe, they specialize in dressing grooms to perfection, ensuring that every detail is meticulously attended to.


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