Foundation for the Carolinas is a really incredible art gallery that’s free to checkout on the streets of Uptown Charlotte. But what you might not know is upstairs they host an amazing wedding venue: 220 North Tryon.

Jackie and Pablo’s wedding at 220 North Tryon was an unfortunately rainy day, but they went in with a positive attitude and lots of energy, so it turned not to matter at all! From the very beginning, Jackie had a vision of a woodland fairytale vibe for the wedding (inspired by some of her favorite fantasy novels) and the décor did not disappoint. There was greenery, moss, little ceramic mushrooms, and fairy lights throughout the upstairs solarium, which is where they held both wedding ceremony and reception. Honestly, the rain on the big windows overlooking the city almost added to the cozy woodland feel. Later, they honored Pablo’s roots with a Latin dance music and La Hora Loca!

A Rainy Wedding Morning

Jackie and her bridesmaids did their hair and makeup offsite at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Center City, but then the entire wedding party met up at the venue for the first look. While the wedding itself was planned for the top floor, the first floor of the building where guests enter is a large art gallery full of intricate glass sculptures. There is also a large staircase in the gallery, which is where Jackie and Pablo chose to do their first look. Because they chose to arrive at the venue so early before the ceremony, we had lots of time to play around with some creative wedding portraits featuring much of the art at Foundation for the Carolinas on display.

Wedding Ceremony at 220 North Tryon

Jackie and Pablo’s wedding ceremony was very sweet and officiated by one of our favorite officiants in all of Charlotte: Rev. Rebecca Nagy. She kept the couple smiling and laughing throughout, which made the ceremony fun and enjoyable for all. Jackie and Pablo chose to do a handfasting ceremony with a rope handmade by Jackie! After that and the exchange of rings, the guests headed off to cocktail hour while Jackie and Pablo braved the rain for a few newlywed portraits. When you have a wedding at Foundation for the Carolinas, you’re able to use the art gallery for all sorts of portraits – a BIG benefit to using the space.

Foundation for the Carolinas Wedding Reception (ft. La Hora Loca!)

The second half of the wedding day was all about having fun! We heard some hilarious toasts to the happy couple, indulged in the mashed potato bar (a must-have for Jackie!), and partied hard on the dancefloor. Towards the end of the night, things transitioned from fun to wild with the start of La Hora Loca: “The Crazy Hour”. All of a sudden, the dancefloor was packed and filled with funky hats, colorful glasses, and glow sticks. Jackie and Pablo even did a t-shirt toss (t-shirts with their faces on it of course) into the crowded dancefloor before exiting for the night. Only once everyone else had left did Jackie and Pablo reappear to do a private last dance on the balcony because it had finally stopped raining.

Lastly, check out their playful South End engagement session with donuts!

Getting Ready Location: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Center City | Ceremony and Reception Venue: 220 North Tryon at Foundation For The Carolinas | Planner: Clockwork Events & Design | Catering: Best Impressions Caterers | Cake Baker: Wentworth & Fenn | Donuts: Pepperbox Doughnuts | DJ: Split Second Sound | Officiant: Rev. Rebecca Nagy | Wedding Dress Designer: Vow’d | Wedding Dress Purchase Location: Alter’d State | Suits: Men’s Warehouse | Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie