Recently we’ve been chatting about how to create an Old World wedding aesthetic in your local wedding. Destination weddings are near and dear to my heart, and I highly recommend them to anyone who will listen! Shared experiences are the ultimate way to bond with your loved ones and celebrate your new life. However, if you want the feeling of being transported without the international flight, you can read here about some ways to bring your Old World wedding dreams to life locally. If you are near Memphis, TN, read here to see 5 wedding venues in Memphis that feel like Europe. More importantly, you need a visionary to help you navigate the delicate balance of creating a destination feeling while staying close to home.
With that in mind, you simply must meet Kelsey Morgan Event Styling! Kelsey is a Memphis wedding planner and stylist who excels at channeling European charm in her work! If you’ve ever fallen in love with the lush, feminine elegance of “Bridgerton”, Sophia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette”, or Autumn de Wilde’s “Emma” - you have met your perfect match! Grab a cup of your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s get better acquainted with your new fairy godmother, Kelsey.
(Image below by Mary Kate Steele)
How did you become a wedding planner?
Kelsey has always had a passion for styling and design in all things- interiors, fashion, flowers, etc- she’s a true creative spirit. With these desires at her core, she studied Family and Consumer studies with a minor in marketing- all of which set her up beautifully to serve her clients’ needs. Through her education, she couldn’t escape the call of her inner artist- if you are also a creative soul, you know exactly how this feels! To answer this call, she interned with local event planners while she was still in school. With the encouragement of one of her photographer friends, Kelsey launched her business in spring of 2014. She has built well-deserved trust, and a reputation for artistic excellence ever since.
(Image below by Kelly Ginn. Cake by The Flour Garden. Florals EH Blooms)
What is your dream wedding to design?
Let’s paint a picture- make sure to envision yourself as the main subject. Your backdrop is an intimate, Italian venue that boasts architecture that is hundreds of years old. You have a view of the lake district while you are surrounded by soft color palettes, garden charm, and lush florals drip over and around you. Dozens of taper candles glow on the faces of 50 or fewer of your dearest loved ones. This memorable dinner party is full of regional experiences for the senses- seasonal dishes like lemon parmesan pasta, raised glasses of wine crafted by a village family, and gentle music from live musicians nearby. Kelsey’s vision sounds like a memory I wouldn’t want to miss!
(Image by Mary Kate Steele. Florals Wildflowers by Camille.)
What are your main sources of inspiration?
As a self-proclaimed lover of movies, Kelsey finds visual inspiration in Nancy Meyer films- such as the English cottage setting for “The Holiday”- and period shows like “Bridgerton” and “The Crown” that both showcase lush florals, impeccable color design, and elegant fashion. When she wants to shake off mental cobwebs, Kelsey loves exploring the Anthropologie’s displays. Finding creativity in cooking is also a festive and relaxing time for Kelsey to generate inspiration.
(Image by Morgan Newsome. Venue The Brooks Museum. Florals Wildflowersby Camille. Rentals White Door Events. Tableware Mahaffey Party Connection)
What are your brides like?
As an artist and visionary, Kelsey often works with women who share many of her values: details in design, crafting stylish expression, and someone who isn’t afraid of embracing her inner girly-girl. Creativity runs deep in her veins- perhaps she even has made a career in design. She enjoys the good things in life like excellent food, and cultivating her personal style, and creating beauty in her environment. Ultimately, her client will trust her because they share values for creativity, design, and personal taste.
(Image by Mary Kate Steele. Dress from Maggie Louise Bridal by Monique Lhuillier. Bouquet Wildflowers by Camille).
What is your best advice for a bride?
“Hiring a planner is likely one of the most important vendors to have on your wedding day and should be a first thought and not a luxury item or something to add near the end of planning. Hiring a planner can actually save you money and help you hire all of the right people for your big day.”
I could not have said is better. Kelsey's advice is golden. If you're facing the job of planning a wedding- locally or abroad- you need to make hiring a planner your first priority. It will save you stress, insure your vision can be brought to life, and ultimately will help you focus on more important aspects of your upcoming marriage.