The morning after Rae and Aaron’s wedding, Up Scale Restaurant and Bar closed its doors for good. Its final night involved 40 wedding guests, almost 20 speeches, a playlist that jumped from Earth, Wind & Fire to heavy metal, and the newlyweds changing into sweatsuits to help finish the bar with the staff.

Rae and Aaron spent their first dates exploring San Antonio’s Southtown, and Up Scale later became one of their favourite spots in the neighbourhood. So, holding their wedding there felt extra special, plus the restaurant’s food and stunning interiors gave them the sort of wedding they always wanted.

As wedding suppliers themselves (Rae works as a photographer and Aaron as a musician) they had seen enough celebrations to know which parts mattered to them. They removed any tradition that got in the way of what they really wanted.

“We threw tradition out the window and made every part of the day feel like us”, Rae said. “I walked down the aisle with our daughter on my hip wearing a hot pink mini dress and a white veil, while Aaron wore his favourite sunglasses all day. As a surprise, I walked down the aisle to his favourite metal song by Sleep Token. My best friend officiated in a blue suit, and another best friend read our shared values instead of a religious reading.”

As the venue was already spot on their aesthetic, they didn’t need to do any DIY or even much in the way of additional décor. They added bright pops of colour with the flowers, and Rae would have happily doubled the amount. “I was obsessed with our flowers… wish there had been even more!” she said.

Food took the largest share of their actual budget, but it actually ended up being relatively affordable as they didn’t have to pay an additional fee for the space!

Once dinner was finished, the speeches began. Almost 20 people gave toasts during the evening. Rae and Aaron wanted to hear from as many of their loved ones as possible, so the microphone travelled around the room until people were done!

There was no bouquet or garter toss or concern about which “side” anybody should stand on. At around 1am, Rae threw her veil towards all their single friends, regardless of gender.

As the night continued, Rae and Aaron changed into sweatsuits and staff finished their shifts and joined the party. The couple made their formal exit at 3am, although celebrations carried on until 5am! Rae and Aaron had definitely given the venue a proper last night.

“I have so much respect for the incredible amount of creativity, time, skill, and emotional investment that wedding vendors pour into their work”, Rae concluded. “At the same time, I always encourage couples to be thoughtful and shrewd when navigating the industry. Respect your vendors’ craft, understand the value behind what they provide, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or advocate for yourselves. The wedding industry is filled with incredibly talented people, but like any industry, it’s important to do your research, read contracts carefully, and make informed decisions. You can honour the artistry and expertise of your vendors while also making sure you’re investing in the right people for your vision and your priorities.”