Couple Showcase: Abbey & Casey’s Rehearsal Dinner

Hello Gorgeous!

Before the “I do”, the family photos, and the dancing - The Rehearsal Dinner is a warm welcome that gives guests a sneak peek into the joy, hospitality, and thoughtfulness that will define the entire wedding weekend. For Abbey and Casey, there was no better way to kick off their wedding weekend than by welcoming their favorite people to one unforgettable evening overlooking the Memphis skyline.

Hosted on the balcony of the iconic Bass Pro Pyramid, this Rehearsal Dinner was a love letter to the city that means so much to the couple. As guests stepped outside, they were greeted with sweeping views of downtown Memphis, incredible food, and thoughtful details that made the evening feel uniquely personal.

Thank you, A&C, for allowing me to be your Event Planner! -EC

Emma had the joy of planning this evening alongside Karen, Casey's mom. Somewhere between design meetings, color palettes, and dreaming up ways to make the night feel unmistakably "Memphis," a friendship bloomed, and the planning process seemed to fall together seamlessly.

From the very beginning, Karen's heart was in every decision. She wanted this evening to be more than a rehearsal dinner; she wanted it to be a celebration of Abbey and Casey's story, a heartfelt welcome for every guest, and the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable weekend. We leaned into a vibrant Memphis-inspired color palette with pops of yellow, royal blue, and light blue woven throughout the design. As the sun went down, bold blue uplighting illuminated the balcony—creating a stunning glow that could even be seen from the streets below.

Of course, every event has a few behind-the-scenes adventures, and this one definitely kept our team on our toes. With the rehearsal dinner taking place on the outdoor balcony on Memphis’ HUGE Pyramid building, there was no shortage of walking as we transported décor, coordinated vendors, and kept everything running smoothly. (Let's just say we had no problem reaching our step goals that day!)

And then there was the wind.

If you've ever planned an outdoor event overlooking the Mississippi River, you know the breeze doesn't exactly ask permission before making an entrance. Our team spent the evening making sure every menu card, napkin, and design element stayed exactly where it belonged. Thankfully, teamwork—and a little determination—won every time.

As guests settled in, they enjoyed an incredible meal while taking in one of the best views in Memphis. But one of our favorite moments of the evening was during the toasts. One of the younger members of the family stood up and ended his heartfelt speech with one simple wish: "Let's make it the best day ever!" Talk about making a moment memorable! Not a single person could resist the smile or laughs that spread throughout the crowd.

Sometimes the sweetest moments are the simplest ones, and that little toast perfectly captured the excitement everyone felt heading into Abbey and Casey's wedding day. Looking back, this rehearsal dinner was everything we hope these celebrations can be: meaningful, personal, joyful, and a reminder of why being surrounded by your closest loved ones matters.

Abbey and Casey, thank you for letting us help kick off such an incredible wedding weekend. And to Karen, thank you for your trust, your vision, and for reminding us that the most memorable celebrations are always the ones planned with love.