A December Celebration at The Gallery Event Space
Some weddings invite you into a world, warm, polished, nostalgic, and deeply personal. Elizabeth and Kolin’s December celebration was exactly that: a Ralph Lauren inspired wedding in Kansas City that blended Southern charm, family heritage, and classic holiday elegance. Every detail felt intentional, intimate, and timeless.
A Morning Rooted in Meaning
The day began in two places rich with personal history.
Kolin and his groomsmen got ready at the couple’s home. The space felt calm, familiar, and comforting before the excitement ahead.
Down the street, Elizabeth and her bridesmaids gathered at her aunt’s home. Family dogs wandered through the rooms, adding warmth and ease. The morning felt relaxed, sentimental, and deeply connected to her roots. It was the perfect start to a winter wedding shaped by tradition and heart.
A Ceremony Filled With Faith, Tradition & Irish Heritage
Redemptorist Catholic Church, Kansas City
The ceremony took place at Redemptorist Catholic Church, one of Kansas City’s most historic and beautiful Catholic churches. Soft winter light filtered through the stained glass, creating a peaceful setting for vows rooted in faith and family tradition.
As Elizabeth and Kolin exited the church, bagpipes filled the air. The music honored a meaningful trip to Scotland that Elizabeth shared with her mother. Streamers with tiny bells followed an Irish custom meant to bless a marriage with harmony and good fortune. Their gentle chime in the crisp December air was the perfect way to send the couple off in a vintage Rolls Royce.
An Enchanting Guest Entrance Inspired by Winter Fantasy
As soon as guests entered the building, their experience began.
Upon arrival, they received champagne and entered a corridor of flocked evergreen trees. The moment felt straight from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a quiet shift from snowy Kansas City into a refined winter celebration.
This unexpected entrance quickly became one of the most talked-about details of the wedding.
Thoughtful Colorado-Inspired Touches
To honor their love for Colorado, we added subtle nods to Hotel Jerome throughout the escort display and cocktail hour.
Escort cards rested on a blackwatch plaid linen from Nuage Designs, paired with a floral installation inspired by The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans’ holiday lobby. For cocktail hour, tables featured deer antlers, vintage books, and petite bud vases. These details echoed the cozy après-ski lounges found in one of the couple’s favorite Aspen hotels, Hotel Jerome.
Each detail blended seamlessly with the holiday aesthetic, creating a cohesive design that honored the couple’s style and some of their favorite places.
A Reception Designed With Southern Warmth & Ralph Lauren Style
The Gallery Event Space
Inside The Gallery Event Space, the design transformed into a refined winter lodge filled with texture and warmth. This Ralph Lauren inspired wedding in Kansas City drew from Southern tradition and elevated holiday style.
Elizabeth’s childhood travels through the South—and her love of blackwatch plaid, inspired by her grade school uniform—shaped the aesthetic. Magnolia leaves, velvet textures, metallic linens, and soft candlelight added depth and seasonal richness.
Design inspiration came from Ralph Lauren, Tuckernuck, and J.Crew.
Blue Bouquet completed the vision with magnolia foliage, lush winter greenery, and layered white florals. The result felt elegant, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated.
A Celebration That Felt Like Home
Curated linens from Nuage Designs, blackwatch stationery from Sparkman Studio, and a custom bar from Fancy Affair KC created a warm, elevated setting. The environment felt both classic and comfortable, reflecting the couple’s timeless style.
Lost Wax kept the dance floor full well into the evening, setting the tone for a joyful, lively celebration.
One unforgettable surprise arrived when Baby Jay joined the reception. The moment paired perfectly with the groom’s cake honoring Kolin’s years playing football at the University of Kansas.
A Disco-Inspired After-Party in Downtown Kansas City
The celebration continued late into the night at Kill Devil Club, where a disco-inspired after-party transformed the energy. Sparkling lights, lively music, and Taco Bell late-night snacks brought a fun, playful contrast to the classic elegance of the reception.
It was the perfect finale—bold, joyful, and distinctly “them.”
A December Wedding Filled With Heart & Heritage
Elizabeth and Kolin’s winter celebration reflected everything they love: holiday nostalgia, Southern warmth, Colorado influence, Irish tradition, and timeless design.
This Ralph Lauren inspired wedding in Kansas City was crafted with intention, ensuring every detail felt personal, welcoming, and true to their story. It was a celebration as meaningful in memory as it was stunning in the moment.
Vendor Team
Planner: Nellie Sparkman Events
Lead Photographers: Espy’s Photography, Jenny Shipley Photo, Jessica Roark for Bailey Pianalto Photography
Videography: Brit Little Films
Venue: The Gallery Event Space
Floral: Blue Bouquet KC
Beauty: Bronzed + Blushed
Decor & Rentals: Fancy Affair KC, Nuage Designs Inc, Marquee Rents, Landers Visions
Dessert: Raspberry Rose, KC Scoop Coupe
Entertainment: Lost Wax
Gown Boutique: Mimi’s Couture Bridal
Gown Designers: Anne Barge, Dany Tabet
Bridesmaids: Alfred Sung from Bella Bridesmaids KC
Menswear: Leibowitz Menswear, Slabotsky’s Mens
Stationery: Sparkman Studio
Transportation: Limo KC, Pech Limo
