Let’s be real—wedding days are a whirlwind of emotions, logistics, and unforgettable moments. With a guest list of under 100, Sam and Ryan focused on what truly matters: incredible food, top-notch vendors, and their absolute favorite people in the world.
By the time we jumped in as their day-of coordinators, they had most of their vendors booked and their vision solidified. Our job? To bring it all together seamlessly and make sure they could soak up every single moment without stressing over timelines or details. And friends, it was pure magic.
The Venue: The Steam Plant’s Chic Downtown Charm
Sam and Ryan chose The Steam Plant as their venue, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect spot for their vibe. This historic downtown Dayton gem was once a DP&L steam-generating plant (yep, it’s got cool industrial roots). After sitting abandoned for years, the space was transformed into a modern, elegant event venue with gorgeous arched windows, a stunning grand hall, and an undeniable charm.
The Steam Plant isn’t just a venue—it’s a conversation starter, a backdrop for epic photos, and a space that oozes personality. It perfectly matched Sam and Ryan’s laid-back yet sophisticated style.
The Photography: Storytelling Through Chelsea Hall’s Lens
Enter Chelsea Hall Photography, aka the artist behind the camera. Chelsea has this incredible way of blending into the background one moment and being your hype woman the next. She describes her approach as “teetering between being a wallflower and becoming best friends with your great aunt Betty.” Translation? She knows how to capture life as it happens— just authentic moments with a sprinkle of guidance when needed.
From emotional ceremony shots to dance floor shenanigans, Chelsea brought Sam and Ryan’s love story to life in a way that feels like a memory come to life. Her work is storytelling at its finest, and these photos? Absolute treasures.
The Food: Elevated Eats by Elite Catering
You know the saying, “Good food, good mood”? Elite Catering nailed it. They crafted a menu that had everyone raving, from delectable appetizers to indulgent desserts. Oh, and we need to talk about the late-night pretzel wall. Yes, you read that right—a wall of soft, salty pretzels paired with dipping sauces. It was the perfect touch to keep the energy high and the vibes cozy as the evening went on.
Elite Catering is known for their elevated dining experiences, and they didn’t disappoint.
The Music: All Day Sound with DJ Brian Harris
A great DJ doesn’t just play music—they create an experience. Brian Harris provided flawless sound support for the entire day. From the outdoor ceremony to the cocktail hour and into the reception, every word and note was crystal clear. His expertise ensured that everyone could hear the vows, enjoy background music during mingling, and groove to every beat on the dance floor. Great sound can make or break a wedding experience, and Brian delivered perfection from start to finish.
How We Helped: Day-Of Magic
Weddings are like beautiful chaos—there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make everything look effortless. That’s where we came in. As day-of coordinators, we took the reins on logistics so Sam and Ryan could focus on enjoying their day. Here’s how we made the magic happen:
- Coordinated with all vendors to make sure everyone was on the same page.
- Built a master timeline to keep everything running smoothly.
- Set up decor and made sure every detail was picture-perfect.
- Guided the wedding party down the aisle like seasoned pros.
- Problem-solved in the background so the couple didn’t have to lift a finger.
Our goal? To make sure Sam and Ryan could be fully present, soaking up the laughter and love without a single worry. Mission accomplished.
The Magic of Intimate Weddings
There’s something so special about an intimate wedding. With a smaller guest list, Sam and Ryan were able to focus on the moments that mattered most: sharing heartfelt conversations, indulging in amazing food, and dancing the night away with the people they love most. It’s proof that you don’t need a giant crowd to have a day filled with magic—you just need the right people, the right vibes, and a whole lot of love.
Final Thoughts
Sam and Ryan’s wedding was the kind of day that makes you fall in love with love all over again. From the stunning Steam Plant venue to the incredible vendors who brought their vision to life, every detail was thoughtful, intentional, and them.
Planning your own dream wedding? Whether you need full planning or just a day-of pro to tie it all together, we’d love to help. Let’s make some magic happen.
The Vendor Team
Venue: The Steam Plant
Photography: Chelsea Hall Photography
Event Planning: Pink with Envy Events
Catering: Elite Catering
Florals: The Flowerman
DJ & Uplighting: Brian Harris DJ Entertainment
Cake: Love Cakes by DLM
Dress: Love Curvy
Linens: Prime Time Party Rental
Hair & Make Up: Alba Salon and Spa