When a Universal Studios set designer tells you she wants to get married at the Orpheum Theater in Madison with inspiration from part Phantom of the Opera, part Tangled, and part Night Court Velaris (if you know this reference, you’re our people)… you know you’re in for something absolutely amazing. (Catch the teaser video here – Video Credit: Paul Gero).
Arianna and John’s May wedding was all about the drama of the THE-AY-TER, so needless to say, designing it was pure fun from start to finish. And honestly a challenge in its own way, as it really was the first time we’ve designed in this space. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when two theater kids throw a wedding, buckle up, pick up your jaw, because we’re about to show you.
How It All Began
Arianna and John met doing theater and set design at UW-Madison. They bonded over their shared love of theater, design, and themed entertainment (I mean, Arianna literally designs attractions for Universal theme parks, so yeah). At the time we started planning, they were living in Orlando and had just made the move back to Wisconsin.
When it came to picking a venue, there was really only one choice that made sense: the Orpheum Theater as it represents everything they love with grand architecture, dramatic lighting, and storytelling set in the one and only iconic State Street near the university in Madison.
The Vision
Arianna’s original vision (in her words): “My vision for the wedding (hear me out) is partly inspired by the vibe of Phantom of the Opera, with hundreds of candles, chandeliers, and elegant renaissance features, and partly Tangled (our princess movie) with the lanterns and lots of hanging florals and greens. I have this specific vision, but I just really need someone to help me coordinate and put everything together and use their magic touch to make it a fun day and not a stressful one.”
Challenge accepted.
We played off Phantom, Tangled (adding some of that vintage nouveau flair), and the Night Court of Velaris with celestial details throughout. Although we opted out of the masquerade masks this time, we still wanted to embody and encapsulate the magic and intrigue of the Renaissance. Here is a snapshot of the moodboard!
Bringing the Vision to Life
The Ceremony
Honestly, there were a few elements of the day vying for attention, and the ceremony backdrop may have been THE moment. Arianna sketched out this half-moon altar piece herself and actually built it. Paired with the Orpheum’s floor to ceiling curtains, candlelight, and the right uplighting, we have to say, it was absolutely breathtaking.
Please also allow us to pull back the curtain and show you some fun behind-the-scene shots of the day! Vendors working hard! <3
The Reception Setup
For cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a grazing table in the lobby with tables adorned in luxe velvet greens and blues. While guests intermingled, our team did a room flip to set for the reception.
For the reception, we added interest with a serpentine king’s table format with a gorgeous patterned linen, mono-stem bud vases, and napkins tied with velvet green bow.
We kept the florals on the tables minimal intentionally as th hanging installation was the real showstopper, and we didn’t want to compete with it.
With paper lanterns tucked in paired with a disco ball installation hung above the guests during the ceremony and reception to keep things warm and romantic, it was so much fun and so magical to see the space transform.
All the Personal Touches
These two didn’t hold back on making this day theirs. Some of my favorite details included playbill-style program and their Wingspan board game guest book (favorite game to play together), where guests wrote messages on cards instead of signing a traditional book.
Signature cocktails were a pink gin 75 for Arianna and a bourbon Manhattan for John. We had soft pretzels, charcuterie boards, and cherries on the cake and champagne tower.
Arianna’s sister DIYed the seating chart and invitations to match the checkered dance floor. Every single detail tied back to who they are and what they love. They also made the pretzel holder, welcome sign poster, and yes, even that amazing cake topper!
And at the end of the night, we also had to end in one way: by projecting “THE END” in gobo lighting across the theater curtains. Like the perfect closing scene of an old movie. Chef’s kiss. 😉
The Entertainment
We brought in Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos for live entertainment, and let me tell you, the energy was incredible. Guests were singing, dancing, and fully immersed all night long. It was exactly the kind of theatrical, high-energy entertainment that fit Arianna and John perfectly, and this was something we decided matched their vision more than the traditional DJ.
Synergy
Arianna and I bonded hard over our shared love of romantasy books and theater. She trusted me to take her vision and run with it, and that trust is what made this wedding so special. When couples aren’t afraid to go big, lean into what makes them unique, and work with a planner who gets them, magic happens.
This Orpheum Theater wedding was cinematic, romantic, family-oriented, and unapologetically grand!
Planning an Orpheum Theater Wedding in Madison
If you’re dreaming of a personality-filled, design-forward, maximalist wedding at the Orpheum Theater—or honestly, if you just want a wedding that feels like YOU and not like everyone else’s, I’d love to chat.
Whether you’re inspired by Phantom, Tangled, Night Court, or your own mashup of aesthetics, let’s just say, I have a flair for the dramatic and I’m ready when you are, babe!
Planning an Orpheum Theater wedding in Madison? Get in touch here and let’s get to work.
Vendor Team:
Planning + Design: Olive Branch Events Co.
Photography: Krysta Holden
BTS Photography: Monica Radtke
Videography: Paul Gero
Venue + Lighting: Orpheum Theater Madison
Entertainment: Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos
Florals: Lily Forest Designs
Catering: Blue Plate Catering
Rentals: Velvet Rentals, Event Essentials, BBJ La Tavola
Hair and Makeup: Lotus Artistry
Officiant: Koru Ceremony
Dessert: The Baked Lab
