Speakeasy Vibes & Southern Charm: A Rehearsal Dinner at GM705

At Creating Moments, we specialize in curating extraordinary wedding weekends across Alabama and the Southeast. One of the highlights of our full-service planning is designing unforgettable rehearsal dinners that seamlessly complement our couples’ wedding day vision.

Today, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the stylish and intimate rehearsal dinner we planned for Tera and Alex in Homewood, Alabama—an evening that set the perfect tone for their incredible wedding weekend. The evening was captured by the beautiful and talented, Krista Prince of Krista Suzanne Photography.

We were initially contacted by the mother of the groom, Krista, who lives in North Carolina. In true Southern tradition, the groom’s family typically hosts the rehearsal dinner. However, planning an event from another state can be overwhelming. Krista reached out to Creating Moments to help take the stress off her plate—and we instantly clicked!

After meeting Tera and Alex, Krista ultimately booked us for both the wedding day and the rehearsal dinner, trusting us to bring their visions to life in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Venue: GM705 in Homewood, Alabama

Krista knew she wanted the dinner to take place at GM705, an exclusive event space connected to the renowned Gianmarco’s Italian Restaurant, located in Birmingham, Alabama. The space is intimate, moody, and dripping with speakeasy charm—think 1920s glam meets modern elegance.

Of course, the food was a major draw. Gianmarco’s is known for its rich Italian flavors and unforgettable dining experience. The curated menu was a showstopper on its own.

Designing the Night Before: Elegant, Moody, and Cohesive

With the venue selected, we moved into the design phase. Krista gave us full creative freedom, only asking that it complement the couple’s wedding day aesthetic of light blue, yellow, and white.

Since GM705 has such a sexy and dramatic ambiance, we opted for a richer, moodier twist on the wedding palette. Our goal: make the rehearsal dinner feel like a sultry, candlelit prelude to the wedding.

Linen & Lighting

We selected the Positano linen from Decor to Adore to ground the space in rich, sophisticated tones. For the outdoor cocktail tables, we used ivory linens topped with baby blue lamps, adding soft ambiance and a hint of the wedding day’s color story.

Candlelight was key. We played into the speakeasy vibe with gold lamps and candelabras holding navy tapers, creating a moody, romantic glow throughout the space.

Floral Design

The talented team at Cymbidium Studios in Cullman, Alabama created lush arrangements in blue and white ceramic vases, which complemented the linens beautifully. These florals echoed the wedding day colors, and we repurposed many of them for the big day.

Place Setting Details

For the place settings, we kept things elegant and simple:

• A classic navy napkin
• Custom ivory name tags made with our Cricut machine
• Light blue ribbon and gold vinyl lettering
• A printed menu from Gianmarco’s

Everything was designed to nod subtly toward the wedding day without overshadowing the unique vibe of the rehearsal dinner.

The Finishing Touch: Live Saxophone Magic

To enhance the sultry atmosphere, we brought in JK Music, a solo saxophonist who delivered everything from smooth jazz classics to pop hits (yes, even Taylor Swift!). His sexy woodwind melodies had guests swaying all night and added a luxurious touch to the evening.

Heartfelt Moments & Lasting Memories

The evening was more than just stylish—it was emotionally rich and intimate. The groom’s parents gave heartfelt speeches, and the bride’s brother delivered a tear-jerking toast that left not a single dry eye in the room.

Why Rehearsal Dinners Matter

Too often, rehearsal dinners are overlooked, but they’re actually the start of the entire wedding experience. They set the tone for the weekend, giving couples and their guests a chance to connect, reflect, and celebrate in a more personal setting.

If you’re planning a wedding in Alabama or the Southeast and want a professional touch for your rehearsal dinner, Creating Moments is here to help. Let’s design a night that’s not just a prelude to your wedding—but a meaningful memory in its own right.

Ready to plan your dream wedding weekend? Inquire today and let’s bring your vision to life!