A vibrant, over-the-top wedding reception inspired by both Lewis Carroll’s and Disney’s Alice in Wonderlandwas kept secret from the guests until they arrived from the much more formal and traditional ceremony. Groom and groomsmen changed into festive vests and Mad Hatter–style top hats for the reception. The décor included mismatched, bright table settings with toppling teapot centerpieces; a “looking glass” entrance framed with a curvy, holographic pattern; a croquet court marked with oversized playing cards; a caterpillar bar made with serpentine tables, a carved caterpillar head, and blue linens with little shoes sewn at the bottom; a chessboard dance floor with three-foot-tall chess pieces; and a colorful head table. The groom managed the reception-planning process remotely while serving in the military in Afghanistan.

Other nominees:

• Joy Devous-Baker, Mintahoe Catering & Events; Christina Anderson, Christina Marie Events
• Austene Van, Oui Do; Jim Bach, Apres Party & Tent Rental; Aaron McCallum, Three Son’s