WILMINGTON — Post-wedding emotions often encompass a sense of fulfillment. Envision an amplified version of that feeling after having crafted a celebration that also helped make a positive difference in Wilmington’s art community — that’s what the Cameron Art Museum hopes to offer to couples tying the knot.
Many locals have already paid a visit to the Cameron Art Museum (CAM) to reap the benefits of experiencing visual and performing arts. Serving as a lecture space, concert hall, recital chamber, and film screening theater, CAM tops off its list of facility uses by also hosting weddings.
Heather Ivady, Director of Special Events and Café Operations, said that all the brides she’s worked with had a specific theme in mind that coincided with the essence of Cameron Art Museum. Ivady said, “we don’t have exposed brick walls. We’re very modern, very sleek, and very clean— the look is different.”
Guests are introduced to the museum’s modern bearing with the building’s smooth, gray stone exterior that looks metallic in the sun. A single white pillar supports an extruded segment of the roof, and a large window spans from nearly top to bottom on a portion of the building.
There is an option to rent the entire modern-looking building, including the exhibition areas, but it is not required. Couples have been known to benefit from the exhibit add-on when they truly connect with the artwork and if they want to give invitees more room to explore. “It’s wonderful for cocktail hour. It really ups the guest experience here,” Ivady said.
Should renters choose to forego the exhibition space, they are still left with three areas for guests to wander: the reception hall, the cafe, and the courtyard. There is also a roof terrace for small gatherings. Ivady said most couples choose to have their ceremony in the courtyard if the weather cooperates, but should it not, they’re welcome to move the proceedings into the reception hall.
Surrounded by three walls instead of four, the courtyard opens onto a section of greenery that eases the enclosed feeling of a typical courtyard. The vegetation acts as a natural and photo-friendly backdrop for the ceremony, Ivady said.
The reception hall is simple and light with white walls and wood flooring with the foremost feature being a small round multi-color mosaic window. The easy and fresh design carries on into the indoor cafe area, which displays transparent walls presenting a full view of the courtyard.
Ivady has seen decor fluctuate from elegant white linens with the occasional pop of color to darker arrangements including fall colors with autumnal florals. “It’s a lot to pull off, but when people can come in and literally transform it from something I see every day, it’s awesome,” Ivady said.
And, no matter how a couple chooses to enjoy their wedding at CAM, the proceeds from events go the museum, Ivady said, helping to fund CAM’s mission of supporting the arts community and educating the public.
The Cameron Art Museum is also available to rent for other events including birthday parties, business gatherings, and more. For info, visit their website.
