A Handmade, Vintage Wedding at 501 Union in Gowanus, Brooklyn Coordinated by the Campbell Events Team
There’s something especially fitting about hosting a vintage inspired wedding inside a former 1920s auto showroom. With its arched windows, exposed brick, and warm industrial bones, 501 Union naturally lends itself to celebrations that lean into the Old School charm. This is exactly what our couple brought into their wedding day at 501 Union in Brooklyn.
From the start, their vision centered on intentionality and ease of the day. Our Bride and her Wedding party got ready in the iconic Suites at 501 Union, and ordered local pizza as their getting ready meal.
DIY Done Right
Our Bride handmade each guest’s place card using real vintage skeleton keys, turning every table setting into a tiny keepsake. The keys doubled as both escort cards and favors, adding a practical element to the design. Paired with lush tropical florals and clean, modern tablescapes, the overall aesthetic struck that beautiful balance we love with an over all feeling of 1920s Vintage Charm. She also handmade tea cup candles, turning each vintage tea cup into a votive.
We always tell our couples that DIY is done best when it is done in advance. If you love crafting we highly encourage you to put your personal touch on a piece (or two) of your wedding. DIY can become your own worst enemy when it isn’t managed thoughtfully. Our advice is to not bite off more than you can chew, and if you aren’t a crafter don’t try for you wedding day.
Following all of these steps, our couple was able to pull off a beautiful vintage touch with their DIY elements done in advance.
Our Vendor Team
Working alongside an incredible vendor team truly allowed every piece of the day to move with that same ease. Photography by QL Photo captured the celebration with a documentary approach, preserving both the quiet in-between moments and beauty of the space.
74 Events kept the energy buoyant from the first guests’ arrival through the last song of the night, reading the room effortlessly and creating a dance floor that never emptied. Florals by Mimulo layered in movement and subtle tropical notes, softening the industrial backdrop with lush greens and burgundy that amplified the colors in the tablescape.
For the ceremony, Daisy Strings provided live music that added aromantic tone as guests filled the atrium. It was an elegant nod to the venue’s 1920s spirit. Dinner by Bassett Catering was equally thoughtful, delivering elevated, seasonal fare perfect for Spring. As the evening transitioned, uplighting by Universal Light and Sound transformed the room and highlighted the brick, arches, and soaring ceilings, bringing depth and glow to every corner.
Our couple hired us for our Coordination Package. To keep that pizza party mentality flowing throughout the night, we set the timeline to make moving through each step of the day feel effortless. From the beginning they prioritized intentional and crafted elements, and a packed dance floor throughout the evening, so we ensured they got their wishes!
Rain on Your Wedding Day
Even a rainy forecast couldn’t dampen the day. Instead, the weather added a cinematic quality to the celebration. We leaned into it, grabbing our signature clear umbrellas and heading out into the surrounding streets for portraits. The industrial charm of Gowanus created the dreamiest backdrop and gave their photos a timelessness.
L+N’s wedding was a perfect reminder that when a space with history meets personal touches, a little can go a long way to make the space truly yours.
Planning Advice for Getting Married at 501 Union
If you’re considering 501 Union for your own wedding, here are a few tips we’ve learned from experience:
Lean into the architecture. The space already has so much character that you don’t need to over-design. Vintage details and handmade pieces feel right at home here.
Do a Room Reveal. Surprise your guests by whisking away the curtain from the Greenhouse room and doing a big reveal of the reception space.
Plan for weather flexibility. Walking around Gowanus makes for incredible portraits, rain or shine. Have umbrellas or a backup plan ready, some of the most magical photos happen in unexpected weather.
Personal touches go far. 501 Union truly shines when couples bring meaningful, custom elements. Think for example, the handmade keys. The space is stunning in and of itself so you don’t need much to make it shine.
