Set inside the light-filled penthouse of UPSIDE on Moore, this summer shoot brought together fine art elegance and neurodivergent inclusion. Designed by Diane Kolanovic-Solaja of Dee Kay Events, it focused on gentle textures, emotional safety, and practical details. The shoot’s theme, “Mindful Harmony,” lived up to its name through quiet luxury, sensory awareness, and a warm, inclusive message.
Concept
The intention behind this shoot went beyond aesthetics. It aimed to shift the industry’s mindset about how high-end weddings can honor neurodivergent needs. “The Neurodivergent Styled Shoot aimed to demonstrate how luxury weddings can seamlessly accommodate and celebrate the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals,” Diane explained. Every decision reflected this goal — from the layout of the space to the materials chosen for the invitations. Instead of separating comfort from luxury, the design brought them together with intention.
Venue
The layout of UPSIDE on Moore was used intentionally to create quiet zones, soft transitions between activities, and open access to natural light. “Quiet zones and customizable lighting and sound options were integrated to create a calming atmosphere, allowing neurodivergent guests to enjoy the celebration without feeling overwhelmed,” Diane said. Chairs were not just beautiful — they were functional, offering structure and flexibility.
“The chairs were chosen specifically for individuals with ADHD, autism, and similar conditions, providing them with the necessary comfort and flexibility.”
Rhonda's Style
Rhonda wore two standout bridal looks from Vivid Bridal Boutique, both balancing glamour and ease. Her first dress featured delicate beading in a leaf motif over a structured silhouette with sheer panels. The fitted bodice and flared skirt added drama, while the material moved softly with her. She styled this dress with a pearl necklace, matching bracelet, and classic white gloves that extended past the elbow.
For the second look, she changed into a satin ballgown with a sculpted sweetheart neckline and structured corset bodice. A sheer veil scattered with small pearls draped over her face and shoulders, softening the silhouette. Her gloves, also dotted with pearls, tied the whole look together. From every angle, her styling celebrated texture, elegance, and the freedom to feel good in what you wear. “The shoot included two outfits for the dress change, emphasizing that having choices can make one feel good on their wedding day,” Diane said. “Sometimes clothes can feel uncomfortable, and having an alternative can provide much-needed relief.”
London's Fashion
London wore a structured white tuxedo jacket with a contrasting black satin lapel, paired with navy trousers. The look was clean, contemporary, and effortlessly stylish. The open collar on the crisp shirt added a sense of ease, while the fitted silhouette maintained a formal edge. The shoes were sleek and dark, grounding the ensemble with minimal fuss. Paired with subtle jewelry and natural hair styling, the outfit showed how classic tailoring can be comfortable, flexible, and expressive without needing to conform to traditional expectations.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place outside on the terrace of UPSIDE on Moore, surrounded by downtown views and soft floral arrangements. Grasses and white hydrangeas lined the aisle, bringing nature into an urban setting and offering a gentle visual buffer from the surrounding buildings. The outdoor setting allowed for natural airflow and a sense of openness, helping reduce sensory overwhelm.
Diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, Diane brought both personal insight and professional creativity to this concept. “My passion for delivering high-end bespoke wedding inspiration and creating environments that cater to sensory, anxiety, and overstimulation needs is quickly becoming a hallmark of my work,” she shared. That passion came through in every layered detail — from the adjustable seating and quiet zones to the subtle floral fragrance and use of sustainable textures. Diane’s work here wasn’t just planning. It was advocacy through beauty.
Decor & Flowers
The reception decor followed a clean, sensory-focused style with a soft palette of beige, white, blush, mauve, and green. The table was set with neutral linens from BBJ La Tavola, paired with ivory napkins and matte ceramic plates in muted tones. Gold flatware with clear acrylic handles added refinement without visual clutter, while transparent water goblets and soft blush wine glasses brought just a hint of color. At each setting, natural bamboo fidget puzzles held handwritten name cards, offering both beauty and purpose. These puzzles acted as tactile tools, thoughtfully designed to help guests stay calm and focused. The overall setup was visually balanced, with no overpowering elements — just quiet, luxurious details that encouraged comfort.
The Jess Press designed an invitation suite that centered on texture and sensory interaction. The set included suede accents, vellum overlays, and deckled paper edges, all tied together with a soft velvet ribbon in muted blush. “Textures were a major focus, from the linens to the invitations, providing a rich sensory input that added to the luxurious feel of the event,” Diane said. Even the menu cards followed this philosophy, with minimal wording printed in clear serif fonts, inviting guests to engage without overstimulation. One menu card simply stated, “You have two choices,” reflecting the planner’s focus on accessibility and ease.
Kate Campbell Floral created florals that mirrored natural garden movement — loose, textural, and calming. The low centerpieces featured cosmos, dahlias, lisianthus, scabiosa, and zinnias in pale pink, peach, burgundy, and ivory, layered with sprigs of greenery. Each arrangement was placed in ceramic vessels that matched the table’s soft palette, leaving space between each element to prevent visual overload. “Sustainable florals… brought elements of the outside indoors, creating a serene and quieter environment,” the planner shared. Along the ceremony aisle, tall grasses and white hydrangeas softened the edges of the urban terrace, creating a grounding path lined with natural beauty.
Special Touch
The cake stood on a sleek gold pedestal near a large window, framed by soft light and floral textures. Its blush-toned buttercream finish was detailed with delicate white sugar leaves that curved gently across both tiers. A floor arrangement near the cake featured wild grasses and meadow-style blooms, anchoring the design in movement and peace.
"To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere, the shoot featured innovative features such as movable and adjustable seating options with a concentration of natural elements.."
The guest gifts were both beautiful and practical, carefully chosen to support sensory comfort. Each place setting included a tan leather pouch, personalized with a guest’s name in white script. Inside were LOOP earbuds in white and gold — a stylish and functional favor for anyone sensitive to sound. “Displayed in leather pouches as seating cards, these earbuds served a dual purpose as both seating cards and high-end wedding favors,” Diane shared.
More Than a Styled Shoot
The couple’s young daughter joined them for portraits in a white dress with floral appliqués, adding a personal touch that made the shoot feel like a real wedding day. “By integrating thoughtful details and innovative solutions, it proved that weddings could be a joyous and fulfilling experience for everyone, regardless of their neurodivergent needs,” Diane said. This shoot redefined luxury as something not only beautiful, but also inclusive and deeply human.
PLANNING & DESIGN Dee Kay Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Sarandon Smith Photography | BTS PHOTO CONTENT Jenny Wagner Photography | VENUE UPSIDE on Moore | CINEMATIC CONTENT CREATOR In The Moment | FLORALS Kate Campbell Floral | MUAH Carla Pressley Hair & Makeup | DRESSES Vivid Bridal Boutique | SHOES Loeffler Randall | SUIT The Black Tux | LINENS BBJ La Tavola | STATIONERY & CALLIGRAPHY The Jess Press
