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We're so grateful, y'all! LARA: Gracie, this issue is for you. I hope that when you read it someday, you see my heart for you and your daddy and our sweet family as clear as day. God is good and He will always lead you down the perfect path. I love you, baby girl. Thank you for making all of us laugh and smile bigger than Texas as we created each page. You are my sunshine. Love, Mommy. Unending thanks to Emily, Nicole, Marissa and Kristin for your heart and belief in love and the mission behind what we do. You bless my life beyond words. Thank you Mom, Dad, Grandma Bunny and Stephen for your love and family dinners. Grampa Cecil, I hope this issue makes you proud from your Heavenly abode. Susan, what would I do without you? You are an angel from God. Thank you Emily, Gina and Natalie for praying for me and being the best friends I could ever ask for. Thank you to my amazing sister Kathy, the Making Things Happen family, sweet clients, Michael, Heidi and Ted and Sonya, Whitney and Sierra (we love y'all!), Phil and Leslie and Chloe, Thom and Bek, Mitch and Jan and our Triangle Church family and to every bride, vendor, and friend who has encouraged our every step. Special thanks to Ann and Dan, our sweet neighbors, for letting us pick the garden roses we're carrying above from your yard and to Melissa, our new friend, for letting us take over your house for our team shoot! Prettiest porch in Dixie. Thanks to our sweet postman, Walter. You're the bees knees! I love the South! God is good. Phil 4:13 Ari, it's because of your love for EMILY: Some people never find a job they truly love. I still pinch myself God and our family that I am inspired to do this work. Thank you for loving me like Ephesians 5. I am so grateful to spend eternity with you. daily that my first, and only, job just happens to be the job of my dreams. Lara, Marissa, Nicole and Kristin, I love what we do more and more each day, and I am so grateful to do this work with each of you. I am also eternally grateful to my family, who taught me from an early age what love really means. And to John, the love of my life: I am so grateful that I have found in you a partner who truly gives meaning to the age-old marriage vows. I can't wait to grow old with you. NICOLE: Lara, you are constantly supportive, energetic, motivating and creative. I am so grateful that you have given me an outlet for my ideas, a comfy spot in your office and the belief that I can make things (and magazines!) happen. Thank you for reading my mind when my words have escaped me, for putting all things orange on my desk and for delivering Cheerwine when I need a boost. Emily, I am so glad that I get to work beside you every day and I'm looking forward to many more days gushing over weddings with you and laughing at farm animals. Thank you for being one of the most creative and eloquent people I know — I hope some of it rubs off on me! Marissa, I heart you. You are amazing and I'm blown away by how swiftly you make great things happen — and all with a great sense of humor. Kristin, I love that you make lists as much as I do and love office supplies (dare I say it?) more than I do! Thank you for being such a loving colleague and filling my inbox with fun #SouthernDoin stories. Mom, Dad, Tiff and soon-to-be bro-in-law, I love y'all so much! Thank you for sending me uplifting texts every day, making sure I lock my doors at night and for teaching me to roll with the punches and barrel through obstacles. I see more and more love in our family as the years go on and I'm so grateful for you. Taylor, you are wonderful and inspiring. Thank you for your endless encouragement, for making me dinner when I don't go grocery shopping and for being a steady reminder that hard work makes dreams come to life. MARISSA: This year has been quite the adventure, and there are so many people and so much to be grateful for. First up, the fabulous SW ladies! Lara, thank you for taking a chance on me forever ago. I am so incredibly proud of who you've become as a mother, as a boss and as a friend. Grace is so lucky to be your daughter. xo! Emily (Thomas!), welcome to the married club! It's the most fun you'll ever have with your best friend! Thank you for your constant help and support! Nicole, thank you for your patience when I send you 200 emails in a day! You're amazing! KNW, thank you for diving in head first with me. You are my sister from another mother! Tatiana, three things: red balloon, ace bandage and a sweater. I love you! Carol + Branch, thank you for your support, love and for helping us survive baseball season. A big huge thank you to my sweet mama for always being there for me, for mailing me care packages and for teaching me that no matter what the circumstance, the glass is always half full. I love you! To my handsome husband, Brandon: thank you for reminding me not to take myself too seriously, for a life that is never boring and for showing me that true love always, always wins. I am so thankful to be on this crazy adventure with you! I love you. And most importantly, thank you, God. Thank you for your good and perfect will, for being a constant source of strength and for your complete and unfailing love. KRISTIN: My gratitude cup overflows. First, for the amazing ladies I get a chance to work with each and every day: Emily, Nicole and Marissa, I am continuously amazed by all of your gifts and talents and I am blessed that y’all graciously share them with me daily. Lara: thank you for being a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. To my family: hugs and a huge thank you for all your support and love during the many transitions of 2012. And finally, Kyle: thank you for being my best friend, for marrying me on June 23rd and for being a daily reminder that true love always, always wins.

35 Tips for a Southern Ceremony 16 Introducing The Sweet Tea Society 26 Southern Surcees 30 What I Love About the South 50 Beautiful Bouquets 56 State-by-State Guide to Planning a Wedding in the South 63 Southern Blooms 71 Love in Bloom 88 My Kentucky Rose 102 Honey & Pecan: A Love Story 113 Freshly Squeezed 120 The Yellow Rose of Texas 137 Family Heirlooms 148 Virginia is for Lovers 166 Something Old, Something New 171 Blue Ribbon Bounty 179 The Definition of a Southern Gentleman 285 Mo Ties 290 Dapper Gents 292 The Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory 304 Ever After 312

Lucy O PHotography

FEATURES

Coral Charm: Lauren + Rob 200 Puttin' on the Glitz: Eddie + Jordan 206 High Cotton: Chrissy + Tate 212 Two Peanuts in a Pod: Tami + James 214 Lakeside Love: Erin + Michael 221 Pretty in Pink: Hailey + Rhet 226 Fashioned Together: Shannon + Victor 231 Lowcountry Luxe: Sara + Dominick 243 Picnic Party: Caroline + Chaz 254 A Smidge of Sparkle: Lynae + Brenton 259 Elegance Personified: Whitney + Clarke 265 Sneaks 'n Boots: Kalen + Parks 272 Seaside Soiree: Emily + John 278

Pasha Belman

REAL WEDDINGS

ISSUE CALLIGRAPHY

Kathryn Murray kathrynmurray.com Lindsay Letters lindsayletters.com Little Miss Press littlemisspress.com

GET THE LOOK

Credits 308

COVER

Photography by Ryan Ray

All content copyright © Southern Weddings® 2012-2013. Southern Weddings® is a registered trademark of Lara Casey Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without express written permission from the publisher. We wish to thank the wedding professionals who contributed to this issue of Southern Weddings®. The opinions expressed by our contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent our opinions or those of the publisher. We have sought to ensure accuracy and completeness of the content herein, but neither Southern Weddings® nor the publisher assumes responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or other inconsistencies, including those related to quotations. We reserve the right to refuse advertising. All advertisements appearing herein are accepted and published on the representation that the advertiser is properly authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. All ads are paid advertisements and/or gifts given to vendors in appreciation for their hard work. Neither Southern Weddings® nor the publisher is responsible for any statements, claims or representations made by contributing wedding professionals, advertisers or others, nor is Southern Weddings® or the publisher responsible for anyone's reliance on the content herein. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No right for commercial use or exploitation is given or implied.

Kim Box Photography

Isn't the lovely lady on our back cover beautiful? That's Kristin, our Blue Ribbon Vendor Director! She was married at the Carolina Inn in June.

Pickin' tomatoes from a farm next to my house for the shoot on page 148

faith teasley

At the beautiful Carolina Inn for Emily's surprise bridal shower!

nancy ray

gina zeidler

A NOTE FROM LARA

nancy ray

Five years ago, with a husband deployed to war, I was all sorts of worried. One night, I found myself dreaming of pretty things — anything to keep my mind off bomb threats — and I decided to mock up a wedding magazine cover on my little PC. Before I knew it, I was sketching photo shoots and wondering, "What if?" I wanted a place for brides to be inspired to tell their unique love stories, rich with family history and faith and rooted in the culture of this place we call home — The South. I wanted a place to share what true love was really all about. I thought we'd just print it ourselves and put it in local grocery stores and little churches. God had a different plan.

my iphone : )

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound! I love this girl. Quilt by cherrystreetquilts.etsy.com

Now, here I sit — a mama to sweet happy Grace (my heart!), a wife to Ari (my soulmate!) and a grateful friend to so many people who have supported us and cheered us on since day one. The last five years are not a result of a path I took. The last five years are truly because of the good grace of God and because of you, friends. You inspire us daily with your creativity and heart. You write us sweet notes and pass each issue down to your nearest and dearest. You give us genuine hugs when you see us 'round town. You come and sit a spell with us every day on iloveswmag.com and tell us about what lights your hearts on fire. You love your mamas and know what scattered covered smothered means and count the days till firefly season rolls around each year. You love your gents truly, madly, deeply. You want more than a wedding — you want a stronger-than-a-Southern-oak marriage. The greatest thing I've learned in the last five years is that love never fails. It's because of you that we continue to grow like kudzu (a happy, pretty kudzu!) and are able to show the world that there's more to weddings down South than grits and Mason jars. Southern weddings are about true love. With this, our fifth issue, we celebrate five years of telling beautiful Southern love stories, and most of all... we celebrate YOU! Cheers, y'all!

Lara Casey publisher | editor-in-chief twitter: @laracasey LARACASEY.COM

❤ 1 Corinthians 13:8 LOVE NEVER FAILS.

marissa kloess ad director

twitter: @marissakloess

One of my favorite memories from making V5 is pulling gowns for a big shoot! Lara and I literally went through every designer's site to secure just the right one, and sent about a bajillion messages back and forth in the process. Y'all know I'm a bit fashion-obsessed, so this was a dream come true assignment for me. (Now if only I'd gotten to try them all on...)

kristin winchester

blue ribbon vendor director twitter: @kn_winchester

My favorite part of making V5? The pies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from helping brainstorm different Southern pies at my very first staff meeting to getting real-time sneak peeks during the shoot via text message to finally squealing over the selected images. The worst part? Being too far away to devour all the pie goodness after the shoot was finished.

Nicole Yang art director

twitter: @nicoleayang

My favorite memory from this issue was putting the layout together. Lara and I spent many nights going through each feature's layout with a fine tooth comb! The best part, however, was taking breaks with old fashioned bottles of Cheerwine and watching funny videos to reset our brains and rest our eyes!

This photo is one of my favorite memories! We had just wrapped up a blissful afternoon celebrating at Emily's surprise bridal shower, then drove out to a home I had spotted on the way home from church. We knocked on the door, introduced ourselves to our soon-to-be-friend Melissa and asked permission to take photos on her beautiful porch. Happily, she agreed!

EMILY

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Come chat with us! FACEBOOK.COM/ ILOVESWMAG

THE BLOG

Daily inspiration, real weddings and heaps of goodness! ILOVESWMAG.COM Sweet readers, This year, I have had the privilege of not only being your editor, but of being a bride alongside y’all! And what a privilege it has been! Planning a wedding – and a magazine – with thousands of virtual friends and cheerleaders at my side has been one of the greatest joys of my engagement. Of course, working at Southern Weddings while planning has its perks, though not in the ways you might expect! No, I’ve plucked inspiration from exactly the same source as y’all – our beautiful pages! Yes, as you’ll see in my wedding photos (starting on page 278), SW features heavily inspired some of my big day details. For example, inspiration for our favor poppers and chair wreaths were pulled from similar ones in V4’s Williamsburg spread, I found my stationer from a past editorial project and I actually gave my florist the cake photo from the derby shoot in this issue (page 109), and asked her to use it as inspiration for our dessert table! But the most significant way Southern Weddings has inspired me – and I hope y’all – is not in how to style a cake or arrange a centerpiece. It’s how to keep love, gratitude and joy at the center of wedding planning, and the wedding. If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this issue, it’s that – because as we say in the Sweet Tea Society, love always, always wins. With love, The new Mrs. Thomas

Emily Thomas creative director twitter: @emilyayerthomas

Some behind-the-scenes fun at Southern Weddings! Above, we have the Lara, Emily and Nicole behind-the-scenes at the Blue Ribbon Bounty shoot (page 179) and Emily setting up a tomato tasting at our Family Heirlooms shoot (pages 148-163). All other photos are from our staff photoshoot with Nancy Ray!

TWITTER

Filled with behind-the-scenes peeks and the inside scoop @ILOVESWMAG

More inspiration than a hen has feathers!

PINTEREST.COM/ ILOVESWMAG

THE SW GALS

CONTRIBUTORS

Katie Brown

Katie Brown is the founding writer of the award-winning family and relationship blog, Marriage Confessions. Hailed by the 2012 Bloggies as the Best Topical Weblog, Marriage Confessions chronicles the daily triumphs of and lessons learned as a young wife and new mother. Katie is also a contributing Relationship Expert for Southern Weddings magazine, and her writing has appeared in The Knot magazine, TheBump.com and Newsweek. In addition to her writing, Katie is a full-time eighth grade Language Arts teacher, where her instruction focuses on teaching young kids how to write well.

Celia Casey

Fluent in French and a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Ecole de Cuisine in Paris, Celia taught French cuisine at the Alliance Francaise in Washington, DC for many years. Oh, and she's Lara's mama : ) Celia is an Alabama native and a lover of hot boiled peanuts and fresh tomatoes from the garden, two traits her daughter inherited. She currently writes a newspaper food column and teaches French cooking classes at her home in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Her extensive gardens include Meyer lemon, avocado, fig and olive trees.

Moziah Bridges, or “Mo,” for short, is an expert on what Southern gentlemen should wear. After all, he started his own bow tie business, Mo’s Bows, at the age of nine. Now, one year later, his bow ties are sold across the country, and Mo himself has appeared on broadcast television. While being the CEO of his own company can be difficult, Mo balances schoolwork (he’s in the fifth grade), friends and other extracurricular activities with ease. Designing colorful bow ties is just part of his vision to make the world a happier and more fun place.

Emily Ley

Emily Ley is a designer born and raised in the South, now residing in Tampa, Florida. Her gift and paper goods brand, Emily Ley, is sold in retail stores internationally and features products designed to help busy women find joy and simplicity. Emily is also a visual brand designer and one half of the Making Brands Happen team alongside Lara Casey. She is known for her clean, preppy style as well as her signature creations: the Great Day Plate™ for children and the Simplified Planner™ collection for busy women. Above all, Emily is a wife to her husband Bryan and mama to their sweet seersucker-wearing nearly two-year-old Brady Ley.

Billy Reid

William “Billy” Reid grew up in Amite, Louisiana where his mother operated a women’s clothing boutique. The shop would later influence his pursuits in design. In the spring of 2004, Reid launched his label Billy Reid with the intent to build a designer brand around his authentic lifestyle and establish retail shops that reflect his upbringing, his personality and his aesthetic. Billy Reid’s modern approach to classic Americana and dandyism is at the heart of his collections. Emphasizing craftsmanship, expert tailoring and the use of unconventional fabrics, Reid’s collections reflect a personal authenticity.

Laura Murray

Sarah McKenzie

Paula O'Hara

❤ SOUTHERN PHRASES HEY, Y'ALL! WE'VE DOTTED THE PAGES OF SOUTHERN WEDDINGS WITH A LITTLE "SOUTHERN SPEAK." ENJOY!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Because it only happens once. 423.618.8441 bamberphotography.com

FAVORITE MEMORIES LARA: Every day I spend with the SW ladies in the office, learning from them and laughing with them, is a favorite memory. Emily surprising us during a staff meeting with her SPARKLING ENGAGEMENT RING is also a highlight!

THE DIGITAL COLLECTION: view all of our past issues online at iloveswmag.com

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MARISSA spotted the Krispy Kreme Burger

DOIN'S KRISTIN milked a cow!

NICOLE shopped at the Piggly Wiggly

Join the fun! www.SOUTHERNDOIN.com

EMILY bought her first pair of cowboy boots

LARA traveled in an RV... with chickens

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KRISTIN: As the new girl on the block, I only have a few months of memories to pull from, but in a few short months, the list has grown so long. If I had to pick just one, it would be pulling over on the side of the road to ask if we could borrow a stranger’s PERFECTLY SOUTHERN PORCH and farm for a few team photos.

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MARISSA: Finding out Lara had a BISCUIT IN THE OVEN (!), Emily announcing she was engaged (!), and surprising Em with a miniature/cupcake/tea party shower.

Five TOP

NICOLE: Creating the bow tie ornaments we sent out for the 2011 SW ORNAMENT SWAP. Whitney, Emily, Sierra and I gathered together with a plate of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and got craftin'!

EMILY: The day our pallets of V2 were delivered (2009). It was my first issue, and the excitement of seeing what we had worked so hard on (including my face, name, and writing!) come to life was unmatched. Magazine DELIVERY DAY is still one of my favorite days of every year.

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1. Kristyn Hogan 2. Eric Kelley 3. Jenny Evelyn 4. Braedon Photography 5. Anna Hedges

THEN & NOW 2008 CREATED WITH: Microsoft Publisher USING: A 13-inch PC PAGE COUNT: 128 EMPLOYEES: Lara and Abby Kitty Pants, the office cat STAFF WRITER: Lara's Husband, Ari. Ha! OFFICE SPACE: 400 square feet EMILY WAS: An avid SW reader/blog stalker MONTHLY READERS: 1,000

2012 CREATED WITH: Adobe InDesign USING: The lovingly dubbed "Big Mac" PAGE COUNT: 312 EMPLOYEES: 5 BABY: 1 OFFICE SPACE: 1200 square feet CIRCULATION: National, with online orders spanning the globe! EMILY IS NOW: The Creative Director MONTHLY READERS: 137,000+

ON APRIL 1, 2008 , the very first post was published on the Southern Weddings blog. Turns out our words struck a chord with those looking for fresh style in the South, because SW online took off like a freight train in Georgia, y'all! So much so that just a few months later, in the fall of 2008, the first print edition landed on Southern shelves. Annual issues followed in November 2009, October 2010, October 2011, and now, November 2012. We are pleased as punch to be delivering our fifth anniversary edition to you, dear reader – our biggest and best yet. Here's to many more!

FAVORITE PHOTOS: Joey + Jessica (joeyjessica.com) from V4, Joey + Jessica from V3, Katie Stoops (katiestoops.com) from V4, Jose Villa (josevilla.com) from V2, and Jose Villa from V4

WHAT BEGAN AS

a simple desire to bring the best of wedding style to a Southern audience has become so much more over the last five years. It’s about love, friends. The beginning of a stronger-than-oak marriage. We’re about childhood sweethearts, and lovers who find each other in their 80’s. We’re about first kisses, and ceremony kisses and peanutbutter-scented kisses as you rush the kids onto the bus the day before your tenth anniversary. Just as the vows a couple shares in their wedding ceremony are some of the most important words they’ll say in their entire lifetime, we craft each issue with the same care: sharing only weddings with heart. Giving as much space to the why of weddings as we do to the how. Reminding you that there is life — beautiful, full, rich life, filled with family and Southern traditions and Saturday tailgates – waiting for you and your new husband post-wedding. And so, after five years, and at the opening of this issue, what better way to begin than with the age-old words that hold meaning like nothing else? For a magazine that strives to be like none other, nothing could be more appropriate.

That is our vow to you.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CYN KAIN STYLING BY AMBER HOUSLE Y CALLIGRAPHY BY LINDSA Y LET TERS

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

How did your groom sweep you off your feet? Ask your officiant to weave your story into the ceremony message. Those sincere, personal moments will be sure to capture everyone’s attention. LAURA HELM, ASHTON EVENTS

Be intentional in all you do and say. The ceremony is the most important part of your wedding day. Nothing else matters except the person standing at the end of the aisle and the words you exchange. DANIELLE ODIL, ENTWINED PLANNING

It will be over in an instant, so take time to remember every feeling, and focus on each other.

JEREMY & KRISTIN PHOTOGRAPHY

DESIREE DAWN, DESIREE DAWN EVENTS

TIPS FOR CREATING A MEANINGFUL SOUTHERN CEREMONY WITH A FOCUS ON TRUE LOVE, YOU CAN'T GO WRONG

Carefully think about the people that are with you to celebrate. I recently had a bride who lost her father, but was close to her mother. Although she was escorted down the aisle by a dear family friend, having her mother step out from the pew and receive her daughter and escort her to the altar was a beautiful and moving moment.

Focus on your vows. Make them personal to you and to your groom. Write them if you feel comfortable. THE LADIES OF EMBELLISHED WEDDINGS

CEREMONY ACCOUTREMENTS LIKE ANTIQUE HANDKERCHIEFS AND BEAUTIFUL BROOCHES ARE A PART OF ANY GOOD SOUTHERN GAL’S TROUSSEAU. REACH OUT TO THE LADIES IN YOUR FAMILY FOR OLD, NEW, BORROWED AND BLUE! CALDER CLARK, CALDER CLARK DESIGNS

TODD FISCUS, TODD EVENTS

Similar to the Devotion to the Blessed Mother custom, it’s a sweet gesture for brides and grooms to present flowers to their mothers during the ceremony.

TWO WORDS: MARRIAGE COUNSELING. BEFORE AND AFTER THE WEDDING. INVEST IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP, COMMIT TO THE MARRIAGE, STRIVE TO OUT-SERVE YOUR SPOUSE AND RECITE THOSE VOWS OFTEN, OPENLY AND HONESTLY. DESIREE DAWN, DESIREE DAWN EVENTS

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

9 14

Say a prayer, kiss your mama, squeeze your daddy's hand and lock eyes with the groom. At the end of the day, the pretty details won't matter so much as the feelings you felt and the words you said. LEIGH PEARCE, LEIGH PEARCE WEDDINGS

Hand-write love letters and read them to each other during your wedding ceremony. They will become among your most treasured keepsakes and provide tangible memories of your wedding day! FAITH TEASLEY FAITH TEASLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

11 12 13

WELCOMING YOUR GUESTS TO PRAY FOR YOUR MARRIAGE DURING A SILENT MOMENT IN YOUR CEREMONY IS SURE TO MAKE THEM FEEL INVOLVED. DESIREE DAWN, DESIREE DAWN EVENTS

WRITING YOUR OWN VOWS IS AN AMAZING WAY TO ADD MEANING TO YOUR CEREMONY. WRITE DOWN WHY YOU LOVE EACH OTHER AND WHAT YOU ARE COMMITTING TO IN MARRIAGE. THESE WORDS WILL BECOME TREASURES AND WILL BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOU DURING ALL THE SEASONS OF MARRIAGE. STEFANIE MILES, LAVENDER JOY WEDDINGS

Look at that dad of yours right before you take that walk. Tell him you love him and give him the sweetest of "thank you's." This is the biggest day of your life, but it's important to remember that it's probably his, too. SHANNON REEVES, SHANNON REEVES EVENTS

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve invited your nearest and dearest to witness your promises, so why not include them in your ceremony by passing your rings around so they, too, can bless them? DESIREE DAWN, DESIREE DAWN EVENTS

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Give your guests a little "Southern Bell" along with their wedding program so that when your first kiss as husband and wife arrives, your guests can easily ring you into your new chapter together. KENDRA HENSELER, SUMMER STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Ha! The little piggy on the opposite page first appeared in one of our online features, and was so popular we decided he had to crash the print edition, too!

16 17

A truly meaningful ceremony is one where your guests walk away feeling closer to you. Before planning anything, dig into the things that you really value and think about how you can create an event that shares a piece of you with your guests. JESSICA SLOANE, JESSICA SLOANE EVENT STYLING & DESIGN THANK YOU, JESUS, WE MADE IT! SIT A SPELL BEFORE YOU HEAD DOWN THE AISLE AND PRAY WITH THE PRECIOUS GIRLS WHO WILL BE STANDING BESIDE YOU. IT'S BOUND TO SOOTHE THE NERVOUS JITTERS! LAURA HELM, ASHTON EVENTS

Have a “House Party,” which comprises great friends you want to honor but can’t make bridesmaids or groomsmen. They are typically seated in a place of honor and are not required to wear matching dresses. MELISSA BARTON + CARRIE GLASSCOCK, A CHARLESTON BRIDE

Many Southern belles believe a bride should only walk down the aisle once, so they ask a friend or family member to serve as a proxy at the wedding rehearsal. LINDSAY PITT, TOAST EVENTS

ON THE BIG DAY, DON'T STRESS OVER DETAILS. IF YOU HAVE A MARRIAGE LICENSE, AN OFFICIANT AND A LOVING GROOM WAITING FOR YOU AT THE END OF THE AISLE, THAT IS ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS! LINDSEY DIMITERCHIK, LINDSEY MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY

I love that our former editor Katharine made it into

ET this anniversary issue! Her wedding photos are as beautiful now as they were two years ago.

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

I ALWAYS ASK MY COUPLES TO STOP ONE STEP BEFORE THEIR MOMS' SEATS AND JUST TAKE A MOMENT TO LOOK AT EVERYONE. YOU’LL SEE NOTHING BUT THE SMILING FACES OF ALL THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE MOST IN THE WORLD. THEN, JUST BEFORE YOU HEAD DOWN THE AISLE, STOP AND GIVE YOUR MOM A KISS. KELLY MCWILLIAMS, WEDDINGS BY SOCIALITES

Get more at iloveswmag.com, y’all!

PRACTICE YOUR CEREMONY KISS. THEN, ON THE BIG DAY, TAKE YOUR TIME AND ENJOY IT!

KATHRYN, KATHRYN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

Don’t forget the kids! If there are children that are coming into the marriage, remember you’re making a commitment to them, too. Include them in your sand ceremony or exchange pieces of jewelry with the family monogram to signify your new start as a family.

DESIREE DAWN, DESIREE DAWN EVENTS

TAKE A FEW MINUTES RIGHT AFTER THE CEREMONY – JUST THE TWO OF YOU! RELISH AND SOAK UP THAT PRECIOUS TIME, AND ENJOY YOUR FIRST FEW MOMENTS AS HUSBAND AND WIFE. THOSE ARE MOMENTS YOU WILL NEVER GET BACK...ENJOY EVERY LAST MINUTE! NICOLE RILEY, VERGE EVENTS

Using a family Bible in lieu of a ring bearer pillow is a sentimental and meaningful swap to honor your family’s history. AMBER HOUSLEY, AMBER HOUSLEY STYLE | DESIGN

TERRICA SKAGGS, COCKTAILS AND DETAILS

Got outgoing guests? Print the lyrics of your favorite love song on the back of your program and instruct loved ones to sing on cue after your “I do’s.” Bonus points if you surprise your new spouse with a Kenny and Dolly duet!

Focus on the one person waiting at the end of the aisle. When he takes your hand in his, squeeze his hand and whisper I love you. Show each other signs of affection to lighten the mood or whisper an inside joke to help you both crack a cameraworthy smile. It's your wedding day, and you have made it down the aisle — now make that ceremony memorable! STACIE SHEA, STACIE SHEA EVENTS

I believe that the love story of the bride and groom is the most important detail of all. Whatever you decide to do, do it with all your heart. ALEXANDRA BEAUREGARD, HEART LOVE WEDDINGS

A BEAUTIFUL BRIDE: WELL DON’T YOU LOOK PRETTIER THAN A GLOB OF BUTTER MELTING ON A STACK OF WHEAT CAKES!

At the end of the ceremony, pause and take a moment to soak it all in. Grab your bouquet, smile and look into the faces of your loved ones before you start your recessional. You'll appreciate this moment. AMBER AND EMILY, KARSON BULTER EVENTS

Perhaps it’s an old gospel hymnal or a swinging Elvis tune — ask your parents what songs they used at their weddings. It will send them over the moon when they hear it at your nuptials. DESIREE DAWN, DESIREE DAWN EVENTS

IF YOU ARE WRITING YOUR OWN VOWS, HAVE THEM CALLIGRAPHED ON PRETTY PAPER SO YOU’LL HAVE THEM AS A KEEPSAKE AFTER THE CEREMONY.

MARIA COOKE AND KELLY SEIZERT, RITZY BEE EVENTS

A GRAND DEPARTURE FROM THE CEREMONY, NOT THE RECEPTION, USED TO BE A BIG FUSS IN THE SOUTH. WHY NOT HAVE GUESTS TOSS SOMETHING AS YOU LEAVE THE CHAPEL INSTEAD OF WAITING UNTIL THE END OF THE NIGHT? LINDSAY PITT, TOAST EVENTS

During the ceremony (and especially during the vows!), look at each other. I’ve seen brides pledge most of their vows to their officiant! And do take a moment to look out at all the guests — it’s very moving. JOY THIGPEN, ONCE WED

The person who marries you should know you. Just make sure that your officiant is very comfortable speaking in front of a crowd and that they have the time and desire to do a bit of research on creating a personal ceremony for you. KELLY MCWILLIAMS, WEDDINGS BY SOCIALITES

GRAB SOME SWEET TEA AND HEAD TO OUR BLOG FOR MORE CEREMONY TIPS. ILOVESWMAG.COM ❤

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Keep the guest list short! At the core, a ceremony is solely about the unity of two individuals. A Southern wedding is family-focused rather than a showcase to your long-lost acquaintances. CHRISTOPHER CONFERO, DAVID BEAHM DESIGN

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

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We believe in biscuits and banjos, pearls and pecans, grits and gardenias, magnolias and monograms.

V I S I T S WEET TEA S O CI ET Y.CO M FOR MORE

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

P LU M P R ET T Y SU GAR WWW. P LUM P RE TTY S U GAR.CO M

IF, LIKE US, YOU HAVE THE ITCH TO MONOGRAM EVERYTHING that will stop moving long enough to get in a few stitches, tear out this cheat sheet and keep it in your purse! Emily from Emma J Design has worked up a beautiful glossary of monogram styles, including tips on how to handle a multi-surname household and how to format an interlocking monogram. In fact, we've got guidelines for every situation pre- and postwedding, so never fear: not a towel, bag, hat or iPhone case need go unlettered! Just remember: it's considered bad luck to use your new combined monogram prewedding ceremony, so opt for a two-letter style on your invitations!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

SURCEE: A Southern term for a thoughtful gift given unexpectedly or for no reason FABRICS FROM CHITCHAT FABRICS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANCY RAY

Directing guests to things like sweet tea? Very important. Make sure they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get lost with these RUSTIC SIGNS. (Prices vary, thepaperwalrus.etsy.com)

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

These SWEET TEA SCENTED CANDLES will have your home smellin’ as welcoming as a tall glass of tea. ($16-$18, sodelta.com)

Sweet as a peach indeed! Several other Southern phrase POSTERS are available, including “Oh my stars” and “Goodness gracious.” ($15 each, stephaniecreekmur.com)

Who says a GARTER has to be your something blue? We love the vintage take on these handmade gems. ($78-$92, florriemitton. etsy.com)

Did you meet at your alma mater? Show off your school pride with these COCKTAIL HOUR ACCESSORIES! ($25 for 18 pennants and $15 for 35 straw flags, apdesignco.com) SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Gift your husband-to-be with what’s sure to become a prized possession: a pair of CUFFLINKS made from his SEC team’s gameplayed helmets. ($180 per pair, uncommongoods.com)

Wedding treats get even sweeter when they’re packaged in these CUSTOM MUSLIN BAGS. ($6, shop.weddingchicks.com)

Too busy wedding planning to bake delectables for the farewell brunch? These MAIL-ORDER BISCUITS come in flavors like country ham, buttermilk and cinnamon. ($40 for 24, calliesbiscuits.com)

No need to worry about wilting flowers or falling BOUTONNIERES! These fabric beauties from Petal and Print will last long after the wedding is over. ($36-$50, petalandprint.com)

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

The colors in this photo make me so happy! I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even like

ET grits, but I would happily sit a bag of these in my pantry. P.S. Notice any familiar names on these beauties?

The only danger with these GRITS? Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re almost too pretty to unwrap and whip up! ($8, ladyletterpress.com)

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

When Lara sent me a preview of these two pages, I replied

MK in all caps! The monograms alone had me obsessed!

Send guests home with a sweet treat: these diminutive PIES and equally delicious PIE POPS, made fresh in Austin and shipped anywhere. ($30-$48 for one dozen, tinypies.com)

These preppy CELL PHONE CASES are cuter than a speckled pup! (From Emily Ley ($48, emilyley.com), Boatman Geller ($58, boatmangeller.com), and Lifeguard Press ($26-$28, lifeguardpress. com))

Sending thank you notes becomes instantly easier and more fun when you’re showing off your new last name and some state pride with a CUSTOM STAMP. ($33, sincerelyyourspaper.etsy.com)

Make a “state-ment” by displaying one of these DISH TOWELS inspired by Southern states and cities. ($20 each, uncommongoods.com)

This pretty is going on my Christmas list! Too bad my new initials are EAT…

What better way to celebrate your new last name than with one of these 14k gold slim SIGNET RINGS? They’re pretty as a peach! ($310, arielgordonjewelry.com)

Long live the Mason Jar! We love these STAMPED TREAT BAGS by Crafty Clementine. Your guests might fancy the outside even more than what’s inside! ($50 for set of 50, clementineweddings.etsy.com)

To have and to hold, and to keep your drink cold... These PERSONALIZED KOOZIES are a great gift for bridesmaids or wedding guests! ($14.50 each, haymarketdesigns.com)

Seersucker and monograms? Be still our Southern heart! Your bridesmaids won’t know how to thank you when you present them with these colorful CLUTCHES. ($58-$70, southernbeaus.etsy.com)

Y'all, this is Winston. He's photographer Nancy Ray's giant Great Dane and he's such a stellar model!

Guests are sure to squeal when they see your pooch dressed up in one of these dapper DOGGIE BOW TIES on the big day!

(All from theroverboutique.etsy.com ($40) except for top left, from sillybuddy.etsy.com ($42))

Every Southern beau needs a good BOW TIE. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve picked some of the best bows this side of the Mason-Dixon Line! (For prices and sourcing information, see page 308)

Choosing a monogram style from the plethora available will likely be your first problem; actually bringing yourself to use these exquisite LINENS might be your second! ($85-$165, leontinelinens.com)

LOVESTRUCK: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M AS HAPPY AS A GOAT IN A BRIAR PATCH.

Who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love a big bow? These feminine CLUTCHES are the perfect Southern accessory for any occasion. ($62 each, eclu.etsy.com)

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

2431 Shorecrest Drive Ste D1 Dallas, TX 75235 Studio: 214. 207. 9157 www.difiori.com info@difiori.com

P HOTO GR AP HY BY I Z E H I P H OTOG R A P HY

This ice cream is made in our home state of North Carolina! The red velvet is AMAZING!

This SOUTHERN ICE CREAM makes us want to scream, y’all! Sweet tea, red velvet cake, key lime and peach... what could be better? (Prices vary, enjoyfrontporch.com)

We didn’t think it was possible to make ice cream even sweeter, but these STAMPED SPOONS and COLORFUL CUPS do the trick. ($3.50 for 12 spoons, intheclear.etsy.com, and $4 for 20 cups, shopsweetlulu.com)

Order a MONOGRAMMED BUTTON DOWN for each of your ‘maids as a wedding day gift (perfect to wear while primping!), and keep one for yourself — with your new letters, of course. ($45, shopmemento. com)

Your future ‘maids would be hard-pressed to answer anything but “yes!” when asked with a PRINTED HANDKERCHIEF! ($12 each, shop.weddingchicks.com) SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

9 1 9 . 2 4 9 . V I V A ( 8 48 2 ) SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

WWW.VI VAE VE NT .C O M

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: NANCY RAY PHOTOGRAPHY, ABIGAIL SEYMOUR PHOTOGRAPHY AND HILTON PITTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

These “HIS AND HERS” SPOONS are as Southern as the sweet tea they are sittin’ in. ($25 for set of 2, milkandhoneyluxuries.com)

We love the simplicity of these PENNED TREAT BAGS! Lauren will customize them to your chosen phrase, too. ($6 for set of 20, afabulousfete.etsy.com)

This little BOOK (a favorite in the SW office!) is filled with Southern sayings and advice for living life in the South. ($10, amazon.com)

With these PENDANTS, you can always be blessin’ someone’s heart. ($29, jeanskipper.etsy.com)

For more Southern goodies, visit the General Store:

ILOVESWMAG.COM/GENERAL-STORE

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

SOUTHERN PAPER

mily, our resident office paper lover, discovered BELLE & UNION at this year's National Stationery Show in New York City. It was Meg Sutton's debut show, and her booth literally stopped Emily in her tracks! She (and now we all) couldn't believe how perfectly B&U's sweet Southern aesthetic matched up with our own. A match made in heaven, indeed! Belle & Union greeting cards, jotters, recipe cards, tea towels, notepads and boxed notes will be available on their website soon! www.belleandunion.com SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

www.rebeccaroseevents.com

SOUTHERN PAPER

FIRST COLUMN, TOP TO BOTTOM: salt and pepper card by Belle & Union (belleandunion.com), cow card by Darby*Cards (darbycards.com), handpainted suite by Momental Designs (momentaldesigns.com), SECOND COLUMN: Mason jar card by Alee & Press (aleeandpress.com), bless your heart card by Petal Press (petalpress.com), gingham card by Flywheel Press (flywheelpress.com), THIRD COLUMN: cotton suite by Val Marie Paper (valmariepaper.com), Mason jar card by Petal Press, Mason jar suite by April Ink (aprilink.etsy.com) Berry basket card by Belle & Union, FOURTH COLUMN: chicken-fried card by Wild Ink Press (wildinkpress.com), gingham card by Printerette Press for SHIP & SHAPE (shipandshape.com), ribbon program by Wiregrass Weddings (wiregrassweddings.com), Texas moving announcement by Ashley Brooke Designs (ashleybrookedesigns.com) SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

HONEY

SOUTHERN SWEETNESS

This tasty Southern honey is so good, it will leave your wedding guests buzzing! ($12 for two 3 oz. jars, savannahbee.com)

MASON JAR COOKIES

Just when you thought Mason Jars couldn’t get any cuter... ($5 per cookie, kristascookieswithcharacter. blogspot.com)

WHOOPIE PIES

Whoopie! These little treats by Whoopsie Pies are finger lickin’ good! (12 mini pies for $20, shop.whoopsiespies.com)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEY + JESSICA

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

WHISKEY PRALINE PECANS

Cajole any reluctant groomsmen down the aisle with a trail of these. ($12.95 for a 10 oz. package, amazon.com)

BISCUIT MIX

Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit, this mix is good! The colorful packaging makes it pretty enough to give as a favor, too. ($8.95, gullahgourmet.com)

MASON JAR COOKIE MIX

Choose your base (like peanut butter or oatmeal) then select from three dozen add-ins to create a delicious custom mix packaged in a Mason jar ($12.99 and up, masonjarcookiecompany.com)

CHOCOLATE COVERED S'MORES

No campfire required. ($18 for 6, sweetlydias.com)

PECAN PIES

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re nuts about the pecan pies from Three Brothers Bakery! Be sure to try the classic (seen here) as well as the deep dish version (top left) ($19.95, 3brothersbakery.com)

CHOCOLATE BARS

These flavors are as good as they sound, y'all! Not a single bar of this Southerninspired chocolate will be left at the end of your reception -- we guarantee it. ($3.99 each, wildophelia.com and $7.50 for one bar, fleurirchocolates.com)

YUM! This red velvet cake pop tastes as good as it looks!

PECANS

These pretty-as-canbe pecans come in delectable flavors like cinnamon glazed and dark chocolate. ($33 for 2 bags, schermerpecans.com)

CAKE POPS

We greatly enjoy tasting everything that comes our way, but we kid you not, our office was raving about these red velvet cake pops for days! (Price varies, chicsweets.net)

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Love these Mason jars? Check out page 310 to see where they're from!

VERY YEAR, WE WAIT PATIENTLY. Low to the ground, dormant craggy vines seem to awaken as they are suddenly dotted with fragile circles of rose-like petals. As the blossoms fall softly, hard green berries begin to appear. Swelling quickly, the berries turn red and tart, eventually ripening into a shiny, deep black-burgundy. It’s a sure sign of spring when the Southern dewberries are ripe. Dewberries, close relatives of the blackberry, grow wild in the South, almost everywhere. Baskets in hand, heading off to the berry patch was a family tradition, passed down from generations. A just-picked dewberry – musty, sweet and warm from the sun – releases a burst of juice and a flood of memories. Memories of berry picking with my dad, Cecil, along dirt roads in rural Alabama; memories of Lara and Stephen with purple tattooed fingertips proudly displaying their brimming baskets; and memories of sparkling Mason jars filled with jam, lined up on my grandmother’s kitchen counter. The tradition of “putting up” berries was as rich as the ritual of picking them. The jam recipe, never written down, was passed on from my mother and grandmother. It was simple — freshly picked dewberries, including some tart red ones for extra pectin, sugar and lemon. The secret was their marriage in the refrigerator overnight, before the jam was cooked. Ready to be reused, the Mason jars also waited patiently. Colorless or in soft shades of aqua, the older ones were etched with swirls and occasional bubbles. Surviving all these years, they were, perhaps, at one time even banished to the cupboard when canning took a backseat to the conveniences of the deep freezer. They were the first glass containers used for preserving food – the distant relative of glass ketchup bottles and pickle jars. Ready to stand by, or to be morphed into a modern day flower vase, candy jar, or sweet tea jug, the Mason jar is an old friend. I like knowing the jars that held our family’s jam for generations will honor that same tradition for Lara and Grace. For as simple as a Mason jar filled with jam may be, it is a link that blends vivid memories of the past with those of the present. - CELIA CASEY, LARA'S MAMA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FAITH TEASLE Y STYLING BY STACE Y LANNING CALLIGRAPHY BY LIT TLE MISS PRESS I love you so much, Mom.

I LOVE THE SMELL OF WARM APPLE PIE, THE RUSTLING LEAVES ON GIANT OAK TREES, THE CREAKING OF A WOODEN ROCKING CHAIR ON A VERANDA... BUT MOST OF ALL, IT'S THE SWEET AND GOODNATURED PEOPLE. MICHELLE MARCH, MICHELLE MARCH PHOTOGRAPHY

HERE IN THE SOUTH, we speak a little slower, sit a little longer and love a little deeper. We cherish friendship, our families and our grandma's handwritten recipes more than anything in the world. We know good ol' comfort food cures any ailment and stand by the mantra, "the more, the merrier." Why do I love the South? Because we believe tradition, love and togetherness always win. Growing up, my dad made an enormous breakfast spread every Sunday. My mom, little brother and I followed our noses into the kitchen and gathered (in our pajamas) at our big oak table to enjoy delicious grits, buttered biscuits and, most of all, each other's company. That spirit of love, and commitment to what matters most, is what makes the South so uniquely special. - EMILY LEY, SOUTHERN MAMA AND DESIGNER, EMILY LEY PAPER

I adore the dirt roads, rocking chairs on the porch, the sunsets and the home-cooked Sunday afternoon meals. But the people are what make the South. I love that when you walk past someone, she makes eye contact and shares a smile instead of hustling on by. There is comfort in kindness here. You pray, you love, you hug and you accept people down here, y'all! TARA HOBGOOD, TARA HOBGOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

I love that no matter how old you are, if you were raised in the South, you still call your mother, "mama." You can just never outgrow mama.

BECKA ROBINSON, STUDIO222 PHOTOGRAPHY

I HAVE SUCH A SOFT SPOT IN MY HEART FOR THE SOUTH. THE PEOPLE AND THE CHARM CAN MAKE ANYONE FEEL LIKE THEY'RE RIGHT AT HOME. I'VE NEVER SEEN SUCH SWEETER SMILES. STEPHANIE STERJOVSKI PHOTOGRAPHY

I LOVE HOW GENUINE

I LOVE BEING ABLE TO DROP ANY LINE FROM STEEL MAGNOLIAS INTO A CONVERSATION AND IMMEDIATELY GET ANOTHER LINE BACK IN RESPONSE. JENNI BAILEY, JENNI BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY I love the Southern sayings. My aunt used to tell me, "Don't drive faster than your guardian angels can fly!" HEATHER GARDNER WEDDINGS, LLC

CHURCH ON JUST ABOUT EVERY CORNER WITH A F R I E N D LY W E L C O M E . JAN PICKENS RENEGAR, GREEN TREE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE FOOOOD. KATIE STOOPS, KATIE STOOPS PHOTOGRAPHY

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

ALL ITS PEOPLE ARE. IT'S ALL ABOUT HOSPITALITY AND

I thank my lucky stars I was raised in the South! I love Southern accents, sweet tea and tailgates before a big game. Cowboy boots and pearls are always in style, and someone's heart is always being blessed. "Y'all" can be used in every sentence, and there is nothing better than a home-cooked meal with family. ALEXIA CONLEY, SOUTHERN WEDDINGS INTERN

W E L O V E T H AT T H E R E ' S A

THE SOUTH AND

MAKING EVERYONE FEEL WELCOME. I LOVE THAT IN THE SOUTH, WE TAKE THE TIME TO APPRECIATE EVERYTHING — THAT IT ISN'T ABOUT THE HUSTLE AND

The South is a graceful, passionate Lady, defiant and alive. She's front porches and sweet tea and chivalry, brazen sunsets, full moons and cicadas, drama and history and stubborn hope. She's a heart-home, and I didn't know it 'til I met her. Everybody should live in the South for a little while. We'd be so much better off.

BUSTLE. I LOVE THAT

KELLY SAUER, KELLY SAUER LTD. CO.

KELLY MCWILLIAMS, WEDDINGS BY SOCIALITES

IN THE SOUTH, THE LITTLE THINGS ARE APPRECIATED AND THE BIG THINGS ARE REALLY BIG.

Raising a Southern gent — by far the greatest pleasure and responsibility of my life. Surely his first words will be, "Hey, y'all!" CARLEE SIZEMORE

I love double names, grits, walking through grass with bare feet and saying "y'all" all the time.

YEEHAW!

SHERYL LYNN LESTER, SHERYL LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY

Sippin' sweet tea and anything else called a coke, fixin' to go somewhere, pushin' a buggy, hugs, "yes ma'am," "bless her heart," pecan pie, pinto beans, turnip greens and fried okra, swingin' on the front porch, swattin' mosquitos, swimmin' after Labor Day, prayer meetin' on Wednesday, Friday night football, goin' to the drive-in, praisin' the Lord and "pass the biscuits!" It's one thing to live in or visit the South, it's a whole 'nother thing being born here! You just get it! CHRIST Y GALE, CHRIST Y GALE PHOTOGRAPHY

I love that the blood of a Southerner is sweet tea! When I went to Colorado and asked for sweet tea, they looked at me funny. At our house we love it so much, we started making concentrate so we could have it all the time.

world, I'd have to say

JESSICA MONNICH, JESSICA MONNICH PHOTOGRAPHY

always inviting people

I love the SEC, Southern hospitality and the ability to say y'all without being frowned upon!

cup of tea, to watch

Though we do lay claim to some of the tastiest food in the my favorite part of the South is our love for community! We're into our homes for a the big game, for a special meal or to simply sit on the front

JESSICA STEPHENS, BOTANICA INTERNATIONAL DESIGN STUDIO

porch and talk. We remember that life isn't worth anything if

I LOVE THE SMALL TOWNS

we don't have people

WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS

with whom to share our

YOUR NAME, AND WHERE THE TEA IS SWEET BUT THE

burdens and joys!

PEOPLE ARE SWEETER!

ALLISON WINTER, TRIANGLE ENGAGEMENT MARKETING

KRISTIN PEDDICORD, KLP PHOTOGRAPHY

Although I spent years away from the South, I always knew in my heart that I'd return! There is nothing like the friendly smiles and genuine hospitality that you encounter here, and it's this warmth and approachability that inspires all of my entertaining, whether it's a huge bash or intimate dinner party. I also love the sense of tradition that surrounds food and cooking in the South. There's something so special about a recipe that's been passed down for generations, and food is often the centerpiece of our most treasured moments celebrated with family and friends. CAMILLE ST YLES, CAMILLE ST YLES I LOVE THE BISCUITS, FAMILY TIME, FALL AIR, LACE, TRADITIONS AND MOST OF ALL, MY AWESOME SOUTHERN HUSBAND.

ANNETTE THURMON, CHAVIANO COUTURE

Everyone is so nice! Oh, and the pie. MICHELLE EDGEMONT

SUNDA Y SUPPERS, W E E P I N G W I L LO W S , BOW TIES AND " H E Y, Y ' A L L " SARAH GOODWIN PHOTOGRAPHY

This is my dear friend Saadia and her adorable happy family. Love them so much!

WELL, PICK MY PEAS!

When I think of my favorite things about the South, I immediately think of sweet tea (one of the best things, in my opinion), slow Southern drawls, hot summer nights with the windows down and a little country music on the radio and, of course, getting primped with pearls and gingham.

As a Canadian girl currently living in the Midwest, I'm obviously quite far from having any sort of Southern roots. But I have to admit I have a secret crush on all things hailing from the sunniest and friendliest part of the nation. There's something about the South that epitomizes sweetness, class and femininity; all three qualities that are highly important to my business and near and dear to my heart as both a business owner and a woman. Let's not forget the copious amounts of sweet tea, bow ties and pale blue seersucker, either. These sorts of things a girl could get used to!

TIFFANY YANG, NEWLY

RHIANNON BOSSE, HEY GORGEOUS

ENGAGED + NICOLE'S SIS! SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

In addition to the obvious love for Southern hospitality, I love the delicate blooms and waxy leaves on a Southern magnolia tree and the tradition of bluepainted porch ceilings! AMBER KARSON, KARSON BUTLER EVENTS

I like the way Southerners know how to turn ordinary into lovely. For example, the way my grandmother would turn a bucket of KFC out on a table next to her cut glass and silver atop a lace tablecloth. TRACY GOODWIN BROWN

I LOVE HOW A HUG IS THE GREETING YOU USE WHETHER YOU'RE MEETING NEW FRIENDS OR

AIN'T THAT A HOOT!

WELCOMING OLD ONES.

PETER CALL AHAN, PETER CALL AHAN CATERING

MANDY MAY, TWO AND COUNTING

I already love the South so very much, but reading all these reasons from our dear friends makes me even more in love!

KAWANIA (KAY) WOOTEN, HOWERTON+WOOTEN EVENTS

WELL, CLUTCH MY PEARLS! Plain and simple, everything about the South makes us smile. Southerners really win you over with their charm, and that Southern hospitality is no myth, my friends. Proper dress, big hats and that adorable drawl – how could anyone resist? There's just something about being down South. The wide open spaces and amazing sun-kissed light make us feel all warm and fuzzy. AMY SQUIRES, WEDDING CHICKS

TRISTAN HARRIS, NEWLYWED

BEING A TRIED AND TRUE NEW YORKER WITH MY MILLION-MILE-AN-HOUR SCHEDULE, I LIKE THE SOUTH FOR ITS SLOW PACE OF LIFE — I THINK OF IT AS A COOL GL ASS OF SWEET TEA IN THE SHADE OF A BEAUTIFUL OLD OAK ON SOME PL ANTATION.

The South is one of my truest loves. I love the smell of tobacco hanging in the barn, Brunswick stew fundraisers at the church every fall, little girls in smocked dresses with giant hair bows and little boys in camouflage, covered in mud. Inherited shotgun heirlooms, the tradition of family names, Sunday suppers after church. Long walks down the dirt path, true football tailgating in fields full of pick-up trucks and pig cookers. Shag festivals in Myrtle Beach, summers at the lake house, I-95 to Duck Key. Children in their PJ’s at the Christmas Eve service, weddings so fancy they rival the royals. High school sweethearts, lifelong friends, bouffant hair and scruffy beards. Gracious could this list go on. And God-filled homes, everywhere, overflowing with love… maybe that’s the very best part. Oh, and Duke's mayonnaise on a tomato sandwich. How could I forget that?

the weeping willows in the wind,

Food in the South is delicious, from the fresh vegetables in the mountains to Eastern Carolina barbecue, from biscuits to Chick-fil-a. I love it all. After spending most of my life in New England, I also don't mind ocean water so warm you don't have to brace yourself as you wade in. JOHN THOMAS, EMILY'S BEAU

EATING IN THE SOUTH: IT'S LIKE A RELIGION! IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU'RE FAMILY AT A FAMILY GATHERING — YOU'RE TREATED LIKE YOU ARE. WE HAVE THE BEST PEOPLE, HANDS DOWN! AMELIA ADCOCK

NOTHING BEATS THE SOUND OF A SCREEN DOOR SLAMMING AND CHILDREN PLAYING OUTSIDE. THE WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD IS FAMILY. ABBIE SOLBERG, GIRL FRIDAY EVENTS + DESIGN

There is an intoxicating romance about the South that is hard to notice until you leave it. Something in the very air whispers to you. STEPHANIE KALOI, CRIMSON AND CLOVER PHOTOGRAPHY

One of the things I love about the South is the tradition of "the porch." Whether it's a front porch, a back porch, a screened in porch or just the idea of a porch, Southerners are so good at knowing how to sit back, relax, sip on some tea and spend time with one another. Whenever I visit my family in Georgia, I always look forward to our afternoons and late evenings spent out on the porch. My aunt normally makes us snacks or tea or cocktails, and my uncle will sit back with a cigar and chat about everything from local politics to childhood memories. Oftentimes, neighbors or friends will drop by unexpectedly for a drink and to chat a little. That Southern ability to enjoy one another meant so much to me and is something I aim to incorporate into my daily life—even all the way out here in California!

Why do I love the South? What’s not to love?! When I think of the South I think of old fashioned Southern hospitality, plantation houses, monograms, big hair, college football (Roll Tide!), fried EVERYTHING, accents to die for, and sweet tea so good it’ll make you want to slap your momma! The South isn’t just a place, it’s a lifestyle, and I love every aspect of it. So, to survive down here, just make sure you monogram everything, make your sweet tea sweeter than the cupcakes at your local bakery, attempt to fry every type of food imaginable, own at least one item of clothing that is seersucker and get more excited about college football than Christmas. If you can do that, you’ll fit right in!

Picking blackberries for homemade blackberry cobbler and green bean stringing parties! Everyone sits around with their green beans, stringing and snapping away

I LOVE EVERYDAY

while chatting for

INTERACTIONS

hours. I miss the South and I can't wait to move back! MONICA L AMOS, TEACHER

JAMIE STONE, A SOUTHERN L ADY

COURTNEY WHITMORE, PIZZAZZERIE

STRANGERS HERE. I LOVE PEOPLE. IT MAKES MY DAY TO RUN INTO THE POST OFFICE OR GROCERY STORE AND STRIKE

CASSEROLES FROM NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS FOR EVERY OCCASION. DEATH IN THE FAMILY? CASSEROLE. NEW BABY? CASSEROLE. NEW HOUSE? CASSEROLE. WE LOVE OUR CASSEROLES IN THE SOUTH!" GINNY DUNN, KIMBERLY-CL ARK PROFESSIONAL

UP FRIENDLY CONVERSATIONS WITH PEOPLE I'VE NEVER MET BEFORE, BUT FEEL LIKE I'VE KNOWN FOREVER. EVERY TIME I TRAVEL AND COME BACK HOME, I FALL IN LOVE WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE SOUTH ALL

SUMMER WATKINS, GREY LIKES WEDDINGS

I love the South because it means fireflies, soda shoppes, winding roads and lace dresses, pecan pie and mint tea, swimming holes and summer romance, Chantilly veils and garden weddings. I love the South not only because it is my home, but because it has stolen my heart.

WITH PERFECT

OVER AGAIN. RYLEE HITCHNER, RYLEE HITCHNER PHOTOGRAPHY

The South is not easily forgotten, and I love it for that. The food, the music, the accent. The heat! What can you call it other than personality? I only lived a few years in the South, but that was more than enough for it to make its mark. Needless to say, I've been trying to find that sweet-tea-and-aporch-swing feeling ever since I left! KATHRYN GRADY, SNIPPET AND INK

If you know me, you know I had an absolute fit when I first saw this photograph. I love chickens!!!

HAPPIER THAN A GOAT IN A BRIAR PATCH MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE SOUTH IS THE MEMORIES. THEY'RE EVERYWHERE AROUND HERE. AND THERE'S ALWAYS SOMEONE TO HAND YOU A GLASS OF SWEET TEA AND TELL YOU HER LIFE STORY. THAT'S MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE SOUTH.

HANNAH HUNT, HH PHOTOGRAPHY

It's my maiden name, Kristi South Schneider. It's who I am. Having grown up in Virginia, it's such a part of me, my being, my soul and upbringing. I feel like the South is God's way of hugging you in a blanket of nature -warmth, beauty and colors abound all year! Southerners are down home, friendly, live-offthe-land, feed-thyneighbor kinds of folks. We all have sweet tea running through our veins! No one is a stranger. I wouldn't live in or raise my boys in any other place in any other manner. Can I get an amen, y'all?!

I LOVE HOW LIFE SEEMS TO SLOW DOWN IN THE SOUTH. SITTING IN A ROCKING CHAIR ON YOUR FRONT PORCH, SIPPIN' SWEET TEA WITH YOUR GRANDMOTHER OR AN OLD FRIEND DOESN'T HAVE TO BE SCHEDULED OR PENCILED IN, IT JUST HAPPENS. GOOD MANNERS AND A SINCERE APPRECIATION OF SENTIMENT AND TRADITION DON'T HAVE TO BE TAUGHT; THEY ARE SIMPLY INHERITED.

KRISTI SOUTH SCHNEIDER, KRISTI JO PHOTO

ANGEL A HALEY, HEMSTITCH VINTAGE RENTALS

I love the kind way of people in the South. If you need some love, you know people will always be there to give you some, plus a little more. That's what "Southern Sugar" is... love. I also love fried catfish and swimmin' in the swimmin' hole, peaches off the tree, rockin' chairs and I loved my husband dearly. He was a good Southern man. Yes, I loved him most. GRANDMA BUNNY, L ARA'S GRANDMA

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE SOUTH IS THE PEOPLE. THERE'S A BASIC HONEST GOODNESS IN MOST PEOPLE I'VE MET IN THE SOUTH: STRENGTH, LOVE OF FAMILY, GOD AND COUNTRY. PLUS THEY AREN'T AFRAID TO GIVE YOU A BIG OLD HUG IF YOU NEED IT. PATTI AUTEN, MARISSA'S MAMA

Nicole did a great DIY tutorial on how to make these beautiful monogram mason jars. Check out iloveswmag.com for more!

My favorite things about the South have to be the sweet tea, (vinegar-based) barbeque, pecan pie and Southern hospitality. ANGEL A NEAL, KRISTIN'S MAMA

THERE IS LOTS OF GOOD ABOUT BEING IN THE SOUTH. I THINK THE BEST THING IS THE FRIENDLINESS OF THE PEOPLE AND OF COURSE I LOVE THE SOUTHERN FOODS — FRIED CHICKEN, COLLARD GREENS AND HOMEMADE ICE CREAM TOPPED WITH FRESH, RIPE STRAWBERRIES! ELEANOR GRANT, KRISTIN'S GRANDMA

E L I S A B P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M

. l u f i t u a e B ouquets B 56

Jen Huang

OH MY STARS!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Gem Photo

Captured Photography by Jen Cyn Kain Photography

Tulip Design Studio

OPPOSITE PAGE CORAL CHARM PEONY, RANUNCULUS, SNAPDRAGON, CLEMATIS VINE, ROSE HIP, GARDEN ROSE AND MAIDEN HAIR AND ASPARAGUS FERN BOUQUET BY POPPIES & POSIES (POPPIESANDPOSIES.COM); THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: WHITE

ANEMONE, TULIP AND HYACINTH BOUQUET BY GLENN YEE (GLENNYEE.COM); CORAL CHARM PEONY BOUQUET BY LAURA MILLER DESIGN (LAURAMILLERDESIGN.COM); WHITE PEONY, JULIET GARDEN ROSE, FRENCH ANEMONE, POPPY, CRASPEDIA, DUSTY MILLER AND BUPLEURUM BOUQUET BY TULIP DESIGN STUDIO (ILOVETULIP.COM); CORAL CHARM PEONY, FREE SPIRIT ROSE, NANDINA FOLIAGE, YELLOW RANUNCULUS, MOCK ORANGE, SCABIOSA FLOWER, SPRAY ROSE AND TULIP POPLAR BLOSSOM BOUQUET BY HOLLY HEIDER CHAPPLE FLOWERS (HOLLYCHAPPLEFLOWERS.COM)

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Segerius bruce photography

Caroline Tran

{a}strid photography

Page Bertlesen Photography

Lauren Kinsey

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

AZALEA, CAMELLIA, SWEET PEA, CLEMATIS, GARDEN ROSE, AMARYLLIS AND RANUNCULUS BOUQUET BY MYRTIE BLUE (MYRTIEBLUE. COM); WHITE TULIP BOUQUET BY WHITE LILAC INC. (WHITELILACINC.COM); SUNSET PEONY, ALEXANDER FLEMING PEONY, MISS PIGGY ROSE AND PINK LISIANTHUS BOUQUET BY HAYFORD AND RHODES (HAYFORDANDRHODES.CO.UK); CALLA LILY, GLORIOSA LILY, VIBURNUM, PARROT TULIP, MOKARA ORCHID AND KUMQUAT BOUQUET BY SALT HARBOR DESIGNS (SALTHARBOR.COM); GARDEN ROSE, RANUNCULUS, PARROT TULIP, SWEET PEA AND SAGE BOUQUET BY AMY BURKE DESIGNS (AMYBURKEDESIGNS.COM)

❤ HAVE A HAPPY WEDDING DAY: IF TODAY GETS ANY BETTER, I’LL HAVE TO HIRE SOMEBODY TO HELP ME ENJOY IT!

Table 4 Weddings

Jessamyn Harris

Rustic White Photography

Cyn Kain Photography

Cindy and Saylor

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT PINK PEONY, WHITE GARDEN ROSE AND PINK SPRAY ROSE BOUQUET BY MARKET STREET (MARKETSTREETUNITED.COM); GARDENIA, GARDEN ROSE, LADY SLIPPER ORCHID, PEACH CYMBIDIUM ORCHID AND BRIDAL VEIL PROTEA BOUQUET BY FANTASY FLORAL DESIGNS (FANTASYFLORALDESIGNS. COM); RANUNCULUS, GARDEN ROSE, DUSTY MILLER, STOCK, SEEDED EUCALYPTUS, FEVERFEW, LYSAMACHIA AND CRASPEDIA BOUQUET BY STUDIO CHOO (STUDIOCHOO.COM), CORAL CHARM PEONY, AMARYLLIS, JULIET GARDEN ROSE, SAHARA ROSE, ANEMONE, DUSTY MILLER AND RANUNCULUS BOUQUET BY JULI VAUGHN DESIGNS (JULIVAUGHN.COM), GARDENIA AND MAGNOLIA LEAF BOUQUET BY PURPLE PUDDLE (PURPLEPUDDLE.COM)

Amelia Johnson Photography Annabella Charles

Kelly Sweet Photography Tec Petaja

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SARAH BERNHARDT PEONY, WHITE STOCK, WHITE CLEMATIS, PINK SPRAY ROSE, PINK SWEET PEA AND BLUSH

DAVID AUSTIN GARDEN ROSE BOUQUET BY HEY GORGEOUS EVENTS (HEYGORGEOUSEVENTS.COM); RANUNCULUS, SWEET PEA, TULIP, SCABIOSA, QUEEN ANNE’S LACE, MAIDEN HAIR FERN AND SEEDED EUCALYPTUS BOUQUET BY JMFLORA DESIGN (JMFLORA.COM); DOGWOOD FLOWER, SPRAY ROSE, VIBURNUM, CHAMOMILE, DUSTY MILLER, RANUNCULUS, LISIANTHUS, STOCK AND MINT LEAF BOUQUET BY HAUTE HORTICULTURE (HAUTEHORTICULTURE.COM), RANUNCULUS, GARDEN ROSE, DUSTY MILLER, LYSAMACHIA, ASPEN AND CHOKECHERRY BRANCH, HYDRANGEA, ASTILBE, YARROW AND CLEMATIS VINE BOUQUET BY STUDIO CHOO (STUDIOCHOO.COM); OPPOSITE PAGE: KNOCK OUT ROSE, SWEET PEA, TULIP, WAXFLOWER, HYACINTH, HELLEBORE AND PINK JASMINE AND HONEYSUCKLE VINE BOUQUET BY HAUTE HORTICULTURE

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

The gingham ribbon on this

ET bouquet is amazing!

Sweet gingham! This summer Nicole and I grew deeper in love with this fabric, and wrapping it around this lovely bouquet makes me officially swoon!

Annabella Charles

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

w w w. n a n c y r a y p h o t o g r a p hy. c o m

Planning a Wedding in The South A passion for sweet tea, front porch memories, a history of learning to live with humidity — these are things that unite the South. But look closer, and you’ll see that every state has its own personality, from the free-ranging independence of Texas to the down home sweetness of Alabama. Southern weddings vary across state lines, too, and that’s something to be celebrated! Here’s our state-by-state guide to planning your wedding in the South with a little stately flavor — enjoy! design & illustrations by Curious & Co. Creative

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Spotlight on ALABAMA

Spotlight on Georgia POPULATION: 9,815,210

POPULATION: 4,802,740

MAJOR CITIES: Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah

MAJOR CITIES: Montgomery, Birmingham, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville

BEST TIME TO THROW A WEDDING: Like most Southern states, the shoulder seasons are just perfect in Georgia. Choose April or October for the perfect temps!

BEST TIME TO THROW A WEDDING: Early September — the weather is cooling down, and football season isn’t in full swing yet

BEST PLACE TO HONEYMOON: Sea Island is where Kristin’s parents honeymooned in 1979, and it’s still quite a popular spot! The Cloisters’ luxurious hospitality is perfect for a special trip.

BEST PLACE TO HONEYMOON: Lake Guntersville, Gulf Shores, or Orange Beach ALABAMA BRIDES KNOW: To triple check the SEC football schedule. Even your Mama isn’t showing up if it’s not bye week!

GEORGIA BRIDES KNOW: You catch more flies with peaches than vinegar — important to remember during wedding planning as well as married life!

Stately Songs

For your recessional, grand entrance or first dance “DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS”

(George Strait, Ray Charles, or the Dave Brubeck Quartet)

“MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME”

“SHE’S LIKE TEXAS” (Josh Abbott Band)

“SWEET HOME ALABAMA”

“CAROLINA IN MY MIND” (James Taylor)

“GEORGIA ON MY MIND” (Ray Charles)

“GRACELAND” (Paul Simon)

“CARRY ME BACK TO OLD VIRGINNY” (The Countryboys)

(Lynyrd Skynyrd)

“STARS FELL ON ALABAMA” (Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald or Jimmy Buffett)

“OLD ALABAMA” (Brad Paisley featuring Alabama)

Major Sports Rivalries Keep passions at bay and everyone focused on what’s most important (ahem – your lifelong commitment) by scheduling around these major game days

ALABAMA vs. AUBURN or LSU

FLORIDA vs. FSU

GEORGIA vs. GEORGIA TECH

MISSISSIPPI vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE

TEXAS A&M vs. UT FOOTBALL

TENNESSEE vs. ANYBODY IN THE SEC (ha!) SOUTH CAROLINA vs. CLEMSON

UNC vs. DUKE BASKETBALL FLORIDA vs. GEORGIA

Stately Sweets

As an alternative to wedding cake or as a late night snack MOON PIES

Invented in Tennessee and made famous in the Gulf Coast, where they’re traditionally thrown off floats during Mardi Gras!

TEXAS TWO-STEP

A sweet, custard-y pie with a bit of a tang — yum!

BANANA PUDDING

The National Banana Pudding Festival is held just outside of Centerville, Tennessee

PEACH PIE

South Carolina and Georgia gals can both claim this sweet treat, as both states are known for peach production!

BLUE BELL ICE CREAM

This famed ice cream churner opened its doors in Texas in 1907

PECAN PIE

The pecan tree is the official state tree of Texas!

KEY LIME PIE

Named for the small key limes found throughout Florida

KRISPY KREME DONUTS

Founded in North Carolina in 1937, beloved everywhere

Best Blooms

fig. 2

Carry a little home-state love in your bouquet The BLUE BONNET (fig. 1) is the state flower of Texas (it grows wild for a brief period every spring!)

fig. 1

The intoxicating MAGNOLIA (fig. 2) is the state flower of Louisiana and Mississippi. For a twist on the traditional bridesmaid bouquet, simply have each 'maid carry one oversize bloom. The ruffled, romantic CAMELLIA (fig. 3) is the state flower of Alabama and represents graciousness and steadfastness. The PURPLE IRIS, a spring flower, is the state bloom of Tennessee and perfect for tucking into a delicate bouquet.

fig. 4

The dainty ORANGE BLOSSOM (fig. 4) is the state flower of Florida. Their sweet smell would make them a great fit for wiring into a boutonniere!

fig. 3

Stately Snacks

For a bite at cocktail hour or a late night surprise PORCELAIN SPOONS OF GUMBO OR JAMBALAYA Creole culture — and flavor! — is a staple in Louisiana.

PULLED PORK SLIDERS No matter which side of the Eastern North Carolina, Kansas City, or Memphis BBQ debate you sit on, pulled pork sliders are sure to be a hit.

MINI MUFFULETTAS

Downsize this New Orleans staple, made of muffuletta loaf, marinated olive salad, and lots of cheese and lunch meat, for individual servings.

VIRGINIA HAM BISCUITS Serve on a monogrammed napkin, of course!

KENTUCKY HOT BROWNS An open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a cheesy sauce. These were invented to satisfy hungry partygoers in the 1920’s, so they’re perfect for serving during a band break!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

KRYSTAL BURGERS WHATABURGERS This regional fast food chain is beloved in Texas. If these are on the late night menu in the Lone Star State, you know your guests will stay until the last song.

Created in downtown Chattanooga in 1932, the pint-size Krystal burgers are sure to be a “sack-full” of fun!

State School Spirit

Proud alums? Surprise guests at the end of the night with one of these state school stars! BIG AL FROM ALABAMA - Big Al is available for one-hour appearances for a $400 fee. Visit www.rolltide.com for more info at least two weeks prior to event!

COCKY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA - Cocky is available for private parties at a rate of $100/hour except from June 15 to August 1. Visit www.gamecocksonline.com for more info at least six weeks prior to event! HAIRY DAWG FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA - Hairy is available for private parties — make a request at www.georgiadogs.com for more info! RAMESES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA Rameses is available for private parties at a rate of $100/hour, year round. MIKE THE TIGER FROM LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY Mike is available for one hour time slots for a fee of $250. Be sure to apply at www.lsusports.net at least two weeks in advance! SMOKEY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE Smokey is available for wedding appearances for a $500 fee.

Spotlight on north carolina POPULATION: 9,656,401

MAJOR CITIES: Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem

BEST TIME TO THROW A WEDDING: By April the leaves are out and the grass is green but the heat hasn’t hit yet; October is warm, crisp, and clear.

BEST PLACE TO HONEYMOON: Try the woodsy elegant charm of Highlands (be sure to stay at the luxurious Old Edwards Inn), the sustainable foodie vibe of Asheville, or the charming coast (think Beaufort or the Outer Banks)

NORTH CAROLINA BRIDES KNOW: Both ladies and gents should always carry a handkerchief – ladies, to dab away glisten (never sweat), and gents, to offer to a lady!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Spotlight on virginia POPULATION: 8,096,604 MAJOR CITIES: Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Virginia Beach BEST TIME TO THROW A WEDDING: “Although October in Virginia is especially pretty, late April and early May hold a special place in my heart. At that time, everything has come to life — the peonies are blooming; the weather is sunny and comfortable and the stifling heat of Virginia summers seems miles away. Those weeks are some of the best for outdoor parties, which are my very favorite kind!” (Courtney Spencer, Merriment Events) BEST PLACE TO HONEYMOON: Charlottesville. Our own Emily stayed at the Clifton Inn on her minimoon! VIRGINIA BRIDES KNOW: All you need is love. (After all, Virginia is for lovers!)

DR. PEPPER This “one of a kind” soda was concocted in Texas in the 1880’s. Serve shooters at cocktail hour to give guests a taste!

Stately Sips Pass these at cocktail hour or feature them at the bar CHEERWINE

It’s not wine, but it’s certainly cheery! This burgundy-red soda was created in 1917 in Salisbury, NC.

MILK PUNCH

BOURBON AND GINGER Kentucky has its own Bourbon Trail, so mix up a Bourbon and Ginger — a mix of bourbon, ginger syrup, a fresh peach, and soda water — in honor of Your Old Kentucky Home.

Perfect for a winter wedding, this cocktail was invented in Louisiana and contains half and half, brandy, sugar, and vanilla extract, among other delicious things.

SAZERAC Originating in New Orleans and sometimes referred to as the oldest American cocktail, the Sazerac contains cognac, absinthe, and Peychaud’s Bitters.

RUM PUNCH For Floridian flavor, try the rum punch. Its bright mix of freshly-squeezed orange, pineapple, lime, and cranberry juice is perfect for the Sunshine State!

Style Cues

FLORIDA: LILLY PULITZER

Originating as a juice stand right off Worth Avenue, LP has been dressing Florida gals since 1959.

TEXAS: COWBOY BOOTS Now worn by many girls below the Mason-Dixon, cowboy boots were made popular by boot makers in the cattle ranching regions of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

LOUISIANA: PARASOLS Plucked from New Orleans second lines, these dainty sun shielders are perfect for wedding portraits.

Spotlight on Texas POPULATION: 25,674,681 — the second most populous in the country! MAJOR CITIES: Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio BEST TIME TO THROW A WEDDING: May (for the bluebonnets) or October/November (for the cooler temps) BEST PLACE TO HONEYMOON: Try the Riverwalk in San Antonio for a little big city excitement TEXAS BRIDES KNOW: Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the bigger the hair, the closer to God.

Happy wedding planning, y’all! FOR MORE FROM EVERY STATE BELOW THE MASON-DIXON, VISIT WWW.ILOVESWMAG.COM

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

A SOUTHERN FLOWER HOLDS A THOUSAND STORIES.

From a brilliant magnolia to a petite honeysuckle blossom, these sweet reminders of home earn their rightful place in any truly Southern bouquet. Through the rolling farms, along the back roads, and around the home gardens, one experiences the abundant blooming South, and it is this ever-changing canvas of colors and scents that is the backdrop for many of our fondest memories. Inspiration is all around: it is in the stunning sight of a camellia tree thick in bloom, or a bush heavy with soft, fragrant garden roses. It is found in fields of perfect snowy cotton and roadsides full of tall wildflowers. The South is a heavenly place where clematis and wisteria vines climb to reach the sun while cloud-like plumes of hydrangea hide under the shade of a massive oak tree. At night, it is a haven where time spent on the porch is scented by the perfume of nearby gardenias and climbing night jasmine. Love is found, families gather, promises are made and dreams realized â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and all the while, Southern flowers are quietly embroidering the fabric of our lives. So to us, it only seems right as roses to clutch some of these blooms close as you walk down the wedding aisle. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; KARIN WOODWARD

After a fruitless search for the perfect white pleated ribbon, our very own Nicole whipped this beauty up on her sewing machine! On the opening page: mint julep spoon from Sycamore Hill ($26) and silver monogram charm from Sorella Jewelry ($275)

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Images courtesy of Nancy Ray Photography

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

My name is Aislinn. It kind of rhymes with "raisin.â&#x20AC;? I like golden retrievers, making people laugh, eating pizza, and taking pictures.

DESTIN | PENSACOLA | DESTINATION SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

AISLINNKATE.COM

Jealous that the gents get to have all the bow tie-wearing fun? No more! We love repurposing a bow as a bouquet wrap â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this one is from Mo's Bows, featured on page 292!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

We love this beautiful duet of satin ribbons! Try M&J Trimming and Midori Ribbon for beautiful finishing touches for your bouquet.

Though the most meaningful handkerchiefs are passed down from a member of the family, we love the idea of starting a new tradition, too! We adore the monogrammed and embroidered options from Linen Whites (linenwhites.etsy.com).

www.annapaschalphotography.com

Based in Nor th Carolina

P: 336.552.3176

Whether you choose your first initial, your husband's first initial or your new last initial, we love the idea of tying a sweet hand-embroidered charm to your bouquet, like this one from Daydream Stitching ($10).

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Heavens, this is such a gorgeous bouquet! With the bow tie detail and all the pink, it might be one of my favorites in the issue! Perfectly plump peonies and tufts of cotton, wrapped with a perfect pink and white striped bow tie? This is my idea of the perfect Southern bouquet.

Snappy and happy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it must be a Mo bow! From $45, MosBowsMemphis.etsy.com SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Simple and rustic â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we love this burlap wrap with a frayed burlap tie!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Don't be afraid to think outside the box with your bouquet wrap! This bright gingham pattern is actually a length of fabric, perfect for fashioning a wide, full bow. SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Bloom

LOVE IN

With a gown as ethereal as our bride’s clutch of lilacs, this shoot celebrates that beloved but all-toobrief Southern season: spring. Fresh, light and all the more lovely for its brevity, this shoot – like the season it celebrates – calls you to soak in the beauty of the moment. So pour a glass of peach sweet tea, cut a slice of crepe cake and pull up a chair for your honey – right now, you’ve all the time in the world!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC KELLE Y

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Could the manicured lawn, tall windows and huge balcony of Lowndes Grove be any more picturesque? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect indooroutdoor space to showcase our gorgeous Southern weather.

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Sideshow Press, a fine art collaboration between three women based in historic downtown Charleston, masterminded this beautiful stationery suite. We adore the generous calligraphy by If So Inklined and the vintage print envelope liner!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Wow. The giant lavender blooms on

NY this cascading bouquet make a big impression without overwhelming.

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Fresh and dewy – this is what every Southern

ET bride wants to look like on her wedding day! Lora did such a beautiful job! Love the ballet pink and nude shoe combo for a summer

MK wedding. The lightness would definitely help battle the heat!

ON WANTING TO MARRY A WOMAN: I’D LIKE TO WALK HER TO THE FRONT ROW.

The  Day.

The  Tent.

Eric Barry Photography

Elegant Tents, Handcrafted by Sailmakers. Creative Lighting Wood Flooring Charlottesville 434-977-8368

Brea McDonald Photography

Charleston 843-751-9062

Naples 239-682-1153

Orchard Cove Photography

www.SperryTents.com

IRIS Photography

We adore these popsicle escort cards, especially for late spring weddings when the temperature can begin to creep up. Set up tubs filled with ice at the end of the ceremony aisle, and encourage guests to enjoy a cool treat as they find their place for dinner!

As a huge lover of “mini food,” I’m so glad we were able to include some of Peter Callahan’s creations in this issue!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

A peach preserve table number â&#x20AC;&#x201C; genius! Put up your own goodies or purchase them at the store, then embellish with a painted number or a carefully applied sticker. Let one lucky guest from each table take a jar home at the end of the night!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

When it has to be fabulous it has to be....

I Do, I Do!

速

Wedding Planning & Consulting

www.idoidoweddingplanning.com Alene Gamel 205.837.8869

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Isn’t this crepe cake amazing? We love the story behind the Charleston Crepe Company, too: in 1998, the husband-and-wife owners began selling sweet and savory crepes to fund their wanderlust. Their street cart in downtown Charleston rapidly gained popularity, and in 2007, they began offering 25-layer cakes for special events!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Eric Kelley Photography, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, CREATIVE PRODUCTION AND DESIGN Easton Events, FLORAL DESIGN Southern Blooms, WARDROBE AND MODEL STYLIST Lora Kelley, PRINTED SUITE Sideshow Press, CALLIGRAPHY If So Inklined, FOOD & DRINK Peter Callahan Catering, MAKEUP Lora Elaine, HAIR Wedding Hair by Charlotte, TABLETOP RENTALS Festive Fare, CEREMONY BENCHES Snyder Event Rentals, TABLE AND CHAIRS FermobUSA, CAKE Charleston Crepe Company, WEDDING GOWN Monique Lhuillier, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Ann Taylor, SUITING Grady Ervin & Co., GROOM’S SHOES Bob Ellis Shoes, BOW TIE High Cotton Ties, SERVER TIE Forage, JEWELRY KiraKira Jewlery, CAR Royal Limousine Service, VENUE Lowndes Grove Plantation

MY KENTUCKY ROSE

A hallowed event like the Kentucky Derby is ripe for reinventing, and we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to put our own twist on tradition as we took this oh-so-Southern piece of inspiration out for a spin. Our version trades bugler red for blush pink and poppy, traditional roses for their gardenvariety cousins and trackside betting for a bourbon bar and apple bobbing. Grab your largest hat and gather at the infield with us! PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEN HUANG

102

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

Our bride and groom for the day, Jacqueline and Jeff, are a real-life engaged couple! They were so sweet with each other at the shoot that we all fell in love with them.

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103

You wouldn’t know it from Jen’s beautiful photos, but it was raining throughout most of the portrait session! The graceful weeping willow provided some cover, but our reader models were excellent sports.

I love her head-tossing laugh! It’s

MK absolutely contagious, and exactly the spirit of a happy wedding day!

COMPLIMENTING YOUR WIFE: SHE’S AS SMART AS A TREE FULL OF OWLS.

106

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107

I was so in love with the way the Poppies & Posies

ET gals styled loose blooms and crab apples on the

dessert table that I sent this image to my own florist as inspiration for my wedding!

To say the talented Emily from Lael Cakes went all out with her apple dessert spread is not doing it justice! From mini edible gold-dusted caramel apples to gluten-free tarts and mini pies to THAT CAKE, she astounded everyone at the shoot!

Favors were a letterpressed coaster bearing the recipe for a mint julep. We love this idea, especially if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re serving a custom signature drink at cocktail hour!

Grooms across the South will rejoice at the idea

KW of a special bourbon bar. Me? I rejoiced over the lovely gold-rimmed cocktail glasses.

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Sierra and Juliet from Poppies & Posies arrived to the shoot armed not only with buckets of beautiful blooms, but boxes of perfect props. No wonder, then, that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve since opened The Trove, a New York City-based vintage rental and prop shop!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Jen Huang, BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEOGRAPHER McKenzie Miller Films, FLORALS Poppies & Posies, HAIR STYLIST Stacy Pitt, MAKEUP ARTIST Kerry Crawford, CAKE AND DESSERTS Lael Cakes, STATIONERY AND CALLIGRAPHY Paperfinger, LETTERPRESS PRINTING Cordes Printing, CUSTOM COASTERS printed by For Your Party, WEDDING GOWN “Bianca” by Ulla-Maija Couture from Gabriella New York Bridal Salon, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Bridal Reflections, GOLD HAIR PINS Hushed Commotion, EARRINGS Nina and Kate Ketzal, GROOM’S BOW TIE Southern Beaus, LINENS La Tavola Fine Linen Rental, TABLE, CHAIRS, CHINA AND GLASSWARE RENTALS Classic Party Rentals, GOLD FLATWARE Muhs Home, PINK COUPE GLASSES BHLDN, PROPS The Trove, POETRY Em For Marvelous

HONEY & PECAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY

MELISSA SCHOLLAERT

MELISSA SCH__

P ECANS

Oh my word, I adore this stationery suite! The comb wrap is exquisite and understated.

(“the nuts that require a stone to crack”) are known for their tough exteriors. Aside from being delicious, of course, these humble fruits – and their stubborn shells – remind us of the solid strength of a good marriage. But of course, one can only get so far without yielding, and so every union needs a dash of honey, too – just like this shoot. Sweetness and durability, strength and compromise: sounds like the recipe for a good Southern marriage to us.

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A mini pecan pie just for me? If thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a wonderful welcome for guests, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what is!

The office knows I love all things honey-flavored. This

NY tasting station is such a great way to showcase the

different flavors found beneath the Mason-Dixon Line.

Take a closer look at that boutonniere,

ET y’all – it’s the center of a magnolia

blossom! Perfect for those gents who don’t want anything too “girly.”

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A little moonshine history: In a nutshell, it's really strong whiskey — around 190 proof — made clandestinely (or, by the light of the moon), by Appalachian distillers. Drink at your own risk, indeed!

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Melissa Schollaert, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, PLANNING AND COORDINATION TOAST, VENUE Foxhall Resort and Sporting Club, FLORIST Amy Osaba, FURNITURE AND TRAYS Settee, CHAIRS, GLASSWARE, FLATWARE AND CHINA We Rent Atlanta, TABLE RUNNER, CAKE TABLE LINENS AND NAPKINS I Do Linens, HAIR AND MAKEUP Scoobie West, CAKE AND CAKE STAND Sweet Sensations, STATIONERY AND PAPER GOODS Erica Loesing, LETTERPRESS Alee & Press, BEE PIN Emily Elizabeth Bee Stud Earrings, GOLD BACKDROP Michelle Edgemont, MASON JARS AND MOONSHINE TOAST, GOLD CAKE STAND A Fabulous Fete, PECAN PIES Tabora Family Bakery, FAVOR BAG Erica Loesing, BRIDE’S GOWN Romona Keveza from Joan Pillow Salon, BRIDE’S VEILS Tia Mazza from Joan Pillow Salon, BRIDE’S EARRINGS Paris by Debra Moreland from Joan Pillow Salon, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Coren Moore, Monique Lhuillier and Lula Kate, all from Bella Bridesmaid Atlanta, BRIDESMAID HAIR ACCESSORIES Chaviano Couture, Ban.do, Luxe & Lavish and E. Kammeyer Accessories, BRIDESMAID BRACELET Pomp & Plumage, GROOM’S SUIT Jim’s Formal Wear

F R E S H LY SQUE E ZED

The year was 1959. As the story goes, 21-year-old newlywed Lilly Pulitzer began selling fruit juice in the shade of her new husband's citrus groves, but the multicolored dresses she wore to hide the juice stains on her clothing are what really took off like wildfire (or like "zingo," as the young entrepreneur is quoted as saying!). Today, Lilly Pulitzer is one of the most colorful brands the world has ever known, with a team of designers on staff who sketch, draw, marker, watercolor, and block print every square inch of the line. This spring we brought our own team of artists and designers to the birthplace of Lilly's original stand - Palm Beach and set about creating a new masterpiece. We hope you'll agree ours is destined to catch on like zingo, too!

KT MERRY

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I think it would be IMPOSSIBLE to not feel happy on your wedding day with these fresh colors and flowers. These photographs make me feel finer than a frog's hair split four ways and sanded twice!

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The brand of Fig. 2 Design, our stationer for this shoot, is so fun and colorful, we knew Claudia would be the perfect collaborator with whom to dream up a punchy suite. We were right!

THE LILLY GIRL IS ALWAYS FULL OF SURPRISES. SHE LIVES EVERY DAY LIKE IT'S A CELEBRATION,

FEELING GOOD ON THE BIG DAY: I FEEL FINER THAN A FROG’S HAIR SPLIT FOUR WAYS AND SANDED TWICE.

NEVER HAS A DULL MOMENT AND MAKES EVERY HOUR A HAPPY HOUR. LIVE A LILLY LIFE.

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These mod orange place cards that Fig. 2 Design

ET dreamed up are so perfect for this shoot!

The citrus-inspired tablescape had me wishing

KW that I could be invited to this lovely affair. Now to go and pick the perfect Lilly dress to wearâ&#x20AC;Ś

The Brazilian Court's octagonal courtyard was the perfect spot for our table â&#x20AC;&#x201D; classic lines in a fun and unexpected shape!

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;m really not sure what could be better than a

MK monogrammed Emily Ley tray in Lillyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature colors.

Hold up, yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;all. Have you SEEN the linens in this shoot? All custom,

ET and all whipped up by the talented folks at Nuage. Amazing!

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Since it all started with a juice stand those many years ago, we created one of our own for this shoot, filled with popsicles, candy, push pops, smoothies, mini tarts and, yes, fruit juice.

Even the ground is cute! I love the cement and grass checkerboard of the Boca Raton Resort and Club!!

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YUM. Refreshing popsicles are just what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d want to taste after dancing the night away!

A huge LP fan myself, I about died when I saw the images from this shoot! The colors make me want to throw a big olâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dance party!

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER KT Merry, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEOGRAPHER Cabana Pictures, PLANNING Lucia Paul

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Design, STYLING David Arthur Fittin, represented by Artist Management, PRODUCTION ASSISTANCE Be Inspired Public Relations, FLOWERS 50Fifty Creative Services, HAIR AND MAKEUP Melissa Connor for Artist Management, LOCATIONS The Boca Raton Resort & Club and The Brazilian Court, BACKDROP Momental Designs, INVITATION SUITE AND PAPER GOODS Fig. 2 | Design Studio, CALLIGRAPHY Meant to Be, WEDDING GOWN Vera Wang from Ever After, BRIDE’S AND BRIDESMAIDS’ JEWELRY Betteridge, BRIDESMAID AND FLOWER GIRL DRESSES Lilly Pulitzer from C. Orrico, BRIDESMAID SHOES Stash Wardrobe Rental, SUNHATS Target, Zappos and Marley Lilly, GROOMSWEAR Polo Ralph Lauren Palm Beach, CUSTOM TABLE LINENS Nuage Designs, VINTAGE CHAIRS Circa Who, TABLE RENTAL Niche Event Rental, GREEN GLASSWARE Anthropologie, PLASTI-DIP FLATWARE Lucia Paul Design, WHITE CHINA Taylor Rental Party Plus Naples, DESSERT STAND Lucia Paul Design with fabric from Lilly Pulitzer, SPECIALTY DESSERTS Chocolate Pi, CAKE PUSHPOPS Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach, POPSICLES Tropipops, STRIPED COCKTAIL NAPKINS Caspari and Green Party Goods, STRIPED PLASTIC STRAWS Target, PAPER POM GARLAND Pom Love, MONOGRAM TRAY Emily Ley, STRIPED CANDY CUPS Shop Sweet Lulu, BEACH UMBRELLA Ace Props, MODELS Next Model Management SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

NSPIRING WEDDINGS.

Your perfect wedding awaits you—nestled in the center of Asheville, surrounded by the beautiful North Carolina mountains in a European-styled hunting lodge with an eclectic flair. There is a causal richness about the environment at Grand Bohemian Asheville, complemented by outstanding service-quality that beckons this region’s southern charm. Colorful art, sumptuous cuisine and thoughtful details, characteristic of The Kessler Collection, are a recipe for a fun-filled celebration and memories that will last a lifetime.

Call or visit us online to start planning your exceptional event. 11 BOSTON WAY • ASHEVILLE, NC • 828.505.4042 • BOHEMIANHOTELASHEVILLE.COM SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

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photography

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WWW.CHRISTAANDIVY.COM

Yellow Rose O F TE XAS OF EXA THE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN RAY

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Seriously, yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;all?? These kids KILL me! Way too much adorableness on one page.

s you can probably imagine, wrangling up a small posse of children to come play for the day was no small task, but their presence was so important for us in communicating the warmth and love of this shoot. Stylist Stefanie Miles called on friends from her church and neighborhood to pull together a group of more than fifteen little ladies and gents â&#x20AC;&#x201D; talk about a team effort! While everyone was well-behaved throughout the shoot, she admits that there was some bribing with candy involved, as a few of our pint-size stars were a bit camera shy.

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Real life couple Robert and Taylor are positively glowing with joy! This is what true love is all about, friends!

Do you love the bride and groom in this shoot as much as we do? Real life newlyweds Robert and Taylor graciously posed for us, and we thought you'd enjoy the sweet story of their engagement, told by Taylor: "Robert and I have a Christmas tradition of visiting the ice sculptures at the Gaylord Texan. It's our special 'thing.' On December 9, 2011, we walked through the exhibit together, just like every other year. As we got to the end, though, he grabbed me and turned me toward him as he began to tell me how much he loved me. He got down on one knee, and right about that time an ice sculpture nearby lit up. 'Will you marry me?' was carved into the ice! Of course, I said yes."

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If I could have a rose for every time I thought of you, the world would be empty of them.

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Lauren at the Creative Parasol created this cheerful stationery suite. You couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but smile upon receiving this sunny package in the mail, now could you?

Don’t stop at the VIPs! Spread the love to all your guests with a pin-it-yourself boutonniere bar. We adore the cheerful blooms Bows & Arrows picked out.

FOUND YOURSELF IN A BIT OF A DILEMMA ON YOUR BIG DAY? NOW, AIN’T THIS A FINE HOWDY-DOO!

Is this yellow rose dress from Kate Spade not the most

ET perfect bridesmaid dress you could imagine for this

shoot? I literally squealed when I saw it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have ordered up a custom piece that would have been a better fit!

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When we laid eyes on that rose-patterned linen,

EA we couldn’t believe how perfect it would be

for this shoot! I love that Stefanie used it for the kids’ table!

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Ryan Ray, BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEOGRAPHER Eleven 29 Films, FILM PROCESSING Indie Film Lab, CREATIVE DIRECTION AND STYLING Lavender Joy Weddings, FLORAL Bows + Arrows, STATIONERY SUITE AND PAPER GOODS The Creative Parasol, CALLIGRAPHY The Left-Handed Calligrapher, HAIR AND MAKEUP Lindey Duckworth, BRIDE’S GOWN “Grace” by Watters, YELLOW HEELS J.Crew, BRIDE’S JEWELRY Nadri at Dillard’s, YELLOW LACE DRESS Modcloth, YELLOW AND WHITE TOP “Madi” by Kate Spade, WHITE PENCIL SKIRT J.Crew, SOLID YELLOW DRESS “Marielle” by J.Crew, YELLOW ROSE DRESS “Faye” by Kate Spade, JEWELRY Kendra Scott and J.Crew, GROOM’S SUIT “Ludlow” in stone by J.Crew, GROOM’S SHIRT J.Crew, POCKET SQUARE “Canary” by Pierrepont Hicks, TIE Ties.com, BOYS’ TIES The Happy Couple, High Cotton Ties and xoelle, GIRLS’ DRESSES Baby CZ, More of Me Maternity and personal, TABLE AND CHAIR RENTAL Celebration Event Rental, YELLOW FEDERAL SPOKE DINNER PLATES Vintage, from Canton Trade Days, WHITE AND YELLOW CHECKED LINENS La Tavola Fine Linen Rental, ROSE LINEN House 8810, RUNNER AND NAPKINS Lavender Joy Weddings, GLASSWARE Grace and Ivy, STRIPED STRAWS Bake It Pretty, YELLOW ROSE LOCKET Rhonda’s Treasures, PIE Lowcountry Quisine, CAKE BANNER Baumbirdy, RING BEARER PILLOW The Happy Couple To say that the floral team for this shoot knocked our cowboy boots off would be an understatement and a half! Bows & Arrows was inspired by the rustic and charming Texas landscape, and wanted to create a naturally beautiful atmosphere that looked like it could have grown up from the weeds. In addition to yellow heirloom roses (of course!), they used tree peonies, mustard and lemon ranunculus, white sweet peas, white and yellow peonies, bunny tail millet and locally grown sage throughout the shoot. For the boutonniere bar, they also incorporated billy balls, Texas thistle, winterberry, taloberry, explosion grass and poppy pods.

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FAMILY PHOTOGRAPH Y BY ERIC KELLEY

BY LARA CASEY

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Grampa Cecil was the most influential person in my life. He loved the simple things: rich soil, fishin' for catfish, his bride's smile and singin' hymns. He taught me what humble means. He taught me how to cheat at checkers, too, but that's another story. He was a farmer and a lover of people. He taught us all to love the earthy sweet smell of tomato leaves. SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

These beautiful hand-illustrated heirloom seed packets are

ET one of my favorite things from this shoot, if not this issue!

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This shoot was my favorite shoot of all time because it celebrated what family really means to me â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it's the family we are born to and the family we are blessed with along life's beautiful path. Most of the people above are my closest friends from church. I love each of them more than I can say! My North Carolina family!

I have a vivid memory of being in the community garden with him that he loved so much, tending to his tiny plot of crops as he grew older. Giant turnips, eggplant and Early Girl tomatoes were his joy. He loved those Early Girls so much that, when my mom was in college, he would carefully wrap a handpicked selection in newspaper and mail them to her to enjoy. He was sending her a treasured taste of home. He'd also harvest a fresh basket just before going to see his doctor for appointments. Dr. Berman loved "Cecil's beautiful tomatoes." In his tiny garden, Grampa would get his hands dirty with damp, mineral-drenched soil and tell me what Heaven was going to be like. I would sit and listen as he spoke in his thick Alabama drawl and picture the cherubim and seraphim singing sweetly among the sunset-hued bounty of the tomato vines. Those moments with Grampa were magical. To this day, tomato leaves smell like a slice of Heaven to me. Grampa Cecil loved his tomatoes, or "tomatoloes," as I had nicknamed them for him when I Recognize this beauty? She's Jasmyn Wilkins,

MK Miss Georgia USA 2012! She was sweet as a

peach! True story: one of my friends was Miss Nebraska, and is great friends with "Jazz."

The Bloomsbury Boys were the kindest group of gentlemen! They supplied us with happy music even when we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shooting.

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REACTION TO THE DELICIOUS SOUTHERN FOOD AT THE RECEPTION: TASTES SO GOOD IT’LL MAKE YOU WANNA SLAP YOUR MOMMA!

This is sweet Layla. She's gonna do big things with her life. Just letting y'all know.

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What is an

tomato, anyway?

An heirloom tomato is a variety that has been passed down through several generations of a family because of its valued characteristics. In the past forty years, many heirloom varieties have been lost, along with the many smaller family farms that supported them, but a resurgence in support for local farms and farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; markets has brought these beauties back into the spotlight. When you compare the striking colorations and taste of homegrown heirlooms with their run of the mill grocery store counterparts, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see why!

I think this idea for a tomato tasting would be so sweet at cocktail hour! If you’re feeling

ET really fancy, set out custom slips so guests can compare notes on each varietal.

was a tot. Besides God, he loved one thing more, though... his bride. I can't count how many times he would meet a stranger and immediately pull out his wedding photo from 1942 to show off his love for Celeste Virginia. They met in rural Alabama. Grandma Celeste, one of the youngest in a giant Southern family of eleven, was ahead of her time — a traveling theatre director. The play was "Tantalizing Tilly," and Cecil, one of eight children, signed up to be an extra with his brothers. It was love at first sight. Celeste traveled on and Cecil was drafted for service. They wrote epic love letters for two years before finally tying the knot in a tiny ceremony at Celeste's family home. From that day forward, till death parted them, Grampa tended to Celeste just as he tended to those sweet tomato plants. You see, tomatoes are just like family. They come in every color of the rainbow, just about. They give a distinct flavor to so many of the family dishes we've all come to love. Where would our cookouts be without ketchup, our family dinners without rich tomato sauce, our BLT picnics without the T? Some tomatoes are sweeter than others, some bold, some sour, but all unique and delightful. Grampa Cecil taught me that family is family no matter what, and that we should love and cherish every sweet moment we have together. I remember him humming an old hymn and then telling me, "Family isn't just your blood relatives — it's every single person on this good earth. Love 'em all like God loves you, and tend to them like a garden. They need water and sunlight and rich soil and careful loving pruning and to be thoroughly enjoyed and celebrated when they are ripe. When love is ripe, pick it right off the vine and take a bite out of it whole. Life is short. Although, tomatoes are good even under-ripe. Fried green tomatoes are better a little under-ripe, you know." He would trail off into a tangent about the best ways to preserve, fry, slice and pickle, and then look to the Heavens and come back to the point. "Most of all, remember these words, Lara: 'And now these three remain: faith, hope and

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You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell from these photos, but the wind picked up just as we were ready to begin shooting this table. We had to hold the box tops in place with bobby pins!

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Fried green tomato perfection! These smelled like a slice of Heaven, too.

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A favorite memory! All of my dearest friends dancing in the sunlight with a live bluegrass band playing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; magical! P.S. Can you spot my handsome hubs and baby Grace in the photo at the top?

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Brides, definitely give this one a try! The sweet tea popsicles were an experiment we cooked up and they were SO good! Send us pics if you try these out!

love. But the greatest of these is love.' At the ripe old age of 87, we buried him in a Southern pine casket with those words marking his resting place. We sang all his favorite hymns and ate his favorite coconut cake and tomato casserole and celebrated his inspiring, humble life. Oh, if I could just get a glimpse of his Heavenly tomatoes today! Grandma "Bunny," as we call her now, recalls with joy the tomatoes they savored together. Little did these sweet fruits know how they would be weaved so beautifully into a love story. They were there when Cecil and Celeste broke bread and shared a meal with friends in their first home. They were savored on a family quilt with their first daughter, Celia, during

faith teasley

a summertime picnic. They sweetened a steaming pot of stew in the thick of winter the week that Celia, my mom, gave birth to the redhead who is writing this. They were freshly picked by Grampa's strong and gentle hands the day that I went off to college and he knew my mom could use some comfort — a box of sweet Early Girls arrived just as I drove away to school. Tried and true, sweet and colorful, making so many cherished family recipes sing and making memories richer, tomatoes remind me that family is all that really matters. SAVOR THEM. LO V E T H E M . T E N D T O T H E M . PI C K T H E M RIGH T OFF T HE VINE AND ENJOY T HEM IN THE SUNSHINE!

This dress! This dress, y’all! Lara stumbled

MK across it on Instagram and it became our obsession until we secured it for the shoot. Completely stunning!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Eric Kelley, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEOGRAPHER Blueberry Fusion, STYLIST

Lora Elaine, LOCATION Fearrington Village, FLORIST Mary Stevens at Fearrington Village, STATIONERY AND PAPER GOODS Pitbulls & Posies, HAND LETTERING AND CALLIGRAPHY Lindsay Letters, HAIR AND MAKEUP Lora Elaine and Makeup For Your Day, CATERER Fearrington Village, HEIRLOOM VEGETABLES Coon Rock Farm, WEDDING CAKE Ashley Cakes, BLUEGRASS BAND Bloomsbury Boys, BRIDE’S GOWN LZ3059 by Lazaro, BRIDE’S SHRUG Alisa Benay, JEWELRY KiraKira, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Lula Kate and Coren Moore from Bella Bridesmaid Raleigh, BOW TIES High Cotton Ties, Southern Beaus and xoelle, CHILDREN’S CLOTHING Toot and Puddle, Belles and Bugs and TaDa Designs, TABLE, BENCH, GLASSWARE AND LINEN RENTAL Classic Party Rentals, YELLOW AND WHITE QUILT Red Rabbit Quilting, RED AND WHITE QUILT Cherry Street Quilts, MULTICOLORED QUILT Evening in the Garden, HEIRLOOM SEED PACKETS Lindsay Letters, PORCELAIN BERRY BASKETS Anthropologie

©www.wollwerthimagery.com

Storybook weddings come naturally here

855-750-4975  www.FrippIslandResort.com

That lovely brunette on the right is actually a two-time SW reader model. Marissa appeared in V4's Polo Shoot as well!

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Virginia

IS FOR LOVERS

Inspired by the golden green of mid summer, we dreamed up this shoot and set it at the classically elegant boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson. Muted gold details, a crisp monogram and surprisingly modern florals (even peonies, hydrangeas and tulips can look new when tied simply and kept monochromatic!) kept things feeling fresh. Despite the heat, this shoot manages to do the same.

KATIE STOOPS

As you would expect, the late June day of our Richmond shoot dawned hot and steamy. Even the resident dogs of Tuckahoe hardly stirred from their shady spots when we arrived! Luckily, Gay from A Pimento was on hand and our shoot crew was happy to taste the refreshing bites she brought to be photographed. My favorite was the mini fried green tomatoes on brioche!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHY Katie Stoops, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, STYLING Courtney Spencer of Merriment Events, LOCATION Tucka-

hoe Plantation, HAIR AND MAKEUP Avenue 42, CATERING A Pimento, CAKE Maggie Austin, CAKE STAND Sarah’s Stands, INVITATION SUITE AND PAPER GOODS The Lettered Olive, FLORAL ARRANGING Courtney Spencer, WHOLESALE FLOWERS Fifty Flowers, Belona Botanical Farm and Whole Foods, BRIDE’S GOWN Pronovias, from Bella Rosa, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Bella Bridesmaid Richmond, CHAIRS AND WOODEN FARM TABLE Beehive Event Rental, TABLE LINEN AND NAPKINS La Tavola Fine Linen Rental, GLASSWARE AND CHINA RENTALS Festive Fare, GOLD BELLS Create for Less, CANNING JAR FAVORS A Pimento, SERVING DISHES AND TRAYS Merriment Events

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Photo Courtesy of ZielenbaCh PhotograPhy

WEDDING CERTAIN TO MAKE HISTORY.

The most perfect weddings are those set around a storybook village square on the beguiling May River. Giant mossy oaks, gas lamps, cobbled streets lead to an impossibly romantic waterside chapel where the pealing bells announce the new couple. Before and after the ceremony, the storybook Inn at Palmetto Bluff, considered to be the best in America, offer unforgettable settings to gather, celebrate and honeymoon. This is the dream. This is Palmetto Bluff.

2012 AAA Five Diamond Award CREATE YOUR DREAM 843.706.6506 palmettobluffresort.com SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

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ATLANTA | PHOENIX | DESTINATION w w w . m s p - p h o t o g r a p h y . c o m

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

N THE SOUTH, TRADITION IS WOVEN THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES.

It’s how we make our beds, or design our houses (with big front porches, of course) or prepare dinners just like our Momma did. But nowhere does tradition crop up more than on our wedding days. Whether we’re toasting with the same flutes our grandparents did, carrying a handkerchief embroidered with the initials of all our siblings or cutting our cake with a knife engraved with three generations of wedding dates, the past has a way of making itself known on the day we say “I do.” We filled this shoot with ways to honor your past – and celebrate your future – both new and old, and we set it all on a big old front porch (of course). No traditions or heirlooms in your family? Why, there’s no time like the present to begin! After all, something new will quickly become something old, in the very best way possible.

NANCY RAY

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SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE

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Fun fact: my something blue was also a custom monogram that was sewn

MK into the bottom of my gown. In the old days, it was done so that when the dress was passed down, you knew who else had worn it!

Marissa and I are both known for our unhealthy obsession

KW with monograms, so it was little surprise that I fell fast for the

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subtle monogrammed tablecloth used in this shoot. I love the personalization a simple monogram brings to any occasion.

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A pretty ribbon tied around antique forks gives

NY these heirlooms even more of a special place at the table (and it looks positively lovely).

That note above is for real. From me to Grampa Cecil. One of my favorite parts about dreaming up shoots is putting our own personal touches in.

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The cake pull is a classic and fun Southern tradition! For more, visit iloveswmag.com

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Nancy Ray, PLANNING AND COORDINATION Kickstand Events, VENUE City Club at de

Rosset, FLORIST Kickstand Events, CLAY GARDENIAS DK Designs, CAKE Beatty Cakes, STATIONERY SUITE Regas, CALLIGRAPHY NOTES Hardink Calligraphy, HAIR AND MAKEUP STYLIST Stacie Patrone of The Parlor at North Ridge, BRIDE’S GOWN “Blossoming Weir” from BHLDN, BRIDESMAID DRESS #2866 from Dessy, JEWELRY AND HEADPIECES Amuse Artisanal Finery, BOW TIE Forage, SILVER LOCKET Freshy Fig, ALL OTHER SILVER PIECES AND TABLECLOTH A Second Time Around Antiques, HANKIES Antiques of Old Wilmington, MONOGRAMMED ALBUM AND CAKE PULL SET Weddings Etc, CUSTOM EMBROIDERY AND ENGRAVING R & D Designs, PLACE SETTINGS AND CHINA Heirloom

A GREAT CATCH FOR A HUSBAND: HE’S BIGGER THAN LIFE AND TWICE AS HANDSOME!

Though the tiered cake has long reigned supreme on wedding days, we can’t help but have a soft spot for its humbler cousin: the pie. More at home at church dinners, school bake sales and country fairs than ballroom affairs, it’s impossible to think of pies without recalling the taste of a favorite aunt’s prized recipe, or memories of rolling out dough in grandma’s kitchen. In honor of this rich tradition, we salute our favorite Southern variations – worthy of even the swankiest nuptial celebration.

JOEY + JESSICA FOOD STYLING BY HEIDI WERNER OF THE CAROLINA INN

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I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deny that our crew stole bits of

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Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so proud (and humbled!) that

ET my fledgling calligraphy skills are showcased on this page!

This was written especially for us by my childhood BFF and expert on all things Southern, Jessie. Love you, J!

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Even the humblest of dessert spreads can be dressed up with special accessories! We fell in love with the finely worked handkerchiefs and napkins from Bumblebee Linens as well as this hand-stamped server from Baby Puppy Designs. SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

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When I saw this image for the first time I literally squealed!

MK Graceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smushy little hands are beyond adorable! I am one proud Southern mama!

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually been proven physically impossible to choose a

ET favorite pie and china combination from this story, but the Key Lime Pie is definitely in the running for me.

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Though most of our Southern pies were of the sweet variety, we did make an exception for good ol’ fashioned tomato pie. Piebird’s rendition was so delicious, our crew of ten indulged in it for lunch the day of the shoot!

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Want more behind-thescenes fun? Heart Stone Films caught every delicious bite! See more on ILOVESWMAG.COM

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My daddy's favorite! It tasted as good as it looks.

Go Heels! There was no doubt who was taking home this Tar Heel pie at

NY the end of the day, or whose custom fork would go in it during the shoot!

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I completely adore the Texas Two-Step Pie! The little pastry cut-out stars are adorable, and the plate, handlettered by Hardink Calligraphy, is perfection!

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This shoot was photographed in my living room. True story!

I’m not a big fan of cake but I’d do some damage to this yummylooking sweet potato pie!

Heidi Werner from Chapel Hill’s Carolina Inn was our food stylist for the day, and she did an amazing job! We all oohed and ahhed over the petite toasted marshmallows on the sweet potato pie! SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

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If I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know better, I would think I could eat this lovely piece of pecan pie right off the page! With one of those gorgeous hand-stamped forks, please.

We worked closely with Replacements to pair a vintage china pattern with each pie variety. Replacements is an amazing resource for gals who are inheriting their mamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pattern and need to restock plates or bowls broken over the years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they stock over 13 million pieces in 360,000 patterns!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Joey and Jessica,

BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEOGRAPHER Heart Stone Films, PIES Piebird Raleigh, PIE STYLING Heidi Werner, the Carolina Inn, CHINA PLATES, FLATWARE AND SERVINGWARE Replacements, LACE DESSERT PLATES Pier 1 Imports, TEXAS PLATE CALLIGRAPHY Hardink Calligraphy, CALLIGRAPHY STRIPS MMInk, POEM CALLIGRAPHY Em For Marvelous, FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS Serendipity Designs, DINNER NAPKINS AND MONOGRAMMED HANKIES Bumblebee Linens, HEMSTITCHED RUNNER Sincerely Yours, Lauren, STAMPED FORKS Silverware Creations, ENGRAVED SERVER AND "I DO, ME TOO" FORKS Baby Puppy Designs, MINI CAKE STAND TRIO Aedriel Originals, RINGS Mary John, BRACELETS Georgie Jewelry and Alexis K Jewels

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WWW.MELIZABETHEVENTS.COM 20 5 .746.2662 @MELIZEVEN TS

I ONCE HAD A VERY SHY FRIEND who was marrying a very shy groom. She worried for months about being the center of attention. She tried cutting down the guest list, but still broke out in hives when she thought about reciting her vows in front of anyone. On the day of the wedding, I was amused to find a floral barrier blocking guests from the beach-front ceremony. We lined the sand dunes and watched from a distance as my friend and her husband exchanged private vows in front of their minister. After the ceremony, they turned to the cheering crowds and made their way back among friends to dance the night away as Mr. and Mrs. Weddings take all shapes, but my favorites are the weddings that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shape themselves into anything. They are the weddings that are full of personality, romance, love and faith. They are real weddings. I think I am drawn to these weddings because they hold the promise of not only a real wedding day, but of a real, honest marriage. On your wedding day, be beautiful. Be happy. Be so much in love that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see straight. But above all else, be real. Be grounded in yourself and in your partner. Build your marriage on the platform of what is good and true and real, and you will never cease to be amazed at the heights to which your marriage will grow.

PHOTO BY JOEY + JESSICA

- KATIE BROWN

I designed this poster and our intern Alexia handglittered this beauty! She did a sparkling great job! Oh, and this was also shot in my living room.

HOW THEY MET: After crossing paths while undergrads at Duke and then again post-college in DC, a colleague noticed the chemistry between Lauren and Rob and devised a plan. He set them each up with a date he knew they wouldn’t be interested in, then invited both pairs to his company holiday party. Everything went according to his scheme – they both ditched their dates and spent the whole night dancing together. THE PROPOSAL: After taking Lauren on a Halloween night drive throughout DC visiting all of their past apartments, Rob lured Lauren up to the roof of their current apartment, where he had stashed a ring box under the hood of their grill. Lauren’s dad proposed to her mom over hamburgers on the grill, so this unconventional location was extra sweet! THE “I DO’S:” Lauren and Rob hosted about 165 guests for a June celebration in her parents' Charlottesville backyard FAIR WEATHER FRIENDS: The night before the wedding, hurricane-force winds and rain swept through Charlottesville, leaving fallen trees, debris and power outages in its wake. Fortunately, the couple had a sunny, albeit hot (over 100 degrees!), wedding day – and generators for their tent! DESIGN INSPIRATION: The couple pulled inspiration from their collection of colorful and modern John Robshaw pillows. A few even showed up under the tent on the big day! SOMETHING OLD: Lauren’s bouquet of Festiva maxima white peonies and white sweet peas was wrapped in lace and pearls from her mother’s wedding gown. HOLY CANNOLI: Lauren worked with Easton Events to hide a surprise cannoli (Rob’s favorite) next to their cake. During their official cutting, she presented a bite to him in lieu of cake, much to his surprise!

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JEN FARIELLO

I adore Laurenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

ET scallop-trim veil!

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ONCE THE PARTY FINALLY STARTS: NOW WE’RE COOKIN’!

Those darling flags atop L and Râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tent combined

NY with pops of coral signal a guaranteed merry time!

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER

Jen Fariello, PLANNER Easton Events, CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUE Private home, RENTALS AND LINENS Festive Fare, SPERRY TENT AND DRUM SHADES Skyline Tent Company, LIGHTING Blue Ridge A/V and Lighting, FLORIST Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs, WEDDING CAKE Favorite Cakes, CATERER Keswick Hall, CEREMONY MUSICIANS The Encore String Quartet, COCKTAIL HOUR MUSIC Peter Richardson, DJ Mike Blaufeld, PAPER GOODS Erika Jack, DAY OF CALLIGRAPHY If So Inklined, INVITATION CALLIGRAPHY Ginny Rogan, COCKTAIL NAPKINS For Your Party, FAVOR PACKAGING Nashville Wraps, TRANSPORTATION UVA Transportation, BRIDE’S GOWN Romona Keveza, BRIDE’S SHOES Kate Spade, BRIDE’S JEWELRY Ippolita, BRIDE’S VEIL Homa, BRIDE’S BELT Blossom Veils, BRIDESMAID DRESSES TwoBirds Bridesmaid, HAIR STYLIST Moxie Hair Lounge, MAKEUP ARTIST Stephanie Parker, GROOM AND GROOMSMEN FASHION Haspel by Frank Stella

Lauren and Rob credit “burying the bourbon” as their most successful Southern tradition – even though thunder rumbled and lightning flashed during their ceremony, the balance of their celebration was sunny!

FOR YOUR WEDDING, BORROW A NATIONAL LANDMARK.

A white beach that’s protected as a National Seashore. A white gothic chapel on the National Register of Historic Places. A clubhouse reception with championship views. For old, new, borrowed and blue, look to the horizons of Navarre Beach and Historic Milton, Florida.

www.weddingsatnavarrebeach.com 800.480.7263

HOW THEY MET: At a supper club in 2006. Jordan chatted with the ladies at Eddie’s table, but it wasn’t until a year later that they ran into each other again and Jordan vowed he wouldn’t be shaken off so easily. NUMBER OF GUESTS: 125 TOUCHES OF NOSTALGIA: Having grown up in small towns, Eddie and Jordan wanted to incorporate a sense of ease into their wedding. Old school candies, simple décor and a high schoolstyle DJ conveyed a good time. ELEGANT BUT ACCESSIBLE: The space at King Plow Art Center was decorated beautifully while avoiding the “posh” look. Eddie + Jordan wanted their wedding to say, “Yes, this is our special day and things look so pretty, but we are still going to have a stinking good time!” FIRST DANCE: Eddie chose Freddie Jackson’s “You Are My Lady” for their first dance, hoping it would relax Jordan enough for him to bust a move. COUNTY FAIRINSPIRED: The candy favors station was Eddie’s favorite detail of the wedding. For a bride who has eaten cotton candy at every county fair that she's attended, the expectations were high! LATE NIGHT SNACK: Though guests raved about the food at the reception, the bride and groom barely had the chance to taste it. Thankfully, their planner packed a meal to greet them in their hotel room later that night. POST-“I DO” BBQ: The newlyweds hosted a barbeque at their house the day after the wedding; that day, too, is now one of their favorite memories from time spent with friends and family.

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HARWELL PHOTOGRAPH Y

My handsome groom wore khaki seersucker, so of course I instantly fell in love with this precious little guy and his snazzy wedding attire

Oh, hello gorgeous glamelia bouquet!

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E and Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s linens are to die for! Their fun texture is one of many details I adored upon closer inspection of the white and purple

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Harwell Photography, WEDDING PLANNING AND DESIGN Lemiga Events, FLORAL DESIGN AND FURNITURE RENTALS Jackson Durham, VENUE King Plow Arts Center, WEDDING CAKE Sweet Sensations, CATERER Bold American Catering, COTTON CANDY Crave Cotton Candy, CANDY BUFFET Sugarstyle Events, STATIONERY Foglio Press, LINENS I Do Linens, GHOST CHAIR RENTALS TentLogix, LIGHTING Unique Event Management, BRIDE’S GOWN Vera Wang, BRIDE’S SHOES Roberto Cavalli, BRIDE’S VEIL Vera Wang, HAIR STYLIST RJ of Robert Stell, MAKEUP ARTIST Buddah fly, GROOM’S FASHION custom Ralph Lauren, GROOMSMEN FASHION Guffey’s Tuxedo Rentals

P E R S O N A L • C O N T E M P O R A R Y • S I M P LY S T Y L I S H

AD Amalie Orrange Photography

S e r v i ng C e ntral Fl o rid a

Amalie Orrange Photography

www.t h e s u g a r s u ite .c o m

BIRMINGHAM, AL MOBILE, AL JACKSON, MS CHARLOTTE, NC

JACKSONVILLE, FL ORLANDO, FL RALEIGH, NC CHARLESTON, SC

TAMPA, FL BATON ROUGE, LA GREENVILLE, SC NASHVILLE, TN

SHREVEPORT, LA RICHMOND, VA

HOW THEY MET: Though they’d met through work, it wasn’t until a mutual friend’s birthday party/ bowling outing that Chrissy and Tate hit it off. MEANT TO BE: According to Chrissy, Tate’s apartment had a bad habit of flooding in heavy rains. "One day, we came home to his place after a downpour, and sure enough, water was everywhere. We spent about six hours cleaning while singing along to music, laughing and telling stories. We both admitted to falling in love that day. If we could still have fun and work well together when things weren’t great, then it was meant to be.” FAMILY STONES: Tate proposed with his mother’s engagement ring, but Chrissy also had family jewels that she wanted to incorporate. Her new, custom ring now includes the center stone from Tate’s mother, side stones from Chrissy’s grandmother, and additional new diamonds symbolizing the new life they’re making together. GROOM'S FAVORITE DETAIL: Tate’s favorite detail of the wedding was his and Chrissy’s wedding shoes! They’re a little nod to their first date and engagement. NUMBER OF GUESTS: About 115. C and T set up an extra table at the reception for “anyone else who showed up” and indeed, stragglers appeared! VOWS, UNPLUGGED: In order to keep everyone in the moment (and to keep their photographer's view clear), Chrissy and Tate decided to have an unplugged ceremony. Guests were instructed to turn off their phones and refrain from taking pictures for the duration of the proceedings. SOCK SURPRISE: Taking a cue from Tate’s love of puppets, Chrissy created over 100 sock puppets for guests to don as the newlyweds made their exit.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

COURTNE Y DELLAFIORA

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Courtney Dellafiora,

DAY-OF COORDINATOR Lauren Allen of Dixie Gin Productions, CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE Dixie Gin, FLORIST Courtney Lewis, WEDDING CAKE Social Bites of Ruston, CATERER Amanda Horton of Flour Child Fine Foods of Texarkana, INVITATIONS Logo and layout by Jonathan Shull, PAPER GOODS Kelly Paper and Paper and More, CAKE TOPPER Melabo Wed, CEREMONY DÉCOR Succulents from Succulents Galore, moss aisle runner and moss placemats from Moss Barn, ACCOMMODATIONS AND REHEARSAL DINNER The Remington Suite, BRIDE’S GOWN #4105 by Paloma Blanca, BRIDE’S SHOES Milk and Honey, BRIDE’S JEWELRY Elleven, BRIDE’S HAIR ACCESSORIES H&M and Forever 21, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Louise Hedly of Sohomode, HAIR STYLIST AND MAKEUP ARTIST Chelsa Skees, GROOM’S FASHION Suit from J.Crew, tie by Handsome and Lace, GROOMSMEN FASHION Pants from J. Crew, ties from Fox and Brie

THE DATE: June 23 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 100 BRIDE’S FAVORITE DETAIL: Tami loved the custom farm table that her parents built and engraved with the newlyweds' initials. It served as the head table at the reception. THE BOUQUET: Tami’s pink bouquet was wrapped with lace from her mother’s wedding dress and adorned with a ruby given to her by her late uncle. A THOUGHTFUL MENU: In order to make their wedding personal and share their love of Southern kitchen culture, the newlyweds created a menu that reflected their life paths. The meal started with “Childhood Favorites” of grilled cheese and tomato soup shooters then moved on to “Southern Comfort,” a nod to Tami’s Southern roots, with white cheddar, gruyere and truffle oil mac and cheese, country biscuits with Virginia ham and shrimp and grits. The third course was “Old Bay,” a nod to James’ hometown: crab cakes and mini Philly cheesesteaks. The New Yorkers ended dinner and started off toasts with a final course, "The City that Never Sleeps" — a manhattan cocktail for each guest. 1920s-INSPIRED: As a surprise for James, Tami incorporated a cigar roller and scotch bar into the reception space. A projection of a romantic 1920s silent film in the background completed the Gatsby-like atmosphere.

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ADAM BARNES

A self-proclaimed cupcake connoisseur, it was only fitting that Tami be proposed to with the help of a Magnolia Bakery box. James hid the ring inside the bakery box before presenting it to her, then whisked her away on a surprise vacation.

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Tamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bouquet is perfection! Peonies

ET in all shades of pink get me every time.

KW This precious young Southern gentleman made my

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heart stop because he is wearing a cap just like my granddaddy used to wear! Love it!

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Though Tami + James currently live in New York, they’re both native to the South. Once they saw the Thomas Birkby House in Leesburg, Virginia, they knew it would be the perfect spot for their wedding. “It just felt like home,” said Tami.

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How cool is that?! Tami and James served mason jar oysters inspired by the ones we featured in our last issue, V4!

RIGHT BEFORE YOU GO DOWN THE AISLE: MORE NERVOUS THAN A LONG TAILED CAT IN A ROOM FULL OF ROCKING CHAIRS

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Barnes, DAY OF COORDINATOR Kelley Truxel of Event Studio, VENUE Thomas Birkby House, FLORIST Holly

Heider Chapple Flowers, WEDDING CAKE BAKER Maggie Austin Cake, CATERER Windows Catering, BRIDE’S GOWN Jim Hjelm, BRIDE’S SHOES Badgley Mischka, BRIDE’S VEIL Veil Lady, FEATHER HAIR FASCINATOR Tessa Kim, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Sarah Seven, HAIR STYLIST Hair by Jewels, MAKEUP ARTIST Jan Scott, GROOMSMEN SUITS J.Crew, BOWTIES CCA Design, PAPER GOODS Chocolate Creative Designs, LINENS Windows Catering, CUSTOM WOOD DISCS Roberto Sand, TRANSPORTATION Virginia Rides, CIGAR ROLLER Cortez Cigars

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STERLING SILVER & VERMEIL KEEPSAKE JEWELRY

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OCCUPATIONS: Erin and Michael run their own design company, hi note, that specializes in custom stationery graphics and favors for weddings. No wonder, then, that their own paper goodies were so pretty! THE PROPOSAL: With the help of photographer Melissa Schollaert, Michael arranged a photo session for the couple and their dog, Otis. In the middle of taking candid shots, Michael got down on one knee and asked Erin to be his wife. A HOME STATE TRIBUTE: Erin knew she wanted a yellow diamond and a vintage setting. Michael chose a ring that suited her to a T, with a diamond from his home state and a setting from hers. NUMBER OF GUESTS: 100 FEELS LIKE HOME: Letting the bride’s family home serve as their venue and design inspiration, the couple set out to create a wedding that reflected the fun and relaxed feel of lake life, serving family recipes for dinner and decorating the tables with their attic finds. BURYING THE BOURBON In order to stave off rain, Erin and Michael buried a bottle of bourbon at Erin’s family home. After the reception, they dug it up and brought it to the after party!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

MELISSA SCHOLLAERT

Being graphic designers, the laser-cut wood veneer invitations were a high priority for E and M. They wanted each guest to feel like they were getting a personalized invitation that reflected the experience to come. The suite ended up being Michael’s favorite detail.

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The newlyweds agreed that reading their vows to each other ranked as both their funniest and scariest moment of the day. “We both couldn’t even look at them before the ceremony without getting emotional. When the time came, we were both really nervous, but after the first laugh, we were great.”

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E and M chose to have a cocktail hour before their ceremony. Snacks, cold drinks -- served from a row boat -- and yard games kept guests cool and happy before the festivities began.

I wish I could have played yard games at my reception. I'm envious of Erin and Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fabulous state-inspired corn hole boards!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Melissa Schollaert Photography, VIDEOGRAPHER Nathan Stewart, WEDDING DESIGN hi note, VENUE Bride’s family home, FLORIST Birch Blooms Floral & Design, BOUQUETS AND BOUTONNIERES Art by Redbird, STATIONERY AND CUSTOM GRAPHICS hi note, FAVORS hi note, TRANSPORTATION Universal Stage Coach, TENT Special Occasions SWEETS Everyday Celebrations, COCKTAIL HOUR FOOD Felix Hu, CATERER Catering Connection, BAND Nationwide Coverage, BRIDE’S GOWN Claire la Faye, BRIDE’S SHOES Vince Camuto, BRIDE’S JEWELRY & HAIR ACCESSORIES Art by Redbird, MAID OF HONOR’S DRESS J.Crew, GROOM’S SUIT Hugo Boss

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With their reception by the lake, Erin and Michael couldn’t think of a better getaway than by boat! Fireworks in the background completed the experience for them and their guests.

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Now that’s a perfect view for NY newlyweds reflecting on their “I do’s!” SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

A HOUSE DIVDED: Hailey is a proud Texas A&M alum, while Rhetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s allegiance goes to the University of Texas, where he attended medical school. THE DATE: May 5 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 140 LOVE, FROM GRANDPA: To honor her grandfather, who passed away before getting the chance to dance with the bride, Hailey sewed a heart made from fabric belonging to him to the inside of her dress. CHALK ART: Instead of a traditional ceremony program, the matron of honor created a chalkboard program, which listed all the members of the family and wedding party. THE OFFICIANT: A dear friend of the couple served as their officiant, filling the ceremony with personal stories about both the bride and groom. DINING AL FRESCO: Taking advantage of the warm weather and beautiful sunset, guests dined outdoors in the garden. SOUTHERN FARE: Only the best Southern eats would do for Hailey and Rhet! They served macaroni and cheese, sliders, French fries, sandwiches and salads at stations throughout the reception. THE GRAND EXIT: The newlyweds made their getaway under a shower of confetti and the light of the Super Perigee Moon.

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LAUREN LARSEN

Talk about a show-stopper! I love this take on the

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KW ring-bearers' walk down the aisle. Cute!

This photograph literally takes my breath away.

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Now that is how every bride should look during the getaway – giddy, grateful and so in love!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren Larsen, PLANNER Kelly Balfour, DESIGNER Karey Miller, VENUE The Garden of Bammel Lane, FLORIST Lori Holley, WEDDING CAKE Sweet Bakery, CATERER Cafe Natalie, PAPER GOODS The Happy Envelope, RENTALS A Style Collective, LINENS Aztec Rentals, BAND Buzz and the Blue Cats BRIDE’S GOWN Watters, BRIDE’S SHOES Nina, BRIDE’S JEWELRY Great-grandmother’s pearls, BRIDE’S VEIL OR HAIR ACCESSORY Watters, HAIR STYLIST Brian Rozell, Salon BR, GROOM’S FASHION Ted Baker suit, Billy Reid bowtie, Cole Haan shoes, GROOMSMEN FASHION Sperry Topsiders

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UGA invites you to the perfect wedding

the UgA hotel, located in the heart of the University of georgia campus in Athens, provides all the elements to transform your wedding dreams into reality. from the professional expertise of our wedding planners, to elegant ballrooms, private dining rooms, delectable catering options and stylish amenities, the UgA hotel offers you the perfect wedding venue. 1197 S. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA 30602 • 706.542.2654 • 1.800.488.7827 Weddings@GeorgiaCenter.uga.edu • www.UGAweddings.com wedding receptions BridesmAids LUncheons engAgement pArties reheArsAL dinners rooms for overnight gUests speciAL events

Follow UGAWeddings on:

HOW THEY MET: Shannon picked up the phone to give directions to a lost Victor en route to a mutual friend’s house, and the two hit it off instantly. They exchanged numbers a few days later on New Year’s Eve. THE PROPOSAL: After an NYC proposal was foiled by logistics, Victor popped the question at Shannon’s parents’ home an hour after he asked for her father’s blessing. THE “I DO’S:” A ceremony at Martin Luther King, Jr’s church and a reception for 300 at the Atlanta History Center. BACK IN BLACK: Shannon fell in love with a certain all-black dance floor only to find out that it could only be found at the Claridges Hotel in London. Happily, the Bold Design team was able to find a close approximation stateside! HIGH STYLE: The gown Shannon selected was the first one she tried on at the first shop she went to in New York – the contemporary but classic style spoke to her. For an injection of sweetness, her mother surprised her by having a piece of her wedding dress sewn into the lining. MADE FOR THE ‘MAIDS: Looking for something that would showcase her “fierce and fabulous” friends, Shannon remembered a Romona Keveza design she had seen on the runway a few years back. Since it was no longer being made, she worked with a seamstress to create the dress of her dreams. THE READINGS: Shannon and Victor each chose two couples whose marriages they admired to read at their ceremony. They asked each couple to choose a passage from the Bible that communicated what they felt was most important for Shannon and Victor to know as they began their marriage; the readings were a surprise until the ceremony! LIFE IS SWEET: Shannon and Victor chose to use only large estate tables at their reception to foster a community feel. To inject more of their personality, these sweettooths began their carefully-chosen meal with a dessert amuse bouche. LET THEM EAT CAKE: Unsurprisingly, the cake design was a central focus for these two. In fact, the modern architecture of their cake became so involved, a blueprint was drawn up!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

JONATHAN C ANLAS

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The SW office is known to have a squeal-

KW fest when animals make an appearance in weddings. I almost died when I saw this precious pup, decked out in his penguin suit.

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Shannon’s bouquet – a handful of proteas from South Africa – was one of the only places in the wedding where blooms were showcased. The centerpieces were greenery, the bridesmaids carried black feather clutches and the groomsmen wore guinea feather boutonnieres.

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ON FINDING THE RIGHT MAN: GOOD MEN ARE AS SCARCE AS DEVILED EGGS AFTER A CHURCH PICNIC.

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One of the most handsome couple's I've ever seen! So in love and so radiantly joyful!

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I have a soft spot for lovely elderly ladies. These beauties are absolutely stunning!

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Jonathan Canlas, VIDEOGRAPHER Milana Photography, PLANNER Jade Lee of Lovelee Affairs, DESIGNER Bold American Events, CEREMONY VENUE Ebenezer Baptist Church, RECEPTION VENUE Atlanta History Center, FLORIST Bold American Events, WEDDING CAKE Sweet and Stylish Cakes, CATERER Dennis Dean Catering, PAPER GOODS Paper Daisies, RENTALS Event Rentals Unlimited, LINENS Bold American Events, LIGHTING PPi, BRIDE’S GOWN Vera Wang, BRIDE’S SHOES Giuseppe Zanotti, BRIDE’S VEIL Tracy Moss of M. Anthony Salon, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Linda Sears of TK Designs, HAIR STYLIST Tracy Moss, MAKEUP ARTIST Yasmine Ferguson and Scott Miller, GROOM’S FASHION Inkyu Choe of Savile Row Tailors, GROOMSMEN FASHION Ken Barber

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Find Love in All the Right Places WaterColorResort.com | 866-426-2656 | Santa Rosa Beach, FL | Visit: facebook.com/WaterColorWeddings

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THE PROPOSAL: During a ski trip to Jackson Hole, Dominick surprised Sara with a room full of flowers and a fireplace-front proposal. After, the couple celebrated with family and friends. NUMBER OF GUESTS: 136 ADDING A MODERN FEEL: After seeing Lowndes Grove Plantation in person, Sara and Dominick knew it could provide the Southern plantation feel they wanted while still being formal and intimate. STORY TELLNG: Sara and Dominick wanted their ceremony to be ultra-personal. Sara’s uncle, who officiated, asked all the members of the wedding party to share their favorite stories about the couple in advance, which he then weaved into their ceremony. THE FIRST DANCE: Wanting to start the night off with something upbeat but meaningful, the newlyweds chose “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King for their big moment. THE GETAWAY: The last-minute cancelation of the newlyweds' Rolls Royce getaway car ended up being for the best. A vintage Lincoln convertible took its place, and whisked the newlyweds away for a nighttime drive around the Battery. THE HONEYMOON: Sara and Dominick jetted off to South Africa post wedding.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

LIZ BANFIELD

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Dom’s own collection of matchbooks inspired some of the couple’s wedding favors. These monogrammed offerings ended up being his favorite detail from the day.

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Sara's mom, who helped her plan most of the wedding details, walked her down the aisle. For Sara, it ranked as one of the most special moments of the day.

The fresh and springy bouquets that each bridesmaid carried down the aisle were tied with custom ribbons monogrammed especially for each gal.

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Creating beautiful weddings in Florida, Georgia, and destinations beyond. WWW. FLA IR E W E D D IN G S .CO M 904-352 -1 8 32

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What a beaming, happy groom! I love this photograph and I love their orchid-trimmed chuppah. So beautiful!

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In order to keep an intimate dinner party feel for the first portion of the evening, the dance floor was separated from the dinner space, then unveiled once guests had finished eating.

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Sara + Dom’s cake tower held individual confections for each guest in delectable flavors like carrot, caramel and chocolate.

Admittedly, I don’t traditionally love cake, but these adorable mini-cakes look too good to pass up. I would pick the caramel, my grandma’s favorite flavor.

I couldn’t bear the thought of changing out of my gown for my reception,

KW but I might have changed my mind if I had access to Sara’s sparkly departure dress. I love how her happiness radiates off the page!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER

Liz Banfield, VIDEOGRAPHER Joel Serrato Films, PLANNER AND DESIGNER Tara Guerard Soiree, VENUE Lowndes Grove Plantation, FLORIST Tara Guerard Soiree, WEDDING CAKE Kim Morgan, CATERER Fish, PAPER GOODS The Lettered Olive, RENTALS Snyder Event Rentals, LINENS Tara Guerard Soiree, TRANSPORTATION Absolutely Charleston, BRIDE’S GOWN Kenneth Pool, BRIDE’S SHOES Jimmy Choo, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Monique Lhullier, HAIR STYLIST Kristy Cuthbert, Velvet Salon, MAKEUP ARTIST Moore Make Up, GROOM’S FASHION Tom Ford

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“We’ll be preaching the

AWESOMENESS - THAT IS -

Inkspot Crow Films.” -Mark, exuberant groom

www.inkspotcrow.com

VA | D C | WO RLD WI D E

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HOW THEY MET: After meeting briefly at dinner with a mutual friend, then meeting again at said friend’s housewarming party (where Chaz mistook Caroline for another girl he had recently met), “we didn’t think much of it,” says the bride. “In fact, I had just sworn off boys forever. My thought was, ‘the next guy that comes into my life is going to have to knock down my door to get me.’ Well, that worked for about a week, and that’s exactly what he did.” THE PROPOSAL: Chaz popped the question in the park where the two first held hands. THE “I DO’S:” Caroline and Chaz held both their ceremony and reception at a historic property in Franklin, TN, that had doors and shutters the exact shade of deep sea foam they had been planning to use throughout their wedding. THE RING: Caroline actually bought her own ring while studying abroad in Italy! (She admits to having never liked engagement rings before she saw this one in a store window.) Upon returning to the States, she handed the box over to Chaz; she didn’t see it for another year, until the day of the proposal. THE OTHER RING: Chaz’s ring has an equally sweet story. Because of the unusually high price of gold right now, Caroline found it hard to track down even a simple antique band that fit within her price range. Her Dad offered up his class ring, a ring she remembered him wearing every day for her whole life, for the source metal, which was melted down and fashioned into a new band by Caroline’s good friend. When she presented it to Chaz, the sacrifice brought him to tears. THE DRESS: Caroline was sold on her wedding gown once she found out it had pockets (win!). For an extra special touch at the rehearsal, she wore her mom’s gown (which fit like a glove!)… with the puff sleeves removed. HIGH KICKS: Since Caroline says she “thinks she would have died” had she not been able to see Chaz until 6:30 on the day of their wedding, the two chose to host a rousing game of kickball for all of their guests that morning. LOVE IS PATIENT: The couple chose 1 Corinthians 13, a fairly standard reading, for their ceremony. It’s one with special meaning to Caroline’s family, however – they memorized the chapter together when she was little.

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JAMIE CLA YTON

Caroline and Chaz, you make my heart happy! That bow tie necklace and the bicycle built for two are adorable!

In addition to the herbs and billy balls that made up the men’s boutonnieres, Caroline included paper flowers she handmade from an old Bible and her grandmother’s antique buttons. She used pages from Acts, since it’s Chaz’s favorite book.

Caroline and Chaz went the untraditional route of a picnic reception! They laid out quilts that were collected from family and friends on the lawn, then served gourmet boxed dinners full of Southern fare. Carolineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandmother was a quilting pro (one of the creations she worked on was presented to Eleanor Roosevelt), so everything about this choice felt right.

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Biscuits, fried chicken and friends = Southern wedding perfection!

It’s official! This issue has the cutest little

MK ones! I mean, suspenders AND a bow tie?

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Jamie Clayton, PLANNER AND DESIGN ASSISTANCE Mr. and Mrs. Weddings & Events, DESIGNER Caroline Fausel, CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUE Carnton Plantation, FLORIST Whimsical Gatherings, WEDDING CAKE The Bake Shoppe, CATERER Chefworks, Inc., PAPER GOODS Designed and printed by the bride, RENTALS AND LINENS Music City Tents and Events, LLC, LIGHTING Nashville Audio Visual BRIDE’S GOWN Watters, BRIDE’S VEIL/HAIR ACCESSORY Handmade by the bride, BRIDE’S NECKLACE Maryanka Studio, BRIDESMAID DRESSES J.Crew, HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST Kara Gaylor, GROOM’S FASHION J.Crew suit and bow tie from Couture Ties

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HOW THEY MET: Lynae and Brenton met their junior year of high school when her high school drama club performed at his church. (She blew him off when he tried to approach her post-performance.) They were reunited their freshman year of college, and have been together ever since. THE PROPOSAL: Brenton popped out of a closet (yes, a closet) and bent to one knee after enlisting his sister to convince Lynae that she had some clothes she was looking to get rid of. Lynae’s mom popped out of the room’s other closet just in time to see Lynae fall to the floor in surprise! THE “I DO’S:” About 700 guests attended the ceremony and 500, the reception, so finding spaces to accommodate everyone was a challenge. They ultimately chose the church where they had met nine years prior and Nashville's downtown Hilton (because it had the largest ballroom in the area!). MODERN LOVE: Lynae first spotted her dress on Tumblr, and knew it was the one when she saw the “smidgen of sparkle.” For a bride that used “sparkly” as one of three words to describe her big day, we can’t say we’re surprised! (The other two were vibrant and sentimental.) STAND BY ME: A total of 28 bridesmaids and groomsmen accompanied the couple. GOOD MORNING: Brenton loves breakfast food, so in addition to the more standard buffet options, the two added French toast, vegetarian strada and blintzes to the offerings.

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KRIST YN HOGAN

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Oh, what joy! All I can do is sing "Oh, Happy Day!" when I look at these vibrant photographs! Makes my heart sing!

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This is a couple after my own heart. Bright garlands

NY and giant balloons signal a fun celebration of love!

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Lynae is a huge fan of the Denver Broncos, so glittered horse figurines mingled with the centerpieces on the head table.

REACTION TO A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL: WELL DIP ME IN MOLASSES AND ROLL ME IN CORNFLAKES!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Kristyn

Hogan, VIDEOGRAPHER Focal Point Cinematic Weddings, DESIGNER AND STYLIST Amber Housley, PLANNER Leigh Barker of A Delightful Day, CEREMONY VENUE Riverside Chapel Seventh-Day Adventist Church, RECEPTION VENUE Hilton Nashville Downtown, FLORIST Brocade Designs, CAKE AND SWEETS The Bake Shoppe, CATERER Hilton Nashville Downtown, PAPER GOODS Amber Housley, RENTALS Classic Party Rentals, LINENS La Tavola Linen, CEREMONY AND RECEPTION DÉCOR Visual Elements, CANDY BAR Amber Housley, TRANSPORTATION Grand Avenue, LIGHTING Nashville Audio Visual, BRIDE’S GOWN “Gemma” by Vera Wang, BRIDE’S SHOES Charlotte Olympia, BRIDE’S JEWELRY Tiffany & Co., BRIDE’S HAIR ACCESSORY BHLDN, BRIDESMAID DRESSES D530 by Alfred Sung, HAIR STYLIST Lori at Vizions Hair Salon, MAKEUP ARTIST Shea Moore, GROOM’S FASHION J. Michaels Clothiers, GROOMSMEN FASHION Jos. A Bank

One of the highlights of the night was when Lynae and all her bridesmaids performed a choreographed dance to one of Beyonce’s hits.

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HOW THEY MET: Whitney and Clarke met as undergrads at the University of Virginia, in the basement of Clarke’s fraternity house. Clarke was dressed in a David Beckham costume, and the two danced all night. THE PROPOSAL: Whitney had plans to visit Clarke, who was working in DC for the summer, for the weekend. He asked her to pick up an important package from his apartment before getting on the road, but when she arrived, no package was waiting. She was on the phone with him explaining the situation when he walked around the corner, led her to a garden near UVA’s Rotunda and proposed. THE “I’DO’S:” Charlottesville, the backdrop to how they met, where they fell in love and what brought them back after years of long distance dating, was the natural choice for Whitney and Clarke’s wedding weekend. Whitney was also the first employee of Pippin Hill, and considers it a home away from home. NUMBER OF GUESTS: 275 GRACE PERSONIFIED: Whitney’s dress, the “Catherine” from Monique Lhuillier, was modeled after the Duchess of Cambridge’s famous gown, but she admits she felt like another princess in it: Grace Kelly. She chose to have the sleeves cut to three-quarter length to reflect the summer season. SOMETHING BORROWED: Whitney’s grandmother’s handkerchief, edged in lace, was tucked inside her bouquet of ivory patience garden roses, white peonies, white hydrangea and Sahara roses. FOR HIM: Instead of a traditional wedding ring, the couple engraved a signet ring Clarke’s grandfather had given him, embossed with their family crest. He now wears that ring on his left hand, just like his father and grandfather. HOT TIMES: A heat wave hit Virginia the week of their wedding, and temperatures ran over 100 degrees on the big day. Additional fans were brought into the reception tent, and Easton Events came up with the idea to offer lavender-scented chilled cloths to guests on the dance floor later in the evening. GOOD ADVICE: “You cannot relive it, so live it the first time!”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

PATRICIA LYONS

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I adore Whitney’s classic style! She would

ET look as at home in the 50’s as she does today.

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This gown is absolute pure Southern perfection in dress

MK form! If I owned it, I would never, ever take it off!

What a stunningly beautiful couple! And get the tissues ready for the love in Clarke's eyes on the next page... SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

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My favorite part of any wedding ceremony is

KW watching the groom as he sees his bride for the first time. I think this groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction is priceless.

Whitney, an art history major, was inspired by Degasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ballerina paintings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; their romantic quality, their balance of soft hues and saturated color. She wanted their wedding to reflect a similar elegance, grace, timelessness and Parisian sophistication.

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Patricia Lyons, PLANNER AND DESIGNER Easton Events, VIDEOGRAPHER Shaking Hands Productions, CEREMONY VENUE St. Paul’s Memorial Church, RECEPTION VENUE Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, FLORIST Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs, CATERER Pippin Hill Farm, WEDDING CAKE Favorite Cakes, MACARONS Pippin Hill Farm, RENTALS Festive Fare, TENT Skyline Tent Company, LINENS La Tavola Linen, LIGHTING Blue Ridge A/V and Lighting, PAPER GOODS Rock Paper Scissors, CALLIGRAPHY If So Inklined, BAND The Celebrity Allstar Band, ANTIQUE CAR Albemarle Limousine, BRIDE’S GOWN AND BRIDESMAID DRESSES Monique Lhuillier, BRIDE’S SHOES Valentino, BRIDE’S JEWELRY Judith Ann Jewels, BRIDE’S HAIR COMB Maria Elena, HAIR STYLIST Remona Soleimani, MAKEUP ARTIST Lora Elaine, GROOM’S AND GROOMSMEN FASHION Jos. A Bank and High Cotton Ties

HOW THEY MET: Parks, the owner of six running stores, happened to be working the floor the day Kalen and her mom walked in to try on shoes. After bonding over retail careers (Kalen owns a fashion boutique) and their bulldogs, and surviving Kalen’s mom’s two-hour question session (“which covered everything from politics and religion to family values and hobbies”), the two exchanged numbers and agreed to meet up the next day. THE PROPOSAL: Parks hid the ring in the data chip hole of a new pair of running shoes he presented to Kalen while on vacation in Grand Cayman – only fitting, given his profession and their first encounter. THE “I DO’S:” Looking for a location they could return to to remember their wedding weekend, the couple chose the charming Old Edwards Inn in the mountains of North Carolina. DESIGN INSPIRATION: According to Kalen, “girly-girl meets rock ‘n roll.” Coming from families where friends were always welcome, it was important to the couple that everything feel homey and comfortable. In the end, “there was never a stuffy moment about the wedding. It was elegant, yet functional and touchable.” SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY: Guests were welcomed to the wedding weekend in true Southern fashion, with bags stuffed full of trucker hats, bourbon balls, copies of Garden & Gun, Barker’s Mill grits and Fat Buddies BBQ sauce. BLOOM ROOM: Even the bride was blown away by the admittedly jaw-dropping flower installations, designed by Calder Clark and produced by Blossoms Events, throughout the celebration.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Engraved gold mint julep cups with petals for tossing! I have no words! Delightful!

HARWELL PHOTOGRAPH Y

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The entire office has agreed that we must try these

NY champagne jello shots! I mean, they have glitter on them!

For a couple that loves fishing and hunting, a sign-in wall of antlers to hang gold glitter tags filled with wishes on was a fitting choice.

Oh goodness, this flower-lined entry way is breathtaking. I can only imagine the incredible fragrance floating on the air!

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For an unexpected twist, the couple opted for champagne glitter jello shots as a late-night pass around the dance floor (see previous spread!). At the end of the night, guests showered the newlyweds with metallic pom poms as they made their way to a vintage Rolls Royce.

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Harwell Photography, VIDEOGRAPHER Jeff Bradt Films, PLANNER AND DESIGNER Calder Clark Designs, CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUE Old Edwards Inn, FLORIST Blossoms Events, WEDDING CAKE Wow Factor Cakes, CATERER Old Edwards Inn, CEREMONY MUSICIANS Mary Daniels Music, COCKTAIL PIANIST Susan Clearman, BAND A Town A List, PAPER GOODS Cheree Berry Paper, CALLIGRAPHER Elizabeth Porcher Jones, RENTALS DC Rental, TENTING Skyline Tent Company, LINENS La Tavola Linen and DC Rental, PEWS, CHANDELIERS, AND JULEP CUPS Calder Clark Designs, PILLOW COVERS AND AISLE RUNNER designed by Calder Clark Designs and produced by Onawa Designs, CEREMONY HANDMADE PAPER FLOWERS AND TENT SHEERING designed by Calder Clark Designs and produced by Blossoms Events, COCKTAIL HOUR CHAIR COVERS designed by Calder Clark Designs and produced by Onawa Designs, COCKTAIL HOUR BARS AND SIGN-IN WALL designed by Calder Clark Designs and produced by Blossoms Events, DANCE FLOOR, BAND BACKDROP, FABRIC SHEERING, AND LOUNGE AREA PAVILIONS designed by Calder Clark Designs and produced by Blossoms Events, LIGHTING TEC, FAVORS Bucky Balls, TRANSPORTATION Elite Limousine, BRIDE’S GOWN Manuel Mota, BRIDE’S SHOES Christian Louboutin and Alexander McQueen, VEIL Pronovias, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Contrarian NY, HAIR STYLIST Megan Faw, MAKEUP ARTIST Rachel Ruemann, GROOMSMEN FASHION Vera Wang Black and custom Vineyard Vines

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ING DD " WE O! N D "I HER

A SO ITOR ED

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SA Y

HOW THEY MET: Emily had a crush on John in seventh grade, which was unrequited until senior year of high school, when John called Emily out of the blue and blurted out, “So… I think I like you.” She responded with nervous giggles (“obviously,” said the bride), and the two have been together ever since. THE PROPOSAL: John popped the question on a North Carolina beach and filmed the whole thing under the guise of taking a self-timed photo. THE “I DO’S:" Emily and John planned a ceremony at the US Coast Guard Academy (Emily's Dad is retired military and walked her down the aisle in dress uniform) and an oceanside reception in the garden of a historic theater. After a long search, John found the latter on a random scroll through Google Maps! A WALK TO REMEMBER: Though Emily and John chose to do a “first look,” it took no emotion away from the bride’s walk down the aisle. In fact, the bridal processional was by far the most emotional part of the day, with the bride and groom, their bridal party and guests so worked up that their pastor had to remind everyone to take a deep breath before he could begin. SWEET CEREMONY: For readings, the couple pulled from their past: Colossians 3:12-17, an excerpt from C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity" and an excerpt from "The Little Prince," which Emily had included in a letter to John years before. They also chose to serve communion to their guests as their first act as a married couple, which the pair found deeply symbolic. SOUTHERN COMFORT: Planning their CT wedding from NC wasn't always easy, but the support of family in the north and Southern Weddings' readers in the South made it enjoyable! Emily and John also carefully chose pieces of their new life beneath the Mason-Dixon to share with their New England guests, including Cheerwine, deviled eggs, pulled pork and biscuits at cocktail hour. Their pastor, who traveled up to perform the service, brought a thick Southern accent! PICNIC FOR TWO: The newlyweds chose to skip cocktail hour, opting for a private picnic on a blanket down the hill from their reception tent. JUST DESSERTS: In addition to a homemade cake, Emily and John served a variety of petite sweets, including their moms' specialties: chocolate peanut butter balls from Emily's, and chocolate gingerbread cookies from John's.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

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TANJA LIPPERT

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Emily chose to have just her two sisters and John's two sisters as her bridesmaids. She counts finding a dress that suited everyone and fit in the budget as one of her most difficult wedding planning tasks!

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Em told me how emotional her walk down the aisle

NY was, which made this photo even sweeter!

Gents could pin on a velvet boutonniere before the ceremony while lady guests were invited to take a silver bell from this board in front of the church, then ring it during the recessional! Bells were also rung during the newlyweds' exit from the church â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an organist played the "wedding peal" on the carillon, fulfilling one of Emily's childhood dreams.

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER

Tanja Lippert, VIDEOGRAPHER Inkspot Crow Films, DAY-OF COORDINATOR Diana Chouinard of Jubilee Events, CEREMONY VENUE The United States Coast Guard Memorial Chapel, OFFICIANT Rev. Dr. R. Carl Frazier from First United Methodist Church, Cary, RECEPTION VENUE The Sunken Garden at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, TENT Sperry Tents, RENTALS Liberty Rentals and Rentals Unlimited, LINENS La Tavola Linen and Liberty Rentals, FLORIST Blush Floral Design, HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST Tia Reagan, CATERER A Thyme to Cook, SWEETS A Thyme to Cook and family, BAND Avenue A, SAVE THE DATES Minted, INVITATIONS Magpie Paper Works with calligraphy by MM Ink, PAPER GOODS, FAVORS, BELL AND BOUT BOARDS, AND DRINK STIRRERS Em for Marvelous, RING BEARER BOWL Paloma’s Nest, BRIDE’S GOWN “Brisa” by Christos, BRIDE’S SHOES “Paladin” by Nina, BRIDE’S EARRINGS “Toulouse” by Nina, BRIDE’S NECKLACE Blue Nile, BRIDE’S VEIL Chaviano Couture, BRIDE’S CLUTCH Davie & Chiyo, BRIDESMAID DRESSES “2834” by Dessy, GROOM’S FASHION Tuxedo by Tommy Hilfiger, suspenders from J.Crew, bow tie from Bows ‘N Ties, cuff links from Keys and Memories

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A grand romance deserves a grand setting.

Image provided by Parker J. Pfister Photography

biltmore.com/weddings 800-211-9804 The ideal destination for your dream wedding

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THE DEFINITION OF A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN By Marissa Kloess, in love with her Southern gent since 2006

Let's face it, belles: there is nothing like a Southern gentleman. You know the one: the kind that opens the car door for his gal; never forgets to say ma'am or sir; loves his mama, college football and his dog dearly; and can change a tire while wearing seersucker. He’s the kind of man that would make Rhett Butler jealous and cause Scarlett O’Hara to take notice. Yes, there's just something about them, something that makes a Southern girl weak in the knees (and, truth be told, many of our northern sisters feel the same way!). This kind of beau cannot be taken for granted, especially in a world where they can seem harder to find than a long-tailed cat on a porch full of rocking chairs. They’re a special kind of handsome, and they can go from a dirty ol' hunting gear-clad mess to a dapper bow-tied gent in the blink of an eye. Boy, they sure know how to clean up nice! When I met my husband nearly six years ago, he was the epitome of a Southern gentleman: khakis, Vineyard Vines collared shirt, Topsiders (or Wallabies with pants), croakies on his Costas, the "frat boy tuck," the Alabama shag haircut (way pre-Bieber) and oh man, that sweet Southern drawl. Growing up in the South as I did, I could spot all the signs from a mile away.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

But, of course, in the end it was the things I couldn't have seen even if I'd had binoculars in hand that truly mattered. He was sweet, well-mannered, loved his family, opened my car door on every date and, of course, had a closet devoid of neckties. Now, with four years of marriage, countless moves, and loads of adventures under our belt, his style has evolved to include a kooky mustache (it was even curled with wax this year), tattoos and the occasional hilarious graphic tee. But my favorite part is still there… that sweet Southern soul. The definition of a Southern gentlemen is not what he wears, but who he is. And who is he? He is compassionate and kind, and honest and hardworking. His life is built on faith, family, strength of character and heritage. He has reverence for God and women. He asks your daddy for your hand in marriage. The Southern gentlemen was developed out of a culture of honor, and striving to live an honorable life is still his main goal. Read on for our celebration of the true Southern gent, and remember: if you're lucky enough to have one of your very own, hold him close. I know I do.

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AN INTERVIEW WITH

BILLY REID

SOUTHERN MENSWEAR DESIGNER EXTRAORDINAIRE TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD.

My mother had a women's boutique in our small town of Amite, Louisiana, where I grew up. Her shop was located in my grandmother's old home, and she influenced my path to the industry at an early age.

WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOUR MAMA'S GIVEN YOU? Respect everyone and

use your manners.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN YOUR FLAGSHIP STORE IN FLORENCE, AL, INSTEAD OF, SAY, NEW YORK? I was born in

Amite, Louisiana, but my wife is from Florence. We decided that we would raise our family here and structure our work around life, not life around our work. It's an unconventional path for fashion design, but it works for us.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT FLORENCE. WHY DO YOU LIKE IT SO MUCH? Our area has a

rich music heritage — The Stones, Dylan, Aretha, Skynyrd and hundreds of other notables have recorded here. Recently, The Black Keys, Band of Horses and Alicia Keys cut records here. We enjoy sharing that history with our guests. We have a beautiful historic downtown with a little sandwich shop, Trowbridge’s, which hasn’t changed since 1918. We love it here, which is why we choose it is as home base.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING, WHICH SOUTHERN MALES DO YOU FEEL BEST FIT THE BILLY REID STYLE? William Faulkner and Kris

Kristofferson are two names that come to mind in terms of really personal and unique style that I always come back to.

YOUR SHOPS ARE RENOWNED FOR THEIR LOOK AND THE WAY THEY REFLECT YOUR CLOTHES AND BRAND CULTURE. WHAT ROLE DOES SOUTHERN HOSPITALIT Y PLAY IN DESIGNING THESE SPACES? I be-

lieve we make a genuine effort to focus on being authentic and creating relationships with our customers. Our shops provide a look into who we are, and we hope that what folks take away is a desire to be a part of that.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR A SOUTHERN GROOM CHOOSIN G HIS WEDDING DAY ATTIRE? Wear something

you are comfortable and confident in.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR WEDDING. WHAT DID YOU WEAR? WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY? My bride took

my breath away, and still does. So many fond memories of that day. I remember my father in law looking me in the eye as he handed me Jeanne. It was a humid June night, in an antebellum home here in Florence, with no AC. Everyone was soaked, in more ways than one. It was a small wedding with family and close friends and a great band. It was just what we wanted it to be. I’m glad to see that my Southern gent’s

MK favorite, Woodford Reserve, was served.

THE SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN HAS A NATURAL DIGNIT Y OF MANNER AND THE UTMOST SELF-POSSESSION – THAT MUCH COVETED SAVOIR FAIRE, WHICH C AUSES A MAN TO APPEAR PERFECTLY AT HOME, WHETHER IT BE IN A HUT OR A PALACE. DANIEL HINDLEY

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❤ HUSBANDS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THEIR WIVES: ANY MAN TRYIN’ TO FIGURE OUT A WOMAN ENDS UP AS CONFUSED AS A COW IN A PARKIN’ LOT.

I love the bride’s green wellies! Even if I had rain

KW on my wedding day, they'd make me smile.

IF THE ENGLISH RACE HAD DONE NOTHING ELSE BUT LEF T THE WORLD THE NOTION OF A GENTLEMAN, THEY WOULD HAVE DONE A GREAT SERVICE TO MANKIND. GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Stephen DeVries Weddings, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND STYLIST Ginny Au of Bits & Bobs, WARDROBE STYLIST Megan LaRussa of Southern Femme, CALLIGRAPHY AND INVITATION SUITE Holly Hollon Design & Calligraphy, FLOWERS Lillie’s, MAKEUP Raww Beauty, HAIR STYLIST Mark Hyde, CAKES Dream Cakes, FOOD AND BEVERAGES Chef Jeffrey Hansell of Veranda on Highland, PROPS At Home Furnishings, VINTAGE PLATES Decorous Dishes, BRIDE’S GOWN Heidi Elnora, CIGARS Vitola Fine Cigars, BEER Good People Brewing Company

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you just want to squeeze him???

YES! Mo, you are adorable!

TIES

Ten-year old entrepreneur Mo makes bow ties for gents all over the nation BY MARISSA KLOESS

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hen I was ten years old, my most successful business was my weekend lemonade stand. That’s certainly not the case for Memphis, Tennessee native — and current fifth grader — Mr. Moziah Bridges. “Mo,” as he is affectionately known, is a dapper 10-year-old business owner and fashion designer. In 2011, unable to find bow ties that fit his style, he learned sewing basics from his granny and set to work creating custom designs. A year later, his ties can be found on Etsy (mosbowsmemphis.etsy.com) and on the necks of eager fans around the country. Mo also recently made an appearance on the "Steve Harvey Show;" he showed up with his signature vintage suitcase full of bows and his larger-thanlife personality. We feel lucky he squeezed in a few minutes for us to pick his young brain on what it means to be a Southern gentleman.

WHAT MAKES SOMEONE A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN? I think a Southern gentleman is

just a cool dude who dresses in nice clothes and is nice to his friends and family and is humble.

WHAT DOES A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN WEAR? First you have to have a slick bow

tie, a button down shirt, some braces (not suspenders but braces) and at least one seersucker jacket or pants to match the jacket.

HOW DOES A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN TREAT A LADY? I'm too young to answer this

question about ladies but at least I know that I have to respect women. I treat my mom and granny and all the other ladies with respect. I always open my mom's door, too.

WHEN SHOULD A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN WEAR A BOW TIE? If he is a bow tie

wearer, then he should wear it casually, but if he wears regular neck ties all the time, then he can wear a bow tie on special occasions. I wear bow ties all the time to school and wherever I want to go. I even wear a bow tie when I play outside with my friends, but I can do that because I have a lot of bow ties. A lot of people call me the Bow Tie Boy.

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO HAVE A BUSINESS AT YOUR AGE? It feels great! Having my own

business really means I get to tell other people what to do and they have to listen to me. I'm the CEO of my own company, so I can make all the decisions when my mom lets me do it. She always ask me what I like and what I want to do about different things with Mo's Bows.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR BUSINESS AND SCHOOL? Well, since I'm in the fifth grade

now, it's harder than the fourth grade, so I have to make sure I stay focused, especially on my math. I always do my homework and spelling words first, then I can play outside, and since I'm the boss, I really get to choose when I want to work and play. My family helps me out a lot

with making bow ties. Since I like other stuff like dance and music, I have to make time for other things, or I'll get bored with doing the same thing all the time.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF RUNNING A BUSINESS? The hardest part is that I

can't be everywhere I want to be all the time. Sometimes there are two or three different places I want to go, but there is no time for everything I want to do.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF RUNNING A BUSINESS? I really like talking to other kids

about having their own businesses when they are young like me and I like that I meet a lot of

different people who really like my bow ties. It's so cool that people in other states know about me and my business and wear my bow ties. Like in New York City and Miami. I can't believe I have never been to New York but my bow ties have.

WHY DO YOU LOVE BOW TIES? Because they make me look good and feel good. When I put on my first bow tie, it looked so good I just had to get some more. That's why I started my bow tie business, because I wanted different bow ties that spoke to me. WHAT'S YOUR BEST LOVE ADVICE? LOL, what?! Hey, I'm only 10 years old, I don't have love advice. LOL.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ANNABELLA CHARLES

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DAPPER

GEN TS

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THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Liga Photography, Divine Light Photography, openField Photography, Ross Oscar Knight, Ryan Ray Photography; OPPOSITE PAGE, FIRST ROW FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Lauren Larsen, Caroline Fontenot, Emily Steffen; second row: Faith Teasley Photography, Jodi Miller Photography; third row: Ryan Ray Photography, Grover Photography, Apryl Ann Photography

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

See? Proof that this issue has the cutest kids ever!

COURTESY IS AS

MUCH A MARK OF

A GENTLEMAN AS COURAGE.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

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298

JAMAICA • ANTIGUA • SAINT LUCIA • BAHAMAS

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

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Have the

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Begin your new life together in paradise at mesmerizing destinations kissed by the intoxicating romance of the Caribbean. The Sandals® Luxury Included® Honeymoon caters to every imaginable temptation by offering more quality, choice, luxury and service. It truly is the perfect start to the perfect marriage and, best of all, your honeymoon begins the moment you say “I do.” You have more choices on land and at sea—from unlimited golf with complimentary greens fees* to unlimited diving with the Caribbean’s most comprehensive scuba program.■ Anytime gourmet dining at up to 15 true specialty restaurants per resort, with extraordinary cuisine perfectly paired with four varietals of Beringer® Wines. Toast to your love all day and night with unlimited premium brand drinks served on the house at up to 10 bars per resort. And relax in the most romantic honeymoon suites in the Caribbean, each designed to fulfill every possible dream. So when planning your honeymoon, choose the resorts that give you more. More romance and more quality choices. Maybe that’s why Sandals are the most awarded all-inclusive resorts. Ever. *Greens fees additional in the Bahamas and Antigua. ■ Scuba included for certified divers. Resort dive course and night dives additional. Sandals® is a registered trademark and is represented worldwide by Unique Vacations, Inc.

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MORE QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN ANY OTHER RESORTS IN THE WORLD At Beaches® Resorts, we make your dreams of the perfect wedding come true, because only Beaches offers a fully-customizable wedding designed and created by you with our easy-to-use interactive Wedding Designer. Here, you can celebrate the most special time of your life with the people who mean the most to you, at one of the most beautiful places in paradise. Best of all, Beaches marries your perfect wedding with the romantic honeymoon of a lifetime, giving you a WeddingMoon® with every land and water sport under the sun, and anytime gourmet dining at up to 16 specialty restaurants serving exclusive Beringer® Wines. There’s something for everyone at Beaches, from activities that bring everyone together to those that give you some time apart. And only Beaches elevates a honeymoon to a world-class experience with luxurious family-friendly suites—from an intimate Parisian piedà-terre or a seaside bungalow to a villa suite that can accommodate up to eight people. Best of all, everything is included, even the luxury. So while all your loved ones come to celebrate your love, everyone will enjoy their own celebration of a lifetime, too.

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bella flora 30a We believe every event can tell its own story through the unexpected details. We work carefully with each element of the planning from ﬂowers, linens, lighting, colors, textures and furnishings; always focusing on the personality of the client.

WEDDINGS • FLORAL DESIGN • SPECIAL EVENTS EVENT PLANNING • FRESH ARRANGEMENTS

304

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Inspired by emotion and light, we think there is so much more to creating timeless images than looking at the camera and smiling. We're based in Tennessee, but we love to travel. Just ask and we'll come to you.

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christopherconfero.com 404.585.8025

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STAFF PHOTO SHOOT Photographer: Nancy Ray (nancyrayphotography.com), Bouquets: Mary Stevens at Fearrington Village (fearrington.com) A NOTE FROM LARA Calligraphy by Little Miss Press (littlemisspress.com) SOUTHERN CEREMONY TIPS Page 17: Ryan Ray (ryanrayphoto.com); Page 18, clockwise from top right: Kellie Kano (kelliekano.com), The McCartneys (meetthemccartneys.com), Elaine Palladino (elainepalladino.com), Graham Terhune (grahamterhune.com), Adam Barnes (adambarnesphoto.com); Page 19, clockwise from top left: KLP (klpphotography.com), Clary Photo (claryphoto.com), Caroline Joy (carolinejoy.com), Nathan Westerfield (nathanwesterfield.com), Kristin Rogers (kristinrogersphotography.com); Page 20: Kristyn Hogan (kristynhogan. com); Page 21, clockwise from top left: Robyn Van Dyke (robynvandykephotography.com), Ellie Grover (elliegrover.com), Paul Johnson (pauljohnsonphoto.com), Sara Lucero (saralucero.com), A Bryan Photo (abryanphoto.com); Page 22: {a}strid Photography (myastrid.com); Page 23: Whitebox Weddings (whiteboxweddings.com); Page 23, clockwise from top right: Jodi Miller Photography (jodimillerphotography.com), Greer G Photography (greergphotograpy.com), J.Malahy Photography (jmalahy.com), Autumn Song (autumnsongphotography.com), Caroline Joy, A Bryan Photo, Clary Photo; Page 24, clockwise from top left: Vine & Light Photography (vineandlight.com), Brooke Images (brookeimages.com), Katelyn James Photography (katelynjames.com), Tanja Lippert (tanjalippertphotography.com), Nancy Ray (nancyrayphotography.com); Page 25: Jen Fariello (jenfariello.com) WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE SOUTH Page 48: Calligraphy by Little Miss Press (littlemisspress.com), Silhouette by Vana Chupp of Le Papier Studio (lepapierstudio.com), Dave Lapham (davelaphamphotography.com); Page 49 top to bottom: Jennifer Blair (jenniferblairphotography.com), Ulmer Studios (ulmerstudios.com), Faith Teasley (faithteasley.com); Page 50, top to bottom: Caroline Joy (carolinejoy.com), CWF Photography (cwfphotograpy.org); Page 51: Virgil Bunao (virgilbunao.com); Page 52, clockwise from top left: Photo by Nancy Ray (nancyrayphotography.com) and calligraphy by Hardink Calligraphy (hardinkcalligraphy.com), Liz and Ryan (lizandryan.com), Emily March (emilymarchphotography.com), Vue Photography (vuephotographyonline.com) FAB FINDS Bow ties from top to bottom: $29, The Cordial Churchman (thecordialchurchman.com); $36, The Belle and the Beau (thebelleandthebeau.etsy.com); Voila Press (voilapress.com); $28, Molly Gee Designs (mollygeedesigns.com); $45, Southern Beaus (southernbeaus.etsy.com), $36, The Belle and the Beau; $25, Made by Gigi's Hands (madebygigishands.etsy.com); $36, Xoelle (xoelle. com); $35, High Cotton Ties (highcottonties.com); $35, High Cotton Ties; $45, Collard Greens (collaredgreens.com) IN CELEBRATION OF THE MASON Photography: Faith Teasley (faithteasley.com), Shelf design and construction: Stacey Lanning (staceylanning.com), Fabric: ChitChat Fabrics (chitchatfabrics.etsy. com), Calligraphy banner: Little Miss Press (littlemisspress.com), Porcelain Mason jars: Eco Elements (ecoelements.etsy.com), Painted distressed Mason jars: Beach Blues (beachblues.etsy.com), Silver and blue painted Mason jars: Beach Blues, Mini cake stands: Aedriel Originals (aedrieloriginals.com), Bow tie: The Belle and the Beau (thebelleandthebeau.com) SOUTHERN BLOOMS Mint julep spoon: Sycamore Hill (sycamorehill.etsy.com), Bow ties: Mo’s Bows (MosBowsMemphis.etsy.com), Monogrammed charm: Sorella Jewelry (sorellajewelry.etsy.com), Embroidered charm: Daydream Stitching (daydreamstitching.etsy. com) LOVE IN BLOOM Photographer: Eric Kelley Photography (erickelleyphotography.com), Film processing: Richard Photo Lab (richardphotolab.com), Creative production and design: Easton Events (eastonevents.com), Floral design: Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs (patsfloraldesigns.com), Wardrobe and model stylist: Lora Kelley (loraelaine.com), Printed suite: Sideshow Press (sideshowpress.com), Calligraphy: If So Inklined (ifsoinklined.com), Food and drink: Peter Callahan Catering (petercallahan.com), Makeup: Lora Elaine, Hair: Wedding Hair by Charlotte (weddinghairbycharlotte.com), Tabletop rentals: Festive Fare (charlottesville.classicpartyrentals.com), Ceremony benches: Snyder Event Rentals (snydereventrentals.com), Table and chairs: FermobUSA (fermobusa.com), Cake: Charleston Crepe Company (charlestoncrepecompany.com), Wedding gown: Monique Lhuillier (moniquelhuillier.com), Bridesmaid dresses: Ann Taylor (anntaylor.com), Suiting: Grady Ervin & Co. (gradyervin.com), Groom’s shoes: Bob Ellis Shoes (bobellisshoes.com), Bow tie: High Cotton Ties (highcottonties. com), Server tie: Forage (forage.bigcartel.com), Jewelry: KiraKira (kirakirajewelry.com), Car: Royal Limousine Service (royallimo.biz), Venue: Lowndes Grove Plantation (lowndesgrove.com) MY KENTUCKY ROSE Photographer: Jen Huang (jenhuangphotography.com), Behind the scenes videographer: McKenzie Miller Films (mckenziemillerfilms.com), Florals: Poppies & Posies (poppiesandposies.com), Hair stylist: Stacy Pitt (stylesonb.com), Makeup artist: Kerry Crawford (kerrymakeup.com), Cake and desserts: Lael Cakes (laelcakes.com), Stationery and calligraphy: Paperfinger (paperfinger.com), Letterpress printing: Cordes Printing (cordesprinting.com), Custom coasters: printed by For Your Party (foryourparty.com), Wedding gown: “Bianca” by Ulla-Maija Couture (ulla-maijia.com) from Gabriella New York Bridal Salon (gabriellanewyork.com), Bridesmaid dresses: Bridal Reflections (bridalreflections.com), Gold hair pins: Hushed Commotion (hushedcommotion.com), Earrings: Nina (ninashoes.com) and Kate Ketzal (kateketzal.com), Groom’s bow tie: Southern Beaus (southernbeaus.etsy.com), Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental (latavolalinen.com), Table, chairs, china and glassware rentals: Classic Party Rentals (newyork.classicpartyrentals.com), Gold flatware: Muhs Home (muhshome.com), Pink coupe glasses: BHLDN (bhldn.com), Props: The Trove (poppiesandposies.com), Poetry: Em For Marvelous (emformarvelous.com) HONEY & PECAN: A LOVE STORY Photographer: Melissa Schollaert (msp-photography.com), Film processing: Richard Photo Lab, Planning and coordination: TOAST (toast-events.com), Venue: Foxhall Resort and Sporting Club (foxhallsportingclub.com), Florist: Amy Osaba (amyosaba.com), Furniture and trays: Settee (setteeeventdecor.com), Chairs, glassware, flatware and china: We Rent Atlanta (werentatlanta.com), Table runner, cake table linens and napkins: I Do Linens (idolinens.com), Hair and makeup: Scoobie West (scoobiewest.com), Cake and cake stand: Sweet Sensations (sweet-sensations.com), Stationery and paper goods: Erica Loesing (ericaloesing.com), Letterpress: Alee & Press (aleeandpress.com), Bee pin: Emily Elizabeth Bee Stud Earrings (maxandchloe.com), Gold backdrop: Michelle Edgemont (michelleedgemont.com), Mason jars and moonshine: TOAST, Gold cake stand: A Fabulous Fete (afabulousfete.etsy.com), Pecan pies: Tabora Family Bakery (taborafamily.net), Favor bag: Erica Loesing, Bride’s gown: Romona Keveza (romonakeveza.com) from Joan Pillow Salon (joanpillow.com), Bride’s veils: Tia Mazza (tiamazza.com) from Joan Pillow Salon, Bride’s earrings: Paris by Debra Moreland (paristiaras.com) from Joan Pillow Salon, Bridesmaid dresses: Coren Moore (corenmoore.com), Monique Lhuillier (moniquelhuillier.com) and Lula Kate (lulakate.com), all from Bella Bridesmaid Atlanta (bellabridesmaid.com), Bridesmaid hair accessories: Chaviano Couture (chavianocouture.com), Ban.do (shopbando.com), Luxe & Lavish (luxeandlavish.etsy.com) and E. Kammeyer Accessories (ekammeyer.etsy.com), Bridesmaid bracelet: Pomp & Plumage (pompandplumage.etsy.com), Groom’s suit: Jim’s Formal Wear (jimsformalwear.com) FRESHLY SQUEEZED Photographer: KT Merry (ktmerry.com), film processing: Richard Photo Lab (richardphotolab.com), Behind the scenes film: Cabana Pictures (cabanapictures.com), Planning: Lucia Paul Design (luciapauldesign.com), Styling: David Arthur Fittin, represented by Artist Management (artist-management.net/www.davidfittin.com), Production assistance: Be Inspired Public Relations (beinspiredpr.com), Flowers: 50Fifty Creative Services (50fiftycreative.com), Hair and makeup: Melissa Conner for Artist Management (melissaconner.com), Locations: The Boca Raton Resort & Club (bocaresort.com) and The Brazilian Court (thebraziliancourt.com), Backdrop: Momental Designs (momentaldesigns.com), Invitation suite and paper goods: Fig. 2 | Design Studio (fig2design.com), Calligraphy: Meant To Be (meanttobecalligraphy.com), Wedding gown: Vera Wang (verawang.com) from Ever After (everaftermiami.com), Bride’s and bridesmaids’ jewelry: Betteridge (betteridge.com), Bridesmaid and flower girl dresses: Lilly Pulitzer (lillypulitzer. com) from C. Orrico (corrico.com), Bridesmaid shoes: Stash Wardrobe Rental (917-543-3714), Sunhats: Target (target.com), Zappos (zappos.com) and Marley Lilly (marleylilly.com), Groomswear: Polo Ralph Lauren Palm Beach (ralphlauren.com), Custom table linens: Nuage Designs (nuagedesigns.com), Vintage chairs: Circa Who (circawho.com), Table rental: Niche Event Rental (nicheeventrental.com), Green glassware: Anthropologie (anthropologie.com), Plasti-dip flatware: Lucia Paul Design, White china: Taylor Rental Party Plus Naples (taylorrentalnaples.com), Dessert stand: Lucia Paul Design with fabric from Lilly Pulitzer, Specialty desserts: Chocolate Pi (chocpi.com), Cake pushpops: Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach (cupcakescouturemb.com), Popsicles: Tropipops (tropipops. com), Striped cocktail napkins: Caspari (casparionline.com) and Green Party Goods (greenpartygoods.com), Striped plastic straws: Target, Paper pom garland: Pom Love (pomlove.etsy.com), Monogram tray: Emily Ley (emilyley.com), Striped candy cups: Shop Sweet Lulu (shopsweetlulu.com), Beach umbrella: Ace Props (propshopmiami.com), Models: Next Model Management (nextmodels.com) YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS Photographer: Ryan Ray (ryanrayphoto.com), Behind the scenes videographer: Eleven 29 Film (eleven29films.com), Film processing: Indie Film Lab (indiefilmlab.com), Creative direction and styling: Lavender Joy Weddings (lavenderjoyweddings.com), Floral: Bows + Arrows (bowsandarrowsdeluxe.com), Stationery suite and paper goods: The Creative Parasol (thecreativeparasol.com), Calligraphy: The Left Handed Calligrapher (thelefthandedcalligrapher.com), Hair and makeup: Lindey Duckworth, Bride’s gown: “Grace” by Watters (watters.com), Yellow heels: J.Crew (jcrew.com), Bride’s jewelry: Nadri at Dillard’s (dillards.com), Yellow lace dress: Modcloth (modcloth.com), Yellow and white top: “Madi” by Kate Spade (katespade.com), White pencil skirt: J.Crew, Solid yellow dress: “Marielle” by J.Crew, Yellow rose dress: “Faye” by Kate Spade, Jewelry: Kendra Scott (kendrascott.com) and J.Crew, Groom’s suit: “Ludlow” in stone by J.Crew, Groom’s shirt: J.Crew, Pocket square: “Canary” by Pierrepont Hicks (pierreponthicks.com), Tie: Ties.com, Boys’ ties: The Happy Couple (thehappycouple.etsy.com), High Cotton Ties (highcottonties.com) and xoelle (xoelle. com), Girls’ dresses: Baby CZ (babycz.com), More of Me Maternity (moreofmematernity.com) and personal, Table and chair rental: Celebration Event Rental (celebrationeventrental.com), Yellow Federal Spoke dinner plates: vintage, from Canton Trade Days (cantontradedays.com), White and yellow checked linens: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental (latavolalinen.com), Rose linen: House 8810 (house8810.com), Runner and napkins: Lavender Joy Weddings, Glassware: Grace and Ivy (graceandivy.etsy.com), Striped straws: Bake It Pretty (bakeitpretty.com), Yellow rose locket: Rhonda’s Treasures (rhondastreasures.etsy.com), Pie: Lowcountry Quisine (lowcountryquisine.com), Cake banner: Baumbirdy (baumbirdy.etsy.com), Ring bearer pillow: The Happy Couple FAMILY HEIRLOOMS Photographer: Eric Kelley (erickelleyphotography.com), Film processing: Richard Photo Lab, Behind the scenes videographer: Blueberry Fusion (blueberryfusionweddings.com), Stylist: Lora Elaine (loraelaine.com), Location: Fearrington Village (fearrington.com), Florist: Mary Stevens at Fearrington Village, Stationery and paper goods: Pitbulls & Posies (pitbullsandposies.com), Hand lettering and calligraphy: Lindsay Letters (lindsayletters.com), Hair and makeup: Lora Elaine and Makeup For Your Day (makeupforyourday.com), Caterer: Fearrington Village, Heirloom vegetables: Coon Rock Farm (coonrockfarm.com), Wedding cake: Ashley Cakes (ashleycakes.com), Bluegrass band: Bloomsbury Boys (919-306-2116), Bride’s gown: LZ3059 by Lazaro (jlmcouture.com), Bride’s shrug: Alisa Benay

(alisabenay.com), Jewelry: KiraKira (kirakirajewelry.com), Bridesmaid dresses: Lula Kate (lulakate.com) and Coren Moore (corenmoore.com) from Bella Bridesmaid Raleigh (bellabridesmaid.com), Bow ties: High Cotton Ties (highcottonties.com), Southern Beaus (southernbeaus.etsy.com) and xoelle (xoelle.com), Children’s clothing: Toot and Puddle (tootandpuddle.etsy.com), Belles and Bugs (bellesandbugs.etsy.com) and TaDa Designs (tadadesignsinc.etsy.com), Table, bench, glassware and linen rental: Classic Party Rentals (classicpartyrentals.com), Yellow and white quilt: Red Rabbit Quilting (redrabbitquilting.etsy.com), Red and white quilt: Cherry Street Quilts (cherrystreetquilts.etsy.com), Multicolored quilt: Evening in the Garden (eveninginthegarden.artfire.com), Heirloom seed packets: Lindsay Letters, Porcelain berry baskets: Anthropologie (anthropologie.com) VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS Photographer: Katie Stoops (katiestoops. com), Film processing: Richard Photo Lab (richardphotolab.com), Styling: Courtney Spencer of Merriment Events (merrimentevents.com), Location: Tuckahoe Plantation (tuckahoeplantation.com), Hair and makeup: Avenue 42 (ave42.com), Catering: A Pimento (apimentocatering.com), Cake: Maggie Austin (maggieaustincake.com), Cake stand: Sarah’s Stands (sarahsstands.com), Invitation suite and paper goods: The Lettered Olive (theletteredolive.com), Floral arranging: Courtney Spencer, Wholesale flowers: Fifty Flowers (fiftyflowers.com), Belona Botanical Farm and Whole Foods (wholefoods.com), Bride’s gown: Pronovias (pronovias.us) from Bella Rosa (bellarosabridal.com), Bridesmaid dresses: Bella Bridesmaid Richmond (bellabridesmaid.com), Chairs and wooden farm table: Beehive Event Rental (beehiveevents.com), Table linen and napkins: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental (latavolalinen.com), Glassware and china rentals: Festive Fare (charlottesville.classicpartyrentals.com), Gold bells: Create for Less (createforless.com), Canning jar favors: A Pimento, Serving dishes and trays: Merriment Events SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW Photographer: Nancy Ray (nancyrayphotography.com), Planning and coordination: Kickstand Events (kickstandevents.com), Venue: City Club at de Rosset (cityclubatderosset.com), Florist: Kickstand Events, Clay gardenias: DK Designs (dkdesignshawaii.com), Cake: Beatty Cakes (beattycakes.com), Stationery suite: Regas (regasny.com), Calligraphy notes: Hardink Calligraphy (hardinkcalligraphy.com), Hair and makeup stylist: Stacie Patrone of The Parlor at North Ridge, Bride’s gown: “Blossoming Weir” from BHLDN (bhldn.com), Bridesmaid dress: “2866” from Dessy (dessy.com), Jewelry and headpieces: Amuse Artisanal Finery (hatshatshats.com), Bow tie: Forage (forage.bigcartel.com), Silver locket: Freshy Fig (freshyfig. etsy.com), All other silver pieces and tablecloth: A Second Time Around Antiques (asecondtimearoundonline.com), Hankies: Antiques of Old Wilmington, Monogrammed album and cake pull set: Weddings Etc (weddingsetc.etsy.com), Custom embroidery and engraving: R & D Designs (randddesigns.com), Place settings and china: Heirloom (heirloomforhire.com) BLUE RIBBON BOUNTY Photographer: Joey and Jessica (joeyjessica.com), Behind the scenes videography: Heart Stone Films (filmsforlife.com), Pies: Piebird Raleigh (piebirdraleigh.com), Pie styling: Heidi Werner, the Carolina Inn (carolinainn.com), China plates, flatware and servingware: Replacements (replacements.com), Lace dessert plates: Pier 1 Imports (pier1.com), Texas plate calligraphy: Hardink Calligraphy (hardinkcalligraphy.com), Calligraphy strips: MMInk (mminkstudio.com), Poem calligraphy: Em for Marvelous (emformarvelous.com), Floral arrangements: Serendipity Designs (serendipitydesignsnc.com), Dinner napkins and monogrammed hankies: Bumblebee Linens (bumblebeelinens.com), Hemstitched runner: Sincerely Yours, Lauren (sincerelyyourslauren.com), Stamped forks: Silverware Creations (silverwarecreations.etsy.com), Engraved server: Baby Puppy Designs (babypuppydesigns.etsy.com), Mini cake stand trio: Aedriel Originals (aedrieloriginals.com), Rings: Mary John (maryjohn.etsy.com), Bracelets: Georgie Jewelry (georgiedesigns.com) and Alexis K Jewels (alexiskjewels.etsy.com) LAUREN+ ROB Photographer: Jen Fariello (jenfariello.com), Planner: Easton Events (eastonevents.com), Ceremony and reception venue: Private home, Rentals and linens: Festive Fare (charlottesville.classicpartyrentals.com), Sperry tent and drum shades: Skyline Tent Company (skylinetentcompany.com), Lighting: Blue Ridge A/V and Lighting (blueridgeavandlighting.com), Florist: Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs (patsfloraldesigns.com), Wedding cake: Favorite Cakes (favoritecakes.com), Caterer: Keswick Hall (keswick.com), Ceremony musicians: The Encore String Quartet (encorequartet.com), Cocktail hour music: Peter Richardson (richardsonguitar.com), DJ: Mike Blaufeld (mikeblaufeld. com), Paper goods: Erika Jack (erikajack.blogspot.com), Day-of calligraphy: If So Inklined (ifsoinklined.com), Invitation calligraphy: Ginny Rogan (ginnyrogancalligraphy.com), Cocktail napkins: For Your Party (foryourparty.com), Favor packaging: Nashville Wraps (nashvillewraps.com), Transportation: UVA Transportation (virginia.edu), Bride’s gown: Romona Keveza (romonakeveza.com), Bride’s shoes: Kate Spade (katespade.com), Bride’s jewelry: Ippolita (ippolita.com), Bride’s veil: Homa (homabridal.com), Bride’s belt: Blossom Veils (blossomveils.com), Bridesmaid dresses: TwoBirds Bridesmaid (twobirdsbridesmaid.com), Hair stylist: Moxie Hair Lounge (moxiehairlounge.com), Makeup artist: Stephanie Parker (stephanieparkermakeup.com), Groom and groomsmen fashion: Haspel by Frank Stella (haspel.com) EDDIE+JORDAN Photographer: Harwell Photography (harwellphotography.com), Wedding planning and design: Lemiga Events (lemiga.com), Floral design and furniture rentals: Jackson Durham (jacksondurham.com), Venue: King Plow Arts Center (boldamerican.com/kingplow), Wedding cake: Sweet Sensations (sweet-sensations.com), Caterer: Bold American Catering (boldamerican.com), Cotton candy: Crave Cotton Candy (cravecottoncandy. com), Candy buffet: Sugarstyle Events (sugarstyleevents.com), Stationery: Foglio Press (fogliopress.com), Linens: I Do Linens (idolinens.com), Ghost chair rentals: TentLogix (tentlogix.com), Lighting: Unique Event Management (uniqueeventmgmt.com), Bride’s gown: Vera Wang (verawang.com), Hair stylist: RJ of Robert Stell, Makeup artist: Buddah fly, Bride’s shoes: Roberto Cavalli (robertocavalli.com), Bride’s veil: Vera Wang, Groom’s fashion: custom Ralph Lauren (ralphlauren.com), Groomsmen fashion: Guffey’s Tuxedo Rentals (guffeys.com) CHRISSY+TATE Photographer: Courtney Dellafiora (dellafiora.com ), Day-of coordinator: Lauren Allen of Dixie Gin Productions (dixiegin.com), Ceremony and reception venue: Dixie Gin (dixiegin.com), Florist: Courtney Lewis (heartexplosion.com), Wedding cake: Social Bites of Ruston (socialbitesofruston.com), Caterer: Amanda Horton of Flour Child Fine Foods of Texarkana (flourchildfinefoods. com), Bridesmaid dresses: Louise Hedly of Sohomode (etsy.com/shop/sohomode), Bride’s gown: “#4105” by Paloma Blanca (palomablanca.com), Hair stylist and makeup artist: Chelsa Skees (stylebychelsa.com), Bride’s shoes: Milk and Honey (milkandhoneyshoes.com), Bride’s jewelry: Elleven (ellevennyc.com), Bride’s hair accessories: H&M (hm.com) and Forever 21 (forever21.com), Groom’s fashion: suit from J. Crew (jcrew.com), tie by Handsome and Lace (etsy.com/ shop/HandsomeAndLace), Groomsmen fashion: Pants from J. Crew, ties from Fox and Brie (etsy.com/shop/FoxandBrie), Invitations: Logo and layout by Jonathan Shull (jonathanshull.com), Paper goods: Kelly Paper and Paper and More (paperandmore.com), Cake topper: Melabo Wed (etsy.com/shop/MelaboWed), Ceremony décor: Succulents from Succulents Galore (etsy.com/shop/SucculentsGalore), moss aisle runner and moss placemats from Moss Barn (mossbarn. com), Accommodations and rehearsal dinner: The Remington Suite (remingtonsuite.com) TAMI+JAMES Photographer: Adam Barnes (adambarnesphoto. com), Day-of Coordinator: Kelley Truxel of Event Studio (eventstudiova.com), Venue: Thomas Birkby House (birkbyhouse.com), Florist: Holly Heider Chapple Flowers (hollychappleflowers.com), Wedding cake: Maggie Austin Cake (maggieaustincake.com), Caterer: Windows Catering (catering.com), Bridesmaid dresses: Sarah Seven (sarahseven.com), Bride’s gown: Jim Hjelm (jlmcouture.com), Hair stylist: Hair by Jewels (hairbyjewels.com), Makeup artist: Jan Scott (janmakeupartist.com), Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka (badgleymischka.com), Bride’s veil: Veil Lady (etsy.com/shop/veillady), Feather hair fascinator: Tessa Kim (tessakim.com), Groomsmen suits: J.Crew (jcrew.com), Bow ties: CCA Design (etsy.com/shop/ccadesign), Paper goods: Chocolate Creative Designs (chocolatecreativedesign.com), Linens: Windows Catering, Custom wood discs: Roberto Sand (etsy.com/shop/robertosand), Transportation: Virginia Rides (varides.org), Cigar roller: Cortez Cigars (cortezcigars.com) ERIN+MICHAEL Photographer: Melissa Schollaert Photography (msp-photography.com), Wedding design: hi note (yourhinote.com), Venue: Bride’s family home, Florist: Birch Blooms Floral & Design (birchblooms.blogspot.com), Wedding cake: Everyday Celebrations (everyday-celebrations.com), Cocktail hour food: Felix Hu (felixfood.blogspot.com), Caterer: Catering Connection (256-454-1051), Videographer: Nathan Stewart (tvnatestewart.com), Band: Nationwide Coverage (nationwidecoveragemusic.com), Maid of honor’s dress: J. Crew (jcrew.com), Bride’s gown: Claire la Faye (clairelafaye.com), Bride’s shoes: Vince Camuto (vincecamuto.com), Bride’s jewelry and hair accessories: Art by Redbird (etsy.com/shop/ ArtByRedbird), Bouquets and boutonnieres: Art by Redbird, Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss (hugoboss.com), Stationery and custom graphics: hi note, Favors: hi note, Transportation: Universal Stage Coach, Tent: Special Occasions HAILEY+RHET Photographer: Lauren Larsen (laurenlarsen.com), Planner: Kelly Balfour (eventology.com), Designer: Karey Miller (kareymiller.com), Venue: The Garden of Bammel Lane (bammel.com), Florist: Lori Holley (specialarrangements.net), Wedding cake baker or sweet supplier: Sweet Bakery (sweethouston.com), Caterer: Cafe Natalie (cafenatalie.com), Bride’s gown: Watters (wtoo.com), Hair stylist: Brian Rozell of Salon BR (vagaro.com/salonbr), Bride’s shoes: Nina (ninashoes.com), Bride’s jewelry: Great-grandmother’s pearls, Bride’s veil or hair accessory: Watters, Groom’s fashion: Ted Baker suit (tedbaker.com), Billy Reid bowtie (billyreid.com), Cole Haan shoes (colehaan.com), Groomsmen fashion: Sperry Topsiders (sperrytopsider.com), Paper goods: The Happy Envelope (thehappyenvelope.com), Rentals: A Style Collective (astylecollective.com), Linens: Aztec Rentals (aztecusa.com), Band: Buzz and the Blue Cats (buzzandthebluecats.com) SHANNON+ VICTOR Photographer: Jonathan Canlas (jonathancanlasphotography.com), Videographer: Milana Photography (milanaphotography.com), Planner: Jade Lee of Lovelee Affairs (loveleeaffairs.com), Designer: Bold American Events (boldamerican.com), Ceremony venue: Ebenezer Baptist Church (historicebenzer.org), Reception venue: Atlanta History Center (atlantahistorycenter.com), Florist: Bold American Events, Wedding cake: Sweet and Stylish Cakes (678-386-1119), Caterer: Dennis Dean Catering (dennisdeancatering.com), Paper goods: Paper Daisies (paperdaisiesstationery.com), Rentals: Event Rentals Unlimited (erultd.com), Linens: Bold American Events, Lighting: PPi (productionpeopleinc.com), Bride’s gown: Vera Wang (verawang.com), Bride’s shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti (giuseppezanottidesign.com), Bride’s veil: Tracy Moss of M. Anthony Salon (404-781-0439), Bridesmaid dresses: Linda Sears of TK Designs (tkd-atlanta.com), Hair stylist: Tracy Moss, Makeup artist: Yasmine Ferguson and Scott Miller, Groom’s fashion: Inkyu Choe of Savile Row Tailors, Groomsmen fashion: Ken Barber (kenbarberclothing.com) SARA+DOM Photographer: Liz Banfield (lizbanfield.com), Videographer: Joel Serrato Films (joelserratofilms.com), Planner: Tara Guerard Soiree (taraguerardsoiree.com), Designer: Tara Guerard Soiree, Venue: Lowndes Grove Plantation (pphgcharleston.com), Florist: Tara Guerard Soiree, Wedding cake: Kim Morgan, Caterer: Fish Catering (pphgcharleston.com), Bridesmaid dresses: Monique Lhullier (moniquelhuillier.com), Bride’s gown: Kenneth Pool (kennethpool.com), Hair stylist: Kristy Cuthbert, Velvet Salon (velvetsaloncharleston.com), Makeup artist: Moore Make Up (mooremakeup.com) Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo (jimmychoo.com), Groom’s fashion: Tom Ford (tomford.com), Paper goods: Lettered Olive (letteredolive.com), Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals (snydereventrentals.com), Linens: Tara Guerard Soiree, Transportation: Absolutely Charleston (absolutelycharleston.com) CAROLINE+CHAZ Photographer: Jamie Clayton (jamieclayton.com), Planner and design assistance: Mr. and Mrs. Weddings & Events (mrandmrsevents.com), Designer: Caroline Fausel (carolinefausel.com), Ceremony and reception venue: Carnton Plantation (carnton.org), Florist: Whimsical Gatherings (whimsicalgatherings.com), Wedding cake: The Bake Shoppe (maineventpro.com), Caterer: Chefworks, Inc., Bride’s gown: Watters (watters.com), Bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew (jcrew.com), Bride’s hair accessory: Handmade by the bride, Bride’s necklace: Maryanka Studio (maryankastudio.etsy.com), Hair and makeup artist: Kara Gaylor (karagaylor.com), Groom’s fashion: J.Crew suit and bowtie from Couture

Nicole's favorite image from the entire issue!

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CREDITS CONTINUED

Ties (coutureties.etsy.com), Paper goods: Designed and printed by the bride, Rentals and linens: Music City Tents and Events, LLC (musiccitytents.com), Lighting: Nashville Audio Visual (nashvilleaudiovisual.com) LYNNAE+BRENTON Photographer: Kristyn Hogan (kristynhogan.com), Videographer: Focal Point Cinematic Weddings (focalpointcinematic.com), Designer and stylist: Amber Housley (amberhousley.com), Planner: Leigh Barker of A Delightful Day (adelightfulday. com), Ceremony venue: Riverside Chapel Seventh-Day Adventist Church (riversidenashville.org), Reception venue: Hilton Nashville Downtown (hilton.com/nashville), Florist: Brocade Designs (brocadenashville.com), Cake and sweets: The Bake Shoppe (thebakeshoppe.com), Caterer: Hilton Nashville Downtown, Bride’s gown: “Gemma” by Vera Wang (verawang.com), Bride’s shoes: Charlotte Olympia (charlotteolympia.com), Bride’s jewelry: Tiffany & Co. (tiffany.com), Bride’s veil: BHLDN (bhldn.com), Bridesmaid dresses: D530 by Alfred Sung (dessy.com), Hair stylist: Lori at Vizions Hair Salon (615-333-0903), Makeup artist: Shea Moore, Groom’s fashion: J. Michaels Clothiers (jmichaelsclothiers.com), Groomsmen fashion: Jos. A Bank (josabank.com), Paper goods: Amber Housley, Rentals: Classic Party Rentals (classicpartyrentals.com), Linens: La Tavola Linen (latavolalinen.com), Ceremony and reception décor: Visual Elements (veevents.com), Candy bar: Amber Housley, Transportation: Grand Avenue (grandavenueworldwide.com), Lighting: Nashville Audio Visual (nashvilleaudiovisual.com) WHITNEY+CLARK E Photographer: Patricia Lyons (patricialyonsphotography.com), Planner and designer: Easton Events (eastonevents.com), Videographer: Shaking Hands Productions (shakinghandspro.com), Ceremony venue: St. Paul’s Memorial Church (stpaulsmemorialchurch.org), Reception venue: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards (pippinhillfarm.com), Florist: Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs (patsfloraldesigns.com), Caterer: Pippin Hill Farm, Wedding cake: Favorite Cakes (favoritecakes.com), Macarons: Pippin Hill Farm, Rentals: Festive Fare (charlottesville. classicpartyrentals.com), Tent: Skyline Tent Company (skylinetentcompany.com), Linens: La Tavola Linen (latavolalinen.com), Lighting: Blue Ridge A/V and Lighting (blueridgeavandlighting.com), Paper goods: Rock Paper Scissors (thinkrockpaperscissors.com), Calligraphy: If So Inklined (ifsoinklined.com), Band: The Celebrity Allstar Band (thecelebrityallstarband.com), Antique car: Albemarle Limousine (albemarlelimousine.com), Bride’s gown and bridesmaid dresses: Monique Lhuillier (moniquelhuillier.com), Bride’s shoes: Valentino (valentino.com), Bride’s jewelry: Judith Ann Jewels (judithannjewels.com), Bride’s hair comb: Maria Elena (mariaelenaheadpieces.com), Hair stylist: Remona Soleimani (bridalhairbyremona.com), Makeup artist: Lora Elaine (loraelaine.com), Groom’s and groomsmen fashion: Jos. A Bank (josabank.com) and High Cotton Ties (highcottonties.com) KALEN+PARKS Photographer: Harwell Photography (harwellphotography. com), Videographer: Jeff Bradt Films (jeffbradtvideo.com), Planner and designer: Calder Clark Designs (calderclark.com), Ceremony and reception venue: Old Edwards Inn (oldedwardsinn.com), Florist: Blossoms Events (blossomsevents.com), Wedding cake: Wow Factor Cakes (charlotteweddingcakes.com), Caterer: Old Edwards Inn, Ceremony musicians: Mary Daniels Music (marydanielsmusic.com), Cocktail pianist: Susan Clearman (luxnova.com), Band: A Town A List (samhillbands.com), Bride’s gown: Manuel Mota (pronovias.us), Bride’s shoes: Christian Louboutin (christianlouboutin.com) and Alexander McQueen (alexandermcqueen.com), Veil: Pronovias, Bridesmaid dresses: Contrarian NY (contrarianny.com), Hair stylist: Megan Faw (meganfaw.com), Makeup artist: Rachel Ruemann (rachelruemann.com), Groomsmen fashion: Vera Wang Black (menswearhouse.com) and custom Vineyard Vines (vineyardvines.com), Paper goods: Cheree Berry Paper (chereeberry.com), Calligrapher: Elizabeth Porcher Jones, Rentals: DC Rental (dcrental.com), Tenting: Skyline Tent Company (skylinetentcompany.com), Linens: La Tavola Linen (latavolalinen.com) and DC Rental, Pews, chandeliers, and julep cups: Calder Clark Designs, Pillow covers and aisle runner: designed by Calder Clark Designs and produced by Onawa Designs (onawadesigns.com), Ceremony handmade paper flowers and tent sheering: designed by Calder Clark Designs and produced by Blossoms Events, Cocktail hour chair covers: designed by Calder Clark Designs and produced by Onawa Designs, Cocktail hour bars and sign-in wall: designed by Calder Clark Designs and produced by Blossoms Events, Dance floor, band backdrop, fabric sheering, lounge area pavilions: designed by Calder Clark Designs and produced by Blossoms Events, Lighting: TEC (technicaleventcompany.com), Favors: Bucky Balls (getbuckyballs.com), Transportation: Elite Limousine (elite-limousine.com) EMILY+JOHN Tanja Lippert (tanjalippertphotography.com), Videographer: Inkspot Crow Films (inkspotcrow.com), Day-of coordinator: Diana Chouinard of Jubilee Events (eventjubilee.com), Ceremony venue: The United States Coast Guard Memorial Chapel (uscga.edu), Officiant: Rev. Dr. R. Carl Frazier from First United Methodist Church, Cary (fumc-cary.org), Reception venue: The Sunken Garden at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center (theoneill.org), Tent: Sperry Tents (sperrytents.com), Rentals: Liberty Rentals (libertyrentals.com) and Rentals Unlimited (rentals-unlimited.net), Linens: La Tavola Linen (latavolalinen.com) and Liberty Rentals, Florist: Blush Floral Design (studioblush.com), Hair and makeup artist: Tia Reagan (freebirdstyling.blogspot.com), Caterer: A Thyme to Cook (athymetocook.com), Sweets: A Thyme to Cook and family, Band: Avenue A (avenueamusic.com), Save the dates: Minted (minted. com), Invitations: Magpie Paper Works (magpiepaperworks.com) with calligraphy by MM Ink (mminkstudio.com), Paper goods, favors, bell and bout boards and drink stirrers: Em for Marvelous (emformarvelous.com), Ring bearer bowl: Paloma’s Nest (palomasnest.com), Bride’s gown: “Brisa” by Christos (christosbridal.com), Bride’s shoes: “Paladin” by Nina (ninashoes.com), Bride’s earrings: “Toulouse” by Nina, Bride’s necklace: Blue Nile (bluenile.com), Bride’s veil: Chaviano Couture (chavianocouture.com), Bride’s clutch: Davie & Chiyo (davieandchiyo.com), Bridesmaid dresses: “2834” by Dessy (dessy.com), Groom’s fashion: Tuxedo by Tommy Hilfiger (macys.com), suspenders from J.Crew (jcrew.com), bow tie from Bows ‘N Ties (bows-n-ties.com), cuff links from Keys and Memories (keysandmemories.etsy.com) THE DEFINITION OF A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN Photographer: Stephen DeVries Weddings (stephendevriesweddings.com), Creative director and stylist: Ginny Au of Bits & Bobs (ginnyau.com), Wardrobe stylist: Megan LaRussa of Southern Femme (southernfemme.com), Calligraphy and invitation suite: Holly Hollon Design & Calligraphy (hollyhollon.com), Flowers: Lillie’s (lilliesonline.net), Makeup: Raww Beauty (rawwbeauty.com), Hair stylist: Mark Hyde (salonustyle.com), Cakes: Dream Cakes (dreamcakes-bakery.com), Food and beverages: Chef Jeffrey Hansell of Veranda on Highland (verandaonhighland. com), Props: At Home Furnishings (athome-furnishings.com), Vintage plates: Decorous Dishes (decorousdishes.blogspot.com), Bride’s gown: Heidi Elnora (heidielnora.com), Cigars: Vitola Fine Cigars (vitolafinecigars.com), Beer: Good People Brewing Company (goodpeoplebrewing.com) EVER AFTER Bamber Photography (bamberphotography.net) CREDITS Page 308, from top to bottom: Angela Higgins (angelahiggins.com), Megan W (meganwphotography.com), Stephen DeVries (stephendevriesphoto.com), Nancy Ray (nancyrayphotography.com), Jose Villa (josevillaphoto.com); Page 309, from top to bottom: Laura Murray (lauramurrayphotography.com), Ulmer Studios (ulmerstudios.com), Justin DeMutiis (justindemutiisphotography.com), KLP Photography (klpphotography.com), Michael Newman (michaelnewmanphotography.com) ❤ WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR Y'ALL!

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'VE BEEN PATIENTLY WAITING FOR SEVENTYEIGHT YEARS for the right man to come around. Real love is worth the wait!

CELIA, 78, MARRIED TO AMOS, 87

Beautiful Inn Blissful Reception Blushing Bride Experience pure bliss on the most important day of your life.

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