Southern Weddings V4

V4 COVER

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Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Ryan Photography

your vision our passion couture creations

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443•875•8512 info@allisonbarnhilldesigns•com allisonbarnhilldesigns•com

SHEILAHANNUS.COM

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millie holloman

jose villa

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LARA CASEY ART DIRECTOR EMILY AYER ADVERTISING DIRECTOR WHITNEY DAVIS

FEATURES EDITOR MARISSA KLOESS ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR SIERRA PILAND EDITORIAL ASSISTANT NICOLE YANG

jen huang

tanja lippert

SPECIAL THANKS TO brett arthur, boyd brothers, katy carrier, emily ley and richard photo lab

Oh my stars

WE'RE SO GRATEFUL

LARA: My heart is so full of gratitude for everyone who has cheered us on from day one!

Thank you thank you! Emily, Whitney, Sierra, Nicole, Marissa, Melissa and Emily N. - you are phenomenal women. I'm so blessed to have the honor of spending my days with you! Jose Villa, from our very first issue to our fourth, you've been one of our biggest encouragers.

Thank you for the priceless gift of your inspiring work and for your continued kindness. Love and thanks to the countless friends who have believed in us from the start. To Marissa, Gina, Natalie and Emily - my heart and soul - thank you for your fierce love and friendship. God is so good! To the MTH family - this issue is for you. Life is too short not to live and create and give to the full! Unending thanks to Jessie, Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce, Michael, the Triangle Church family, my giving parents, brother Stephen, Kathy and Chris, Grandma Bunny (I love you, Grandma!), remarkable loving brilliant handsome (he's probably blushing by now) patient kind husband and above all, praise to God. Phil 4:13 Thank you for Grace.

EMILY: To Lara and the SW ladies: thank you for making "work" exciting, challenging, and rewarding. I am so grateful to have the job of my middle school dreams. To Mom, Dad, Kate, and Kim: thank you for always reminding me of what's important. I am so lucky to call you my family. And to John: you are the reason I love love. I am so excited to marry you!! WHITNEY: I am so very grateful to be able to spend my days surrounded by the lovely ladies of Southern Weddings. Lara, Emily, Nicole, Sierra and Marissa: y'all inspire me every day! To Mom, Dad and Alec: I know that wherever we are, we will always be home if we're together. Thank you for your support and love. To all of my dear friends: our crazy adventures will continue long into the future. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you.

Finally to Scott, I am so happy to have you in my life. I love you. SIERRA: Lara, Emily, Whitney, Marissa, and Nicole, I am so blessed to get to work and be surrounded by such talented, powerful, inspiring women. Y'all welcomed me into this family and have been nothing but encouraging as I found my voice. To Mom, Dad and Baden, y'all mean the world to me. Tell the cats hello. To my roommates and friends, thank you for being the best friends I could ask for. NICOLE: Lara, Emily, Whitney, Marissa and Sierra, I can’t believe how lucky I am to work with all of you every day! Thank you a billion for your endless encouragement, laughs and sweet tea. Here’s to lots more bow tying, cupcake eating, photo gushing and high-fiving. To Mom, Dad and Tiffany, I love you so much! Thank you for always supporting me and giving me invaluable advice. To my dear friends, thank you for listening to me talk about weddings for hours on end and sending constant love my way. MARISSA: Thank you Emily, Whitney, Nicole + Sierra. I am so proud of everything we've created and the amazing friendships we've built. Lara, I am so honored to not only call you by boss, but my friend. I can't wait for Baby Grace to know you and your incredible heart! Emily Ley, xoxo!

C+B, thank you for welcoming me into the Kloess family with open arms! To Tatiana for reminding me how fun it is to dance at weddings! Mom, thank you for always being there for me no matter what. I love you! To Brandon, I love you to the moon and back (twice).

You're my dream come true! And to God for His unfailing love.

32 Top Tips for Your Southern Soirée 12 Fab Finds: Editors’ Picks for the Freshest Southern Goods 18 Southern Sparklers 24 Bouquet Gallery: Floral Favorites from Real Weddings 26 The Biscuit 33 Mini Desserts: Southern Classics Reimagined 36 Your Guide to Planning the Ultimate Southern Wedding 39 The Mason Jar 45 If I Had a Southern Wedding... 53 Secret Southern Garden 58 South Carolina Polo Prep 70 Divine Southern Blooms 83 Southern Wedding Traditions 97 A Williamsburg Wedding 102 Southern By Design 115 Paper, Cotton and Flour 136 Sweet Southern Exits 246 Beaus & Bows: Inspiration for the Most Stylish Gents Around 249 Bow Tie Gallery: Our Favorite Bows From Around the World 252 Marriage Confessions: All in the Family 254 Ever After 264

jose villa

FEATURES

Live Action Love: Katie + Max 150 Nouveau New Orleans: Florie Claire + Matthew 157 Mountain Escape: Camille + Mark 168 Victorian Charm: Ginny + Todd 175 Pieced Together: Annie + Jimmy 182 Sweet Southern Romance: Natalia + Levi 190 Bamboo, Do You? Becky + Cameron 200 Pie in the Sky: Jodi + Kurt 209 Texas Two-Step: Paige + Adam 218 Pretty in Pink: Rachel + Jeffrey 226 Seaside Sparkle: Natalie + Wade 232

nancy ray

REAL WEDDINGS

issue calligraphy Kathryn Murray kathrynmurray.com

get the look Credits 262

cover

All content copyright © Southern Weddings® 2011-2012. 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.

Cramer Photo

Photography by Jose Villa

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Stephen Pappas Anne Robert

the parsons

nancy ray

LARA

First comes love, then comes marriage, then... y'all, what a blessed year this has been! The Southern Weddings ladies and I have had such a rip roarin' good time putting this issue together and it's been a hoot trying to help style shoots and run around horse fields while also carrying the first little biscuit in my oven, Grace Austin. Grace kicked and danced in my belly through many a laugh, hot boiled peanut and peach-eating feast and so many wonderful memories here in the SW office with Emily, Whitney, Marissa, Nicole and Sierra. By the time you're holding this in your hands, good Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I'll be holding her, too!

Kristen Gardner

At the heart of this issue is what makes us all tick: real rooted love. The kind that makes your heart flicker and glow like fireflies on a hot Carolina night.

The kind that makes you feel just like your grandma's warm hugs and soft lullabies on the porch. The kind of love that lasts. So, pour yourself a tall glass of sweet tea, get comfy in your favorite rocker and enjoy every last drop of goodness that you are about to soak in like sweet Southern sunshine. This is gooder than grits, y'all!

LC

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

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILLIE HOLLOMAN

MK

marissa kloess features editor

twitter: @marissakloess

The Paper, Cotton and Flour feature on page 136 is so simple, yet so classic Southern -- AND we had a complete blast getting dirty in the sweat and flour paste!

My favorite memory from creating V4 was a hysterical laughing fit that ensued between Whitney and me at the shoot -- we were making paper poms, and for some reason, EVERYTHING was funny -- I blame it on the Carolina heat!

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WD

whitney davis ad director

twitter: @whitneydav

My favorite feature is the Southern Meets Nantucket shoot from Desiree Spinner and Trent Bailey on page 116. If I had to leave the South (Heaven forbid!), Nantucket tops my list of non-Southern nesting spots. I adore the groom's Nantucket Red pants, but I think my favorite detail is that scrumptious-looking red velvet cake. (I'm definitely a Southern girl at heart.)

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SP

Sierra Piland

Assistant art director twitter: @sierrapiland

Did y'all know that Emily and I were extras in the Getaway shoot on page 246? We had our hair and makeup done and spent the day tossing poms and waving streamers as wedding "guests." I loved getting to travel around the South for photo shoots, and even participate in a few! I also love that SW shares the back stories behind features, because I think that makes them even more interesting.

NY

Nicole Yang

Editorial assistant twitter: @nicoleayang

My favorite memory from creating this issue is also from the Joey + Jessica shoot on page 136 -- Sierra and I were staring down that gorgeous seersucker Ian Stuart dress, just trying to figure out how to begin steaming all of its bustles and ruffles... and then plotting out how we would get it in the car.

Once we wrestled it in, it took up the entire backseat!

EMILY

For me, this issue can be boiled down to one phrase: back to basics. Beautiful basics, of course, but basics nonetheless. You can see this played out across our pages in a number of ways. There are our biscuit and mason jar features, which elevate humble Southern basics to new heights. There’s the editorial shoot by Joey + Jessica, which turns simple Southern staples positively majestic (who knew paper, cotton, and flour had it in them?).

There’s the Southern wedding planning checklist (one of my very favorite features!), which makes basics fabulous and fun. And what could be more basic Southern than bow ties? We’ve got ‘em in spades starting on page 249. But the most basic element of all? Why, that’s love, of course. We’ll always believe weddings are about love, not pretty details, which is why there’s a genuine love story accompanying each of our real wedding features. Yes, ma’am, there’s a whole lot of love between these pages, and there’s a whole heap of love that went into crafting each word and image you hold in your hands. When you get down to basics, V4 is our love letter to y’all – and we hope you love what we put together.

EA

Emily Ayer art director twitter: @emilyayer

Behind the scenes fun from the last year at Southern Weddings! From top right: a few of the SW ladies at our first (annual?) charity yard sale (photo by Nancy Ray); the whole crew with Joey + Jessica at June's Paper, Cotton, and Flour shoot (photo by Joey + Jessica); enjoying gelato and cupcakes at Sugarland in Chapel Hill after our staff shoot with Millie Holloman (photo by Millie Holloman)

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CONTRIBUTORS

Katie Brown

Katie Brown is the founding writer of the popular family and relationship blog Marriage Confessions. With her trademark wit and easy charm, Katie 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, where her monthly online column answers readers' questions about life after "I do." Katie's writing has appeared in The Knot magazine, TheBump.com and Newsweek. This September, she was a guest at the Library of Congress National Book Week. Katie is currently working on her first book.

Calder Clark

Calder Clark is the founder and lead designer of Charleston-based Calder Clark Designs. She worked previously in Washington, DC with Design Cuisine, planning events including the 2001 Inaugural Luncheon, the Kennedy Center Honors and the Rockefeller-Carnegie wedding. She maintains a boutique sensibility, planning a limited number of exclusive weddings and events annually in addition to styling interiors and environments. Calder’s work has been featured in publications including Martha Stewart Weddings, Real Simple Weddings and Garden & Gun.

Bryan Johnson

Bryan Johnson has photographed all over the world covering a wide range of subjects, from former President Jimmy Carter to oil spill victims on the Louisiana Gulf Coast to weddings in Norway and Brazil. His work has been featured in People Magazine, PDN, Martha Stewart Weddings, USA Today and Real Simple. Bryan and his lovely bride Ashley live in Birmingham with their three children.

Joey + Jessica Seawell

Photographers Joey and Jessica grew up in a small town, went to art school and began working together in 2004. They currently photograph for various editorial publications and commercial clients and are known for bringing energy and a love of fine art to their photography assignments. Joey and Jessica currently reside in North Carolina.

Courtney Spencer

Courtney Spencer is an event planner and stylist living in Richmond, Virginia, dreaming of her ole Kentucky home. She is the founder of Merriment Events, an event planning and design boutique that styles celebrations, interiors and editorial. She studied art history in undergrad and later earned a master's degree in strategic planning. Her keen eye for style and color combined with the discipline of strategic thinking ensures that each event Merriment crafts is original, meaningful and, above all else, fun and full of laughter! Courtney, her husband, Jon, and their two dogs, Zoe and Spain, eagerly anticipate the arrival of baby Connally in October! They're quite sure baby will be born chattering about votives and linen swatches.

jill thomas

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leslee mitchell

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austin warnock

austin warnock

Carlie Statsky

jose villa

Katie Stoops

Katie Stoops is a fine art photographer from Virginia who fell in love with photographing weddings six years ago. Her work emphasizes a natural softness and strong emotional quality that has become widely recognized and sought after. A large part of Katie Stoops Photography is donating to local and national animal shelters to help more families experience the love she has received from her two crazy mongrels, Jack and Desmond (insert Lost comments here). Her work has been featured in Southern Living, Brides and Bride & Bloom.

Joy Thigpen

Joy likes jeans and white t-shirts. She is married to a genius named Tyler and has three children, River, Oswin and Linus. She likes to mix nature and glamour and raw and refined, no doubt informed by her studies in Florence, Italy and the Amazon. She studied art and anthropology at Berry College, and spent seven years as a photographer. Recently, she's transitioned from taking pictures to making them, and currently serves as the Creative Director for the blog Once Wed. She is highly sensitive (in almost every respect) and reads about biomimicry and new urbanism in her spare time because she wants to make a village one day.

Jose Villa

Jose Villa is a world-renowned fine art wedding photographer. His approach brings a fine art aesthetic to the living, breathing, fast-moving phenomenon that is a wedding, and his goal is to craft vibrant, energetic and beautiful images that are as unique as the people in the photographs. His work has been featured in premier publications around the world, including Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, InStyle Weddings and Grace Ormonde Wedding Style. American Photo Magazine named Jose one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world in 2008. We agree. He knocks our socks off.

L i s a Vo r c e

Lisa Vorce has emerged as one of the industry's most sought-after event producers. Her warmth, unparalleled artistic vision and flawless attention to detail have led to unforgettable events and lasting client relations. She has produced events throughout the world for a VIP client roster ranging from politicians to NBA superstars, and is a frequently featured industry expert in worldwide lifestyle and wedding publications.

â?¤ Southern Phrases

HEY, Y'ALL! WE'VE DOTTED THE PAGES OF SOUTHERN WEDDINGS WITH A LITTLE "SOUTHERN SPEAK."| iloveswmag.com ENJOY! SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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Make a weekend of it! Go festive with a low country boil or barbecue for your rehearsal dinner and do a biscuits and grits brunch for the day after! - Terrica Skaggs Delegate tasks to willing family members before they decide on their own what special things they’d like to make for your décor, attire or dining pleasure… bless their hearts.

- Joy Thigpen

Give a twist on a Southern drink, like serving bourbon milkshakes for dessert with a colorful striped straw!

- Maria Cooke and Kelly Seizert

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INSECT-REPELLENT WIPES TUCKED IN A CUTE HANDMADE POUCH ARE A MORE ATTRACTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO BUG SPRAY CANS AT AN OUTDOOR WEDDING. - AMBER HOUSLEY

Preppy is back! For men’s styles I love hand-tied bow ties. You can find new ones that come pre-tied and are really beautiful. - Todd Fiscus Get your boys to the groomer for a close shave and a quick trim so they look as dapper as you do gorgeous for the big day.

People always forget that guys need a wedding day “handsome” regimen, too!

- Calder Clark

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Fondant cakes swell in the Southern summer heat, and buttercream melts. Break out grandma’s best top-secret recipes and ask your caterer to design a down-home dessert bar in lieu of a summertime cake.

- Calder Clark

Try using engraved silver mint julep cups instead of traditional escort cards. Uncle Buck will be able to find his drink all evening AND they make fabulous favors at the end of the night. - David Beahm

To get those amazing portraits, your photographer will likely ask you to go somewhere no heel has gone before. Have a pair of boots or flats on standby so you’re ready for all-terrain tromping at a moment’s notice. - Joy Thigpen

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CONSIDER YOUR GUESTS WHEN SELECTING A VENUE. AN OUTDOOR RECEPTION… IN THE SOUTH… IN JULY? HEAVENS TO BETSY! - SHARON ALEXANDER

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Serve classic Southern dishes, like ham biscuits. Avoid “delicacies” like scrapple (or just don’t tell your non-Southern guests what’s in it!).

- David Beahm Don’t forget: Southern music isn’t just jazz and Bluegrass.

There’s dance music, too! Folks like Marshall Tucker, Elvis, Hank Jr. – play songs your guests can get down and sing along to.

- David Beahm

Go super Southern with your welcome bags! Here in Georgia, we do a book of Southern recipes, roasted pecans, delicious peach jam, grits cookies, water and local information. Guests will love a taste of the destination you’ve chosen! - Terrica Skaggs

The best emergency kit item isn’t your sister’s brand new Chanel lipstick – paws off! It’s actually a $1 box of schoolteacher chalk: covers smudges on white gowns, white tux shirts and the like.

- Calder Clark CONSIDER THE CLIMATE WHEN PLANNING YOUR DRESS CODE (ACCENTS LIKE TABLE CLOTHS ARE PART OF THAT, TOO!): NATURAL FIBERS LIKE LINENS, COTTONS AND SILKS WON’T SMOTHER YOUR GUESTS. YOU DON’T WANT THEM SWEATING THROUGH THE WEDDING, AFTER ALL. - DAVID BEAHM

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Use locally foraged plants in your bouquets and arrangements, especially in the spring when flowering branch is abundant. - Amy Osaba Sometimes it’s the little things: small details have big impact!

Use lace overlays on tables, give delicious Southern honey as favors, or incorporate magnolias on your cake. They will get noticed! - Terrica Skaggs

WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com BEAUTIFUL BRIDE: SHE'S PRETTIER THANSOUTHERN A LITTLE RED WAGON FULL OF SPECKLED PUPS!

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Mind your manners. The Bridezilla route won’t get you far in the South – here we draw flies with honey. - Joy Thigpen

If you don’t plan to purchase a cake serving set, borrow an heirloom knife and pie server from your mother or grandmother and tie a pretty grosgrain ribbon around the handle. - Maria Cooke and Kelly Seizert Get more at iloveswmag.com, y’all!

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A true Southern lady doesn't leave her guests waiting... and yes, this means cocktail hour, too! Keep your postceremony portraits under an hour.

- Amber Housley

Good Southern belles love their embroidered napkins, but they can be really expensive.

What’s Scarlet to do? Check out Saro.com wholesale for good napkins that you can buy on the cheap! - Todd Fiscus

Go with your gut throughout planning – it’s God knocking on your head! - Sharon Alexander If planning a summer wedding in the winter, schedule some planning sessions in a sauna lest you forget how hot it will actually be. - Joy Thigpen

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Southern weddings bring out the best family recipes. Share your families' jam that has been passed down from generation to generation. - Eliana Baucicault SEND SAVE THE DATES ON RECIPE CARDS DETAILING YOUR FAVORITE SOUTHERN EATS TO GET PEOPLE EXCITED ABOUT YOUR WEDDING LOCATION… AND DROOLING OVER YOUR MENU! - TERRICA SKAGGS

If your budget does not allow for elaborate welcome bags, at least pen a thoughtful welcome note to leave for your guests at check-in. That way, they’ll be enveloped with Southern hospitality as soon as they arrive.

- Maria Cooke and Kelly Seizert

Don’t separate items at a bar. At any bar, you should be able to get champagne, beer, wine, specialty drinks and liquor.

Southerners don’t like to go too far when it comes to finding a drink!

- Tara Guérard

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The second reason your northern friends are coming to your wedding?

For the sweet tea and grits! Be sure to include them somewhere in your wedding menu.

- Maria Cooke and Kelly Seizert

FAMILY-STYLE RECEPTION LAYOUTS WITH ESTATE TABLES HELP TO KEEP YOUR WEDDING GUESTS ENGAGED. SERVING PASSED ENTREES ALSO CREATES A SENSE OF WARMTH AND FAMILY -- "PASS THE PEAS, PLEASE!" - LATRICE CUSHENBERRY

Something borrowed? Carry the same bouquet of flower types your grandmother did for her wedding.

- Maria Cooke and Kelly Seizert

Burlap isn’t just for peanuts and potatoes, y’all. It makes for great table runners and draping, too. - Kelly McWilliams Be sure to add a lovely photo of you with your sorority sisters to your must-take photography list. - Amber Housley

SHARON ALEXANDER SWEET-SENSATIONS.COM, ELIANA BAUCICAULT ELLYBEVENTS.COM, DAVID BEAHM DAVIDBEAHM.COM, CALDER CLARK CALDERCLARK.COM, MARIA COOKE and KELLY SEIZERT RITZYBEEEVENTS. COM, LATRICE CUSHENBERRY OPULENTCOUTURIER.COM, TODD FISCUS TODDEVENTS.COM, TARA GUÉRARD TARAGUERARDSOIREE. COM, AMBER HOUSLEY SWEETLIFEDESIGNS.COM, KELLY MCWILLIAMS WEDDINGSBYSOCIALITES.COM, AMY OSABA AMYOSABA.COM, TERRICA SKAGGS COCKTAILSDETAILS.COM, JOY THIGPEN JOYTHIGPEN.COM

THE EXPERTS

WEDDINGSAS MAGAZINE UP AS CONFUSED A COW |INiloveswmag.com A PARKIN’ LOT. ❤ HUSBANDS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THEIR WIVES: ANY MAN TRYIN’ TO FIGURE OUT A WOMAN ENDS SOUTHERN

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CHARLESTON, SC ORLANDO, FL BIRMINGHAM, AL LOUISVILLE, KY GREENVILLE, SC JACKSONVILLE, FL BATON ROUGE, LA TAMPA, FL MEMPHIS, TN SHREVEPORT, LA

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❤ FEELIN' GOOD: I FEEL FINER THAN A FROG'S HAIR SPLIT FOUR WAYS AND SANDED TWICE.

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1. With its flip-flop friendly pedals and cheery seashell design, this Lilly Pulitzer cruiser takes you from beach-town honeymoon to sweet summertime in one fell swoop! Lilly, please send six of these to the SW girls! ($450, lillypulitzer.com) 2. Tell your new honey exactly how you feel with these Earth-friendly cotton dish towels!

They're sure to brighten up your kitchen ($10, house8810.com)

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3. Marrying under a magnolia tree? Getting hitched in Kentucky? The Paper Nickel will pull together the perfect mix of vintage stamps to accent your invitations. They’re even conveniently packaged according to the current mailing rate ($2 per pack, thepapernickel.com) 4. With a slew of yummy flavors like Apple Pie, Cherries and White Lightnin', Ole Smoky Moonshine will have you cracking open a

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jar and sittin' a spell for a true moonshine experience ($25, olesmokymoonshine.com) 5. We can’t get enough of these colorful rolls of tape. Put them on anything from envelopes to favor bags ($5 to $8, cutetape.com) 6. Efficient, professional, and charming, these Southern calling cards from Minted will make it easier for you to keep in touch with vendors ($30 for 25 cards, minted.com)

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7. These one-of-a-kind acrylic silhouette cake toppers are completely customizable and packed with sweet Southern charm! ($50, silhouetteweddings.etsy.com)

10. Naturally just as cute as your ring bearer, this burlap ring pillow goes perfectly alongside some sweet tea and a backyard wedding celebration ($29, victorianstation.etsy.com)

a cookout staple. They’ll even look good covered in barbecue sauce at your casual backyard rehearsal dinner ($26, coxandcox. co.uk)

8. Chocolates from Cacao Atlanta are a rich treat for wedding guests with Southern flavors like Peach Amaretto, Maple Pecan and Mint Julep ($25, cacaoatlanta.com)

11. You’ll never get tired of jotting down notes in your wedding organizer with these bright and patterned Lilly Pulitzer pencils ($10, lifeguardpress.com)

9. Give your blooms a little something special with this custom bouquet tile from Paloma's Nest ($28, Palomasnest.com)

12. Handy tear-off fabric napkins in that familiar gingham print will soon become

13. Y'all know that everything’s better with a tell gladd of ice-cold sweet tea! Welcome your guests to the reception - or send them home on a high note - with a custom tea sachet favor that will quench their thirst (Price upon request, amykinslow@gmail.com)

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14. Want to mail out a save the date with some homespun charm? Chewing the Cud’s tea towels will have guests anticipating partying “till the cows come home” (Price upon request, chewingthecud.com) 15. Handmade and bearing our favorite Southern fruit, this embroidered peach ring pillow is a sweet accompaniment to your ceremony ($44 to $99, heybabestudio.com) 16. A Southern belle accepts off-registry wedding gifts with grace... especially if they're as fun as this colorful monogrammed tray ($63 to $100, paperfancy.com) 17. Proper note cards take on a Southern drawl with these paper products from Emily Ley. Perfect for thank you notes after the Big Day! ($25 for 16 cards, emilyley.com)

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18. Bring a little Southern charm to your toast with these classic monogrammed mint julep cups. Just don't forget the bourbon and mint!

Divine! ($29, threehipchicks.com) 19. We adore the thought behind these monogrammed hankies: one gal makes the initial purchase, then passes it around to her best friends for their weddings, adding the new married monogram each time ($19, marleylilly. com)

22. Looking for the perfect banner for your chair backs or above your dessert bar? Figs and Ginger's custom wood bunting is sure to dress up even the simplest décor! ($34, figsandginger.com) 23. With a giant blue seersucker flower, pearl button and silk dupioni backer, this ring bearer pillow is the height of clean and classic ($56, tinarie21.etsy.com)

20. Celebrate your new name in style with a pendant from Tiffany & Co. ($115 to $1150, tiffany.com)

24. Even paper looks good wrapped in seersucker on these letterpressed and peachy keen invitations from Ice Cream Social (Price upon request, icecreamsocialpaper.etsy.com)

21. If a candle is pretty, does it smell even better? Just like a slice of red velvet, this monogrammed candle from Whitney English smells divine and looks stunning, too! ($40, getpapered.com)

25. We love a monogram around these parts! Hang these wooden monograms on your church doors or from chair backs; they'll decorate anything splendidly ($10 to $48, southernpropermonograms.com)

LOVE-STRUCK: AS HAPPY AS A GOAT IN A BRIAR PATCH. SOUTHERN WEDDINGSI'M MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

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STAFF FAVORITES

I think my favorite Fab Find might actually be the Ole Smoky Moonshine, mostly because of the way it found itself in our office!

One of our Southern Brides of the Month sent a bottle as a thank you gift -- too sweet! - EMILY

As we know, I die for anything monogrammed, and what could be more Southern than a monogrammed mint julep cup? Use it to toast to your new hubby, and then add those adorable Lilly Pulitzer pencils and stick it on your desk. - MARISSA

I met designer Amy Kinslow at a conference and just about fell out of my chair when I saw her sweet tea business cards. I love that she converted them to escort cards and place cards just for us (and you!) - LARA

Oh, Heavens! I just can't get enough of those adorable tea towel save the dates. Guests will be counting down the days until they can "party till the cows come home" with you! That might be my new favorite Southern phrase, y'all! - WHITNEY

I can't tell you how excited I was to be in charge of gathering up tape options! The choices are so cute, I stuck them all on a sheet of paper and hung it above my desk. - NICOLE

Wow! Talk about some fab finds! I love the handy tear-off gingham print napkins. They would be perfect to take on an afternoon picnic, or I'd even use them around the house. - SIERRA

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We asked four of our favorite Southern calligraphers to help us create an assortment of gooder-than-grits, Mason-Dixon approved escort cards. Your guests are sure to talk about these till the cows come home!

ESCORT CARDS

What could be more Southern than a row of cotton bolls leading guests to their seats? Charleston-based calligrapher Elizabeth Porcher Jones (elizporcher@ gmail.com) penned this two-tone tag for us. We love the idea of naming tables after local landmarks!

A favor and an escort card in one -- genius! Easily customizable by color and style, you could also omit the table number and sit these at each guests' seat in place of a standard place card. Atlanta calligrapher Moya Minns of MM Ink (mminkstudio.com) created the label and tag for this treat.

Seersucker and bow ties: two more Southern staples!

These adorable escort cards were masterminded by Georgia-based Honey Bee Invites (honeybeeinvites. com) and then passed off to North Carolinian Yellow House Calligraphy (yhcalligraphy.com) for her "Informal" script. We're in love, y'all!

Texas-based Pretty Pen Jen (prettypenjen.com) executed these simple yet elegant escort cards for us. They'd be incredibly chic for an evening or winter reception, with a glowing votive tucked inside to light the way to your guests' seat. Ladies and gents will also love taking these home as a beautifully personalized favor.

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nancy ray

The Schultzes

@

GET MORE @ www.iloveswmag.com Lens Flare Photography

Austin Warnock

nancy ray

J. Layne Photography

Amanda Watson

Heavens to Betsy, we love these Southern sparklers!

www.camilledeann.com

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

jose villa

OH MY STARS!

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SOUTHERN WEDDINGS | iloveswmag.com STATE OF MIND DURINGMAGAZINE WEDDING PLANNING: A GOOD ATTITUDE IS LIKE KUDZU – IT SPREADS.

Magnolia Pair

jose villa Lauren Kinsey

Melissa Schollaert

Clockwise from top left: poppy and jasmine vine bouquet by Flower Wild (flowerwild.com); rose and peony bouquet by Roselady Designs (roseladydesigns.com); white anemone, tulip, billy ball and ranunculus bouquet by Birch Blooms (birchblooms.com); delphinium, muscari, and fever few bouquet by Christina Springfield from Nouveau Flowers (eventsbynouveauflowers.com)

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Gabriel Ryan Photographers

Lori Paladino

jose villa

Dave Richards

Clockwise from top left: garden rose, ranunculus, peony, mock orange, fever few, and ladies mantle bouquet by La Fleuriste (lafleuriste.com); hot pink garden rose, yellow acacia, blue thistle, coral anthirium and fuchsia and orange ranunculus bouquet by JL Designs (jldesignsandevents. com); ranunculus, azalea, and hellebore bouquet by Flowerwild (flowerwild.com); ranunculus, succulent, and hypericum berry bouquet by David Rohr Studio (davidrohrstudio.com)

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Elissa R Photography

Corbin Gurkin Laura Leslie

Jesse Ryan

Clockwise from top left: yellow tree peony, white sweet pea and yellow ranunculus bouquet

by Charleston Stems (charlestonstems.com); succulent, pale pink rose, billy ball and yellow ranunculus bouquet by Uptown Flowers (uptownflowers.com); white peony, white scabiosa bloom, white poppy, dusty miller and blooming jasmine vine bouquet by Pollen Floral Art (pollenfloralart.com); pink peony and raw cotton bouquet by Fertile Crescent Gardens in Athens

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w w w. p a u l j o h n s o n p h o t o . c o m

e h T t i u c s i B Q

BEAUTIFUL BUTTERY BOUNTIFUL

Q

There are a few Southern things of which we will never tire… but that doesn’t mean we always want the same old, same old, either. The beauty in the tried and true often comes from new and unexpected presentations. Take our favorite buttery biscuits, for instance. They’re great paired with gravy or jam, but a few new spins on the classic will make you love these old standbys even more. We’ve rounded up just a few of our favorite ideas, but one glance at this page, and you’ll be fixin’ to try them all...

The Fixin's

Jose Villa Lisa Vorce ASSISTANT STYLISTS: Corinne Williams and Sarah Tolboe PAPER: Wiley Valentine LOCATION: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse PHOTOGRAPHER: STYLIST:

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LATE-NIGHT TAKEAWAY. Line these up at the end of the night and your guests will be set for the morning!

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED BISCUITS with gold flecks, sent home with guests in a pastry box.

FABRIC BISCUIT POUCH WITH JAM. Perfect for passing out to guests throughout a weekend wedding!

BISCUIT WELCOME BOX WITH HOT PEPPER JELLY. The kraft paper box and custom belly band make it chic.

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BISCUIT POPPERS. Perfect placed at each guest's seat, these fabric-wrapped tubes are full of biscuits!

HOMEMADE BISCUIT FAVORS stashed in a muslin sack stamped with grandma's recipe.

HAM BISCUIT BREAKFAST TO GO. The ride home is made infinitely prettier with a custom label.

MINI BISCUIT SANDWICH with a preppy monogrammed pick, perfect for cocktail hour.

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❤

POSSIBLE REACTIONS TO A SURPRISING MARRIAGE PROPOSAL: WELL, TIE ME TO AN ANTHILL AND FILL MY EARS WITH JAM! WELL, TIE ME TO A PIG AND ROLL ME IN THE MUD! WELL, DON'T THAT KNOCK YOUR HAT IN THE CREEK! WELL, BUTTER MY BUTT AND CALL ME A BISCUIT! WELL, SLAP MY HEAD AND CALL ME STUPID! WELL, DON'T THAT COCK YOUR PISTOL!

THIS PAGE: Vanilla bean pound cake with fresh raspberries OPPOSITE PAGE, from top left: heart-shaped rhubarb pie pocket, mason jar red velvet layer cake, individual pecan pie, skillet blueberry cobbler, lattice peach pie, mini key lime pie (with graham cracker crust and toasted meringue topping), banana pudding shot glass, tiny Krispy Kreme donuts

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Mini Desserts

WE ASKED MELODY, OF MY SWEET & SAUCY (MYSWEETANDSAUCY. COM), TO MINIATURIZE NINE CLASSIC SOUTHERN DESSERTS. YOUR GUESTS WILL LOVE THESE TINY TREATS, PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRAEDON FLYNN (BRAEDONPHOTOGRAPHY.COM).

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Timeless. Flawless. Gorgeous. stunning venues. award winning vendors. professional coordinators

Carillon Weddings www.carillonweddings.com

850.231.0007

the

checklist

Your month-by-month guide to soirée! planning the perfect

DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY CURIOUS & CO. CREATIVE

o n m t 9 h s 2 1 w e ’ , r s e r e a n t g ag e d !

Oh m y s Congratulations, y’all are engaged!

Share the excitement with family and friends, but remember: good news is like kudzu — it spreads. Be sure to tell the most important parties first!

Get organized and start a wedding folder or binder.

This is where you’ll store all your favorite inspiration images, ideas and plain ol’ wedding goodness, as well as keep track of vendor contracts, timelines and spreadsheets.

Decide on a budget. Figure out who is contributing what and how much you have to spend.

Reserve your date and ceremony and reception venues. Keep in mind that in the South it’s as hot and steamy in mid-July as your Grandmother’s oven! And Heaven forbid, fall brides, don’t forget to check the college football schedule.

our g

t uest lis

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Research photographers, cinematographers, wedding planners, bands, florists and caterers (may we suggest our Blue Ribbon Vendors, found at www.iloveswmag. com?). Don’t forget to keep their contact information in your binder.

Start working on your guest list.

We suggest making a spreadsheet to use throughout your planning process, with columns for contact info, replies, gifts and any other relevant information. Make sure to check in early with both sets of parents for any guests they’d like to invite, too, so you’re not surprised later. (We know you don’t want to hurt your fifth cousin’s feelings, but the best way to keep costs down is to reduce your guest list.)

Choose your wedding party. After your phone stops going crazy with congratulations, decide who will stand next to you on your big day.

Book your wedding planner.

Book your officiant.

Book your photographer and cinematographer.

W Wbill e Wil ill be my myoylubyrou you be m y bridbresidmaiides esmd? mai aid ? d?

Go dress shopping! Bring along your Mama or a trusted friend.

As much fun as it is to have your whole crew along, it can be quite hard to decide with an earful of opinions. We’ve rounded up some of the best shops in the South at www.iloveswmag.com.

9-6 mon t hs

peas, Pick my

wedding pl anning’s a bree ze!

Finalize your guest list.

Schedule an engagement session with your photographer. Not only will these images be lovely keepsakes; they’ll help you and your beau feel more comfortable in front of the camera come wedding day.

If you’re having a destination wedding or many of your guests will be traveling to celebrate with you, now is the time to send out your save the dates.

Start shopping for bridesmaids’ gowns

and flower girl dresses! Together with your beau, decide on the groom and groomsmen’s attire. (We think bowties are quite dapper!)

Schedule phone or in-person consultations with your top florist picks, then book your favorite bloom team. It helps to bring inspiration photos to your meetings so everyone’s on the same page, so tear out your favorites from Southern Weddings V1, V2, V3, and V4!

Reserve a block of hotel rooms

for out-of-town guests. Pick three hotels at different price points close to the reception venue to ensure the finest Southern hospitality.

Start registries at your favorite stores. Even if you start with just a few pieces, there’s always time to add more later. We suggest signing up at two to three retailers, including at least one chain store with locations throughout the country where Aunt Beulah can shop in person if she pleases, and at least one registry with an online-purchase option for your tech-savvy college friends. And please, ladies, NEVER put your registry information on your invitations!

Search for and book your wedding cake maker. (Be sure they have a fabulous recipe for red velvet!)

Purchase or design your invitations. For the most formal choice, opt for white or ecru cards with black engraved script, or choose something completely personal to you and your honey.

mr. and mrs. Thomas Cohen request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter

Anne Frances to

James Michael Jefferson Saturday, the seventh of January two thousand and twelve three o’clock in the afternoon

Hire a calligrapher, if your budget allows. (Beautiful

Mr. an d Mrs. Carl M 294 N iller Charles ewtown Cour t ton, So uth Ca rolina 294 12

Saint francis of assisi Jacksonville, Florida

penmanship is time consuming, so plan accordingly.)

Arrange transportation. Consider minibuses, trolleys, carriages and vintage cars. (Keep in mind that low-to-the-ground vehicles can make entries and exits dicey if you’re wearing a mermaid gown.)

Book your honeymoon! Yeehaw!

Order your wedding dress! Yeehaw, again!

6-3 mon t hs

my pearl h c t u l C

s, this wedding’s around the co rner!

Finalize ceremony music selections with your musicians.

Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues. If you’re planning to host a day-after brunch for guests, book that spot, as well.

Order your wedding shoes and schedule your first dress fitting. Bring your heels or flats along so the tailor can choose the appropriate length for your gown.

Schedule hair and makeup trials.

Again, inspiration is key, here, so bring along your copies of Southern Weddings, and don’t hesitate to speak up if the final look isn’t what you’ve been dreaming of. Now is no time to be a shrinking violet!

Address those invitations! Or drop them off with your calligrapher. (Make sure they’re ready to go about eight weeks before your wedding day.)

Think through any family or Southern traditions you’d like to include in your celebration. Cake pull? Groom’s cake? Sixpence in your shoe? Some require advance planning, so make sure you give yourself enough time!

Choose your reception music

and discuss with your entertainment contact. What should be playing when the wedding party is announced? During dinner? To kick off the dancing? Make sure to go over with your bandleader, DJ or emcee how you and your beau would like to be introduced, too, so there are no surprises on the big day.

Finalize the menu, bar and service details with your caterer or reception venue.

Purchase your wedding bands.

Research local marriage license requirements. Be sure to check when the license expires and if there is a waiting period.

Finalize the contract with your florist.

Don’t forget to include corsages or nosegays for your mothers and grandmothers, and boutonnieres for VIP males!

Have your bridal portraits taken.

We adore this classic Southern tradition, whether or not you end up displaying prints at the reception!

o n m t h 0 s 3 e r ’ g e oin’ to the ch tsy, w ap vens to Be

el!

He a

Send your invitations on their merry way!

We recommend dropping them at the post office at the ten- to eight-week mark, especially if you’ve already sent save the dates. Ask the postmistress nicely if she’ll let you hand cancel the stamps to ensure your invites arrive in pristine condition.

Gents: Get measured for your seersucker suit at the formalwear shop.

(Or, okay, whatever else you might be wearing!)

Decide on and purchase gifts

for your bridesmaids and parents, and make sure your groom is thinking about his side, too.

Order or craft favors, if desired. We think personal favors that represent your hometown, region or alma mater are so fun, and with all the delicious treats in the South, there’s something for everyone! Think pecans, peaches, honey, benne wafers, custom chocolates, divinity… the list goes on!

If you’re having a destination wedding,

consider putting together wedding weekend guest totes for out-of-town guests. Things to consider including: bottled water, a small snack, a map of the region, tourist information, a wedding weekend itinerary, a postcard and directions or transportation pick-up times for all events.

our big day: the schedule eeeeeee eeeeeeee eeeee eeeeeee eeeeeeeeeee eeeeee eeeee eeeee eeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeee eeee eeeeee eeee eee eeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeee eeee eeeeeee eeeeeeeeee eeeee eeeee eeeeeeeee eeeeeee eeeee eeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeee eeeeeee eeeeeeee eeeee eeeeeee eeeeeeeeeee eeeeee eeeee eeeeeeeeeee eeee eeeeee eeee eee eeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeee eeee eeeeeee

Put together sweet baskets

for your reception restrooms. Include small toiletry items guests might not have brought with them, as well as a luxurious and delicious-smelling lotion.

Send your event schedule to your vendors. Giving them a first draft now allows ample time for tweaks and feedback.

Purchase all under-the-dress essentials and any special lingerie, and be sure to bring everything to your final dress fitting. Be sure, also, to bring a friend or family member to learn how to bustle your gown. Those suckers can be tricky!

Obtain a marriage license. Follow your state’s guidelines concerning how soon you can apply, and for how long the license is valid.

Submit your wedding announcement to the local newspaper.

Touch base one last time with all of your vendors to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Send the final guest list to the caterer and all venues hosting your wedding-related events.

Typically, companies close their lists 72 hours in advance.

Send out final payments for all vendors so you don’t need to worry about settling up at the reception.

Print mini-timelines to give to your bridal party.

Pack your bags and confirm all honeymoon travel plans (including transportation to the airport).

moon honeyund bo

Smile, relax and enjoy your big day!

You’re sure to be a stunning bride! And remember: the true mark of a Southern wedding is warm, gracious hospitality, so love on your guests all weekend. We promise, you’ll get it back in return.

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e h T r a J n o s a M WELL, PICK MY PEAS!

Traditionally, mason jars were simply a humble, hardworking tool for pickling and preserving. Since venturing into weddings, however, they've been equally as hardworking, but much more creative. Though we'd seen everything from mason jar votive holders to mason jar chandeliers, we knew our old friends still had a few tricks up their sleeve. Here, we present five new favorite uses for the humble mason.

Jose Villa Lisa Vorce ASSISTANT STYLISTS: Corinne Williams and Sarah Tolboe PAPER: Wiley Valentine LOCATION: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse PHOTOGRAPHER: STYLIST:

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weet S ry avo S lty a S Show off some of that famous Southern hospitality with homemade gourmet snacks to welcome wedding guests!

Large mason jars filled with sweet, savory, and salty snacks will keep bellies full until the festivities begin. Our favorite fillers? Benne wafers or almond cookies for sweet, cheddar popcorn for savory, and roasted chesnuts for salty -- but choose goodies that perfectly reflect your wedding's locale!

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ry r e B d o o G e i tP n i P We use mason jars for our fruit preserves, so why not use them for our fruit cobblers?

Guests will be delighted when they see these pint jars topped with a lattice crust and full of berry cobbler goodness. They're the perfect single-serve dessert! We suggest setting out pretty crates full of these itty bitties at the end of the night, and having a waiter on hand to dish out accompanying scoops of vanilla.

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g n i k r a p S chy a e P h nc u P Now here's a grown-up look for mason jars: stack a collection into a modifed champagne fountain! Mini mason jars filled with fizzy peach punch will brighten up a standard bar in no time. To keep with the petite size of the serving, cut a striped straw in half for each. Tie on lengths of satin ribbon for an extrafestive touch!

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WD

I was shocked to find out that you can’t just run into your local grocery store to pick up mason jars in most parts of the country. Can’t get mason jars locally?

Never fear, Walmart.com and Amazon.com have plenty!

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n o s r e t s y O lf a the Hson a M This mason jar makeover might just win the prize for most adorable: singleserving oyster shooters! The diminutive mason jars are filled with ice, then packed with mini Tabasco bottles and lemon wedges to give guests everything they need to enjoy individual oysters on the half shell. Beach weddings will never be the same!

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y r r e b w tra S rsucker ee S weets S Our favorite way to beat the Southern heat is these singleserving ice cream mason jars.

Topped with darling seersucker and finished off with twine and a gift tag, guests will be licking their lips and reaching for the spoons as soon as they set eyes on these treats. Perch the jars on top of a bucket of ice and they'll stay cool until guests are ready for dessert! These little beauties double perfectly as an end-of-the-night favor, or set them out when the cake is cut.

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event design planning coordination

blushbbg.com

IF I HAD A

WEDDING...

If there’s anything we’ve learned in the last four years of publishing Southern Weddings magazine, it’s that the South holds a charm for brides around the world, not just those in the Southeastern United States. It works both ways, too: inspiration for your Southern wedding can come from points outside the South, as well! To that end, we asked eight of our favorite style mavens and trendsetters, who hail from both above and below the Mason-Dixon Line, to describe their dream Southern wedding. Whether you’re planning a wedding in the Southland or the frigid North, we think you’ll be inspired by these perfectly Southern ideas!

stephen pappas

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THE When we polled our girls on where they most often dream of hosting the quintessential Southern wedding, answers ranged from the heat and spice of Miami to the gorgeous coastline of South Carolina. Maria Cooke, owner of Ritzy Bee Events, would choose a pretty farmhouse set on a beautiful farm in the foothills, like Blackberry Farm in Tennessee or Serenbe in Georgia.

Several ladies chose Savannah for its quaint streets and dripping Spanish moss, while Cathleya Schroeckenstein, Weddingbee’s Editor in Chief, opted for New Orleans’ “strong sense of tradition and endless energy.”

THE No matter where our panel imagined their ceremonies taking place, they all agreed the wedding itself would be infused with personality. We love that Maria would have her father preside over a ceremony “full of laughter,” while Nole Garey, editor of Oh So Beautiful Paper, would incorporate favorite poems into her ring vows, as she did for her own wedding in 2008. Cathleya imagined a “small ceremony on a balcony in the Garden District of New Orleans” with a lively jazz processional and recessional, while Seleta Hayes Howard, stylist and editor of Simply Seleta, went the rustic elegance route with gold bamboo chairs lined up on an immaculate grassy lawn. We love that Kathryn Grady, editor of Snippet & Ink, streamlined this most important part of any wedding, selecting siblings as attendants and a dear friend as an officiant.

THE Instead of a formal bouquet, Jen Campell, editor of Green Wedding Shoes, dreamed up a single large magnolia blossom to carry down the aisle. We couldn’t think of anything more lovely! Except, perhaps, the smell of Nole’s bouquet, which would contain white lilacs, jasmine and dogwoods, the state flower of Virginia.

Camille Styles, editor of Camillestyles.com, suggested another gorgeous-smelling bloom, gardenias, while Maria went the rustic route with cotton bolls.

THE Details rooted in meaning abound in the South, and our girls dreamed up some terrific ones! Jen imagined “lots and lots” of string lights over an outdoor dance floor, where guests could enjoy a bluegrass/alt-rock band (“like Mumford and Sons!”). She also gave a nod to classic Southern style, with parasols handed out to guests pre-ceremony to shield the sun and a pair of vintage lace gloves for herself. Nole would lay out a family-style reception seating plan, with long tables to facilitate guest mingling and Southern hospitality.

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THE SOUTHERN “Any dish containing grits is a must!” vowed Maria, and many of our girls agreed. Cathleya opted for charbroiled oysters and BBQ shrimp, while Nole reminded us of beloved Southern sips: sweet tea and bourbon, in the form of mint juleps. Desserts, of course, were given pride of place: pecan pralines, banana pudding, and red velvet cake were requisites for Camille (clearly she’s planning a dessert bar!), while Seleta imagined mini blackberry cobblers in small vintage bowls and Jen claimed peach cobbler. The winner for most creative food idea? Melissa Barragan of Wedding Chicks, who said, “I am not sure if this is even possible, but I would love to have a hush puppy bar!” Everything’s possible in the South, Melissa!

THE SOUTHERN Everyone’s favorite Southern tradition, the groom’s cake, was a favorite with our girls, as well. Maria, Melissa, and Cathleya all listed it as a must-have. Camille loves the tradition of family heirlooms in the South, and so would place a vintage handkerchief at each place setting instead of a napkin.

Nole, a fan of the etiquette at Southern weddings, opted for the tradition of formal placecards. Kathryn introduced us to a tradition we had never even heard of – burying a bottle of bourbon at the ceremony site to ward off wedding day rain!

But in the end, sometimes the simplest traditions are the most meaningful: Seleta, a “hopeless romantic,” chose the first dance as husband and wife as her favorite tradition. SW

MEET THE BLOGGERS MELISSA BARRAGAN, Accounts Manager of Wedding Chicks, a blog sharing modern wedding inspiration for the stylish bride (weddingchicks.com) JEN CAMPBELL, Editor and Creative Director of Green Wedding Shoes, a blog sharing wedding trends for stylish and creative brides (greenweddingshoes.com) MARIA COOKE, Owner of Ritzy Bee Events, a boutique wedding planning firm celebrating stylish Southern soirees (ritzybee.com) NOLE GAREY, Founder and Editor of Oh So Beautiful Paper, a blog sharing fabulous stationery design (ohsobeautifulpaper.com) KATHRYN GRADY, Editor of Snippet & Ink, a blog sharing inspiration boards and real weddings where simple can be beautiful and meaningful matters (snippetandink.com) SELETA HAYES HOWARD, Stylist and Editor of Simply Seleta, a blog sharing inspiration for designing a beautiful life (simplyseleta.com) CATHLEYA SCHROECKENSTEIN, Editor in Chief of Weddingbee, a blog sharing the journeys to the altar of real life blogging brides (weddingbee.com) CAMILLE STYLES, Editor of CamilleStyles.com, a blog sharing creative and stress-free celebrations for all occasions (camillestyles.com)

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Images courtesy of Nancy Ray Photography

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Secret Southern Garden A DUNAWAY GARDENS DREAM

Like the secret garden of Frances Hodgson Burnett's imagination, the site of our cover shoot was long hidden away and overgrown from years of neglect. Now listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Dunaway Gardens has been more than returned to its former glory: it's become the host to countless love stories through the couples that choose to say their vows in its hushed gardens.

Before the blanket of kudzu and vines settled in, however, Dunaway Gardens held an important place in Southern Weddings history: Lara's grandmother was an actress at this storied theatrical training ground (frequented even by Walt Disney!). We are so thrilled to present just the latest episode in this beautiful place's long history -- the story of Amy and Quincy, our gorgeous cover models and real life sweethearts.

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Only Mr. de la Renta could imagine a dress as marvelous as this one. We love that the stunning blue sash is a bold take on "SW blue"!

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY

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Our darling bride and debonair groom are already married -- to each other!

Amy's favorite memory from their wedding? "Dancing the night away!"

LC

This is a very special place for my family. My Grandma Bunny tells many-a-story about her days as an actress here!

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

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The moody indigo linens and black accents of the ballroom chairs and centerpiece compotes are balanced beautifully by the light and fresh all-white arrangements. And could there be a more lovely spot to set a table than beside this tranquil pool?

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The herb biscuits and black-eyed pea cakes that Sun in my Belly dreamed up for this garden scene look mighty tasty!

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Details

PHOTOGRAPHY Jose Villa, STYLING Joy Thigpen, FLOWERS Amy Osaba, HAIR AND MAKEUP Jordan Byers, CALLIGRAPHY AND PAPER GOODS neithersnow, CATERING AND CAKE Sun in My Belly, LINENS La Tavola Linen's Tuscano Collection, WEDDING GOWN Oscar de la Renta from B. Hughes Bridal, TUX Le Tux, VENUE Dunaway Gardens, CREATED FOR The Once Wed Workshop

LC

A three-foot coconut cake!? Oh, Heavens! This is definitely going to be my mom's favorite page!

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STERLING SILVER & VERMEIL KEEPSAKE JEWELRY

Kim Moody DE S IGN

Thank you for making our special day perfect!

- SARA, A KIM MOODY BRIDE

LET US HANDLE THE DETAILS. KIMMOODYDESIGN.COM • 434.292.5000 • VIRGINIA

Myrtie Blue wedding - event - floral design

Lauren Kinsey Photography

florida’s emerald coast 850.243.2500 - myrtieblue.com florida’s Emerald Coast - 850.243.2500 - myrtieblue . com

South Carolina POLO PREP

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Bryan Johnson

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Our table was set in the most picturesque spot possible: on a platform adjacent to the polo field and hewn from oaks cut down on the club's property. The live oaks even lit up with lights as the evening came on!

Sophisticated preppy perfection

It reigns supreme at the Hyde Park Polo Club in Charleston, South Carolina, making it the perfect location for a classic Southern scene.

Event designer Calder Clark styled the rustic grounds to perfection with a gorgeous polo mallet crest on the invitation and table runner, soft leather accents to highlight the equestrian undertones and a flower girl and groom whom we “cast” the day of the shoot (they’re actually the granddaughter of the farm’s owner and a genuine polo player, respectively!). Whether or not you’re getting married surrounded by lush green fields and frolicking ponies, our Charleston team’s brilliant ideas are sure to provide inspiration for your very own sophisticated Southern soirée.

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Bryan Johnson of A Bryan Photo shot this entire feature on film. His careful work gives such an heirloom, timeless quality to the capturing of a shoot or a wedding day, and we couldn’t have been more thrilled to work with him. Bryan’s eye was matched by the skilled folks at Richard Photo Lab, the company our favorite photographers trust to develop their film.

EA

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The polo mallet crest couldn't have been more perfect for this shoot! I love the idea of incorporating an element of your wedding locale into your paper suite.

Barry and Gene from Blossoms Events put together the most beautiful arrangements for our shoot. In this one, they used hydrangeas, ornithogalum, nigella pods and blooms, garden roses, ranunculus, lisimachia, lambs ear, variegated cuban oregano, hosta leaves and magnolia leaves. Divine!

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Emilie Dulles of Dulles Designs designed the most clever pieces for our shoot.

To add depth to the white and green palette, she and Calder introduced touches of leather on the table. Our favorite takeaway? The embossed leather jotters that doubled as menu card holders, place cards and favors.

If you try this idea, we guarantee not a single guest would leave his behind!

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I’m a total sucker for fine china, so seeing this table come together was one of my favorite parts of this shoot.

We also loved the custom jotters Emilie insisted on – now we see why!

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A seersucker serving tray?

Be still my heart!

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SOUTHERNYOU WEDDINGS MAGAZINE iloveswmag.com A COMPLIMENT FOR SOMEONE'S FIANCÉ: SURE DIDN'T PICK| UP NO CROOKED STICK.

Chad from Cru Catering kept us gasping in delight all day as he introduced a parade of darling, modern Southern classics. Our favorite? The mini chicken and waffles, presented in tiny ice cream cones at left!

From top right we also have crab deviled eggs, mini Southern berry pie, and peach belinis.

MK

SP

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I love these custom serving trays with the polo crest. If it were my wedding I’d keep them on my dresser to hold perfume and jewelry.

Emily knew I would comment about the food in V4. How could you not? The mini chicken and waffles served in tiny ice cream cones will be at my wedding!

GET MORE @ www.iloveswmag.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY A Bryan Photo, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, DESIGN AND STYLING Calder Clark Designs, FLORAL DESIGN Blossoms Events, HAIR Affair Hair by Tanesha, MAKEUP Pamela Lesch, MENU CARDS, JOTTERS, INVITATION, MONOGRAM TRAYS Dulles Designs, CALLIGRAPHY AND CUSTOM MONOGRAM Allison R. Banks Designs, FOOD AND DRINK Cru Catering, ALL BRIDAL GOWNS from Maddison Row, TEXTURED BALLGOWN “Bellflower” by Monique Lhuillier, OFF-THE-SHOULDER GOWN “L810” by Romona Keveza Legends, SHORT GOWN “L8151” by Romona Keveza Legends, BRIDESMAID SKIRTS Anne M. Cramer, CHIVARI CHAIRS AND TABLE RENTAL Snyder Event Rentals, CUSTOM TABLE LINEN Blossoms Events, TABLE RUNNER SCREENPRINTING Griffin Screenprinting, TABLETOP ITEMS Vieuxtemps, FLOWER GIRL AND RINGBEARER ACCESSORIES Blossoms Events, VENUE AND POLO ITEMS Hyde Park Farm and Polo Club, COCKTAIL AND DINNER NAPKINS AND SERVING TRAYS Calder Clark Designs

MK

I’m such a huge fan of these bridesmaids’ dresses, I’d actually wear one walking around the grocery store if I could!

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ULTIMATE SOUTHERN BOUQUETS

Divine Southern Blooms.

PHOTOGRAPHER Jose Villa, STYLIST Lisa Vorce, ASSISTANT STYLISTS Corinne Williams and Sarah Tolboe, FLORIST Kate Holt, Flowerwild, PAPER DETAILS Amber Moon, Pitbulls & Posies, LOCATION Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse

The soft grays and greens of this bouquet would make it perfect for an early fall wedding.

It doesn't get much more Southern than gardenias and magnolias!

ULTIMATE SOUTHERN BOUQUETS

ULTIMATE SOUTHERN BOUQUETS

Sunny and bright, this bouquet is as fresh and cheerful as a lemonade stand in summer. We love the gingham wrap, and sigh just imagining the smell of the honeysuckle as you walk down the aisle!

Bold and vibrant, these blackberries are the perfect unexpected note in a gorgeous pink and purple bouquet. Just make sure to use unripe berries -- the juicy ones will stain your dress faster than you can say "butter my butt and call me a biscuit!"

For the ultimate in girly romance, we love this clutch of garden roses, fruiting peach branches, dahlias and geraniums. Another heavenly-smelling option.

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MK

Every time I see this page I want to pop this giant seersucker bow on a headband for Lara’s baby Grace to wear!

It can be difficult to find natural flowers that fit perfectly as a "something blue," which makes us love this delphinium and sweet pea bouquet even more. The loosely-tied seersucker wrap makes it a perfect late summer choice.

Jennifer Ericksen

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WEDDING TRADITIONS

TEXT BY MARISSA KLOESS ILLUSTRATIONS BY ASHLEY BROOKE DESIGNS

As y’all well know, we Southerners have some very strict – and, yep, quirky – traditions when it comes to getting married. Some of them make no sense, others are downright sentimental, but they are all part of what goes into planning the quintessential Southern wedding. Here, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites. We’ve included their origins where we could find them, and offered up ideas for incorporating these traditions into your wedding.

Choose one, or try them all!

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THE GROOM'S CAKE

THE WEDDING HANDKERCHIEF

The groom’s cake is likely the best-known tradition outside the South, as brides from all over the world have adopted this tradition as their own. Originally meant as a gift from the bride to the groom, these delicious treats have undergone quite the transformation throughout the years. Traditionally dark chocolate-flavored and often containing fruit and liqueur, today’s groom’s cakes are a reflection of the groom’s personality and hobbies. Long gone are the days of the armadillo in the carport; these cakes now (literally) take many shapes, from the seal of his alma mater to his favorite video game console. Some brides and grooms even opt for a non-cake groom’s cake, choosing instead to serve his favorite treat (we’ve seen everything from banana pudding to Krispy Kremes!). We love when brides surprise their grooms with the cake design, but choosing the groom’s cake can be a fun task to tackle together, too.

Next, we have the handkerchief! Years ago, most dapper men and genteel women carried a handkerchief, which was typically a hemmed square of thin fabric carried in the pocket or purse. Though it was originally intended for the purpose of wiping the sweat off one’s brow (which we know all about beneath the Mason-Dixon Line) or blowing one’s nose (gross!), the handkerchief is also sometimes used as a purely decorative accessory in a suit pocket.

One last quirk of the groom’s cake? Originally, these cakes were not even meant to be served to guests at the wedding, but rather given as favors. Rumor has it that if a single woman put a piece of groom’s cake under her pillow, she would dream of her future husband!

In the South, the wedding handkerchief (or hanky) is often kept and passed down from mother to daughter and from generation to generation. Early farmers thought a bride’s wedding day tears were lucky and would bring rain for their crops. Later, a crying bride meant that she’d never shed another tear about her marriage. Today, we carry a handkerchief to dab away tears of happiness and joy.

Now, wedding hankies are often monogrammed with the bride’s new initials, used as bouquet wraps or given to bridesmaids as gifts. We love the tradition of starting a passaround handkerchief with your group of best girlfriends, and having each add their married monogram before carrying the hanky down the aisle. Check out our Fab Finds on page 20 for one option!

Since guests will have already eaten their fill of wedding cake at the reception, consider boxing up groom’s cake squares as an additional favor. You could even tie on a tag with the history of the groom’s cake for a tongue-in-cheek Southern touch!

THE CAKE PULL

THE WHITE BIBLE BOUQUET

Most popular in New Orleans, the cake pull gets its roots from an old Victorian tradition of “ribbon pulling.” In Victorian times, charms of luck and good fortune were placed into the wedding cake by the bride for her single friends.

Nowadays, bakers place sterling silver charms with specific meanings inside the bottom layer of the bride’s cake, and all the single ladies are given the opportunity to pull a charm from the cake (a ceremony called the “ribbon pull”) just before the cake is cut. Brides sometimes opt to do the cake pull at the bridesmaids’ lunch, either the day of the wedding or the day before. Traditionally, there were some sweet and some sour charms. We like to keep them all positive, but unique. A few of our favorites: star (your wish will come true), anchor (adventure is around the corner), fleur-de-lis (love and prosperity), wishbone (success), and horseshoe (good luck).

This next Southern tradition was introduced to us by one of our fabulous readers, and I simply adore it! Originating in Northern Ireland, brides would carry a white Bible instead of a traditional wedding bouquet. Many Irish families had Bibles that were passed down from generation to generation, and by carrying this heirloom, a bride was able to honor her family. Then and now, it serves as a significant outward display of a bride’s Christian faith. Today, many Southern brides opt to forgo a bouquet entirely and carry only a Bible, and some choose to embellish a small family Bible with satin ribbon or a simple nosegay. If you’d prefer to carry a bouquet but wish to add an element of your faith, consider attaching a rosary or cross to your bouquet wrap, or ask your calligrapher to write out a favorite verse and then weave the strip of paper in between the blooms.

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BRIDAL PORTRAITS Originating in Europe, bridal portraits (or “bridals”) were historically oil paintings of royalty in their bridal regalia and were traditionally commissioned by the bride’s family to commemorate the special occasion. It’s unclear how this tradition made its way below the Mason-Dixon, but before World War II, it was rare to have a photographer at your wedding. Therefore, bridal portraits were taken in the photographer’s studio before or after the couple’s wedding. Not long ago, bridals were a rite of passage for Southern debutantes and a family keepsake that was displayed on an easel near the guest book and then hung in the bride’s parents’ home for years to come.

NO R TH C AR O L INA • V IR G INIA • WO R L DWID E

WWW.C YNK AI NPHOTO G R APHY.CO M • 8 0 0 .559 .6 8 1 2

The bridal portrait is still a very popular tradition in the South, but the days of stone-faced studio sessions are long gone. (Whew!) We love when a bride chooses a shoot location with personal meaning, such as the grounds of her university or childhood home, or a favorite restaurant or park. Simple props that convey your personality can be fun, too, but remember, simplicity is usually better – these photos will be keepsakes for your grandchildren’s grandchildren!

We’d also encourage you to use bridals as a trial run for hair and makeup, as well as a great way to become more comfortable in front of the lens prior to your wedding day.

This tradition is very near to my heart, because due to hurricane damage, we only have a few photos of my grandmother left, and her bridal portrait is by far my favorite. I’ve always loved how beautiful and happy she looked in her bridal portrait, and how uncanny it is that she somehow looks like my mom, my sister and myself all morphed into one!

As I’m sure y’all know, there are many other wonderful Southern traditions, like the sorority sing, the groom’s father serving as the best man, the belief that it’s bad luck to have the bride walk down the aisle during the rehearsal, and many more. Though we’re unsure of the origin of these traditions, we can say with certainty that Southern brides will continue to incorporate them into their weddings, just like their mothers and grandmothers, for years to come. SW SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

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A WILLIAMSBURG WEDDING LOVE IN THE COMMONWEALTH In truth, there is not just one South. There is the deep South, of course, but there is also the coastal South; there is the Lowcountry, there is the Bayou, and there are the moss-draped squares of Savannah.

There are the rolling hills of Tennessee and there is always the woodsy comfort of the Appalachians. But for this particular editorial, we chose to focus on one particular square of our beloved South, and that square was Williamsburg, Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg, with its storied history and neat gardens, sums up so much of what we love about the South: gracious hospitality, reserved elegance in the classic tradition, and a drive to preserve the best of the past while continually propelling itself into the future.

katie stoops

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SET SECRET

We rigged up our gorgeous ceremony setting with some unconventional materials – a photographer’s photobooth frame and king’s drape linens from La Tavola Linen!

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Bridesmaids in white? This look gets the Southern Weddings stamp of approval, believe it or not. We think ‘maids in flowy, Grecian gowns are the perfect complement to a bride in a more structured style. As for whether ‘maids in white will steal the show?

We couldn’t imagine anything farther from the truth, especially when the bride is in a gown as gorgeous as the “Arabella” from Christos.

SP

It’s not easy being a model, I tell you!

Katie was a wonderful photographer and made me feel right at ease. I was even able to watch Thomas Jefferson lookalikes walk around outside the window while getting my makeup done.

SET SECRET

None of the models from this shoot are professionals!

Instead, three, including the bride, are loyal SW readers – who better to represent the authentic beauty of the South? The last one, that lovely blonde? That’s Sierra, our Assistant Art Director!

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We combined the favor and place card into one adorable popper at each place setting.

These beauties (made from cardboard tubes and tissue paper!) are filled with peanuts, a nod to Virginia’s treasured crop.

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SET SECRET

We had originally planned to shoot our table on a brick pathway lined with boxwood hedges for a classic and beautiful setting. As we were straightening the napkins, however, the skies opened! We lifted the whole table up and ran for cover from the flash thundershower. We ended up liking the table under the covered porch so much that we shot it there after the sky cleared.

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Atlanta calligrapher Moya Minns inked Susannah and Gardner’s gorgeous monogram, along with several other pieces in the shoot, including the menus, placecards and poppers above. We love that not only can the monogram grace numerous items on your wedding day, it can be used for years to come on married stationery.

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We’re betting this idea will catch on like wildfire with Southern brides. At the Beau Bar, gents can exchange their neckties for bow ties, much like they would at a valet or coat check. We suggest mixing fabulous patterned ties from companies like High Cotton Ties, Lumina Clothing Company and Upper French, as shown here, with more cost-effective numbers from retailers like TheTieBar.com.

MK

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This might be one of my favorite ideas ever! Just imagine all those dapper gents in their bows – so fabulous!

Gents, the ladies (myself included) will be swooning when you tie on any of these dapper bow ties!

Somehow no one at this quintessentially Southern photo shoot knew how to tie bow ties when it came time to set up the Beau Bar. I learned in a jiffy!

These gorgeous custom wine bottle labels were designed by Jess from Magpie Paper Works. Jess does an amazing job of using the details from a couple’s love story to inform her design – in this case, she used the Crim Dell bridge from the campus of William & Mary, our couple’s alma mater, as the main motif. Legend has it that if two lovers cross the bridge together and kiss at the crest, they’ll be together forever!

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EA

All of these wedding photos are SW parents or grandparents! My mom thought I was joking when I asked her to scan some in for the magazine!

MK

That couple third from the right are my in-laws. My MIL's tip to Southern brides? Do not wear long sleeves in June in Alabama, y’all! She was dying from the heat in this photo!

PHOTOGRAPHY Katie Stoops, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, STYLING Courtney Spencer of Merriment Events, STYLISTS’ ASSISTANT Danielle Hines, VENUE Colonial Williamsburg, HAIR STYLIST Rachel Shrader of Ceco Studio, MAKEUP ARTIST Natalie Mitchell of Avenue 42 Designs, WHOLESALE FLOWERS Fifty Flowers, FLOWER STYLING Courtney Spencer, INVITATION SUITE AND PROGRAMS The Lettered Olive, with calligraphy

by Elizabeth Porcher Jones, RENTALS AND FLATWARE Colonial Williamsburg, TABLE LINENS AND COLORED CHAIR CUSHIONS Dupionique collection from La Tavola Linen, MONOGRAM, MENUS, PLACECARDS, SIGNATURE DRINK SIGN AND POPPER WRAPS Moya Minns of MM Ink, GLASSWARE, SOME SILVER PIECES AND CHINA Festive Fare, POPPER TISSUE PAPER Nashville Wraps, COASTER AND CUSTOM WINE LABEL DESIGN Magpie Paper Works, COASTER AND COCKTAIL NAPKINS PRINTING For Your Party, BEAU BAR SIGN Chocolate Butterbean, BOW TIES FOR BEAU BAR Upper French, Lumina Clothing Company, and High Cotton Ties, BOXWOOD WREATHS Save on Crafts, WEDDING CAKE, HAM BISCUITS, PETIT FOURS AND CALLIGRAPHY TARTS Colonial Williamsburg, BRIDAL GOWN “Arabella” by Christos, BRIDE’S SHOES “Forbes” by Nina from Bella Bridesmaid, VEILS Toni Federici, IVORY BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Saja, BRIDESMAIDS’ SASHES Untamed Petals, COLORED BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Bella Bridesmaid

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rings, fashion, bouquets, design, fab finds, vendors, traditions, gifts for your groom, honeymoons, tips and tricks and so much more

Southern Weddings Magazine Volumes 1, 2 and 3 are now available online! Mosey on over to iloveswmag.com to view your favorite issue right on your computer screen!

B LU E R I B B O N V E N D O R S These wedding vendors are more amazing than your Grandma’s prize winning pumpkin!

We’ve chosen the best of the best to receive the Southern Weddings Blue Ribbon!

THE HONEY LIST A Southern gal can’t go just anywhere on her honeymoon. Take a peek at The Honey List where we review the best honeymoon spots for Southern newlyweds.

See y’a in a bit at iloveswmag.com!

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SOUTHERN BY DESIGN

SOUTHERN MEETS NANTUCKET AS IMAGINED BY DESIREE SPINNER EVENTS

Whitney, who grew up summering on Nantucket, and David, a true Southern gentleman, managed to plan a wedding that seamlessly combined her Northern sensibilities with his Southern traditions. The location -- a lighthouse overlooking the ocean and a reception at the marina – was her choice, while the sweet strawberries marching down the center of the guest tables were a nod to his farm upbringing. The most clever compromise? Pairing red velvet cake with Nantucket reds, quintessential elements of the South and New England, respectively!

Guests feasted upon confections from the dessert table, where Maine blueberry pie complimented red velvet cake. Both desserts were washed down with Georgia Peach and Maine blueberry beer from the DIY hops bar.

The perfect ending to this celebration? A rowboat getaway, where the back of the craft was strung with a sign reading, “We’re wicked in love, y’all!”

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Patrice Milley gathered a stunning bouquet of peonies, garden roses and sweet peas for our bride. We love that the blooms have the faintest of blush undertones, which perfectly picks up the color of our groom's pants!

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WHEN YOU'VE HAD YOUR FILL OF RED VELVET CAKE: I'VE HAD MORE THAN A PLENTY.

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Aren't those red chivari chairs divine? They bring such a dynamic pop to the traditional reception scene.

This gorgeous custom stationery suite from Ceci New York took the blending of North and South to a whole new level. Our favorite line? "Dancing and red velvet cake to follow"!

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PHOTOGRAPHY Trent Bailey Photography, DESIGN AND STYLING Desiree Spinner Events, FLORAL DESIGN Patrice Milley Floral Design, HAIR Stacey Kuehn, MAKEUP Katrina Hess, STATIONERY SUITE Ceci New York, CUSTOM BOTTLE LABELS Lady Slipper Stationery, BRIDE’S GOWN Priscilla of Boston, CUSTOM DRESS ACCENTS Preston and Olivia, BRIDAL JEWELRY David Yurman and Tiffany and Co., GROOM’S ATTIRE J.Crew and Murray’s Toggle Shop, GROOM’S SHOES Sperry Topsiders, PIES Centerville Pie Co., CAKE Krazy Kakes, RENTALS Be Our Guest, TABLES Chase Canopy for Desiree Spinner Events, VINTAGE NAPKINS New England Vintage Rentals, LINEN BACKDROP La Tavola Linen

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SOUTHERN MEETS MINNESOTA AS IMAGINED BY THE INSPIRED BRIDE

A move from the sunny South to the frigid shores of the Land of a Thousand Lakes is still an adjustment for thin-blooded Kentucky natives Abigail and Jackson. To ease their Southern mommas and pas’ minds about their Northern nuptials, they decided to hold the festivities in the summer (“It does get warm here, y’all know!” they exclaimed) and settled on a subtle Kentucky Derby theme. Prize ribbons and golden apples were gently reminiscent of “my old Kentucky home,” while guests, decked in their finest hats and race-day finery, brought plenty of Southern spirit to the affair. There may have been rolling green lawns instead of Kentucky Bluegrass underfoot, but gracious hospitality (and a few ingenious details) were all this pair needed to transform the farms of Minnesota into a location for the perfect Southern soirée.

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K A L L I M AP H O T O G R A P H Y

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WEDDINGS MAGAZINEWITH | iloveswmag.com SILLY SPATS: ARGUIN’ WITH YOURSOUTHERN WIFE IS LIKE A BUG ARGUIN’ A CHICKEN.

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A dessert bar is always a good idea in my book. Plus, there’s so much room to customize! Those cupcake wrappers and lemonade labels? Adorable.

PHOTOGRAPHY Paper Antler, STYLING Maddy Hague of The Inspired Bride, FLORAL DESIGN Studio Fleurette, DESSERT TABLE Shauna Younge Dessert Tables, PAPER GOODS Amy Hardy, MODEL Joy Phillips of Wehmann Models, HAIR Brittany Moreland, MAKEUP Jody Olson for Makeup Savvy, WARDROBE BHLDN, SWING TOP FAVOR BOTTLES Specialty Bottle, PAPER ROSETTES Pom Flair, PROGRAM FAN HANDLES Perfect Stix, RENTALS Lime Canary Vintage Rentals, WASHI TAPE Cute Tape

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SOUTHERN MEETS SOCAL AS IMAGINED BY GREY LIKES WEDDINGS

Savannah, a native of that sweet Southern city (who’s since moved to Los Angeles), wanted to pump up the traditional punch and cake receptions of her childhood with a little California glam. A fashion editor, she naturally chose an unexpected Marchesa frock for her wedding day look, but kept an heirloom feel by incorporating family silver into each place setting. The wedding day sequence of events was unexpected, too: an intimate morning ceremony followed by a sweet punch and cake reception in an orange grove (with individual vintage cut glass trays filled with goodies for guests to balance on their knees!). Later in the evening, Savannah and her California beau Deacon spoiled their guests with a full sit-down dinner and wild dance party.

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This is officially my husband's favorite shoot. He says he can't get enough of those bold punch colors, but I think he really just wants some Tennessee Punch and cake! Yum!

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SBD

SP

The Southern punch flavors are such a good idea.

I’ll take a cup of Porch Swing Punch, please!

WEDDINGS MAGAZINE THE ROOF, BUT THERE’S FIRE|INiloveswmag.com THE HEARTH! ❤ WHEN YOUR MAN HIDES HIS FEELINGS: THERE MAY BE SNOW ONSOUTHERN

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This delightful cake server was a collaboration between Summer, Cortnie, and Monkeys Always Look on Etsy.

What an amazing accent piece for your wedding and heirloom after for years to come! We love the idea of personalizing it with your names and wedding date.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Braedon Flynn, STYLING AND ART DIRECTION Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings and Cortnie Purdy of Canvas and Canopy, HAIR AND MAKEUP Kacee Geoffrey, STATIONERY MaeMae Paperie, CALLIGRAPHY Nancy Hopkins, CAKES Erica O'Brien, PUNCH RECIPES Snake Oil Cocktails, WEDDING GOWN Marchesa from Gabriella New York Bridal Salon, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Luna Boutique and H&M, HAIRPIECES Lo Boheme, JEWELRY Noaki Jewelry, BUTTERFLY SHOES Aruna Seth, RENTALS Urban Barn, LADLE AND CAKE KNIFE Concept by Canvas and Canopy and Grey Likes Weddings, executed by Monkeys Always Look, LOCATION The Condor's Nest Ranch

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Paper Cotton Flour Paper, cotton, and flour.

Three simple Southern elements, each with their own quiet grace. For this feature, we mined all three for all the wedding inspiration they had to give, and the result is a clever, majestic Southern story, shot on location at a working flour mill in King, North Carolina. Read on to see these humble elements come to beautiful life in a sleepy Southern town.

Photography by JOEY + JESSICA

The minute Lara saw this Ian Stuart masterpiece at Bridal Market, she knew we had to have it for V4. The pale blue and white stripes are the couture equivalent of seersucker, making it a must-print for Southern Weddings!

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This shoot was all about playing with our three elements. Aren’t the pompom shoe clips from BHLDN, at right, perfectly evocative of freshlypicked cotton bolls?

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LC

Oh. My. Stars! This dress makes me literally swoon!

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Isn’t this location amazing? We shot at an old (but still working!) flour mill in King, North Carolina.

Joey, one of our photographers, was tasked with presenting the idea to the foreman, and though he was confused by why we would want to bring a wedding dress to his mill, he eventually agreed to let us shoot on the porch. We’re so happy he did! The setting was raw, but somehow refined at the same time, and we couldn’t have dreamed up a more perfect backdrop than the exposed wood and stacks of flour sacks.

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Isn’t this Vera a stunner? Crazy part is that it’s a two piece that we tied our bride into with twine!

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Bella Figura provided the gorgeous stationery for the shoot, and they were a fitting choice, since all of their stock is 100% tree-free cotton paper!

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SOUTHERN WEDDINGS | iloveswmag.com DEPENDABLE HUSBAND: HE’S ALL MAGAZINE WOOL AND A YARD WIDE.

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These biscuits are from Bojangles! Squares of waxed paper, a spool of twine, and a glass cake stand go a long way toward making the ordinary Southern extraordinary.

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Shooting at a remote location comes with its own charms, and during this photo shoot, we placed bets on how many honks we would get by the end of the day. People weren’t sure what to make of the spectacle at the old mill! I think Whitney won with around 20.

Gone are the days of homely paper flowers. These painstakingly handcrafted blooms by the Crimson Poppy, including peonies, ranunculus, garden roses, gardenias, and hydrangeas, look as fresh and gorgeous as the real thing – but they’ll never wilt in the Southern heat.

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We are so thrilled to have had MacKenzie and Philip from Inkspot Crow Films on location with us for this shoot! View their behind the scenes film from our day in King on www.iloveswmag.com.

The BHLDN Fondant Tea Dress, with its delicate rows of tufted tulle, pintucks, artfully pleated twill and rickrack, couldn’t have been more perfect to represent “paper” in fashion form.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Joey and Jessica, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, PAPER FLORALS The Crimson Poppy, NATURAL FLORALS Floral Visions, HAIR AND MAKEUP Jennifer Ericksen, PALE BLUE STRIPE WEDDING GOWN “Libertine” by Ian Stuart, LONG IVORY GOWN “Fern” by Vera Wang, SHORT GOWN “Fondant Tea Dress”

by BHLDN, POMPOM SHOE CLIPS BHLDN, CALLIGRAPHY IN LINE FROM VOWS Pretty Pen Jen, PAPER POMS PomLove, STATIONERY Bella Figura, COTTON BOLLS The Cotton Man, CAKES Ambrosia Cake Creations, CAKE STANDS Martha Stewart Collection, MODEL Directions USA

Jennifer of Ambrosia Cake Creations put together the sweetest trio for our shoot. She took and ran with our concept, crafting a flour (dusted with coconut), a cotton (draped with spun sugar), and a paper (with intricate cut-outs) cake. My stars, they were gorgeous!

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S T EP HA N I E H U N T E R P H OTO G R A PHY. CO M

BLISSFUL SOUTHERN BLISSFUL SOUTHERN BRIDES AND BEAUS BRIDES BEAUS

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BRIDE + GROOM: Katie + Max Bickley OCCUPATIONS: Both the bride and groom are computer graphics lighting artists in the film industry THE HUNT FOR THE DRESS: With two months until the wedding, Katie still hadn’t found a dress. About to lose hope, she continued her search on Etsy where she found her dream gown. It arrived less than a month before her walk down the aisle PHOTO CHALLENGE: Being professionals in the lighting and photography business made Katie + Max’s expectations for their photographer high. Luckily, they knew they found a match after seeing their engagement photos from Jodi Miller Photography THE “I DO’S:” The couple said their vows and celebrated in Katie’s parents’ backyard in Kilmarnock, Virginia NUMBER OF GUESTS: 42 WEDDING COLORS: Orange, yellow, aqua, pink, red and green MUSICAL STYLINGS: A fun bluegrass band kept things casual at the ceremony by playing “Big Rock Candy Mountain” as the bride and groom walked back up the aisle GROOM’S FAVORITE DETAIL: Though no one could see, Max loved that his name was stitched into the insole of his shoes ACCIDENTALLY UNTRADITIONAL: During the ceremony, Katie mistakenly let Max put her ring on the wrong finger TWO DESSERTS: The couple served up their wedding cake, but knew it wouldn’t be true to their nature without a second dessert later on! Mini key lime and pecan pies were served afterward

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY

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WD

SP

I just adore Katie + Max’s heart motif. Every part of their wedding is an expression of the couple's fun personality. And how darn cute are those napkins?!

Okay, can this wedding be any more fun?

I want to jump in my magazine! Love the poms in the aisle and the escort cards!

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Instead of having a flower girl toss petals in the ceremony, Katie + Max chose to have a pompom girl who decorated the aisle with the brightly colored balls.

EA

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Pretty much everything about this wedding makes me want to go hug someone. It's so full of love and personal details!

Agreed!

Em, can I have a hug?

PHOTOGRAPHER Jodi Miller Photography, PLANNER Merriment Events, DESIGNER Merriment Events with the bride and groom, VENUE Private residence, FLORIST Merriment Events, WEDDING CAKE BAKER The Buttercream Bee, MINI PIES Sweetest Thing Bakery, CATERER Mosaic Unique Events, BRIDE’S GOWN Ouma, HAIR STYLIST Rachel Shrader of Ceco Studio, MAKEUP ARTIST Natalie Mitchell of Avenue 42 Designs, BRIDE’S SHOES Delman Shoes, BRIDE’S JEWELRY Tiffany & Co., GROOM’S FASHION Al’s Attire, PAPER GOODS Designed by the bride and groom, invitations and save the dates printed by Thousand Pound Press, RENTALS Classic Party Rentals, Skyline Tent Company and Festive Fare, LINENS BBJ Linen and Classic Party Rentals, CEREMONY HONEYCOMB BALLS Devra Party Corp., CEREMONY GLASSINE BAGS Garnish, TABLE NUMBER FRAMES Ikea, COCKTAIL NAPKINS Printed by For Your Party, STRAWS Garnish, CORNHOLE SET Purchased from Cornhole Worldwide, and painted by Merriment Events, LIGHTING Skyline Tent Company, BAND Northridge via Sam Hill Entertainment

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BRIDE + GROOM: Florie Claire + Matthew HOW THEY MET: The two met through mutual friends in New York City A LOVE OF FOOD: Florie Claire and Matthew both love food, but he’s the cook in the family. She loves his signature quail wrapped in bacon and stuffed with oysters INTIMATE ALTAR: The couple chose not to have bridesmaids and groomsmen. They loved how the ceremony felt with just the two of them at the altar THE DATE: May 22 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 350 WEDDING MARCH: After the ceremony, the bride and groom took a traditional New Orleans wedding march to the reception site at Florie Claire’s parents’ home ALL ABOUT FAMILY: Florie Claire loved that she and Matt invited guests to a reception at her childhood home. It was a special way to start their own family together LONG DISTANCE DECISIONS: Florie Claire felt so grateful that her mother helped plan the wedding and make decisions, especially since the bride was planning the event from six states away in Virginia MUSICAL STYLINGS: Matthew loves music, so the couple chose to have his favorite Grateful Dead songs translated to classical music and played by strings and a piano at the cocktail hour PHOTOGRAPHY BY

CHRISTIAN OTH

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Since the bride is a New Orleans native, it was only natural for them to serve prawns on a raw ice bar at their reception!

Florie Claire wanted the reception tent to feel like an extension of her parent’s home and garden. Boxwood, which is prominent in the garden, was brought in to line one side of the tent.

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PHOTOGRAPHER Christian Oth Studio, VIDEOGRAPHER Portal Films, PLANNER Fete, DESIGNER Fete, CEREMONY VENUE St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, RECEPTION VENUE Private residence, FLORIST Fete, WEDDING CAKE BAKER Sylvia Weinstock, GROOMS CAKE BAKER Flour Power, CATERER John Besh, BRIDE’S GOWN Monique Lhuillier, MAKEUP ARTIST Kimara Ahnert, PAPER GOODS Fete, RENTALS New Orleans Event Rentals, LINENS Fete, TRANSPORTATION Limousine Livery, LIGHTING Aion Entertainment, ICE SCULPTURE DLG Ice Factory, MUSIC DJ Dina Regine, Deacon John Band, Bianchi Music

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ASHLEIGH JAYNE

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rooted in huntsville, alabama ~ available for travel worldwide

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BRIDE + GROOM: Camille + Mark Detrick OCCUPATIONS: She’s a photographer and he is a financial officer FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Mark saw Camille at church, where she was asked to speak at a service. He was so impressed by her poise that he knew he had to meet her FIRST DATE: Mark took Camille to one of his favorite restaurants and before they knew it, dinner was over. In order to prolong the evening, Mark asked Camille if she wanted dessert. When she said yes, he took her to another restaurant just to spend more time with her THE “I DO’S:” A summertime ceremony at the Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands, North Carolina NUMBER OF GUESTS: 19 including the bride and groom GROOMSBOYS: Since the wedding was focused on the merging of two families, Mark had his son and Camille’s son as his groomsmen FRENCH-INSPIRED: The couple used Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette as the basis for their color scheme SOUTHERN FARE: In addition to BBQ pork biscuits, a shrimp and grits martini bar and macaroni and cheese, the bride and groom served up a red velvet wedding cake frosted with cream cheese icing BOUQUET TOSS: The single ladies, all under 20 years old, gathered around to catch the bouquet.

Camille’s eight-year-old niece caught it MINI-MOON: Camille + Mark stayed at the Old Edwards Inn & Spa for a few days after the wedding and are planning a big trip for their one-year anniversary

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

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Camille + Mark's invitation suite is one of my favorites!

Delicate hankies, French-inspired patterns, letterpress and calligraphy? I can't get enough of it!

Since there were only 17 guests, the bride and groom were able to “go crazy with details,� as Camille put it. They had farm tables custom built, brought in their own china and flatware, and found antique napkins and dessert plates to set the table.

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LC

Camille is a dear friend of mine, and what a stunning bride! I watched these two fall in love and couldn't be happier for them. They embody what true love is all about, y'all!

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PHOTOGRAPHER Gina Zeidler, DESIGNER Amy Osaba, VENUE Old Edwards Inn & Spa, FLORIST Amy Osaba, CATERER AND WEDDING CAKE BAKER Old Edwards Inn & Spa, BRIDE’S GOWN J.Crew, BRIDESMAID DRESSES J.Crew, BRIDE’S SHOES Badgley Mischka, BRIDE’S EARRINGS Nicole Miller, HAIR STYLIST AND MAKEUP ARTIST Old Edwards Inn & Spa, GROOM’S FASHION Tom James, GROOMSMEN FASHION Suits from J.Crew, shoes from Jack Purcell, bowties

by Xoelle, PAPER GOODS Erica Loesing of Amy Osaba, CALLIGRAPHY I Love You Much, FARM TABLES Something Borrowed Vintage, LINENS Antique, RING BEARER BOWL Paloma’s Nest, CAKE STAND Sweet and Saucy Shop, LIGHTING Old Edwards Inn & Spa, WELCOME BAGS Wedding Chicks

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BRIDE + GROOM: Ginny and Todd Jeffrey HOW THEY MET: The two met while working on location on a film together and bonded when Todd offered to share his peanut butter M&Ms that were sent to him in a care package from his mom PREDICTING THE FUTURE: The night they were introduced, Todd called his best friend to tell him that he had met his wife THE “I DO’S:” The couple headed to Ginny’s home state to say their vows. They found the perfect venue at the Ford Plantation in Savannah, Georgia THE DATE: November 20 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 120 LOVE SONG: Ginny sang “I Will Be Here” by Stephen Curtis Chapman to Todd during the ceremony INSPIRATION: The giant oak tree dripping with Spanish moss became a recurring motif in the wedding, appearing on invitations, cocktail napkins and the cupcake stand GROOM’S FAVORITE DETAIL: The way his wife looked as she walked down the stairs to meet him before the ceremony MOST TOUCHING MOMENT: The morning of the wedding, Todd sent Ginny an embroidered handkerchief that read, “Invitation for Virginia Ruth Jones to spend a life together with Todd Leo Jeffrey. To accept, please meet me under the large oak resting on the west bank of the Ogeechee River, Ford Plantation.

4pm sharp.” FAMILY STORIES: Ginny + Todd displayed framed romantic stories from their families, including a poem Todd’s aunt wrote about Todd’s grandfather searching far and wide for a ring for his bride – the same ring that Todd proposed to Ginny with GETTIN’ DOWN: The bride laid down on the dance floor to rock an air guitar solo to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

SEAN FLANIGAN

Ginny + Todd’s guests called in their RSVPs. They couldn’t stand to part with the “Save me a seat beneath the tree” postcards that were sent with the invitations.

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The couple scattered dried lavender underneath the guests’ chairs at the ceremony so that whenever they took a step, the wonderful fragrance would be released!

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A monogrammed wrap is the perfect way to add a little personal touch to your bouquet. Todd + Ginny’s wedding is just full of lovely Southern details!

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LC

Thanks to my Alabama-born-and-raised Grandpa Cecil sharing these Southern goodies with me as a youngster, I am such a sucker for hot boiled peanuts!

SP

❤

Talk about some comfort foods! Ginny + Todd made their guests feel right at home!

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PHOTOGRAPHER Sean Flanigan, PLANNER Caroline Carter Events, DESIGNER Bride, VENUE The Ford Plantation, FLORIST Garden on the Square, WEDDING CAKE BAKER Back in the Day Bakery, CATERER The Ford Plantation, BRIDE’S GOWN San Patrick, MAID OF HONOR DRESS Bella Bridesmaid, HAIR STYLIST Genevieve Garner, Michelle Lane and Capri Anderson, MAKEUP ARTIST Genevieve Garner, BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES Shoe clips by Clark and Diversey, GROOM’S FASHION Suits

by Michael Kors, ties and pocket squares from Nordstrom, cufflinks by Louy Magroos, PAPER GOODS Pitbulls & Posies, RENTALS Beachview Tent Rentals, CEREMONY CROSS My Primitive Boutique, RECEPTION TABLE NUMBERS Painted

by Renee, RECEPTION SIGNS Family Attic, GUEST BOOK PENS Ranunculus Market, VINTAGE LABELS eBay, TRANSPORTATION Martin’s Vintage Rides and Old Savannah Tours, DJ VIP Entertainment

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y o u r s t o r y i s a r t, p a i n t ed

beautifully

K R I S T Y R ICE / W W W. M O M E N TA L D E S I G N S . C O M v

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BRIDE + GROOM: Annie + Jimmy Swansbrough HOW THEY MET: Mutual friends schemed for Annie + Jimmy to meet. The two grew close after bonding over hair metal, country music and plaid THE PROPOSAL: The rain cleared just as the sun was setting, in time for Jimmy to pop the question on a beach vacation in Florida THE “I DO’S:” The couple recited their vows at the affectionately named “Little Brown Church” in Signal Mountain, Tennessee THE DATE: May 28 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 200 SENTIMENTAL PROCESSIONAL: Annie chose to walk down the aisle to the song “May the Lord” to the tune of Edelweiss, the lullaby her mother used to rock her to sleep when she was little ANNOUNCING MR AND MRS: A bell in the steeple of the church rang when Annie + Jimmy were announced as a married couple FIRST DANCE: The couple danced to Alan Jackson’s “Remember When,” the song that came on the radio during one of their first dates and that they thought was perfect for a wedding CAKE FACE: Annie warned Jimmy that she would smash the wedding cake into his face. He got to her first, drawing war paint on her cheeks in buttercream icing GOOD ADVICE: Annie + Jimmy set out recipe cards where guests could write their recipes for a happy marriage LATE NIGHT SNACK: The bride and groom served Krystal burgers in custom made boxes toward the end of the night GRAND EXIT: The newlyweds made their getaway in Jimmy’s ’52 Ford pickup, affectionately known as “Earl”

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EA

With Annie + Jimmy's deep Southern roots, a relaxed wedding was a must. From bluegrass music to Moon Pies in their welcome baskets, the Old South lived on in their details!

Jonathan Canlas does such a great job of photographing environmental details. I can really picture where this wedding took place!

MK

Y’all know I couldn’t let this photo go by without throwing a little Roll Tide Roll in here!

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The wedding programs were one of Annie's favorite elements. The handmade packets included vintage handkerchiefs to catch tears of joy and were finished off with a drawing of a pine tree from the church hymnal.

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MK

This little guy’s mischievous smile is just too stinkin’ cute! Not to mention he’s wearing a bow tie and Chucks! I die!

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PHOTOGRAPHER Jonathan Canlas Photography, CEREMONY COORDINATOR Blissful Moments Wedding & Event Planning, CEREMONY VENUE Union Chapel, RECEPTION VENUE Lindsay Street Hall, FLORIST The Clay Pot, WEDDING CAKE BAKER Karen Vessels, CATERER Events With Taste, BRIDE’S GOWN AND SASH Vera Wang, BRIDE’S SHOES Vera Wang, BRIDE’S JEWELRY Family heirlooms, BRIDE’S VEIL Toni Federici, BRIDESMAID DRESSES J.Crew, HAIR STYLIST Hairbenders International, MAKEUP ARTIST MAC Cosmetics, GROOM’S FASHION J.Crew, GROOMSMEN FASHION J.Crew, PAPER GOODS Dandelion, RENTALS Classic Party Rentals and Showtime Event Rentals, LINENS The White Table, handmade, FAVORS Strawberry preserves from Wheeler’s Orchard, LIGHTING Solid Rock Systems, BAND Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires

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SP

Annie + Jimmy’s wedding looks effortless. I love that they included a huge Tennessee flag (represent) and a bluegrass band. And Krystal burgers? Reminds me of my childhood.

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BRIDE + GROOM: Natalia + Levi Perkins OCCUPATIONS: She is an event coordinator for Epting Events and he is a resident agent for the U.S. Department of Agriculture HOW THEY MET: The two met their senior year of high school on a college tour of the University of Georgia. They fell in love with the university, but it wasn’t until later that they fell in love with each other THE PROPOSAL: Levi popped the question on a Christmas ski trip in Tennessee just as snow began to fall THE “I DO’S:” The two were married at Tucker Plantation, a renovated antebellum cotton watehouse, near Athens, Georgia NUMBER OF GUESTS: 125 MIXING IT UP: The couple didn’t want their attendants to feel like they were there only for the bride or groom and chose to have both the bridesmaids and groomsmen stand on both sides of the altar PEONIES FOR MOM: Natalia and her florist decided to leave two peonies detached from her bouquet.

Before stepping onto the altar, she presented each mother with a bloom LOVE, ACTUALLY STYLE: Natalia had a gospel choir surprise everyone during the recessional when they popped out among the guests to perform “Higher and Higher” DESIGN INSPIRATION: Natalia described their wedding as “Parisian flea market meets Southern cotton plantation” SURPRISE DANCE: The newlyweds had their first dance to Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing,” but Levi surprised Natalia with a second dance to Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl” SWEETS GALORE: In addition to the wedding cake buffet, guests filled their tummies with Coca-Cola floats and Krispy Kreme donuts GRAND EXIT: Guests gathered outside the barn and encircled the newlyweds as they all released sky lanterns into the night HONEYMOON: The couple took a week to catch their breath before spending their honeymoon in Antigua

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MELISSA SCHOLLAERT

LC

Never underestimate the power of that simple filller we call baby's breath, y'all. How divine are those bridesmaid's bouquets!? Fluffy, feminine and so fresh with the classic satin ribbon!

Natalia had no idea Levi was planning a proposal, but she thought the diamond set in a yellow gold pave band that he picked out with his grandfather was perfect.

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Levi's cotton boll boutonniere is so handsome and Southern!

Loving the "peas" and "carrots" silver spoons at left. I think my spoons with Ari would say "biscuits" and "gravy." So cute!

The antique mantel used as an altar pulled at Natalia's heart strings -- she can't wait to find the perfect spot for it in their new home. We love the heirloom rug they repurposed, too.

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Natalia + Levi's cocktail hour was full of good food, including deep-fried black-eyed peas. Guests were treated to another round of good eats at dinner, where Southern fare was served up with the help of state-specific sauces.

Signature drinks served in handled mason jars took on sweet Southern names and were concocted from the best ingredients below the Mason-Dixon Line, like peach schnapps, sweet tea and lemonade.

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Each reception table displayed Natalia's flea market treasures. White flowers were nestled in tea cups and old apothecary bottles, and tapered candles and votives added a glow to the whole scene.

Natalia's brothers surprised the newlyweds with a visit from their college mascot, Hairy Dawg. She'll never forget how the entire dance floor chanted the University of Georgia fight song at the end of the night.

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PHOTOGRAPHER Melissa Schollaert Photography, PLANNER The bride, with Epting Events, DESIGNER The bride, with Epting Events, VENUE Tucker Plantation, FLORIST MG Floral, WEDDING CAKE BAKER Classic City Confections, CATERER Epting Events, BRIDE’S GOWN Casablanca, BRIDE’S SASH Daniel Design, BRIDE’S SHOES Max Studio, BRIDE’S EARRINGS Kenneth Jay Lane, BRIDE’S VEIL Brenda’s Bridal Veils, BRIDE'S HAIR FLOWER DK Designs, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Paul & Joe Sister, HAIR AND MAKEUP STYLIST Scoobie West, GROOM’S FASHION Indochino, PAPER GOODS Red Table Stationery, RENTALS AND HEART PINE TABLE TOPS Epting Events, LINENS Epting Events and Cloth Connection, TABLERUNNERS Screenprinted by Satisfactory Print Shop, CAKE MUGS Anthropologie, LIGHTING Monogrammed gobo from Epting Events and Live Event Solutions

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Imagine one location for guest accommodations, rehearsal dinner, bridesmaid’s brunch, a special ceremony, and exquisite reception. Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the Lodge is the ideal backdrop for spending time with family and friends during this once-in-a-lifetime event.

www.rtlodge.com

865.981.9800

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BRIDE + GROOM: Becky + Cameron Cheek HOW THEY MET: The two met at work when Becky called Cameron and his father to pitch a product. Cameron asked Becky out afterward, but was politely declined PLANNING AHEAD: When their relationship became serious, Becky emailed Cameron a photo of her ideal ring under the subject line, “For Future Reference” THE PROPOSAL: Becky knew something important was coming when Cameron turned off the football game and asked if she wanted to talk before popping the question THE “I DO’S:” The couple were married at the DeBordieu Club in Georgetown, South Carolina THE DATE: August 21 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 70 NOD TO SPAIN: Guests were met with a refreshing summer sangria station as they arrived at the ceremony. It was a little nod to the bride’s love of Spain and the couple’s upcoming honeymoon UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT: After the homily, Becky + Cameron’s officiant asked the couple to turn to their guests and appreciate their love FIRST DANCE: After stifly beginning their dance to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” the newlyweds lost count of the rehearsed choreography and broke into their own dance THE GETAWAY: Becky + Cameron rode off into the night on beribboned vintage bikes as their guests tooted kazoos

EA

NY

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A BRYAN PHOTO

This might be one of the most beautiful stationery suites I've ever seen. Cheree Berry does such effortlessly chic work!

That gorgeous gal standing to the right of Becky is her best friend and event planner, Calder Clark! I love that Calder was able to use her close relationship to the couple to craft details that perfectly describe the newlyweds.

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How about those amazing jackets? The breast pocket of each groomsman's jacket was embroidered with a different, darling phrase.

"Wedding toast goes here" and "Cigar goes here" were two of our favorites.

WD

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Sometimes men need little reminders to remember the important things... like bringing the rings!

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The DeBordieu Club, where Becky + Cameron were married, is particularly special to Becky, who grew up going to the beach and dreams of living there one day.

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SOUTHERN WEDDINGS iloveswmag.com GOOD MEN:MAGAZINE THEY ARE|SCARCE AS DEVILED EGGS AFTER A CHURCH PICNIC.

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PHOTOGRAPHER A Bryan Photo, PLANNER Calder Clark Designs, VENUE The DeBordieu Club, FLORIST Blossoms Events, CATERER The DeBordieu Club, WEDDING CAKE BAKER Jim Smeal, BRIDE'S GOWN Liancarlo, BRIDE'S SHOES Manolo Blahnik, BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES Shoshanna, GROOM’S ATTIRE Suits by M. Dumas, ties from Southern Proper, boutonnieres and corsage pins from Emersonmade, PAPER GOODS Cheree Berry Paper, CALLIGRAPHY Elizabeth Porcher Jones, MUSIC Archer String Quartet and Deas Guyz, RENTALS Snyder Event Rentals, TENT Skyline Tent Company, LINENS Boutique Tents, LIGHTING Technical Event Company, TRANSPORTATION Absolutely Charleston, VINTAGE BAMBOO BIKES Calder Clark Designs

Knowing that Becky loves "all things fromage," planner Calder Clark set out to design the perfect cheese course. The guests loved seeing all ten waiters roll out the cheeses, fruits, and nuts at once on lacquered garden carts topped with custom paper flags.

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Let us manage all the details so you can enjoy the day you’ll never forget.

919.542.2121 www.fearrington.com

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BRIDE + GROOM: Jodi + Kurt Baier OCCUPATIONS: Both are photographers at Jodi Miller Photography HOW THEY MET: The two met in high school but barely talked to each other. It wasn’t until their junior year of college that they reconnected THE PROPOSAL: Kurt knew Jodi had always wanted to go apple picking and wanted to propose there. The couple drove to three orchards before following a lead from a friend. Finally, and after picking a few fruits, Kurt proposed. The couple brought along their cameras and tripod and was able to shoot a mini engagement session of themselves THE “I DO’S:” The lunchtime affair was held on Jodi’s family’s farm in the Shenandoah Valley. The farm has been in the family since the Civil War! THE DATE: October 15 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 100 FAVORITE DESIGN ELEMENT: The handmade invitations including a DVD of a stop-motion video that Jodi + Kurt made THE GROOM”S FAVORITE DETAIL: The food – he did, after all, cater the wedding! SISTERLY LOVE: Kurt’s sister, Lynn, helped Jodi execute the details of the wedding, acting as stylist and making many of the details herself ANTIQUE HUNT: Jodi + Kurt went antique hunting to find vases, dishes and furniture for the reception WEDDING PIE: Jodi + Kurt love pie and enlisted their friends and family to make some of the favorites. Nearly 20 pies were made and displayed SAVORY SEND-OFF: Guests took home “bacon snaps,” gingersnap cookies made with bacon fat instead of butter, packaged in muslin bags with a pig stamped onto it

Guests sat on hay bales topped with family quilts for the ceremony. After the wedding, the bales were used on the farm!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

THIS MODERN ROMANCE

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Kurt's boutonniere was made from a small camera lens and a burlap leaf. Since photography is such a big part of the couple's life, it was only appropriate. Even more fun? This duo shot Katie + Max's wedding on page 150!

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Many of Jodi + Kurt's handmade details, including the doorway into the ceremony, were made using items they found around the farm.

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Jodi + Kurt’s ceremony was overcast, but during a prayer, the clouds parted and the sun shone down on the newlyweds.

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Jodi + Kurt grew the butternut squash they served for the late lunch reception on the family farm months before the wedding. They tended the crop during the summer, and the morning of the big day, Kurt woke up early to work his culinary magic on it and the rest of the food. Kurt even bottled four different types of their own homebrew, including smoked maple ale, pale ale, chocolate brown ale and a custom brew. The bottles were such a hit, the couple had none left after the wedding!

EA

I think it's safe to crown Kurt the Ultimate Groom. Preparing an entire feast the morning of the wedding? My hat is off to him.

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LC

My dad's favorite Southern pie is rhubarb.

Looks like your handiwork above, Dad. Were you at this wedding?!

PHOTOGRAPHER This Modern Romance, VIDEOGRAPHER Josh Gooden Cinematography, DESIGNER Sunshowers and Rainshine, VENUE Family farm in Mount Crawford, Virginia, FLORIST JMFlora Design, CATERER Groom, BRIDE’S GOWN Monique Lhuillier, BRIDE’S SHOES J.Crew, BRIDE’S JEWELRY Ten Things, BRIDE’S HAIR ACCESSORY Handmade by bride, BRIDESMAID DRESSES J.Crew, MAKEUP ARTIST Erika Nixon, GROOM’S FASHION J.Crew, GROOMSMEN FASHION J.Crew, RENTALS Classic Party Rentals and Central Virginia Rental, LINENS Griffith Bag Company, TABLERUNNERS Sunshowers and Rainshine, CAMEOS Poppy Loves Paris, FABRIC A Garden of Roses and Lonestar Quilting, FAVORS Handmade, OFFICIANT Troy Pearson, BAND Shenandoah Travelers

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BRIDE + GROOM: Paige + Adam Harvey HOW THEY MET: Paige + Adam bonded over their summers abroad when they met at a party at the University of Texas and soon became dedicated study partners THE PROPOSAL: Kurt popped the question at Becker Vineyards in Texas. His best friend and his older brother wandered around the property wearing disguises of safari hats, vests, and aviators to photograph the whole thing THE “I DO’S:” Paige and Adam said their vows at Kali Kate Equestrian Center in Texas THE DATE: March 19 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 222 MAKING VOWS: The bride and groom recited vows to each of their parents and presented them with a hand-embroidered hanky before reciting vows to each other FULL MOON: Paige + Adam’s wedding date happened to fall on the day of the super “perigee moon,” the largest full moon that appears that size once every eighteen years FAVORITE DESIGN ELEMENT: Paige loved the bunches of white asters that lined the aisle and framed the altar FIRST DANCE: The couple’s official first dance to Johnny Cash’s "Ring of Fire" was preceded by a candid and unchoreographed dance to Journey’s "Don’t Stop Believin’" GOOD EATS: Guests made the rounds on the chip and dip bar, complete with guacamole, salsa, queso, and pico de gallo THE GETAWAY: The newlyweds made their exit in a pristine and classic Bentley KEEPING THE PARTY GOING: Paige + Adam were dedicated to giving their guests an enjoyable time and bussed some of them downtown to keep the party going after the reception PHOTOGRAPHY BY

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TANJA LIPPERT

Paige + Adam gifted their groomsmen with wedding day attire, including the suits, yellow gingham ties and grey suspenders.

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Paige + Adam's invitations incorporated the bride's life-long love of horseback riding. It was an appropriate embellishment, especially since the wedding was held at an equestrian center in Texas.

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During the processional, Adam and his father walked Adam’s mother down the aisle. After the bridesmaids, Paige walked half the aisle alone and then joined both of her parents to complete the walk to the altar.

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The calligraphy-decorated china and hammered table number spoons made for a lovely escort card stand-in between the ceremony and reception.

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EA

LC

Paige + Adam's wedding makes me even MORE excited about Tanja photographing my wedding next September, and images like this make me positively giddy!!

I'm so excited for you, Emily! You are going to be such a stunning bride!

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The couple loved that Kali Kate's pavilion was already furnished with picnicstyle tables, chandeliers, and a stone fireplace and bar. They took advantage of the rustic elements, adding burlap table runners and plenty of votives.

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Paige + Adam had small chocolate, red velvet and strawberry-filled vanilla cakes in addition to their traditional tiered number!

PHOTOGRAPHER Tanja Lippert, VIDEOGRAPHER Paul Raila, COORDINATOR Aimee Villa of Lizze Belle Events, BAND Blind Date, STRING QUARTET Barton Strings, VENUE Kali Kate Equestrian Center, FLORIST Petal Pushers, WEDDING CAKE BAKER Simon Lee Bakery, CATERER Crave Catering, BRIDE’S GOWN Carolina Herrera, BRIDE’S SHOES Tory Burch, BRIDE’S ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RINGS Andy Feist of Premier Diamonds, BRIDE’S VEIL Warren Barron Bridal, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Bridesmaids’ own, HAIR STYLIST Melody Dominguez of Zig Zag Salon, MAKEUP ARTIST Mandy Morrison, GROOM’S FASHION Suit from JoS. A. Bank, bow tie from Tux & Tulle, suspenders from Suspender Store, boots from Lucchese, GROOMSMEN FASHION Suits from JoS. A. Bank, ties from Tux & Tulle, suspenders from Suspender Store, PAPER GOODS Save the dates from Wedding Paper Divas, invitations by Emma James from Inviting Affairs, CALLIGRAPHY Bailey Amon, RENTALS AND LINENS Premiere, GUESTBOOK FINGERPRINT TREE Bleu de Toi, TABLE NUMBERS Pertyfultings.etsy.com, BURLAP TABLE RUNNERS Straight Stitch, BURLAP WELCOME BANNER Funkyshique, CAKE TOPPER BANNER Ready Go, HAMMERED TABLE NUMBER SPOONS Wooden Hive, EMBROIDERED HANDKERCHIEFS Embroidery by Melissa, OFFICIANT Andy Baxter SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com

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BRIDE + GROOM: Rachel + Jeffrey Meyer HOW THEY MET: Jeffrey spotted Rachel at one of their favorite bars in Richmond, Virginia and asked for her number. To this day, he can still remember exactly what she was wearing THE CITY THEY LOVE: The bride and groom knew they wanted a wedding in Richmond, where they could showcase the city’s history and beauty THE DATE: June 18 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 174 THE “I DO’S:” At St. John’s United Church of Christ LOVE LETTERS: The couple exchanged traditional vows, but also incorporated readings of a series of love letters exchanged by the bride’s grandparents during World War II FAVORITE DESIGN ELEMENT: Rachel + Jeffrey loved that their bee logo served as a metaphor for a good marriage and symbolized the importance of working together while enjoying life’s sweet gifts DINNER AND DANCING: Guests headed to the reception at the Country Club of Virginia, a venue picked by Rachel + Jeffrey because of its Southern charm FAMILY DINNER: Instead of opting for a traditional sweetheart table or bridal table, the couple chose to have dinner with their immediate families, bringing everyone together for the occasion WELL-WISHES: Instead of a traditional guest book, the newlyweds had guests sign five champagne bottles for their first, fifth, tenth, twenty-fifth and fiftieth wedding anniversaries HONEYMOON: The couple spent two weeks eating and drinking their way through Europe, stopping at Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ADAM BARNES

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Two of the main focal points in the ballroom are the second floor balcony and the crystal chandeliers. The couple had their lighting designer create a custom crystal canopy to tie the two together for a sparkly, eye-catching effect.

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Serving the Southeast and Worldwide • www.DestinWeddingPhotographer.com • 850-699-3403

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PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Barnes, PLANNER Fete Studio and Design, DESIGNER Fete Studio and Design, CEREMONY VENUE St. John’s United Church of Christ, RECEPTION VENUE The Country Club of Virginia, FLORIST Flower Girls Inc., WEDDING CAKE BAKER The Country Club of Virginia, CATERER The Country Club of Virginia, BRIDE’S GOWN Paloma Blanca, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Amsale, BRIDE’S RECEPTION DRESS LulaKate, HAIR STYLIST Lou Stevens Glam Squad, MAKEUP ARTIST Lou Stevens Glam Squad, BRIDE’S SHOES Kate Spade, BRIDE’S JEWELRY Carolee, BRIDE’S VEIL Paris Hair Accessories, BRIDE’S RECEPTION HAIR PIECE ban.do, BRIDE’S OTHER ACCESSORIES Monogrammed Jack Rogers, blue silk purse

by Davie & Chiyo, GROOM’S FASHION Calvin Klein, GROOMSMEN FASHION Calvin Klein, CUSTOM BOW TIES Lumina Clothing Company, PAPER GOODS Fete Studio and Design, RENTALS Classic Party Rentals, LINENS La Tavola Linen, LIGHTING Blue Steel Pro Lighting, CEREMONY DÉCOR Ring bearer pillow by Violets Etc., RECEPTION DÉCOR Banner by Custom Calligraphy by Carmela Mazzarulli, straws, “Just Married” sign, and pom pom garland by Violets Etc., FAVORS eBee Honey, Strings Silverleaf String Quartet, BAND Another Level via Sam Hill Entertainment

Rachel + Jeffrey made their way through a sea of colorful streamers at the end of the night. By the time they hopped into their town car, they were covered head to toe in them!

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BRIDE + GROOM: Natalie + Wade FROM: She’s a Texan at heart, hailing from Nederland. He is a Nashville, Tennessee native HOW THEY MET: Natalie + Wade’s chairs were serendipitously placed next to each other on the beach of Watercolor Inn and Resort on a summer vacation. When their families saw a spark between the young couple, they successfully worked together to make a match THE FIRST DATE: Despite being shy, Natalie + Wade got to know each other over funnel cakes at the County Fair in Franklin, Tennessee THE “I DO’S:” A summertime wedding at Watercolor Inn and Resort, the place Natalie + Wade met and were engaged NUMBER OF GUESTS: 210 ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE THE DAY: Breathtaking, romantic, unforgettable DESIGN INSPIRATION: A whimsical and vintage feel with pretty and soft elements BELLS A’RINGING: Natalie’s young cousins PHOTOGRAPHY BY

TEC PETAJA

FUN FACT: TEC AND HIS LOVELY BRIDE CHELSEA WERE OUR FIRST COVER COUPLE!

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were asked to participate in the wedding as bell ringers, who announced the bride’s arrival before she walked down the aisle FIRST DANCE: The newlyweds danced to “Some People” by LeAnn Rimes, the song that Wade included in one of the many mixed CDs the couple exchanged when they first started dating FAVORITE DÉCOR ITEM: Natalie loved the lighted arch of branches that displayed “Natalie loves Wade” GOOD EATS: Cocktail hour quenched guests’ thirst with drinks served in sugar-rimmed mason jars and a canoe filled with Izze sodas. At the strolling dinner, guests could nibble on truffle macaroni and cheese, Gulf black grouper and beef tenderloin HONEYMOON: The newlyweds honeymooned in Turks and Caicos before setting up home in Nashville

Natalie + Wade found that anticipating the weather on their wedding day was more nerve-wracking than anything else. With a summer wedding in Florida, they knew they could face rain, wind or even a hurricane! Thankfully, their wedding day was met with sunny skies.

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After meeting Natalie while on vacation in Florida, Wade decided to fly back to Watercolor to pursue the possibility of dating her. A few trips between their hometowns in Texas and Tennessee later, the two had developed a lasting relationship. It was only appropriate that they returned to Florida for their wedding!

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It's no secret here in the office that Watercolor is one of my favorite places on earth!

Natalie loved planning the creative elements of the wedding, including typed love letters, a Polaroid guest book, vintage family photos and postcards made from photos she had taken around Watercolor.

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Natalie + Wade wanted design elements that were natural instead of structured and stuffy. Their chandelier made from mason jars and driftwood was the perfect combination of rustic and practical!

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The couple drew up recurring design elements and a logo to embellish favors like tote bags, sunglasses and travel journals for their guests. The motifs also carried over to mixed CDs of the newlyweds' favorite love songs ("for the drive back home!").

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MAGAZINE A DOTINGSOUTHERN FIANCE: WEDDINGS HE CARRIES HER ON|Ailoveswmag.com SILK PILLOW.

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We love that Natalie changed from a gorgeous, traditional veil for the ceremony into a whimsical seainspired wreath from BHLDN for the reception!

PHOTOGRAPHER Tec Petaja, VIDEOGRAPHER Celia Hilton, PLANNER Watercolor Inn and Resort, CEREMONY VENUE Western Lake Park at Watercolor Inn and Resort, RECEPTION VENUE The Boathouse at Watercolor Inn and Resort, FLORIST Bella Flora, WEDDING CAKE BAKER Confections on the Coast, CATERER Fish Out of Water, BRIDE’S GOWN Monique Lhuiller, BRIDE’S SHOES Kate Spade, BRIDE’S JEWELRY From the grandmother of the bride, BRIDE’S HAIR ACCESSORIES Toni Federici veil and BHLDN wreath, BRIDESMAID DRESSES BCBG and J.Crew, HAIR STYLIST Katie Carter, MAKEUP ARTIST Two Fishes Artistry, GROOM’S FASHION J.Crew, GROOMSMEN FASHION J.Crew, PAPER GOODS Save the dates by Posh Paperie, invitations by Rock Paper Scissors, programs and maps by Jennifer Lane, RENTALS Bella Flora, LINENS Bella Flora, FAVORS USImprints.com and Kraft and Jute, LIGHTING Bella Flora

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Judi Painted it

ADVANTAGE

Bridal

advantagebridal.com 877-933-7467 10% OFF • USE COUPON CODE “SWEDDINGS” ON THE ETSY SITE JUDIPAINTEDIT.ETSY.COM

TOPOGREATROOM.COM 100 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC

9 1 9 . 9 2 9 . 8 6 7 6 events@thetopofthehill.com

Jamie Sangar Photography JamieSangar.com

SWEET SOUTHERN EXITS Inspiration for your stylish getaway

corbin gurkin

HIGH FLYING: We love the idea of tossing paper airplanes for a couple who has a serious travel bug or survived years of a long distance relationship. Of course, if one of you is a pilot, even better! GET THE LOOK: "Madge" by Amsale (amsale.com) from Bella Bridesmaid Tampa (bellabridesmaid.com), Davie & Chiyo pleated clutch (davieandchiyo. com), "Charlotte" earrings by Rhyne Becton (rhynebecton.com), S Dot Jewelry bracelets (sdotjewelry.etsy.com), birdcage veil from Brenda's Bridal Veils (brendasbridalveils.etsy.com)

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POM WONDERFUL: For a light-hearted couple, we love a fluffy craft pom toss. You can purchase poms in almost every color -- we love the idea of customizing a mix to your wedding palette! (We snagged our poms from createforless.com.) GET THE LOOK: "Melbourne" by Watters (watters.com), "Southern Vintage Feather" hair accessory by Preston & Olivia (prestonandolivia.com), Copella Designs pearl hoop earrings (festivityonline.com)

SCHOOL SPIRIT: Since school pride is so important to Southerners, we love the idea of using either vintage pennants from your actual alma mater, or custom-printed versions with you and your beau's new names or initials. Cheerleading poms are a fun addition, too! We love the color variety at cheerleading.com. GET THE LOOK: "Shayna" by Lilly Pulitzer (lillypulitzer.com) from Palm Avenue in Charleston, white seersucker clutch from Oatmeal Lace (oatmeallacedesign.com), Copella Designs agate coin bracelets (festivityonline.com)

SET SECRET

These two lovebirds? They’re engaged! Despite our nudging to propose during the shoot (when Corbin could capture the action on camera!), Lionel opted to return to Charleston a week after to propose to Caroline. Here’s hoping we’ll be able to feature their oh-so-Southern wedding in V5!

CONFETTI READY: What's more classic than a confetti toss at the end of the night? We adore the options from Artistry in Motion (artistryinmotion. com) -- their eco-friendly choices are flutter perfection. GET THE LOOK: "One Shoulder Party Dress" by Chloe & Reese (chloeandreese.com) from Maddison Row (maddisonrow.com), bubble veil from Brenda's Bridal Veils (brendasbridalveils.etsy.com), "Champagne" crystal hoop earrings

by S Dot Jewelry (sdotjewelry.etsy.com), tuxedo from Jim's Formalwear (jimsformalwear.com)

SET SECRET

Spot anyone you recognize? Both Emily and Sierra pitched in as pennant holding, streamer waving, pom pom tossing “wedding guests” for this shoot. Southern Weddings readers filled out the ranks, as well!

PHOTOGRAPHY Corbin Gurkin, STYLIST Carlee Sizemore of High Cotton Event Design, MAKEUP Pamela Lesch, HAIR Affair Hair by Tanesha, FLORALS Charleston Stems, LOCATION Boone Hall Plantation

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BEAUS

&

BOWS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Virgil Bunao, Kristyn Hogan, Jen Huang, Heather Hester

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SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | iloveswmag.com GREAT CATCH FOR A HUSBAND: HE’S BIGGER THAN LIFE AND TWICE AS HANDSOME.

Dapper Gents From bow ties to boutonnieres, Southern gents are famous for their style-savvy wedding day fashion.

Whether you're marrying under an oak tree or in your childhood church, we've rounded up sartorial inspiration perfect for your big day. Go wild or go classic, but don't forget a soft handkerchief to wipe away your bride's tears -- bonus points if it's embroidered with your new married monogram!

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Ben Sasso, Jose Villa, Courtney Lindberg, Trent Bailey, Paul Johnson, Julie Roberts, Jen Huang, Amanda Watson, Austin Warnock, Jonathan Canlas

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Caitlin Sullivan, Otto Schulze, Jonathan Canlas, Allyson Magda, Ashley Rose, KT Merry, Diana Marie, Red White and Green Photography, Dixie Pixel, Kristyn Hogan

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Bowtie Beauties

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Row 1: xoelle (xoelle.com), General Knot Co. (generalknot.com), Southern Beaus (southernbeaus.etsy. com); Row 2: Pierrepont Hicks (pierreponthicks.com), Voila! Press (voilapress.com), Kiel James Patrick (kieljamespatrick.com); Row 3: Collared Greens (collaredgreens.com), General Knot Co., Voila! Press; Row 4: Southern Beaus, Southern Beaus, Lumina Clothing (luminaclothing.com); Row 5: Pierrepont Hicks, High Cotton Ties (highcottonties.com), Me and Matilda (meandmatilda.etsy.com); Row 6: xoelle, Knot Now (knotnow. etsy.com), Collared Greens; Row 7: Pierrepont Hicks, Me and Matilda, Southern Beaus; Row 8: xoelle

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE iloveswmag.com COMPLIMENT FOR YOUR FIANCE:|WELL, DON’T YOU LOOK PRETTIER THAN A PAT OF BUTTER MELTIN’ ON A SHORT STACK!

WITH FANS RANGING FROM PRESIDENTS TO CELEBRITIES, THERE'S NO NECKWEAR OPTION MORE STYLISH -OR SOUTHERN! -- FOR YOUR BIG DAY THAN A BOW TIE. WHETHER YOU CHOOSE A CLASSIC BLACK NUMBER OR PICK ONE OF THE PATTERNED GENTS WE'VE ROUNDED UP HERE, WE KNOW YOU'LL LOOK DEBONAIR.

Row 1: General Knot Co., Me and Matilda, Pierrepont Hicks; Row 2: Collared Greens, Knot Now, Launderette (dresslaunderette.com); Row 3: Southern Beaus, Forage (forage.bigcartel.com), Southern Beaus; Row 4: Voila! Press, Knot Now, Southern Proper (southernproper.com); Row 5: General Knot Co., Southern Beaus, Pierrepont Hicks; Row 6: General Knot Co., xoelle, Pierrepont Hicks; Row 7: Collared Greens, Voila! Press, Voila!

Press; Row 8: Collared Greens LOVE THESE BOWS? Stay tuned to the Southern Weddings blog (www.iloveswmag.com) over the next few months, as we'll be giving most of these beauties away!

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MARRIAGE CONFESSIONS: W H EN W EDDI NG P LANNI NG I S

AL L IN THE FAM IL Y

by Katie Brown

Follow Katie's advice and you could be as blissfully engaged as these two lovebirds! Nancy Neil (lovenancyneil. com) captured them to perfection.

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If there’s anything that tests the strength of your relationship, it’s wedding planning. For many couples, planning the wedding will include a lot of firsts: the first time you work on a major project together, the first time you’re both working off the same budget, and, if your groom tells one more person that your wedding color is “celery” instead of “celadon,” it will be the first time you kick him in the shins, too. Yes, wedding planning is a test of strength and patience and compromise. And if that is true, then it is the act of navigating two sets of families through this process that would be your final exam.

Occasionally during wedding planning, take your Bride Hat off and talk to your fiance like he’s your boyfriend again, instead of the person who seriously asked you if he could wear a top hat and carry a cane during the ceremony. Talk to him and remember that he is worth every stressful decision you have to make throughout this process. Take your Bride Hat off and remember, also, that he is someone’s son, grandson, brother, nephew, and friend. These people that want to be so involved belong to him.

They’ve been at his birthday parties and graduations and every major holiday for his whole life.

Working with families is tricky but unavoidable when you’re planning a wedding. Though at times it seems ridiculous that something like stuffing wedding favors into Chinese take out boxes will matter after the “I do’s” have been said, rest assured it does and will matter. And not just for posterity. It matters because making decisions with your family and with your fiancé’s family sets the groundwork for the role of family in your marriage. If you snap at your groom’s Aunt Marie now, what will Thanksgiving be like next year? And the year after that? And the year after that?

Take your Bride Hat off and remind yourself that this is your family now and family is more important than a wedding day.

Decisions we make about working with family during the wedding planning period are important, and set the tone for how both sets of families will feel throughout the course of your marriage (especially in the South, where blood truly is thicker than water!). So, it’s probably a good idea to have a game plan…

Step One: Take off your Bride Hat. You know the Bride Hat I’m talking about. We all wear it at some point during wedding planning. It’s the hat that suddenly makes us start referring to the most important people in our lives as “Groom.” Or, “Mother of the Bride.” Or “Bridesmaid #2.” It’s the hat that forces us to have long, intense conversations with total strangers about flatware. It’s the hat that makes us forget we are working with friends and family on this wedding and not with staff. It’s the Bride Hat. Bride Hats are wonderful accessories, because they help us focus on objectives and zero in on details – all helpful when trying to plan a wedding. But if we never take that hat off, Bride Hats can be dangerous.

Step Two: Delegate. If your family or your fiance’s family is anything like my own, they will just want to help you to death. My family’s mission in life is to make each family member’s life easier. Isn’t that nice? Isn’t that kind?

Yes, yes it is. But it can also be incredibly overwhelming, too. Having a hundred different hands up in your face, waving around, begging to help can sometimes be more of a chore than actually doing it all yourself. But when you’re tempted to say, “No, thanks. I can do it myself,” remember that by allowing them to help, you are giving them an opportunity to be involved, to be valued, and to be appreciated.

The other day, I was walking into a restaurant to meet a friend for lunch. I had a purse on one arm and a diaper bag on the other, I was carrying my five-month-old, fat, smiling daughter in her incredibly heavy infant carrier, my two-year-old son was pulling on my other arm and just about to trip me, and while all of this was happening, I was trying to open the door to the restaurant. A very nice woman came up behind me and said, “Here, let me get that door for you. You look like you could use a hand.” And do you know what I said? “No, thanks. I’ve got it.”

HI, MY NAME IS KATIE AND I AM A TYPE A PERSON. People want to help because they want to connect to you. They don’t offer to put together out-of-town wedding guest welcome bags because they actually LIKE stuffing gift bags with bottles of water and itineraries for

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the weekend. They do it because they want to be a part of something, to do something nice for you, to make life easier for you. Sometimes in my family, they offer to help so much that it can really feel like they are offering to help so that they can take over something or because they think they can do it better than me. But when I really stop to think about it (a.k.a. after I call my sister and she tells me I’m being selfish and to stop whining about someone helping me), I see that their intention is simply to help. It’s just pure, simple kindness.

I have found that the best approach when someone wants to help is to take ten deep breaths, smile, and say, “That would be so nice of you.” And then – this is key – I give them a task that I choose. Delegate only what you are comfortable delegating. If you are passionate about choosing your bridesmaids dresses, then don’t let someone else take that from you. If you have been dreaming of the perfect wedding cake since you were five years old, then make that decision yourself. You don’t have to give away any task that you are passionate about, but try keeping a running list of mundane tasks that you don’t have time to get around to. Perhaps it is scheduling the hair, nail, and make up appointments for the wedding day. Perhaps it is calling around to staff the nursery during the wedding ceremony. Whatever it is that just keeps slipping your mind during your planning, throw that on a list. Then whenever someone offers to help, you can smile, genuinely thank them, and give them a task from your list. They get the satisfaction of helping you and you can check something off your to-do list. Everybody wins!

Step Three: Be Appreciative. If you think I’m bad at delegating, you should see me at the whole appreciation thing. I WANT to be appreciative. I AM

appreciative in my heart. But getting me to stop what I’m doing to say thank you to someone is tough, especially if they are family. What is it about family that makes us all feel like we don’t have to say, “thank you?” It’s like those people who say you don’t have to say, “I’m sorry,” in a relationship.

Uhhhh, yeah. You do.

Your family members are the most important people in your life and your partner’s family members are the most important people in his life. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT SHOULD BE THANKED THE MOST! And yet, it’s so easy to take them for granted. Plus, if you’re anything like me, you revert back to about twelve years old when you get around your parents and twelve year olds never thank anyone...

Please. Tell your family thank you. Tell your hubby-to-be’s family thank you. Be appreciative. People help during wedding planning to forge relationships, and nothing kills a budding relationship faster than someone being unappreciative. Write a little note, send a grateful email, pick up the phone, or give ‘em a big ol’ hug. Find a simple little way to tell them that you appreciate them. Trust me, the sentiment will not be forgotten.

Planning a wedding is about as high on the stress scale as moving across the country or changing career fields. It is incredibly stressful, but for those around you, it can also be a perfect time to show you how important you are by offering a helping hand. For the sake of you, your groom, and both of your families, take off your Bride Hat, give them the opportunity to help, and then tell them how much you appreciate their effort. Long after you forget their act of kindness, they will remember your act of graciousness. SW

LOVE KATIE'S HONEST TAKE ON LIFE, WEDDINGS AND LIFE AFTER WEDDINGS? Check out her blog, MARRIAGE CONFESSIONS (marriageconfessions.com), where she journals daily about her adventures with her husband, Chris, and young son and daughter (if you're lucky, she'll share adorable photos!). Watch for Katie's marriage musings monthly on the Southern Weddings blog, too!

❤

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Credits.

COVER Photography: Jose Villa (josevillaphoto.com), styling: Joy Thigpen (oncewed.com) TOP TIPS pages 12-15 Page 12: Clockwise from top left: Bobbi + Mike, Marianne Wilson, Austin Warnock, Julie Lim, Austin Warnock, Celeste Duran; Page 13: Austin Warnock, Spindle Photography, Kate Headley, Kelly Hornberger, KT Merry, Simply Bloom, Charlotte Jenks Lewis; Page 14: Amy Rae Photo, Veil and Bow, Elizabeth Messina, Millie Holloman, Emily Steffen, Gia Canali, Sarah Rhoads Photographers; Page 15: Brooke Images, KT Merry, Caroline Fontenot, Laura Leslie, Mi Amore Foto, Tyler Branch IF I HAD A SOUTHERN WEDDING pages 53-56 Photography: Stephen Pappas (stephenpappasphoto.com) and Kurt Boomer (kurtboomerphoto.com), event design, styling, and florals: Sugar and Charm (sugarandcharm.com), linens: La Tavola Linen (latavolalinen.com), makeup and hair: Delia Jimenez Owens and Alexis Reveles (facesbydelia.com), paper goods: Zan Passante, paper goods printing: Bullfrog Graphics (bullfrog-graphics.com), venue: Brookside Equestrian Center (brooksideequestrian.com), rentals: Party Solutions (yourpartysolutions.com) SECRET SOUTHERN GARDEN pages 58-67 Photography: Jose Villa, styling: Joy Thipgen, flowers: Amy Osaba (amyosaba.com), hair and makeup: Jordan Byers (jordanbyers.blogspot.com), calligraphy and paper goods: neithersnow (neithersnow.com), catering and cake: Sun in my Belly (suninmybelly.com), linens: La Tavola Linen, wedding gown: Oscar de la Renta (oscardelarenta.com) from B. Hughes Bridal (bhughesbridalformal.com), tux: Le Tux (letuxshop.com), venue: Dunaway Gardens (dunawaygardens. com), created for: The Once Wed Workshop (oncewed.com) SOUTH CAROLINA POLO PREP pages 70-81 Photography: A Bryan Photo (abryanphoto.com), design and styling: Calder Clark Designs (calderclark.com), floral design: Blossoms Events (blossomsevents.com), hair: Affair Hair by Tanesha (affairhairbytanesha.com), makeup: Pamela Lesch (makeupartistcharleston.com), menu cards, jotters, invitation, monogram trays: Dulles Designs (dullesdesigns.com), calligraphy and custom monogram: Allison R. Banks Designs (allisonrbanksdesigns.com), food and drink: Cru Catering (crucatering.com), all bridal gowns: Maddison Row (maddisonrow.com), textured ballgown: “Bellflower” by Monique Lhuillier (moniquelhuillier.com), off-the-shoulder gown: “L810” by Romona Keveza Legends (legendsbyromonakeveza. com), short gown: “L8151” by Romona Keveza Legends, bridesmaids' skirts: Anne M. Cramer (annemcramer.com), chivari chairs and table rental: Snyder Event Rentals (snydereventrentals.com), custom table linen: Blossoms Events, table runner screenprinting: Griffin Screenprinting (griffinscreenprinting.com), tabletop items: Vieuxtemps (vieuxtemps. net), flower girl and ringbearer accessories: Blossoms Events, venue and polo items: Hyde Park Farm and Polo Club (hydeparkpoloclub.com), cocktail and dinner napkins and serving trays: Calder Clark Designs DIVINE SOUTHERN BLOOMS pages 83-93 Photography: Jose Villa, stylist: Lisa Vorce, assistant stylists: Corinne Williams and Sarah Tolboe, florist: Kate Holt of Flower Wild (flowerwild.com), paper floral recipes: Pitbulls & Posies (pitbullsandposies.com), location: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse A WILLIAMSBURG WEDDING pages 102-111 Photography: Katie Stoops (katiestoops.com), styling: Courtney Spencer of Merriment Events (merrimentevents.com), stylists’ assistant: Danielle Hines, venue: Colonial Williamsburg (colonialwilliamsburg.com), hair stylist: Rachel Shrader of Ceco Studio (cecostudio.com), makeup artist: Natalie Mitchell of Avenue 42 Designs (ave42.com), wholesale flowers: Fifty Flowers (fiftyflowers.com), flower styling: Courtney Spencer, invitation suite and programs: The Lettered Olive (theletteredolive.com), with calligraphy by Elizabeth Porcher Jones (elizporcher@gmail.com), rentals and flatware: Colonial Williamsburg, table linens and colored chair cushions: Dupionique collection from La Tavola Linen, monogram, menus, placecards, signature drink sign, and popper wraps: Moya Minns of MM Ink (mminkdesigns.com), glassware, some silver pieces, and china: Festive Fare (charlottesville.classicpartyrentals.com), popper tissue paper: Nashville Wraps (nashvillewraps.com), coaster and custom wine label design: Magpie Paper Works (magpiepaperworks. com), coaster and cocktail napkins printing: For Your Party (foryourparty.com), Beau Bar sign: Chocolate Butterbean (chocolatebutterbean.com), bow ties for Beau Bar: Upper French (upperfrench.com), Lumina Clothing Company (luminaclothing.com), and High Cotton Ties (highcottonties.com), boxwood wreaths: Save on Crafts (save-on-crafts. com), wedding cake, ham biscuits, petit fours, and calligraphy tarts: Colonial Williamsburg, bridal gown: “Arabella” by Christos (christosbridal.com), bride’s shoes: “Forbes” by Nina (ninashoes.com) from Bella Bridesmaid (bellabridesmaid. com), veils: Toni Federici (headpieces.com), ivory bridesmaids’ dresses: Saja (sajawedding.com), bridesmaids’ sashes: Untamed Petals (untamedpetals.com), colored bridesmaids’ dresses: Bella Bridesmaid SOUTHERN MEETS NANTUCKET pages 115-119 Photography: Trent Bailey Photography (trent-bailey.com), design and styling: Desiree Spinner Events (desireespinnerevents.com), floral design: Patrice Milley Floral Design (patricermilley.com), hair: Stacey Kuehn (staceykuehn.com), makeup: Katrina Hess (katrinahess.com), stationery suite: Ceci New York (cecinewyork.com), custom bottle labels: Lady Slipper Stationery (ladyslipperstationery.com), bride’s gown: Priscilla of Boston (priscillaofboston.com), custom dress accents: Preston and Olivia (prestonandolivia.com), bridal jewelry: David Yurman (davidyurman.com) and Tiffany and Co. (tiffany.com), groom’s attire: J.Crew (jcrew.com) and Murray’s Toggle Shop (nantucketreds.com), groom’s shoes: Sperry Topsiders (sperrytopsider.com), pies: Centerville Pie Co. (centervillepies.com), cake: Krazy Kakes (krazykakescapecod.com), rentals: Be Our Guest (beourguestpartyrental.com), tables: Chase Canopy for Desiree Spinner Events (chasecanopy.com), vintage napkins: New England Vintage Rentals (newenglandvintage.com), linen backdrop: La Tavola Linen, bride and groom swimwear and beach jewelry: J.Crew SOUTHERN MEETS MINNESOTA pages 120-127 Photography: Paper Antler (paperantler.com), styling: Maddy Hague of the Inspired Bride (inspiredbride.net), floral design: Studio Fleurette (studiofleurette.com), dessert table: Shauna Younge Dessert Tables (shaunayounge.com), model: Joy Phillips of Wehmann Models (wehmann.com), hair: Brittany Moreland, makeup: Jody Olson for Makeup Savvy (makeupsavvyonline.com), wardrobe: BHLDN (bhldn.com), swing top favor bottles (specialtybottle.com), paper rosettes: Pom Flair (pomflair.etsy.com), program fan handles: Perfect Stix (perfectstix.com), washi tape: Cute Tape (cutetape.com), rentals: Lime Canary Vintage Rentals (limecanaryvintagerentals.com) SOUTHERN MEETS SOCAL pages 128-135 Photography: Braedon Photography (braedonphotography.com), styling and art direction: Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings (greylikesweddings.com) and Cortnie Purdy of Canvas and Canopy (canvasandcanopy.com), stationery: MaeMae Paperie (www.maemaepaperie.com), calligraphy: Nancy Hopkins (hopkinslettering.com), cakes: Erica O’Brien (ericaobrien.com), hair and makeup: Kacee Geoffroy (kaceegeoffroy.com), wedding gown: Marchesa from Gabriella New York Bridal Salon (gabriellanewyork.com), hairpieces: Lo Boheme (loboheme.com), butterfly shoes: Aruna Seth (arunaseth.com), jewelry: Noaki Jewelry (noakijewelry.com), bridesmaid dresses: Luna Boutique (714-962-9749) and

H&M (hm.com), location: The Condor’s Nest Ranch (thecondorsnestranch.com), punch recipes: Snake Oil Cocktails (snakeoilcocktail.com), rentals: Urban Barn of Escondido (urbanbarn155.blogspot.com), ladle and cake knife: concept

by Canvas and Canopy and Grey Likes Weddings, execution by Monkeys Always Look (monkeysalwayslook.etsy.com) PAPER, COTTON, FLOUR pages 136-147 Photography: Joey + Jessica (joeyjessica.com), paper florals: The Crimson Poppy (thecrimsonpoppy.com), natural florals: Floral Visions (floralvisionsdesignstudio.com), hair and makeup: Jennifer Ericksen (jenniferericksen.com), pale blue stripe wedding gown: “Libertine” by Ian Stuart (ianstuart-bride.com), long ivory gown: “Fern” by Vera Wang (verawang.com), short gown: “Fondant Tea Dress” by BHLDN (bhldn.com), pompom shoe clips: BHLDN, calligraphy in line from vows: Pretty Pen Jen (prettypenjen.com), paper poms: PomLove (pomlove.etsy.com), stationery: Bella Figura (bellafigura. com), cotton bolls: The Cotton Man (cottonman.com), cakes: Ambrosia Cake Creations (ambrosiacakecreations. com), cake stands: Martha Stewart Collection (macys.com), model: Directions USA (directionsusa.com) REAL WEDDINGS OPENING PAGE page 149 Photography: Austin Warnock KATIE + MAX pages 150-154 Photography: Jodi Miller Photography (jodimillerphotography.com), planner: Merriment Events, designer: Merriment Events with the bride and groom, florist: Merriment Events, wedding cake baker: The Buttercream Bee (thebuttercreambee.com), mini pies: Sweetest Thing Bakery (sweetestthingbakery.com), caterer: Mosaic Unique Events (mosaicedibles.com), hair stylist: Rachel Shrader of Ceco Studio (cecostudio.com), makeup artist: Natalie Mitchell of Avenue 42 Designs (ave42.com) FLORIE CLAIRE + MATTHEW pages 157-164 Photographer: Christian Oth Studio (christianothstudio.com), planner and designer: Fete (feteny.com), ceremony venue: St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, florist: Fete, wedding cake baker: Sylvia Weinstock (sylviaweinstock. com), groom's cake baker: Flour Power (flourpowernola.com), caterer: John Besh (chefjohnbesh.com), makeup artist: Kimara Ahnert (kimara.com) CAMILLE + MARK pages 167-173 Photographer: Gina Zeidler (ginazeidler.com), designer: Amy Osaba (amyosaba.com), venue: Old Edwards Inn & Spa (oldedwardsinn.com), florist: Amy Osaba, caterer and wedding cake baker: Old Edwards Inn & Spa, hair and makeup: Old Edwards Inn & Spa GINNY + TODD pages 175-180 Photographer: Sean Flanigan (seanflanigan.net), planner: Caroline Carter Events (carolinecarterevents.com), designer: bride, venue and caterer: The Ford Plantation (fordplantation.com), florist: Garden on the Square (gardenonthesquare. com), wedding cake baker: Back in the Day Bakery (backinthedaybakery.com), hair stylist: Genevieve Garner (makeupbygenevieve.com), Michelle Lane and Capri Anderson (912-427-3359), makeup artist: Genevieve Garner ANNIE + JIMMY pages 182-189 Photographer: Jonathan Canlas Photography (jonathancanlasphotography.com), ceremony coordinator: Blissful Moments Wedding & Event Planning (blissfulwed.com), ceremony venue: Union Chapel, reception venue: Lindsay Street Hall (lindsaystreethall.com), florist: The Clay Pot (dirtfromtheclaypot.com), wedding cake baker: Karen Vessels, caterer: Events With Taste (ewtcaters.com), hair stylist: Hair Benders International (hbisalon.com), makeup artist: MAC Cosmetics (maccosmetics.com) NATALIA + LEVI pages 190-198 Photographer: Melissa Schollaert Photography (msp-photography.com), planner and designer: the bride with Epting Events (eptingevents.com), venue: Tucker Plantation (tuckerplantation.com), florist: MG Floral (mgfloral.com), wedding cake baker: Classic City Confections (classiccityconfections.blogspot.com), caterer: Epting Events, hair and makeup: Scoobie West (scoobiewest.com) BECKY + CAMERON pages 200-206 Photographer: A Bryan Photo, Planner: Calder Clark Designs, Venue: The DeBordieu Club (debordieuclub.com), florist: Blossoms Events (blossomsevents.com), caterer: The DeBordieu Club, wedding cake baker: Jim Smeal (weddingcakesbyjimsmeal.com) JODI + KURT pages 209-217 Photographer: This Modern Romance (thismodernromance.com), (sunshowersandrainshine.com), florist: JMFlora Design (jmflora.com)

designer:

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Rainshine

PAIGE + ADAM pages 218-225 Photographer: Tanja Lippert (tanjalippertphotography.com), coordinator: Lizze Belle Events (lizzebelle.com), venue: Kali Kate Equestrian Center (kali-kate.com), florist: Petal Pushers (petalpushers.us), wedding cake baker: Simon Lee Bakery (simonleebakery.com), caterer: Crave Catering (crave-catering.com), hair stylist: Zig Zag Salon (zigzagsalon.com), makeup artist: Mandy Morrison (mandymorrison.com) RACHEL + JEFFREY pages 226-231 Photographer: Adam Barnes (adambarnesphoto.com), planner and designer: Fete Studio and Design (fetestudio. com), ceremony venue: St. John’s United Church of Christ (st-john-ucc.org), reception venue: The Country Club of Virginia (theccv.org), florist: Flower Girls Inc. (flowergirlsinc.com), wedding cake baker and caterer: The Country Club of Virginia, hair and makeup: Lou Stevens Glam Squad (loustevens.com) NATALIE + WADE pages 232-243 Photographer: Tec Petaja (tecpetajaphoto.com), planner: Watercolor Inn and Resort (watercolorresort.com), ceremony venue: Western Lake Park at Watercolor Inn and Resort, reception venue: The Boathouse at Watercolor Inn and Resort, florist: Bella Flora (bellaflora30a.com), wedding cake baker: Confections on the Coast (confectionsonthecoast. com), caterer: Fish Out of Water (watercolorresort.com), hair stylist: Katie Carter, makeup artist: Two Fishes Artistry (twofishesartistry.com) SWEET SOUTHERN EXITS pages 246-247 Photography: Corbin Gurkin, stylist: Carlee Sizemore of High Cotton Event Design (highcottoneventdesign.com), makeup artist: Pamela Lesch, hair stylist: Affair Hair by Tanesha, florals: Charleston Stems (charlestonstems.com), location: Boone Hall Plantation (boonehallplantation.com) CREDITS pages 262-263 Photography by Justin DeMutiis (justindemutiisphotography.com) EVER AFTER page 264 Photography by Megan W (meganwphotography.com) BACK COVER Photography by Jose Villa

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