Southern Weddings V6 by Southern Weddings

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS

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THE

BRIDE'S GUIDE TO THE BIG DAY AND BEYOND

experience

W H E R E FA B U L O U S E V E N T S A R E C R E AT E D

PH O T O G R A P H Y B Y J E N N IE A N D R E WS P H O T O G RAP H Y AN D K A TH ERI N E B I R K B EC K P H O T O G RAP H Y

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Love our gowns? See where they're from on page 302!

WE'RE SO GRATEFUL, Y'ALL! LARA: All to Him I owe. For a husband who loves the Lord deeply and always reminds me of what's most important; for Grace – my heart and soul; for Mom, Dad, Grandma Bunny and Stephen; for Meredith and Susan who are truly gifts from above; for Emily, Gina and Natalie for your constant prayer and devoted friendships; for Walter, our cow-farming postman; for so many friends who have continued to cheer us on and pray for us; and for these passionate, beautiful women I have the JOY of working with daily. Amen, hallelujiah, thank you Lord! EMILY: Lara, Nicole, Marissa, Kristin and Lisa: It is an amazing thing to work for a company 1) with a mission, and 2) with a mission you truly believe in. I am so proud of who we are and what we've built, so grateful for the ways it inspires my own life, and truly blessed to work alongside each of you. I am grateful for my family, who taught me at an early age what love really means, and to my friends, who expand my definition of family. As always, I am most grateful (more grateful than I could ever say) to John, the love of my life and my best friend, and to the God who brought us together. He is good. NICOLE: Lara, Emily, Marissa, Kristin and Lisa: I am so grateful that I get to surround myself with ladies who have such big hearts, amazing talents and great senses of humor every day. Y'all make work a privilege and I am honored to be a part of a little team which does great things. To quote the Spice Girls... girl power! Mom, Dad and Drew: Thank you for making home wherever you are, for always wanting to spend more time together and for showing me that family is invaluable, no matter how it's shaped. Tiffany and Robert: Thank you for raising the cutest little puggie around and teaching me what others didn't. You two are amazing role models and best friends. Taylor, Kat and Amy: I love you more than a dozen pugs and a million Gobstoppers (maybe more). I am endlessly grateful for the ways you make my life richer and the ways you've opened my heart. I hope we grow into really wacky 80-year-olds together. MARISSA: Thank you to our Lord for his abundance of blessings and for loving us first, so that we can truly love others. 1 John 4:19 Lara, thank you for being the driving force for change and for the refocus to what truly matters most, for sharing your heart and for letting God truly lead us where He wants. Emily, thank you for your heart for our mission and for leading by example through your own marriage. Nicole, your sweetness and patience is something we can never have enough of or thank you enough for. Kristin, thank you for being not only an incredible asset at the office, but in my life as a whole. I adore you. Lisa, thank you for bringing your sweet light to our team. C + B, thank you for raising a sweet Southern gent, and for letting me have him! Tatiana, thank you for care packages when I'm homesick. I love you. Mom, thank you for your support through everything. Thank you for teaching me how to be strong, and for showing me how to have faith no matter what. I love you. Brandon, there are not enough thank yous if I filled this entire book to show how grateful I am for you. You are the love of my life, my best friend and now the soon-to-be father of our sweet EK. Thank you for always being the perfect example of a true Southern gentleman, and for teaching me the true meaning of trusting Jeremiah 29:11. I love you so much. KRISTIN: My heart is exploding with gratitude. I count my lucky stars each and every day that I get the privilege to work with the most heart-centered gals this side of the Mason-Dixon. Lara, Emily, Nicole, Marissa and Lisa, thank you for filling my days with pure joy, laughter and piles of Southern goodness. Mama, Daddy and Sissy, y'all are my heart and your love and support are what keep me going; that, and the promise of more family vacations and Britts donuts. Beezy and Page, I am not sure how I managed to find a second set of parents with hearts as big as yours. You taught Kyle well and I am blessed by your love. To my sweet family and friends, THANK YOU for every ounce of encouragement and for showing me love that transcends distance. God is good, all the time. And finally, to my husband, my very best friend: thank you for making me laugh until my belly hurts, for loving me unconditionally and above all, for our perfectly imperfect love story. LISA: From the bottom of my heart, I am truly thankful. To my wonderful work family, Lara, Emily, Nicole, Marissa and Kristin: Words cannot express how grateful I am that y’all took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity to be part of this team. You are the most creative, thoughtful, hardworking people I have ever met. I’m so blessed to work alongside y’all in spreading this mission that we all hold so close to our hearts. Mom and Daddy: Thank you for always believing in me so fiercely, and for the million other ways you love and support me. I love you both so much. Dana, Erik and Kristen: I am blessed to have siblings who are also my best friends. Thank you for the blog comments, picture texts of the dog and endless laughter. Love y’all. David: You are my best friend, my dream come true and my greatest adventure. I love you. Tobit 8:5.

The Sweet Tea Society 14 35 Tips for Sharing Southern Hospitality 16 Southern Surcees 30 With This Ring: Tips for Vow Writing 49 Southern Blooms 55 Southern Blooms for Every Season 64 The Ultimate Marriage Checklist 67 Ode to Biscuits 75 Southern Wedding Traditions 81 Southern Charm 85 A Lowcountry Oyster Roast 90 Berry Bliss 96 Song of the South 104 Generations Past 119 Deep in the Heart of Texas 131 Blackberry Beauty 144 Preserving the Good Stuff 155 Fine Feathered Fete 166 Sweet Corn Sweethearts 179 Dapper Gents 274 How to Tie a Bow Tie 276 Dapper Dogs 278 To Love and to Cherish 281 All the Days of My Life 289 The Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory 296 Ever After 306

erin lindsey

FEATURES

Mint Juleps in the Marshland: Sarah + Gabe 201 Country Club Classic: Louise + Billy 209 Spring on the Farm: Kate + Cesar 219 Bacon and Bows: Haley + Dylan 225 Beach Beauty: Sarah Jane + Brad 235 When You Wish Upon a Star: Shannon + Clay 244 Three Cheers for Color: Jamie + Blake 253 Louisiana Luxe: Lynze + John 260 Garden Variety: Erin + Stephen 267

virgil bunao

REAL WEDDINGS

ISSUE CALLIGRAPHY

Elizabeth Porcher Jones elizabethporcherjones.com Kathryn Murray kathrynmurray.com Lindsay Letters lindsayletters.com Little Miss Press littlemisspress.com Magpie Paper Works magpiepaperworks.com Molly Jacques mollyjacquesillustration.com

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

COVER

Photography by Ryan Ray All content copyright © Southern Weddings® 2013-2014. 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.

LANDON JACOB PHOTOGrapHY

Credits 302

A NOTE FROM LARA

ALL PHOTOS BY LANDON JACOB PHOTOGRAPHY

While some offices discuss current events or pass around trending news, we march to the beat of a slightly different drum: the pitter patter of our heartbeats. A normal day here includes gushing over great love stories, emailing tales of epic marriages to each other and inevitably, Lisa crying as she reads a real wedding interview that she's preparing for SouthernWeddings.com. (I've recently gotten her a monogrammed tissue box for her desk, bless her big, beautiful heart.) Love drives us. In everything we do together, the goal is to help you, belles and beaus, cultivate lives full of love – celebrating this magical place we call home and what matters most to you – and then to draw from that rich well to create a meaningful beginning to married life. As I've read through each love story and placed each image on the page in this issue, I've laughed, found tears pouring down my face and fallen in love with love all over again. That's what love does: it changes you. Our own love stories – and a thousand great memories (as you will see in our behind-the-scenes galleries starting on page 302) – are woven between each line and photograph. What's magical about love in the South is that everything around us reflects how we want our marriages to be: stronger than a towering oak, sweeter than honeysuckle and as life-giving as the Southern sun that makes the corn grow tall and green. Marriage matters to us because we truly believe a great marriage can change the world. We believe that happily ever afters are built, not found; that, like the tomatoes in my garden, a great marriage takes rich soil, tender pruning and a daily outpouring from the well; and that love never fails. Wishing you a joyful engagement and a life full of starry nights, spontaneous adventures (check out our Year of Southern Doin's for Sweethearts on page 72) and a love as sweet as scuppernongs! In celebration,

LARA CASEY

PUBLISHER | EDITOR IN CHIEF Instagram @LaraACasey Twitter @LaraCasey LARACASEY.COM

1 Corinthians 13:8 LOVE NEVER FAILS.

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

MARISSA KLOESS

AD DIRECTOR instagram: @marissakloess

My favorite memory of making V6 was our team shoot! God blessed us with the most gorgeous day. We ran through corn fields wearing gowns, ate too many biscuits and laughed until our sides hurt. It was a day filled with pure celebration with the women I am so grateful to share not only my days with, but our mission in making this magazine.

KRISTIN WINCHESTER BLUE RIBBON DIRECTOR instagram: @kn_winchester

The best part of making V6? Hands down â&#x20AC;&#x201C; devouring all the Southern cuisine, sitting beside the corn fields, at the end of the amazing Sweet Corn Sweethearts shoot (page 179). It was the definition of family: everybody grabbed a fork and a cornbread muffin and dug in to the dishes. I am still dreaming about that mac and cheese...

NICOLE YANG

ART DIRECTOR instagram: @nicoleayang

My favorite part of making V6 was laying out To Love and to Cherish (page 281) and All the Days of My Life (page 289). Reading so many great love stories and seeing the faces of couples who are still so in love may have made me cry at my desk, but it continues to bring a huge smile to my face just thinking about it.

LISA OLSON

EDITOR instagram: @lisa_janel

I will never forget what it was like being at the Sweet Corn Sweethearts shoot (page 179)! It was my first big editorial shoot since I joined the Southern Weddings team in July, and seeing all of the details we had put so much heart and hard work into come together was nothing short of magical.

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

EMILY

Mercy, we’ve made more than a few memories after five years of creating Southern Weddings. Many we share with you in these pages, or in behind the scenes posts on our blog, like the hot and dusty shoot days or the multitude of four-legged friends we’ve made along the way. But some memories are harder to describe even as they become layered into our daily routines. For instance, every day on my drive to the office, I pass corn fields where we’ve set tables, strawberry farms where we’ve photographed brides and even private homes we’ve been welcomed into after a tentative knock on the door because “their shutters were the right color.” Yes, y’all, at Southern Weddings, we spend more time looking for the perfect cornfield than we do the perfect wedding gown… and we’ve met so many kind neighbors along the way because of it! But I know I’m not alone in this layering of memory over place -- in fact, I believe it’s one of the reasons why this region of the country is so precious to all of us. “The South” becomes “your South” when you add up all of the people you’ve met, the delicacies you’ve sampled and the land you’ve walked. And that -- exactly that -- is what we want you to go back to whenever you feel lost in wedding planning. What is it that makes this place and these people (future husband included) so special to you? How can you share the warmth and dripping sweetness of everything you love with those you love most? We’ve got a few suggestions in these pages, but returning to those questions will never steer you wrong. With love and pecan pie,

EMILY THOMAS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR instagram: @emilyayerthomas

All photos by Landon Jacob Photography

CONTRIBUTORS

M . L I N D S AY B I E R M A N

SHERRY + JOHN PETERSIK

R YA N R AY

HEIDI ELNORA

CAMILLE STYLES

M. Lindsay Bierman is the Editor in Chief of Southern Living, where he drives the vision and content for the country's seventh-largest consumer magazine. He's also a dedicated gardener and a weekend sailor, and he lives in Birmingham, AL.

John and Sherry Petersik are the avid DIY-ers behind the home renovation blog and book Young House Love. They live in Richmond and are currently working on their third house alongside their three-year-old daughter and moody chihuahua.

Ryan Ray is a fine art film photographer based in the great state of Texas. He is humbled to be recognized as one of Rangefinder's 2012 Rising Stars, loves to travel and is blessed to have his wife, Cary, as his assistant. Ryan also shot our 2012 cover!

Heidi Elnora has traveled from small-town Alabama to Project Runway and back, creating widely-popular wedding gowns with signature "Southern sparkle." She lives in Birmingham, AL, and her gowns can be found around the world.

Camille Styles is a renowned entertaining expert and the founder and creative director of an online hub dedicated to inspiring creative, fun and stress-free style for readers around the world. She lives in Austin with her husband and baby girl.

oh my stars!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE...

THING ABOUT THE SOUTH? LINDSAY: I love the richness of our contrasts: rustic and refined, high-brow and honky-tonk, cowboy

boots and sundresses.

FROM OUR READERS VIA INSTAGRAM

SHERRY: The sweet tea! RYAN: My favorite thing about the south is the people. So many sweet souls that are so welcoming

and offer so much love. HEIDI: Southern culture. From the diversity of our people to the deliciousness of our food, there is

just something so charming about the South.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE SOUTH...

CAMILLE: Without a doubt, the warmth and friendliness of the people. I lived in New York City for

@COURTNEYSSCOTT: Fresh produce stands and subsequent

a few months after college, and I got so homesick for the openness and hospitality that I'd been so used to during my upbringing in the South.

PART OF A WEDDING? LINDSAY: I'm a hopeless romantic – I get choked up over the sacred exchange of vows every time. SHERRY: The vows. I always cry. RYAN: The parent dances. I hide my tears behind my camera as I watch a proud dad sway with

his girl on the dance floor. There is something so special about that dance. HEIDI: The runway (aisle), of course. CAMILLE: I love seeing a couple's unique personality reflected in the details of the wedding,

whether it's the menu, the music or the decorative elements. The best wedding is one where you leave feeling like it was so "them."

SOUTHERN CIT Y? LINDSAY: Charlottesville, Virginia. I consider the Lawn at UVA one of America's greatest works of

art – a Classical ideal infused with Southern romance and charm. The experience of living in such a harmonious, ethereal complex of buildings and gardens has informed and inspired me ever since. SHERRY: Charlottesville is an amazing city. It's where John went to college, so he likes taking me

back there to spend the day. RYAN: My favorite southern city is Charleston mainly because it makes my wife so happy. HEIDI: I am partial to several cities in the South, but I HEART Savannah and New Orleans. CAMILLE: Of course I'm biased, but for me, Austin's got it all! Beautiful nature, great food, a world-

class music scene and a burgeoning arts culture.

SOUTHERN FOOD? LINDSAY: Anything just picked or pulled from fertile ground, at peak season and simply prepared

– right now it's amazing okra from a friend's garden! SHERRY: Biscuits and gravy. Can't resist those carbs. RYAN: Chicken fried steak with a whole lot of gravy! HEIDI: My favorite Southern food is fried okra. I eat it like popcorn!

CAMILLE: Peach cobbler in the summertime when peaches are at their sweetest... topped with

a scoop of Bluebell Natural Vanilla Bean, of course! SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

homemade pies! @MICHELLELEOEVENTS: I love the South because it's where I fell in love with my man, who is sweeter than sweet tea! @KELSEAGALE: Sweet tea, family, every place feeling like home and Meemaw's cookin', that's what's good about the South, y'all!

MY FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING... @MINTEVENTSMEMPHIS: The soul! Southern brides and grooms are not afraid to have fun, be quirky and use their wedding as a time to truly express themselves as individuals and as a couple! @LEFDUNAWAY: Heritage, family, faith and how each bride finds pieces of Southern culture to incorporate throughout the day, whether through heirlooms, traditions, or good ole' comfort food.

MY FAVORITE SOUTHERN CIT Y... @LYNDILUWHO: Savannah, GA. This is where the pace of life is just a little slower, where people wait for tea to sweeten and for oleanders to bloom. @ LOVELYLITTLEPARTIES : Lexington, KY! Beyond the beautiful rolling hills of horse country, this city has it all – art, history, amazing food, culture, horses and sports along with charm and Southern hospitality

MY FAVORITE SOUTHERN FOOD... @BRITTANYLTODD: Nothing steals a Southern boy's heart quite like shrimp and grits... just ask my husband! @RACHELMAYPHOTO: Momma's pecan pie! The recipe has been in the family for generations and tastes like a slice of heaven! @TRUBLUBEARSFAN: Pimento cheese: it's like a statement necklace for crackers!

e are a wedding magazine, but for us, that’s only the beginning. We celebrate weddings because they lead to marriages, and marriages, we believe, have the potential to change the world. A stronger-than-oak Southern marriage is a beacon of commitment, grace, joy and hope to everyone it touches. Just as an audible intake of breath is heard when a bride emerges at the end of the aisle, our life’s work is sharing and encouraging marriages so beautiful the world gasps when it sees them. Friends, the world is waiting for your marriage. It needs it, because each new union adds something to marriage’s legacy. That is an awesome responsibility, and one that we honor and cherish, all the days of our life. Will you join us?

PHOTOGRAPH Y BY Elisa B

MARRIAGE QUOTE BY Tiffany Rebecca BLOOMS FROM Afloral.com, Inc.

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

VI S I T S WE E T TE A S OCI E T Y.COM F O R M O RE

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

1 Mail out save the dates in mini mason jars. Inside, include a tea bag, a packet of sugar and a two-sided note card that says "Good times are a-brewin' in (your city here)" on one side and "Save the date for a sweet wedding weekend!" on the other. Thoughtful touch: put a sticker with the wedding date on one side of the mason jar lid, and a magnet on the other, so guests can hang the jar lid on their refrigerator as a reminder. LINDSAY BIERMAN, SOUTHERN LIVING

2 SERVE YOUR FAVORITE SOUTHERN DISH MADE FROM A PERSONAL FAMILY RECIPE. INCLUDE THE RECIPE CARD AT EACH GUEST'S PLACE SETTING SO THEY CAN RECREATE THE SOUTHERN EXPERIENCE AT HOME. AMBER HOUSLEY, AMBER HOUSLEY WEDDINGS

TIPS FOR A WEDDING FULL OF

3 At a steamy August wedding a few years ago, there weren't enough parking spaces for the guests at the private venue. The bride and groom arranged for safe parking for the guests at a local business about a mile away, and for shuttle buses to run loops from the parking lot to the venue. They even had a bartender waiting in the parking lot to serve the guests their signature cocktail. Once guests exited the bus at the venue, another bartender was waiting to serve them a refill! These gestures were such a hit and made so many guests happy!

Put your favorite Southernisms to work in your table number naming. (We like "bless your heart," "pick my peas" and "you're a peach!") After all, words can shape memories just as much as imagery, and a little levity goes a long way! CALDER CLARK, CALDER CLARK DESIGNS

We believe that making the effort to be a gracious bride always pays off. Since this is easier said than done, we’ve asked wedding professionals and Southerners across the country for their best advice for infusing your wedding with Southern hospitality.

TARA KNEISER, DIXIE PIXEL PHOTOGRAPHY

5 Keep cocktail hour to forty-five minutes (an hour max!), start your ceremony on time and cut your cake before your older guests call it a night. A well-planned, on-time event is one of the most generous expressions of hospitality! COURTNEY SPENCER, MERRIMENT EVENTS

PROVIDE BOTH A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL AND “MOCKTAIL” – THAT WAY, CHILDREN, MOMS-TO-BE AND NON-DRINKERS CAN FEEL FESTIVE WITH A COLORFUL BEVERAGE, TOO! DESIREE OFTEDAL, DESIREE DAWN EVENTS

If there is any chill in the weather predicted, I love to lay blankets on the outdoor pews/seats so guests can cuddle up. If it's chilly and an outdoor ceremony, I always have a hot tea or hot coffee bar prior to the ceremony. I find it makes people forget it's chilly and settle in for the nuptials. SARAH TUCKER, SARAH TUCKER EVENTS

8 When guests depart, giving them cold bottled waters for the road means a lot. Guests who drink and eat a lot at parties are sometimes dehydrated by the end. This is a nice gesture, and so simple to do. TODD FISCUS, TODD EVENTS

When you send out your save the dates, it is wise to include an accommodations/travel information card for guests who will be coming into town for your wedding (this is especially important if it's a destination wedding). Waiting until your invitation goes out to include these details may be too late and may lead to your guests having to spend more to come to your wedding. EMMA JAMES AND BAILEY AMON, ANTIQUARIA

THE MORNING AFTER THE WEDDING, OUR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS WERE TREATED TO A BREAKFAST PREPARED AND SERVED BY MY NEW MOTHER-INLAW, AMY. IT WAS SUCH A SWEET TIME TO REFLECT ON THE NIGHT WITH OUR DEAR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO HAD TRAVELED SO FAR TO SHARE IN OUR SPECIAL DAY WITH US. HEIDI ELNORA

Pre-address your thank you notes (or have your calligrapher do it for you) prior to your wedding so that you can send them out to your guests in a timely manner! EMMA JAMES AND BAILEY AMON, ANTIQUARIA

One of the nicest weddings I have been to recently was also the most gracious. After the guests were given antique keys with their dinner place cards attached, they were seated and welcomed by the father of the bride and then the mother of the bride. After a most heartfelt welcome, both parents graciously welcomed the newly-married couple, who then shared their first dance. You could really feel the love. There is nothing like good manners and graciousness at a wedding! ANNE BARGE

WE ALL KNOW HOW HOT IT CAN BE IN JUNE IN THE SOUTH. ONE OF MY FAVORITE EXAMPLES OF PUTTING YOUR GUESTS FIRST IS FROM ONE OF MY COUPLES WHO OPTED TO SERVE LOCAL ICE POPS TO THEIR GUESTS UPON ARRIVAL, BEFORE THE CEREMONY. IT WAS SUCH A HIT. THOUGHTFUL GESTURES LIKE THIS CAN GO A LONG WAY! JESSICA SLOANE, JESSICA SLOANE EVENTS

14 One of my favorite special touches is a handwritten note in an unexpected place! We worked with a lovely couple that spent time in the weeks and months leading up to the wedding day writing personal notes to every single wedding guest. These note cards were then tucked into the napkins at each place setting at the reception dinner. Just a few words meant so much and truly expressed the gratitude the couple had for those who joined them on their special day. It was a very gracious way to make every guest feel so welcome and part of the celebration — to me, that is the ultimate in Southern hospitality! CAROLINE COLOM VÁSQUEZ, PALOMA’S NEST As a lover of handwritten notes, I wish I had considered this gracious tip when planning our wedding celebration. I love this sweet idea!

Sometimes, loved ones cannot join you on your wedding day, but a great way to make them feel valued is to have a gift delivered to them on the special day. Grandma would adore receiving a wrist corsage, and your best man who is stationed overseas would really appreciate the bow tie you picked out. DESIREE OFTEDAL, DESIREE DAWN EVENTS

MAKE SURE YOUR REGISTRY INCLUDES GIFTS THAT COVER A RANGE OF PRICE POINTS. YOUR GUESTS WILL APPRECIATE HAVING OPTIONS! CAMILLE STYLES

Southern hospitality can easily translate into your wedding day if you remember that it is really a way of living – the overflow of genuine love for people! There is a noticeable difference between entertaining your guests and truly hosting your guests! A few practical tips: consider lighting levels and music volume and adjust appropriately; anticipate needs to keep your guests comfortable; and be authentic to who you are as you plan! STEFANIE MILES, LAVENDER JOY

Infused with love and tradition, Southern weddings are affairs of the family, and many couples (and especially their hosting parents) would never consider barring children from the guest list. Instead, hospitality and personal flair find expression in special spaces to entertain and pamper young ones. Cedarwood often creates a “kids table" or "kids corner" with activities, gifts and sometimes even separate catering with kid-friendly menus. Special hospitality details we love for kids include personalized coloring books featuring photos and stories about the bride and groom and name-labeled “no-spill” drink cups. LINDA WRIGHT, CEDARWOOD WEDDINGS

RECENTLY, WE USED A SIMPLE TO-GO BOX FOR SLICES OF CAKE TO GO, AND INCLUDED AN ELEGANT VERSION OF A BAMBOO DISPOSABLE FORK. TRADITION USED TO STATE THAT IF YOU PUT A SLICE OF WEDDING CAKE UNDER YOUR PILLOW, YOU WOULD BE THE NEXT TO MARRY! PERSONALLY, I DON'T WANT FROSTING IN MY HAIR. BUT I DO LOVE WEDDING CAKE WITH COFFEE FOR BREAKFAST! TODD FISCUS, TODD EVENTS SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

Make your granny proud! Handle the planning process with good manners. Your vendors and guests will show up eager to make your day as splendid as the way you have treated them! LAURA HELM, ASHTON EVENTS

Be sensitive to the costs incurred by your bridesmaids. Often, they're footing the bill for travel, hotel rooms, dresses and more. Make sure that the dress and hotel options make sense with their budgets. Most importantly, don't forget to show your appreciation with a handwritten note and special gift at some point prior to the wedding. CAMILLE STYLES

Don't miss out on the tiniest of details guests will see. We like personalizing coat check tags with a sweet message from the couple that the staff will give your guests to hold onto if they check a coat or bag. MARIA BAER AND KELLY SEIZERT, RITZY BEE EVENTS

Remember this: as with any event, while the food, the lighting and the decor can be spectacular, none of these are the most important aspect of the day. Creating an environment that ensures your guests feel welcomed should always be a priority. They'll remember the smile on your face more than any food served or favor given, so relax and have a great time, and everyone else will, as well.

Consider using a certified sitter or nanny service if children are attending your wedding reception. This will allow their parents to enjoy the wedding reception or have a â&#x20AC;&#x153;fancy date night.â&#x20AC;? As a special treat or surprise, visit the kids room as a couple and thank your tiny guests for coming to the wedding. The girls will feel special and love your princess dress, and the groom can give high fives all around! LATRICE CUSHENBERRY, OPULENT COUTURIER

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

TODD FISCUS, TODD EVENTS

SHERIDAN FRENCH

If you're doing a tent at your home and using your interior restrooms, make them more hotel-like. Remove personal items and replace them with a tray of amenities. Mints, hand sanitizer wipes from l'Occitane, a small bottle of fragrance from Jo Malone in a scent that compliments your flowers, tiny disposable toothbrushes, a mouth wash and monogrammed paper hand towels make lovely gestures. And a word to the wise: have your plumber on standby in the garage. Serve them a nice meal and you will thank me when 200 people put your toilets to the task! You might need him!

VENUE

P L A N NI N G

D E SI G N

W W W. R I V E R O A K S C H A R L E S T O N . C O M

PHOTO BY VIRGIL BUNAO

F L O R A L S

26 I like the idea of the old-fashioned "receiving line" because the bride and groom actually get a chance to greet each guest personally and thank them for coming. It is an elegant way to start the reception. It usually consists of the wedding party and parents of the bride and groom, but it would be fine to limit it to the bride and groom and their parents. ANNE BARGE

MAKE READINGS TRULY PERSONAL. IN ADDITION TO MORE SERIOUS FARE, INCLUDE A FEW LIGHTHEARTED READINGS — ALL READ BY GOOD FRIENDS — FROM UNLIKELY SOURCES LIKE, SAY, A YELP REVIEW OF THE PLACE WHERE THE COUPLE ATTENDED THEIR FIRST DATE (IT'S FUNNIER IF IT'S A BAD REVIEW!), OR A DOG ADOPTION AGREEMENT ABOUT PROVIDING A SAFE AND HAPPY HOME.

Make sure to actually WALK through your wedding venue(s) as if you were a guest. From parking to restrooms to seating chart placement, you will notice so many things if you think like a guest. Southern hospitality means making people feel at home, so ensure your guests feel comfortable at every turn. LEIGH PEARCE, LEIGH PEARCE WEDDINGS

LINDSAY BIERMAN, SOUTHERN LIVING

SINCE OUR WEDDING TOOK PLACE IN THE TENNESSEE COUNTRYSIDE, WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE WERE DRESSED AND PREPARED FOR AN EVENING SPENT OUTDOORS ON A HOT, SOUTHERN, SUMMER NIGHT. WE PLACED AN INFORMATION CARD IN THE INVITATION SUITE THAT INCLUDED ADVICE LIKE, "UNLESS YOU'D LIKE TO AERATE THE YARD FOR FREE, FLATS OR WEDGES ARE RECOMMENDED FOR THE LADIES." WE ALSO REMINDED PEOPLE OF THE KILLER MOSQUITOES THE SOUTH IS KNOWN FOR AND RECOMMENDED PEOPLE WEAR A BUG REPELLANT. WE MADE SURE TO HAVE SOME ON HAND AT THE WEDDING, AS WELL. CHELSEA PETAJA, OH MY DEER HANDMADES TALKING ABOUT A FUN RECEPTION: AIN’T THAT THE BERRIES?

30 If you're putting together welcome bags for out-of-town guests, be sure to include a city guide with ideas of things to do while in town, as well as a customized map that points out fun locations and how to get to them. CAMILLE STYLES

I think Southern hospitality is truly pouring every ounce of love, family and what matters to you into your special day. From greeting guests with a sweet blueberry lemonade from your family's farm to the old hymns sung by your grandmother's church choir during the ceremony, it's about bringing people together, creating memories and giving guests a sense of who you are and what you love. CRYSTAL STRICKLAND, SOUTHERN POSIES

32 At the reception, hire a Dixieland jazz band to set the tone for the cocktail hour and, to encourage interaction, put out custom corn hole boards. If you're marrying during football season, rent a vintage truck and set up a "help yourself" tailgate (in addition to the standard bar) so guests can grab beers out of a galvanized bucket in the truck bed as opposed to waiting in line. LINDSAY BIERMAN, SOUTHERN LIVING

34 To me, Southern hospitality means not forgetting to thank your parents for the blessings and struggles in your upbringing. A sweet, meaningful gift to go with a handwritten letter addressed to each parent is not only an act of appreciation but shows good manners, too. VANA CHUPP, LE PAPIER STUDIO

POUR YOURSELF A GLASS OF SWEET TEA AND HEAD TO THE BLOG FOR MORE HOSPITALITY TIPS

SOUTHER NWED D I N GS.COM

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

35 Throughout the day, ensure your event is organized, coordinated, and seamless so guests are never wondering, "What's next?" or "Where should I be now?" Assign them a thoughtfully selected seat – there's nothing more uncomfortable than being unsure of where you'll sit for the evening. Guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness and it will be a beautiful start to the hospitality you'll show as husband and wife. CASSANDRA CHERNESKI, FLAIRE WEDDINGS & EVENTS

33 TAKE IT BACK TO FRONT PORCH SITTIN’ WITH A CUE FROM HOLLYWOOD. PUT TOGETHER A CELL PHONE CHECK AND LET FOLKS BAG UP SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE EVENING. EVERYTHING FROM COCKTAIL CONVOS TO DANCE FLOOR ANTICS WILL BE MORE AUTHENTIC AND MORE MEMORABLE WHEN THEY’RE PHONE-FREE! CALDER CLARK, CALDER CLARK DESIGNS

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

SOUTHERN SURCEES

LIBERTY OF LONDON FABRICS FROM ALICE CAROLINE, OTHER FABRICS FROM CHITCHAT FABRICS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANCY RAY

Whether you’re greeting guests or directing them to the sweet tea table, pretty CHALKBOARDS are the solution to all your signage needs. ($65, rowansroom.etsy.com)

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

My last-minute "modeling" of this apron required a quick, in-office manicure. All in a day's work!

Trying out the new kitchen gadgets from your registry will be even more fun in this MONOGRAMMED APRON. They come with a mason jar and recipe cards, too! ($85, icemilkaprons.com)

An upturned HORSESHOE FRAME fitted with an image from your wedding day is the perfect reminder of how lucky you already are! ($20, twoscompany.com)

With over 23 colors of SEALING WAX and 200 seal designs, Back to Zero makes it easy to make a stately (and personal) impression. ($20, backtozero.etsy.com)

It itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not moving, monogram it! These BOOT SOCKS peeking out of cowboy boots epitomize Southern style. ($25, shopmemento.com)

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

The perfect solution for a flower-shy groom, these COTTON POD BOUTONNIERES are both rustic and stylish. (whichgoose.etsy.com)

A HORSESHOE formerly worn by a local Kentucky horse is bound to bring your newlywed home plenty of luck. ($62, sycamorehill.etsy.com)

Looking for a way to jazz up a basic cake stand? Make it your own with this peel-and-stick MONOGRAM DECAL! It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and is washable, reusable and environmentally friendly. The holiday patterns are darling, but of course, we're partial to the monograms! ($20, whhostess.com)

These NECKLACES are sure to become wardrobe staples. (“Love, Dad” necklace from Surfing Silver ($125, surfingsilver.etsy.com), Louisiana necklace from Love and Gold ($42, loveandgold.etsy.com), monogram necklace from Mark and Graham ($189, markandgraham.com), Austin necklace from Brevity ($95, brevityjewelry.com))

REACTING TO A SURPRISE ON THE WEDDING DAY: WELL, CLUTCH MY PEARLS!

Handwritten notes are always a “do” in our book, and the abundance of opportunities during wedding planning is a perfect excuse to stock up on darling options for your NOTECARD collection!

FIRST COLUMN, TOP TO BOTTOM: chicken card by 1canoe2 (1canoe2.com), strawberry jar card by 1canoe2, stars card by Belle and Union (southernweddingshop.com), SECOND COLUMN: guitar card by 1canoe2, bushel and a peck card by Belle and Union, oh honey card by Poppy Pedals (poppypedals.etsy.com), bee hive card by 1canoe2, THIRD COLUMN: all by 1canoe2

My husband and I dated long distance before getting married. These cute mugs are a reminder that love transcends time and space!

A Southern home is not complete without a WREATH! Personalize this burlap one with your monogram and favorite ribbon color. ($140, laurelcreekwreaths.etsy.com)

Celebrate the places most important to you and your honey every morning with these MUGS. We especially love them for couples hailing from different states! ($35, greyskiesblue.etsy.com)

Every gent should have a handsome HANDKERCHIEF for wiping away tears on his wedding day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; his brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, or his own. ($29, markandgraham. com)

Who knew bullet shells made such dapper CUFF LINKS? Your groom and his guys will love this masculine accessory. ($20 and $25, oruaka. etsy.com)

From monogrammed bridesmaid gifts to state-celebrating favors, KOOZIES make a fun gift for anyone and everyone! (State koozies from Pink House Press ($5, thepinkhousepress.etsy.com), monogrammed koozies from Southern Hands ($12, southernhandsllc.etsy.com))

Since this shoot, we have gone through two full jars of Emily G's Jam of Love. Definitely a favorite in our house!

We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop snacking on this tasty twist on PB&J. Big Spoon Roasters is located right down the road from the SW office in Durham, North Carolina! ($21, bourbonandboots.com)

Send guests straight home to their gardens with eco-friendly SEED BOMB FAVORS. ($7, visualingual.etsy.com)

In flavors like Salt and Pepper and Coffee Bean, these ARTISAN CHOCOLATE BARS from Nashville are sure to be a favorite with your sweettoothed guests. ($7, oliveandsinclair.com)

This LETTERPRESSED MEASURING GUIDE will be extra handy if you're learning to cook at the same time as adjusting to married life. ($50, 9thletterpress.com)

There will be no confusing whose bouquet is whose with these MONOGRAMMED BOUQUET RIBBONS, and bridesmaids will love the sweet keepsake from your wedding day. ($20, oatmeallacedesign.com)

Add a touch of whimsy to your wedding cake with this romantic, HAND-PAINTED CAKE TOPPER. ($42, firstsnowfall.etsy.com)

Wedding details you can reuse are always in style, and we can think of none sweeter than a CUSTOMIZED CAKE SERVER and pair of FORKS. ($85, shopjessicandesigns.com)

Your flower girl will look even more darling than usual in a MONOGRAMMED HAIR BOW. ($20, eolsendesigns.etsy.com)

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

SOUTHERN SWEETS

I have already reserved two dozen of these bovine beauties for Grace's second birthday party, which will take place at a local dairy farm!

Put a Southern spin on the COOKIE bar tradition (originally a Pittsburgh wedding staple) by celebrating some of your favorite things about the South in sugar form. It should come as no surprise that we love monograms, Southern states and flowers, and farm animals! (State flowers: price varies, maggieaustincake.com, farm animals: start at $2.50 each, facebook.com/SouthernSugarBakery, monograms: $33 for a dozen, sweetgoosiegirl.etsy.com, states: $24 for a dozen, snicketysnacks.com)

In search of a darling bridal shower gift? Look no further than these Southern RECIPE TEA TOWELS, which look just as cute on a towel hook as they do framed in a kitchen. ($12, southernweddingshop.com)

Pretty candles in SOUTHERN CITY-INSPIRED SCENTS (gardenia and jasmine, anyone?) make a charming addition to your welcome bags. ($7.50, archipelago-usa.com)

Colorful LOLLIPOPS in Southern flavors and shapes are sure to be a hit with guests both young and old! (Gourmet flavors from Boss Girls Inc. ($12 for 7, bossgirlsinc.etsy.com), farm and Texas shapes from Melville Candy Company ($48 for 24, melvillecandycompany.com)

Sweeten your tea even more with these precious STAMPED SPOONS. ($19 for Sugar Pie Honey Bunch, $16 for Morning Sunshine, shopjessicandesigns.com)

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

POUND CA KE S

GLAZED LEMON CAKE from Savannah's Candy Kitchen ($39.99, savannahcandy.com)

PRALINE CAKE from Savannah's Candy Kitchen ($29.99, savannahcandy.com)

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CAKE from Three Brothers Bakery ($6.95, 3brothersbakery.com)

7 TRADITIONAL POUND CAKE recipes call for a pound each of flour, butter, eggs and sugar, which makes a cake much larger than most families can consume. One option is to reduce the quantity of each ingredient while keeping the 1:1:1:1 ratio, but our preferred solution? Enjoy the rich, buttery flavor at a wedding, when there are plenty of friends and family around to share the wealth! Here, a few of our favorite mail-order options with homemade taste, perfect for any dessert table and delivered right to your door!

2 MARBLE POUND CAKE from Three Brothers Bakery ($6.95, 3brothersbakery.com)

3 KEY LIME CAKE from Two Belles Southern Pound Cakes ($36, twobellespoundcakes.com)

DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE from Two Belles Southern Pound Cakes ($36, twobellespoundcakes.com)

6 CINNAMON CAKE from Janieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cakes ($36, janiescakes.com)

ORIGINAL POUND CAKE WITH FLOWERS from Nonnie Wallers Traditional Southern ($140, nonniewallers.com)

THIS RING H T I W

Of all the things that go into creating a wedding day – the guest list, the invitations, the sparklers for a celebratory send-off – the vows are the only things that actually make a marriage. Your vows are your chance to declare to your world the things that you will honor in your marriage, the things that you will abide by for the rest of your life. What an amazing opportunity, y’all! And an awesome responsibility. Whether you choose to recite traditional vows or pen your own, this wedding planning “to do” deserves an extra dose of your time and attention.

BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, make sure you are on the same page as your groom. Some men are mortified by the idea of sharing personal vows in public, while others have been just itching for a chance to put pen to paper. Try not to get your heart set on either personal or traditional vows before you sit down together and have a conversation about what you’re each comfortable with and what would be the best fit for your ceremony and your relationship.

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

eďŹ&#x20AC;orttess 407.394.8892 weddings@blushbbg.com www.blushbbg.com

TIPS FOR USIN G PERSONAL VOWS: If you feel only original words could capture your unique relationship, then personal vows are for y’all. This route requires a much larger commitment, so make sure you’re both invested in the process! Get inspired. As early as you’d like, start a repository of inspiration for your vows – virtual (like Google Docs) or physical (like a notebook). And remember, inspiration can be everywhere: weddings you attend; wedding magazines, blogs, or films; books you read; songs you hear; lines of scripture. If a sentiment, line, or phrase resonates with you, jot it down – don’t worry about editing at this point. Mine your past. If you are lucky enough to have love letters (or emails or texts – this is the twenty-first century!) you’ve written each other over the years, break them out! They can be a great source of inspiration, and a wonderful way to include parts of your past in your future. Set parameters. Decide whether you’ll jointly write one set of vows that you’ll both recite, or if you’ll each write individual vows. If you’re writing individual vows, consider setting up basic guidelines so they aren’t wildly different: perhaps they’ll both last 30 seconds or a minute, or they’ll both take the form of promises, or they’ll both include an anecdote from your past. Start early. These are lifelong promises, not something to be jotted down the night before the wedding (or, God forbid, the morning of). About a month before the big day is a good time to sort your inspiration and begin a draft. Your groom might need a little prodding to get going – be gentle. Write a draft. Block out a space of time when you don’t have other commitments

or things weighing on your mind, and begin sifting through your inspiration. Pull out the best pieces, and begin forming them into a coherent whole. Add and subtract, write and rewrite until you’re happy with what you have. Ask questions if you get stuck. What are your hopes and intentions for your marriage? What do you love most about your partner? What does getting married mean to you? What story do you want to share about your love? Revisit your draft. Set your draft aside for a few days, then come back to it with fresh eyes. Make sure your words sound like YOU, not like what you think vows should sound like. Try it out loud. Make sure the words and sentences flow well and that there aren’t any tongue twisters. Adjust awkward lines. Be sure to time yourself to make sure you’re not running too long. And when in doubt, cut it out: short and sweet is almost always preferable to directionless rambling. Pick the most important points and make them well.

BDK and I fall into the traditional vows camp. We simply loved the idea of honoring God and those who'd said the same vows for generations before us.

Take it seriously. Personal vows can be funny and sweet and touching and, well, personal. But they’re also made up of the things you are vowing to abide by for the rest of your marriage. That is no small thing, and it deserves your time, attention and seriousness. Ensure a smooth delivery. Whether or not you plan to memorize your vows, make sure you write out at least two copies on an index card for the big day. Keep one in your clutch, and give one to your officiant or maid of honor.

TIPS FOR USING T R A D I T I O N A L VO W S : Many couples feel there’s nothing more special than reciting the same vows as their parents and grandparents (and many generations before them). Others feel the traditional vows simply can’t be improved upon. Whatever your reason, a few tips for reciting the age-old vows: Check with your officiant first. He or she can inform you of any rules for your denomination or your house of worship (if applicable), or any personal preferences he or she might have. Review them together. Ask your officiant for a copy of the vows in the order of worship for your denomination. Read through them with your groom, and jot down any tweaks you might like to make. Be sure to okay any potential tweaks with your officiant.

SEARCHING FOR IDEAS? Sometimes the best inspiration comes from listening to other couples make their promises in marriage. Luckily, we've heard many of them over the years! Turn the page for a few of our favorites.

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

VOW LIBRARY FOR INSPIRATION: Need help getting started?

HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE PLEDGES: I, Allie, do pledge you, Noah, my love, for as long as I live. What I possess in this world, I give to you. I will keep you and hold you, comfort and tend you, protect you and shelter you, for all the days of my life.

I, Scarlett, take you, Rhett, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, all the days of my life.

I, Eric, choose you, Tammy to be no other than yourself, loving what I know of you and trusting what things I will discover. I will respect you as a person, a partner and an equal. There is little to say that you haven’t already heard, and little to give that is not already freely given. Before you asked me, I was yours, and I am devoted to you in every way. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep.

I love you unconditionally and without hesitation. I vow to encourage you, trust you and respect you. I promise to work with you, knowing that together we will build a life far better than either of us could imagine alone. Today, I choose you to be my husband. I accept you as you are and I offer myself in return. I will care for you, stand beside you and share with you all of life’s adversities and all of its joys from this day forward and all the days of my life.

Today, I promise you this: I will laugh with you in times of joy, and comfort you in times of sorrow. I will share in your dreams and support you as you strive to achieve your goals. I will listen to you with compassion and understanding, and speak to you with encouragement. Together, let us build a home filled with learning, laughter and light, shared freely. Let us be partners, friends and lovers, today and all of the days that follow.

I, Maudie, take you, Atticus, to be the husband of my days, the companion of my house, the friend of my life. We shall bear together whatever trouble and sorrow life may lay upon us, and we shall share together whatever good and joyful things life may bring us. With these words, and all the words of my heart, I marry you and bind my life to yours.

With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone: may my heart be your shelter, and my arms be your home.

I, Forrest, take you, Jenny, to be my beloved wife, to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life.

I take you as you are, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become. I promise to listen to you and learn from you, to support you and accept your support. I will celebrate your triumphs and mourn your losses as though they were my own. I will love you and have faith in your love for me, through all our years and all that life may bring us.

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

I, Shelby, take you, Jackson, to be my husband. I promise to choose you every day, to love you in word and deed, to do the hard work of making now into always. To laugh with you, cry with you, grow with you, and create with you. To be your kin and your partner in all of life’s adventures. I give you my hand. I give you my love. I give you myself.

INSPI RED BY THE

STATE S WE CA LL

HOME

PHOTOGRAPH Y BY Patricia Lyons

FLORAL DESIGN BY Janie Medley Flora Design ST YLING BY Merriment Events

WHOLESALE BLOOMS FROM Florabundance

the treasures that originate beneath the Mason-Dixon Line, our blooms just might be the most precious. The perfumed gardenia, bold magnolia, romantic wisteria… they all conjure up a feeling, or a memory from the past. Many are also intimately linked with a Southeastern state, and that’s what we wanted to celebrate with this feature: bouquets that were unmistakably inspired by a specific place and way of life. Of course, there’s no rule that says only a Virginia bride can be inspired by that state’s bouquet, so don’t hesitate to pick and choose your favorite elements across state lines!

PIN K PEONIE S, A ZA LEAS, SWEET PEAS We think of Alabama as ground zero for all things pretty and girly, so this clutch of peonies, azaleas (in honor of the Trail Maids!) and sweet peas is right on target. An extra-wide ribbon (almost 4 inches!) finishes it off (midori.com). Emily sent me a preview of this on shoot day, and I about flipped! Being from Mobile, the azaleas especially hold a special place in my heart!

TWEEDIA, FEV ER FEW, HYDRANGEA, HOT PIN K ANEMONE S, QUEEN ANNE'S LACE, WAX FLOWER, CREAM DAH LIAS, SPI REA

This bouquet is as "wild and wonderful" as West Virginia; it feels like a field of flowers in miniature. We used all delicate blooms for this one and tied it together with a strip of Liberty fabric (purlsoho.com).

TWEEDIA, GARDENIA, WHITE RANUNCU LUS

This is the second issue one of my parents' wedding photos has appeared in! Their big day style still looks timeless more than thirty years later.

Virginia brides know that "simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication," so this bouquet's classic elegance is sure to please. A photo charm is the finishing touch (whichgoose.etsy.com).

CORA L CHARM PEONIE S, YE LLOW RANUNCU LUS, ORANGE RANUNCU LUS, HOT PIN K ANEMONE S, FEV ER FEW, POPPIE S, JASMINE V INE, UMBRE LLA FERN

Our Florida bouquet is as bright and vivacious as our Southernmost brides! A cheery silk ribbon holds these citrus-colored blooms all together.

I may not be from Florida, but this vibrant bouquet is calling out to me! I love the soft jasmine vine combined with punchy florals.

RED ROSE S, WHITE PEONIE S, WHITE RANUNCU LUS, WHITE TU LIPS

Our Kentucky bouquet gives the run for the roses a run for its money, adding in white peonies, white ranunculus and white tulips for extra oomph. A boldly striped scarf (modcloth. com) and sweet pin (timelesstreasuresltd.etsy.com) finish the look.

BU RGUNDY PEONIE S, WHITE SCABIOSA, JASMINE V INE, ITA LIAN RUSCUS, CLEMATIS, SPI REA, OREGON GRAPE HOLLY, BLACKBERRIE S

Moody and elegant flowers with lots of greenery combine to capture the feel of Tennessee. This bouquet makes us think of dark skinny jeans and banjos!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

SOME BRIDES know for years the type of flowers they want to carry down the aisle – maybe you've always had a soft spot for the sweetlyscented gardenias that grew outside your childhood home, your beau arrived to your first date with a fistful of peonies or you've dreamed of carrying the same clutch of stephanotis that your grandmother did since you were five. Or, maybe not – in which case, the seemingly endless variety of flowers can quickly make you feel as overwhelmed as a short dog in tall grass. Whether you’re choosing your blooms based on the season you're marrying in – or choosing your wedding date based on which blooms are in season! – this chart is the perfect place to start dreaming up the flowers for your wedding day. SPECIAL THANKS TO Flowerwheel App

My grandmother, Grandma "Bunny," was a florist in Birmingham, Alabama. She passed her love of flowers and gardening to my mom, who then passed it to me. This is my first year with my own little garden and it has been the greatest joy –such a special family tradition!

As a late-June North Carolina bride, I was able to get peonies at the very end of their bloom life that year (which is directly impacted by the weather and conditions each growing season). Fair warning for brides set on out-of-season blooms: these days, you can get almost any flower any time, but it will impact the quality and cost.

FLOWER

SP RI NG

SUMMER

FALL

WI NT ER

Alstroemeria Amaryllis Anemone Astilbe Aster Babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breath Calla lily Camellia Campanula (Canterbury bells) Carnation Chamomile Chrysanthemum Clematis Daffodil Dahlia Daisy Dogwood Freesia Garden rose Gerbera daisy Gladiolus Heather Hellebore Honeysuckle Hyacinth Hydrangea Hypericum berry Lavender Lilac Lily Lily of the Valley Lisianthus Magnolia Narcissus Orchid Paperwhite Peony Pieris Poinsettia Poppy Queen Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lace Ranunculus Rose Spray rose Star of Bethlehem Stephanotis Stock Sweet pea Thistle Tulip Tweedia Viburnum Zinnia

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

ILLUSTRATIONS BY Trial by Cupcakes

In our fourth issue, we presented our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist – a month-by-month guide to planning the perfect Southern soiree. We still stand by that list, and highly recommend taking a peek if you’re recently engaged! In the midst of all the to-do’s, though, it’s easy to forget that there’s something on the other side of the wedding – a stronger-than-oak marriage. We so deeply believe that planning for a wedding means planning for more than just one day that we’re offering up one more checklist. Consider it your Ultimate Guide to Planning a Southern Marriage, and prepare to set the stage for a lifetime of learning, cultivating and growing together before you walk down the aisle.

OH MY ST ARS! While the best gifts don't come in pretty packages, sometimes a timely surprise can make for a great memory and a stronger connection between you both!

Our "sweet cheat sheets" were designed to make surprising and delighting your partner just a little bit easier, because the easier something is, the more likely you are to do it! And we definitely want to encourage you in the pursuit of random acts of kindness toward your spouse -- they're a sure-fire way to remind him you're rooting for him, thinking about him and hoping he's having the best day possible. So fill in our sheets, clip them out, stick them in your wallet and get to surprising!

HELPFUL HINTS about MY BEAU

HELPFUL HINTS about MY BELLE

Shoe size:

Dress shirt size:

Clothing size:

Pant size:

Favorite movie candy:

Favorite coffee shop drink:

Favorite flower:

Favorite Southern food:

Top take-out choice:

Favorite biscuit topping:

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

FUN QUE ST IONS These are some of our favorite “fun” questions to start a conversation over dinner or on a road trip. You never know how your spouse might surprise you!

What skill do you hope to one day master?

What is the best birthday you’ve ever had?

If you had a free continental round-trip ticket, where would you go and what would you do?

What are your five favorite memories that we have made together?

Name three songs that you sing at the top of your lungs when you’re riding by yourself in the car. (Bonus points for belting one out as an example.)

Pick five places you’d live if money and time were no concern.

If you could be friends with someone famous, who would it be?

What is your favorite holiday and why?

What is one adventure you’d like us to experience in our lifetime?

What is your favorite Southern word or phrase?

Which five cities are on your MUST VISIT NEXT list?

What was your favorite TV show as a kid?

If you could only eat at seven restaurants for the rest of your life, which would you pick?

Which three people (anyone in the world) would you invite to dinner, and why? And what would you eat?

What is your earliest childhood memory?

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

What is your most prized possession?

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?

What is your favorite memory related to Southern food?

If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?

FREE PRI NTABLE ! Can't bear to rip this page out? Download a printable version for you and your sweetie to fill in! SOUTHERNWEDDINGS.COM/MARRIAGECHECKLIST

I love this list! BDK and I have always loved table topics (I remember doing them in a hammock on our second date!) and fun get-to-know you games. We still do, nearly five years into our marriage!

The Five Love Languages has continued to be one of our favorite books – so helpful!

EXPERT ADVICE

KRISTINE GALLI HANKINS Marriage Counselor & Planner at Kristine Aletha Weddings

During your engagement, there is no task more important than preparing for your marriage. That means learning about yourself, your partner and your relationship; discussing your expectations of marriage, parenting and one another; and improving the way you communicate and resolve conflict. Marriage preparation comes in a number of forms. It may include meeting with a mentor couple, pastor or counselor – someone you trust and are able to share with openly and comfortably. Or it may mean participating in a marriage preparation course (like Prepare Enrich (prepare-enrich.com)). No matter how you decide to prepare, you will never regret taking the time to build a strong foundation for your future together.

NEED A FEW MORE RESOURCES? HERE ARE FOUR BOOKS THAT KRISTINE RECOMMENDS: SEVEN PRINCIPLES FOR MAKING MARRIAGE WORK By John Gottman

THE NEW RULES OF MARRIAGE By Terrance Real

THE TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER By Dave Ramsey

THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES: THE SECRET TO LOVE THAT LASTS by Gary Chapman. You can also take the Love Language quiz on 5lovelanguages.com.

A SOUTHERN MARRIAGE MAD LIB We trust you're going to tackle the heavier questions before walking down the aisle, so we thought we'd get you started with a few easier ones! Fill them in and compare when you need a break from discussions on finances, chores and baby belles and beaus.

HIS

HERS

Dear __________________________, my beautiful belle. I can't

Dear __________________________, my handsome beau. I can't

wait to spend the rest of my life with you! Thank you for being

the best ____________________________________ and for always

______________________________________________.

________________________________________________.

I fell in love with you because __________________

I fell in love with you because _______________________

______________________________________, and I knew you were

_________________________________, and I knew you were the

the one when ____________________________________________.

one when ________________________________________________.

I love our adventures together, especially when we _______

I love our adventures together, especially

__________________________________________________________!

when we _______________________________

One of the things I'm most looking forward to about marrying

________________________________________!

you is _____________________________________________________

One of the things I'm most looking forward to about marrying

__________________________________________________________.

you is _____________________________________________________

We might disagree about whether to say "pee-can" or "puh-

__________________________________________________________.

cahn," but I'll always know _________________________________

We might disagree about whether to say "pee-can" or "puh-

___________________________________. And when we do fight, I

cahn," but I'll always know _________________________________

promise to ____________________________. I promise to always

____________________________________. And when we do fight,

keep _______________________________ at the forefront of our

I promise to _______________________. I promise to always

marriage, and to never forget ______________________________.

keep _______________________________ at the forefront of our

I hope to spend our fifth anniversary ________________________

marriage, and to never forget ______________________________

___________________________________________________

_______________________. I hope to spend our fifth anniversary

and our fiftieth anniversary _________________________

____________________________________________ and our fiftieth

__________________________________________________.

anniversary _______________________________________________.

I can't wait to grow old and gray with you, because I know

we will still be ____________________________________________.

I love you more than peach cobbler!

I love you more than a hen has feathers!

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

A YEAR OF #SOUTHERNDOINS FOR SWEETHEARTS Mercy, y’all, don’t let wedding planning suck all of the joy out of your relationship! Though it may seem like there’s no time for anything but corresponding with vendors and sampling cake flavors (okay, that part is delicious), we guarantee there IS time for fun, even when engaged. We’ve compiled inspiration for all four seasons and every Southern state – so now you have no excuse! (We call them Southern Doins because they encourage us to get out and savor the beauty of the South, but you'll probably just call them fun!)

SPRING Bake something for a neighbor or friend.

SUMMER Pick berries or fruit, then make something delicious. Georgia readers recommend picking strawberries just north of Atlanta, in the tiny populace of Ball Ground!

Plant something together. Go to an outdoor concert or summer movie series. Sample new-to-you wines at a local Southern vineyard.

The “Big Mo” drive-in theater in Monetta, SC is in the middle of nowhere, but worth the drive!

The Charlottesville area is particularly ripe with wineries. Readers love White Hall, Veritas and King Family!

Cheer at a hometown baseball game. Missouri brides love watching their Cardinals play ball, then finishing the evening with a romantic Italian dinner in The Hill district!

Explore a local botanical garden in bloom.

Take a walk in the rain. Stomp in some puddles, especially if planning stress has been getting to you. Go fishing. Be active together – go hit golf balls, play tennis, fly a kite, go for a run. Chattanooga, TN has an amazing bike rental program! Borrow a pair and ride along the river!

Plan an outdoor date night.

Visit the farmer’s market.

Do some spring cleaning and donate gently-used items.

The official state vegetable/fruit of Arkansas is the tomato – don’t miss out on this Southern delicacy when visiting your local farmer’s market.

Put on your favorite spring sundress and try a new-to-you restaurant. Oxford, MS is known for their great restaurants. Try Ajax Diner and munch on the Pimento Cheese Quesadilla, Chicken & Dumplings or Southern Fried Catfish.

Float down a river, swim in a lake, or visit the beach.

Florida readers should head to the local springs for a dip – we love Blue Springs, Ginnie Springs and Fanny Springs!

Invite friends over for brunch, pajamas welcome. Pack a picnic. Visit your local farm or zoo and enjoy all the new baby animals. We love the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium in New Orleans!

Readers love weekends at Arrington Vineyards in Nashville – their Music in the Vines event runs from April to December, and picnics are encouraged!

Host or attend a cookout.

Watch a Southern sunset.

FREE PRI NTABLE ! Download a printable of this checklist and cross them off as you go! SOUTHERNWEDDINGS.COM/MARRIAGECHECKLIST

NEED IDEAS? HERE ARE SOME OF OUR OWN FAVORITE #SOUTHERNDOINS

Two-stepping with Dave in Texas!

A weekly visit to the local farm with Grace to feed the goats!

Floating down a river with John.

Enjoying a big Southern brunch together.

FALL Tailgate at your favorite team’s home game.

There are so many to choose from, but an Iron Bowl game is always a favorite in our office!

Head to a town, county or state fair. Let him win you a prize.

Go camping or hiking.

Road trip to a new-to-you Southern city. Fredericksburg, in the Hill Country of TX, boasts wineries, neat shops, delicious restaurants, gorgeous wildflowers in season and acres of antiques every third Sunday!

Visit a local coffee shop and try a fun fall beverage.

Cuddle up in front of a campfire – s’mores required. Gatlinburg, TN, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, is chock full of cabins for a cozy weekend trip.

Chase each other through a corn maze.

Share your sweetheart adventures with us by tagging #SouthernDoin!

WINTER Go ice skating. The gorgeous and color ful Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia has a seasonal outdoor rink!

Bundle up and ride around town looking at holiday lights with homemade hot chocolate in hand. The Christmas lights at Calloway Gardens are a favorite for Georgia readers.

Start a new holiday tradition, just the two of you.

Visit a tree farm and pick out a Christmas tree. Pick your own at Boyd Mountain Tree Farm tucked away in North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains. (You can rent a cabin and make a weekend out of it, if you wish!)

Spread the love by setting aside a day to engage in “random” acts of kindness.

Host a small holiday gathering of your favorite friends. A popular beverage hailing from the Magnolia State, serve up Mississippi Bourbon Punch to add a festive touch to your holiday party.

Play a board game. Brownie points for inviting friends over for a game night.

Carve a pumpkin. Oklahoma offers a number of great pumpkin patches. Carmicheal’s in Tulsa is a personal favorite because they have a great pumpkin patch and yummy produce.

Discuss your feelings on holiday gifts: for each other, for family, for friends.

Make a batch of your favorite soup and spend the day watching old movies.

Tell each other about favorite holiday traditions from childhood.

Pick apples (from an apple farm or the farmer's market) and make a fun apple dessert to share.

Head to the mountains and check into a cozy lodge or inn. Bonus points for a fireplace in the room.

Kentucky readers recommend Huber Family Farm as a perfect place to pick-your-own.

We love the Old Edwards Inn, tucked away in the mountains of Highlands, NC!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

“WE BELIEVE IN BISCUITS AND BANJOS, PEARLS AND PECANS, GRITS AND GARDENIAS, MAGNOLIAS AND MONOGRAMS” – THE SWEET TEA SOCIET Y

PHOTOGRAPH Y BY Eric Kelley

FOOD CREATION AND ST YLING BY Chefs Crawford and Benjamin from The Umstead Hotel LET TERING AN ILLUSTRATION BY Lara Casey, Emily Thomas and Morgan Moore

Some call the biscuit a staple of the Southern diet, but we think that’s downplaying its importance: to us, the biscuit is the sparkling gem in the crown of Southern cuisine. Humble it may be, but it’s served breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a true Southern soul who would deny its versatility and down right deliciousness. Family recipes and techniques, of course, are passed down as priceless secrets through the generations, as everybody and their mama has an opinion on what it takes to make the best melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk beauty. But whether you use butter or shortening, self-rising flour or baking powder, there’s nothing quite like a biscuit to evoke memories of sweet family gatherings and the history and heritage of the South. And there’s no place better than a wedding to bring family, history and heritage together. So dust off your pastry blender, look to favorite moments from your dating history for inspiration and dream up a few biscuit combinations that are sure to make your guests say, yeehaw! We promise the reward will be sweet – or maybe savory. SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

B U T T ER M I LK BISCUIT

W I T H D U C K S AU S AG E G R AV Y & LO CA L E G G

Planning an early morning ceremony? This breakfast biscuit is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

B U T T ER M I LK B I S C U I T

W I T H F R I ED CAT F I S H & CO LES L AW

Calling all seafood lovers: this down-home coleslaw and catfish biscuit is a guaranteed catch on your big day.

F R I ED D RO P B I S C U I T

S T U F F ED W I T H E A S T ER N CA RO LI N A C H O P P ED BA R B E C U E

North Carolina brides (and their guests) will love these bite-sized BBQ beauties and will be hardpressed to stop after trying just one.

H ER B B I S C U I T

W I T H H EI R LO O M T O M AT O S LI C ES

Summer brides will rejoice over this simple biscuit, which uses goodness straight from the garden.

S W EE T P O TAT O BISCUIT

W I T H BACO N M A R M A L A D E

Bacon and marmalade are the perfect marriage of sweet and salty, and we think that this combination is sure to satisfy the masses.

H ER B BISCUIT

W I T H P I M EN T O C H EES E

B U T T ER M I LK BISCUIT

W I T H J O H N S T O N CO U N T Y H A M & B EER M U S TA R D

This hearty biscuit will be popular with Southern gents, especially those who hail from the state of Virginia.

If I close my eyes, I can almost imagine myself picking one of these buttermilk beauties right off the page. I call dibs on the herb and pimento cheese biscuit.

Who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to enjoy a biscuit bursting with the caviar of the South during cocktail hour?

D RO P B I S C U I T with CINNAMON SUGAR W I T H LO CA L B ER R I ES & C R EM E F R A I C H E

Take note, blueberry and raspberry fans: this sweet biscuit is bursting with fresh flavor.

B U T T ER M I LK BISCUIT

W I T H T OA S T ED P E CA N G OAT B U T T ER & P E AC H JA M

Attention, brides who hail from the Peach State: this take on traditional jam will take the cake at your backyard reception.

" O R A N G E V ELV E T " B I S C U I T W I T H C R E A M C H EES E , S A LT ED P E CA N S & O R A N G E Z ES T

Whether you say pee-CAN, pee-cahn or pi-kan, this orange velvet vixen will steal the show at any Florida citrus-filled dessert table.

I was the lucky gal who got to eat this Orange Velvet biscuit, and I have been dreaming about it ever since. It was divine!

B U T T ER M I LK B I S C U I T W I T H LO CA L H O N EY & B U T T ER

Like bees to honey, this charming biscuit is sweet, simple and a surefire way to win the hearts of all your guests.

F R I ED D RO P B I S C U I T

F I LLED W I T H VA N I LL A C U S TA R D A N D RO LLED I N VA N I LL A S U G A R

Fans of New Orleans' popular beignets might change their tune after trying these sweet miniature fried biscuit bites brimming with vanilla custard.

S W EE T P O TAT O B I S C U I T W I T H CO O K I E B U T T ER & P I C K LED P E AC H ES

Carolina brides will swoon over this bitty sweet potato biscuit that honors the juicy peach in pickled form.

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

We take tradition very seriously here in the South – almost as seriously as we take college football. It runs deep in the roots of our family trees, and, almost without notice, impacts everything from what we eat for dinner to what we call dinner at our family table (“supper,” according to Marissa's mama and our own Kristin Winchester). While some traditions may seem as confusing as a cow in a parking lot at first glance, each has a history and a deep meaning to the folks that introduce it to a new generation. Of course, nowhere will you find as many traditions in one room as at a Southern wedding, where “the way things have always been done” is often not questioned. At Southern Weddings, we’re all for heritage and legacy, but we’re not afraid to shake things up, either – pick and choose the traditions that are right for you and your groom, and leave the rest for someone else. Our favorite traditions? Ones that ooze graciousness, and honor the people most dear to you. After all, the ultimate Southern wedding tradition is hospitality; with it as a common thread throughout your festivities, you can’t go wrong.

C AKE PULL Though their popularity has spread throughout and beyond the South, cake pulls are most often associated with New Orleans, where they’re as traditional and beloved as red beans and rice on Monday nights. The cake pull gets its roots from an old Victorian tradition of “ribbon pulling.” In those days, charms of luck and good fortune were set into the wedding cake by the bride to predict the future of her single friends (much like the tradition that says the single gal who catches the bouquet will be the next to marry). These days, pulls are more often placed in a small cake at the bridesmaid luncheon or wedding shower instead of the wedding cake (or bride’s cake) at the reception. Bridesmaids and close female friends are given the opportunity to pull a charm from the cake just before the cake is cut (a ceremony called the “ribbon pull”). A few of our favorite charms and their meanings: a hot air balloon (adventure and travel), the fleur de lis (love and prosperity) and the four-leaf clover (good luck).

OBSERVATION ON A FIANCEE: AIN'T NO CURE FOR A GIRL IN LOVE.

A FATHER’S FIRST LOOK A conundrum in the heart of almost every Southern gal: a love for the emotion and release of tension provided by a “first look” balanced by an equal and opposing love for the classic tradition of seeing your groom for the first time as you walk down the aisle. We’ve seen many variations of the first look, including a blindfolded groom and a sweet handhold around a door or corner, but our very favorite has to be when dad steps in one final time. The moment when a father first sees his daughter in her wedding gown can be a very emotional and memorable moment for everyone involved, particularly because most Southerners are unashamed to identify as “Daddy’s girls.” Though a wedding day is focused on the bride and groom, we love when a bride sets aside a few minutes to spend with just her father. While a first look with dad may not have the lengthy history our other traditions have acquired, we can’t wait to see this sweet one grow.

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

MONOGRAMS

SECOND LINE With the motto laissez les bons temps rouler, it’s no surprise that the “second line” tradition belongs to a city rich with celebration, New Orleans. The line stems from African American jazz funerals, where a brass band played and paraded to honor the life of the deceased while loved ones followed the band, dancing to add to the spirit and celebration of the procession. Weddings with a NOLA connection have flipped this tradition on its head, using a second line parade to signify the beginning of new life for the bride and groom. A second line usually takes place between the ceremony and reception, with the newly-married couple leading the way and holding decorated parasols while the band and wedding party follow right behind. In a genius display of double duty programs, we’ve seen couples print their order of service on white handkerchiefs, then encourage guests to twirl them in the air once the second line sets off. Though second lines begin with just invited guests, they often attract passers-by to join the fun – perfect for a wedding in the South, where there’s always enough joy to go around!

Perhaps the most beloved and widespread tradition in the South is the monogram. Y’all, if it stops moving long enough, most Southerners (Marissa included) will monogram it… whatever IT is! Since many Southerners are monogrammed almost literally from birth (lettered bloomers are oh so cute!), it’s easy to see why there are so many options and traditions when it comes to monogramming our big day. From family Bibles to signet rings, handkerchiefs to dress labels, monogrammed pieces are passed down through generations as a reminder of those who vowed their love before us. The rows of monograms on an heirloom are such an amazing encouragement to a bride just starting out on the marriage journey, and adding our own three-letter identifier is a way of being welcomed into the larger group! Be sure to keep in mind a few rules of thumb. If you’re planning to use a monogram on any of your wedding day attire, anything worn before or during the ceremony should reflect your maiden monogram. A married or joint monogram features the initial of the wife’s first name on the left, the initial of the husband’s first name on the right and the initial of the couple’s married surname slightly larger in the middle. (Note: Most etiquette books now suggest the order we have here, but in the past, the husband’s first initial was often placed on the left because it was believed that his first and surname initials should not be separated.) Just like wedding day attire, a married monogram shouldn't be used before a couple is officially married. Yes, this means no joint monograms on save the dates, invitations or programs! Try using your first initials joined by an ampersand, and then debut your new married monogram on reception paper pieces – and thank you notes!

BURYING THE BOURBON

If I had planned an outdoor ceremony or celebration, burying the bourbon would surely have been a tradition we followed!

Southern folklore says that if you bury a bottle of bourbon at the site where the bride and groom are to be married, it won’t rain on their wedding day. According to many believers, this must be done exactly one month before the wedding, the bottle must be completely full and it must be buried upside down to ensure maximum weather persuasion. We’ve also heard a variation that stipulates the burying should be done on a day with weather you’d be happy to have on your wedding day. Rain or shine, the bottle should be dug up post-ceremony and enjoyed with the bridal party, making this a win-win tradition no matter the skies! Since the weather is one of the only things that’s beyond the control of even the most dedicated list-maker, we like that this tradition satisfies the need to “do something” aside from crossing one’s fingers when planning an outdoor wedding – as long as any burying is accompanied by an excellent rain plan.

HOUSE PART Y Along with our hair, our bridal parties tend to be a bit bigger here in the South. But what to do when the bridal party grows and grows? We owe a thank you to fellow Southern gal Jenna Bush Hager for introducing the world to an old Southern solution when she opted for a “house party” of fourteen in addition to her one maid of honor – her sister, Barbara. As Jenna demonstrated, a house party is a great way to include loved ones without having an enormous bridal party. Similar to the standard "attendant" title, members of a house party are often assigned wedding day tasks like manning the guest book, handing out programs, serving cake, reading during the ceremony or just assisting the bride on her big day. They can also help plan the bachelorette party and bridal shower or they might just be invited to the events. Some house party members aren’t assigned any duties at all, but are simply included because the bride wants to honor her relationships. The only thing a house party traditionally does not do is stand at the altar with the bride – that spot is reserved for bridesmaids. HP gals can be seated in the first or second row, just behind family, and can be included in the wedding program. As for clothing these gals, you have several options. Some brides ask their house party gals to wear the same dress in the same color – one that corresponds with the bridesmaid dresses. Mix and match dresses in a single color always look beautiful! Other brides ask their house parties to wear little black dresses, as most gals will already have an LBD in their closet. We also like the idea of giving your house party the whole color scheme of your wedding and asking them to wear something that coordinates. Finally, if your gals are wearing something less unified, we’d recommend giving them an accessory to acknowledge their role, like a corsage, a matching necklace or a gardenia or magnolia bloom for their hair.

GROOM ’S C AKE Groom’s cakes can be traced back to England’s Victorian era, when there were three cakes at a wedding – the wedding cake, which was served to the guests; the groom’s cake, which was served to the groomsmen; and the bride’s cake, which was served to the bridesmaids. We’re happy this sweet tradition is still going strong in the South after a jump across the pond! The earliest groom’s cakes were actually fruitcakes – ick! Thankfully, fruitcake no longer rules as the flavor of choice, but groom’s cakes are still usually made of dark chocolate with fruit or liqueur. These days, almost anything goes for the groom’s cake, from intricate designs customized to the gent of honor’s favorite hobbies, to the red velvet armadillo made famous by Steel Magnolias. Some groom’s cakes aren’t even cakes at all, but towers of Oreos and cold glasses of milk, hot donuts passed on trays or a spread of favorite childhood treats baked by mama. Groomsmen everywhere would no doubt be terrified to learn that the male half of the bridal party used to be responsible for whipping up the groom’s cake on the morning of the wedding, but it’s true! Legend also holds that if an unmarried woman sleeps with a slice of groom’s cake under her pillow, she’ll dream of her future husband. We can’t support singling out your single friends, but we think to-go boxes filled with cake would make any wedding guest pleased as punch at the end of the night.

SORORIT Y SING Sisters of many sororities show their love through different traditions. The “sing” might be the most popular, but its specifics vary so widely, it’s hard to pin down! Usually, the sorors in attendance will encircle the bride and link arms, then sing a song common to that chapter. Songs range from the university’s alma mater to the chapter’s signature song or sweetheart song, or even a top 40 hit. Some chapters choose to hold candles while they sing (reminiscent of the “candle pass” for those engaged in school). We also love more subtle ways of incorporating Greek pride, including attaching your sister pin to the inside of your dress, or asking your sisters to loan their pins for your “something borrowed.” Or, incorporate your sorority’s flowers into your bouquet. Whatever you choose, the sentiment remains the same: wishing the bride well on her next journey, new husband by her side!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

D ESIGN ALL AR OU N D Y O U

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Your style from start to finish.

Rustic Charm by Alethea & Ruth, Seattle, WA ÂŠ 2013 Minted LLC

NEW! Tissue globes

Customize everything: place cards with free guest name printing | photo backdrops | table runners | wedding stationery Buy three or more items and receive 15% off www.minted.com/wedding

CH A R M PHOTOGRAPHY BY

JEN HUANG

Close your eyes and picture your best friends in the world. Think about the ones that know you inside and out, the ones who will show up at your house with a quart of ice cream and Gone with the Wind on DVD at the drop of a hat. Even though planning your wedding means planning your marriage to a certain handsome gent, it's also a unique opportunity to honor and celebrate these lovely ladies that have been with you through thick and thin. Make the occasion as elaborate – a day-before luncheon or sweet brunch – or as simple – handwritten notes for all – as you'd like. It’s time to raise your glass of freshly poured sweet tea and toast your BFFs: let the celebrating begin!

AFTER THE "I DO'S:" I’M HAPPY AS A CALF IN CLOVER!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

TO AYS W VE

FR I E N OR N HO

All of these paper bells are from stylist Liz Demos's personal stash â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she brought nearly one hundred vintage beauties to the shoot!

Throw your ideas about old-fashioned corsages to the wind! A few pastel blooms tied with vintage ribbon make elegant wristlets for your favorite gals.

Even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not having many bridesmaids, you can still honor your closest friends by including them in your house party. Read about this oh-so-Southern tradition on page 83.

Remember passing notes in grade school? The grown up version is thoughtful, handwritten letters to each of your friends about how much they mean to you.

The most precious gift a friend can give is quality time. Be sure to spend plenty of time hanging out (not doing wedding activities!) with each of your bridesmaids during your engagement.

One of my most favorite wedding weekend memories was Friday brunch with my girls! Celebrating those special relationships over biscuits and jam was the perfect way to calm excited nerves and start the weekend off right.

From friendship bracelets to sorority pins, jewelry plays a special role in friendships throughout our lives. Gift your girls with new baubles that they can wear proudly on your wedding day.

I'll never forget going through my mama's jewelry box as a little girl and looking at each and every charm on her bracelet from high school. Such a sweet collection of memories all in one place.

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Jen Huang, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, FLORIST, COPPER VESSELS, PINK CAKE STAND, BOWLS AND SPOONS Poppies & Posies, LOCATION, TABLES, BISCUITS, SWEET TEA GLASSES Oldfield Club, PROP STYLING Elizabeth Demos, HAIR AND MAKEUP Amie Decker Beauty, DARBY GOWN Amsale, SOFIA DRESS Dolly Pearl, CAP CANA DRESS Troubadour, PINK POLKA DOT DRESS Nordstrom, MIX AND MATCH CHINA Replacements, Ltd., RECIPE BOX Sugar Paper, CHARM BRACELETS Crystal Faye and Past Time Jewelry, GOLD DOT LINEN Caitlin Wilson Textiles, MINI CAKES Sweet Memories, GIFT WRAP Midori, Paper Source and Sugar Paper, CREPE PAPER BASKETS Shop Sweet Lulu, SWEET TEA STIRRERS Em for Marvelous, CAKE TOPPERS AND CALLIGRAPHY Antiquaria

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

A LOWCOUNTRY

OYSTER ROAST

With more guests than ever traveling for weddings, rehearsal dinners have undergone a transformation – from simple meals after a church run-through to warm and welcoming celebrations that sometimes rival the reception in terms of style. No matter how simple or how fancy, we love that wedding eve get-togethers give loved ones another chance to embrace the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. – and the engaged couple another chance to show Southern hospitality to their loved ones.

"For our rehearsal dinner, we wanted to keep the natural beauty of Mingo Point the centerpiece, but dress it up to create a warm, inviting environment. We wanted a casual, fun and entertaining evening with family and friends, and loved the idea of an oyster broil – it seemed to fit our style and personality. Oyster broils are held throughout the summer on Kiawah Island, and we loved the idea of introducing our loved ones who are not from here to something so quintessentially Southern. Mingo Point is a simple venue with pine straw, picnic tables, tin cover rooftops and rocking chairs. Though we dressed it up, it was still relaxed enough for everyone to come together and enjoy getting to know one another. The sun setting over the beautiful marsh was the perfect ending to the day before our wedding." TIM AND CLAIRE

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

PHOTOGRAPH Y BY LANDON JACOB

PLANNING BY JULIAN LEAVER, BELLA FLORA DALLAS ILLUSTRATIONS BY MORGAN MOORE

REHEARSAL DINNER

Pearls of Wisdom

Start early. In the flurry of bookings post-engagement, a rehearsal dinner is probably the last thing on your mind. But, just like wedding venues, great spots for large groups can book up fast. As soon as the wedding date and location are set, start researching possible rehearsal locales. This is a great job to delegate to any of the number of people we’re sure have volunteered to help with wedding plans.

Think outside the box. Even though it’s called a rehearsal dinner, there’s nothing that says a welcome gathering has to be a sit-down dinner, or even take place at dinner time. (Though keep in mind a rehearsal and gathering are often scheduled later in the evening to accommodate guest travel plans and work schedules.)

Decide on a host. Traditionally, the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner and the bride’s parents host the wedding. These days, things aren’t so clear. We would still suggest starting with the groom’s parents, especially if they’re not contributing financially to the wedding, as they may very well be looking forward to hosting. If all parties are contributing to the wedding and there aren’t resources for a fully-hosted event, you still have options! Opt for a restaurant where guests order from a counter (perfect for a casual lobster bake or taco place) or simply invite guests to a local watering hole for a convivial cocktail hour. Just find a polite but clear way to let guests know what to expect on the invitation or your wedding website.

Make a guest list. Traditionally, the people directly involved in the ceremony as well as out-of-town guests are invited to the rehearsal dinner. With more and more guests

traveling to weddings these days, even that limited slice of the guest list can become overwhelming. It can also feel awkward to leave out family that live close by but are not involved in the ceremony. Ultimately, your budget will decide how many guests you can accommodate, but we recommend drawing the line consistently to help avoid hurt feelings. Aim for cohesive, but different. You can go one of two ways with the style and feel of a rehearsal dinner: similar to, but not the same as, the wedding, or totally and completely different! Some couples like to think of all the wedding events as part of a cohesive whole, with the rehearsal dinner a prelude in color and aesthetic to the main event. Others see it as a chance to introduce something entirely new to their guests, like a pig pickin’ before a ballroom wedding or a Mardi Gras-style celebration before the next day’s garden party. We think either approach can work!

STATE OF MIND DURING WEDDING PLANNING: A GOOD ATTITUDE IS LIKE KUDZU – IT SPREADS.

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

Oh, how I love those string lights and clustered candle centerpieces! It looks like a magical evening!

OYSTER FACTS Shucking oysters is a two-step process: First, holding the oyster in the palm of your hand with an oven mitt, position the oyster so that the curved side faces down and the flat side faces up. Insert a paring or oyster knife between the shells, near the hinge. Twist the knife to detach the muscle. Second, remove the top shell and use the knife to take the meat out of the bottom shell. Oysters are at their best in the fall, when the water temperatures begin to drop. Just remember an old wives’ tale: oysters should only be eaten in months that contain the letter “R.” More than 80,000 pounds of oysters are shucked and roasted each year at the Lowcountry Oyster Festival in Charleston, SC, thought to be the biggest in the world.

The original recipe for Oysters Rockefeller was invented by Jules Alciatore, the secondgeneration proprietor of Antoine’s restaurant in New Orleans – and it was as rich in taste as its namesake. More than two billion pounds of oysters are eaten every year. Alabama processes the most Eastern oysters of any state. There are more than 50 species of oysters. Only one of about ten thousand oysters in the wild will produce a pearl – most are created through human intervention. The largest pearl-bearing oyster is roughly the size of a dinner plate!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

H E RE AT T H E C A ROL I NA I N N,

P H O TO G R A P H Y B Y C Y N K A I N P H O TO G R A P H Y, RO B I N L I N P H O TO G R A P H Y A N D K E L S E Y C O M B E P H O TO G R A P H Y.

WE C OM E B Y S OU T H E RN. . . NAT U RA L LY

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE STOOPS Perhaps the most interesting thing about Southern brides is the juxtapositions inherent in their makeup: sweet and strong in one glance, glamorous and wild in one moment, demure and bold in one breath. There might be nothing that captures this duality better than the strawberry, which, in its own way, is striking, yet unassuming. This story is our celebration of that first sweet harbinger of a Southern summer, and the bold vibrancy of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to come.

Tell us what you love about this feature! Tag #ILOVESWMAG

We found this shoot’s location by following “pick your own” signs on the roads near our office! We quickly made friends with the owner, which left only one issue: scheduling a shoot date for the peak of strawberry season. Y’all, we have a new appreciation for growers everywhere after weeks of tracking weather patterns and consulting the Farmer’s Almanac!

Talk about serendipitous – when we showed up on the day of the shoot, the field next to the strawberries was bursting with clover in our color palette! It just happens to match this cute pup's bow tie to perfection.

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

IF YOU’RE ASKED TO DANCE AT A WEDDING: I’LL JUMP ON THAT LIKE A DUCK ON A JUNE BUG.

We love using readers and friends in our shoots, and this one was no exception â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our bride, Cate, was the roommate of one of our interns and the lovely lady second from right is our former editor, Whitney! These bold, striped gowns from LulaKate were the perfect pick for our vibrant bridesmaids. We love how many fabric and color choices they offer, and how easy designs are to customize!

Striped dresses, bouquet ribbons and boutonniere wraps may sound like a lot, but here, they look elegant and cohesive.

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Don’t be afraid to think outside the box for your bouquet wrap! Our bride’s bouquet is swathed in a delicate scarf.

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Katie Stoops, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, VENUE Oakley Farm, BRIDE’S GOWN "Guindon" by Hayley Paige, BRIDESMAID DRESSES LulaKate, SHOES Nina, PEARL BRACELET Fornash available at Swell Caroline, EARRINGS Swell Caroline, BRACELET Loren Hope, BRIDE’S SUNHAT Zappos, HAIR AND MAKEUP Makeup For Your Day, RENTALS CE Rentals, BENCHES Classic Party Rentals Raleigh, STRAWBERRY FIELDS TABLECLOTH House8810, PLATES Anthropologie, DESSERT PLATES Replacements, DOG’S BOW High Cotton Ties, FLORIST Watered Garden, BOUQUET WRAP Fairstore, POTS Jamali Garden, PAPER GOODS Cheree Berry, CAKE Ashley Cakes, CAKE STAND Sarah’s Stands, MINI STRAWBERRY DESSERTS Little Sugarbakers

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

NANCY RA Y

We spend time choosing the songs for our weddings because we know that music can evoke emotion, and later bring us back to a moment, like nothing else. When every detail in a celebration is chosen as carefully as the songs in its soundtrack, a wedding rich with meaning results. Set in Music City, Tennessee, this editorial focuses on family, hospitality, finger-lickinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; delicacies and the plucking of a banjo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all elements that combine to make up that old sweet song we know as the South. Enjoy this inspiration for the first few notes of the beautiful harmony created by a life spent together.

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

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This shoot is a great lesson in the power of carrying through a theme. Details don’t have to be expensive to look good (these sheet music petal cones could be made for pennies!), but they do have more impact when they all – pardon the pun – harmonize. SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

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These drumming triplets are photographer Nancy Rayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nephews! Their sisters appear in these pages, as well, making it a true family affair.

I love the music sheets that were beautifully turned into paper flowers for the bouquets and ceremony decor!

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ON THE WEDDING DAY: I'M FEELING FINER THAN A FROG’S HAIR SPLIT THREE WAYS AND SANDED TWICE.

We love the idea of choosing a hymn for your engagement period. Pick one that captures the feeling you want to evoke on your wedding day and hum it to yourself whenever you want to re-center on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important.

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I love the photo at left more than butter on cornbread. Such a special touch to honor a loved one! SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

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I love that they printed the menu on inexpensive cotton napkins! Find your own by searching restaurant supply sites, and be sure to check Ikea, too!

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If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the budget to go the all-custom linen route, we love the idea of choosing just one show stopping pattern for a focal area, like your cake or escort card table. Plus, if you purchase a tablecloth instead of renting one, it will be a reminder in your home for years to come!

I imagine this band could play a mean "Sweet Home Alabama!"

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Nancy Ray, FILM PROCESSING Indie Film Lab, PLANNING, EVENT STYLING, PAPER GOODS Amber Housley Weddings, VENUE, FLORAL DESIGN, EVENT STYLING, PROP CALLIGRAPHY Cedarwood Weddings, FASHION AND WARDROBE STYLING Opulent Couturier, HAIR AND MAKEUP Jessica Arnholt, Studio BBC Nashville, PAPER GOODS CALLIGRAPHY Hardink Calligraphy, CAKE Patty Cakes, MUSICIANS Jace Aaron and The Ranchers, BRIDAL JEWELRY Love Shine Bridal, VEIL, SASHES, ACCESSORIES Beatrice Couture Designs, BRIDE’S GOWN Olia Zavozina, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Watters, BRIDESMAID DRESS SALON The White Room-Lebanon, MENSWEAR Street Tuxedo, FLOWER GIRL DRESSES Cotton Angels, CHINA AND LINENS Liberty Party Rental, RECEPTION CHAIR RENTALS Southern Events, STATE OF MIND PILLOW Kijsa Studio, FLASK Liquid Courage, GUITAR PICKS Namedrops

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ADAM BARNES & KATIE STOOPS

Welcome to wedding planning, land of ten thousand decisions to be made. When they get overwhelming, we have one tried and true tip: look to past generations. Southern mamas and grandmothers are a wealth of knowledge; they're also blessed with an amazing ability to cut through the fluff (because they seem to have no trouble remembering that tradition reigns, heirlooms are better than something new and family is what truly matters). So look to them for advice, yes, but don't forget to mine the shelves and closets of generations past for wedding details, too. There's nowhere more fitting for a family tree to come alive than at a wedding, the ultimate representation of two families coming together. So break out the family silver, crack open the family Bible and tuck a pass-down handkerchief into your bouquet. Through three beautiful generations, this story offers some inspiration for doing just that. And while you read, make sure to have your phone handy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we know this shoot will have you calling your mama (and grandmama) in no time!

This invitation suite is gorgeous, but my favorite part is the delicate handkerchief that doubles as an envelope liner. It's a sure fire way to make sure all the guests are armed to dry their tears at the ceremony!

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The family Bible is such an amazing heirloom! My grandmother passed one down that even outlines our family tree!

Kristy Rice handpainted these gorgeous handkerchiefs for the mothers and grandmothers to carry. What a beautiful heirloom keepsake! SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

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Consider this the ultimate welcome basket for a Savannah destination wedding! Included are Old School grits, Byrd's Georgia Peach cookies, Savannah Bee Company tea and honey, pralines from Savannah's Candy Kitchen and goodies from The Salt Table. No matter your locale, tossing in brochures from local attractions, a city map, water bottles and a postcard is always a good idea!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

My favorite wedding gowns are the ones that can be described as "frothy" â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this Reem Acra number certainly fits the bill!

A BEAUTIFUL BRIDE: SHE COULD CHARM THE DEW RIGHT OFF THE HONEYSUCKLE!

My favorite music in the world is gospel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what a joyful noise this choir was making!

The bride and groom featured here are a real couple! We asked Jennifer and Jerry for their best marriage advice, and here's what they said: "Marriage should be about looking in the same direction together. Remember the positive things that brought you together, and then concentrate on positive goals to achieve as a couple. Life will get stressful and busy from time to time. It always does. Commit to making time to do things together. Lastly, communicate, trust, have faith and laugh together."

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Family is just as important to our vendors as it is to us! We love that this family tree is made up of the actual generations of planner Erica Stawick's family â&#x20AC;&#x201C; her mom hand lettered the names, and it hangs in her parents' house!

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHERS Adam Barnes and Katie Stoops, VENUE Whitefield Chapel at Bethesda Academy, VIDEOGRAPHER Naz Films, STYLING Ashley Baber Weddings, FLORALS Amy Osaba, STATIONERY Momental Designs, CHOIR Savannah State University Wesleyan Gospel Choir, CAKE La Bella Torta, RENTALS Amazing Event Rentals, JEWELRY Erin McDermott, BRIDAL HEADPIECE Lo Boheme, BRIDE’S GOWN Reem Acra via Rent the Runway, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Erin Fetherston from Rent the Runway, GRANDMOTHER AND MOTHER’S ATTIRE Nordstrom, SHOES Badgley Mischka, BOW TIE High Cotton Ties, HAIR Jordan Purtee Reddick, MAKEUP Jules De Jesus Fritz, Dollface by Jules, assisted by Jessica Mock, CUFFLINKS Megan Cash

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

White Dresses Boutique

{a couture southern bridal boutique} The Village of Providence Huntsville, Alabama | (256) 270 8895

Hayley Paige Trunk Show {Designer Appearance} January 17-19

Marchesa Trunk Show February 7-9

Sareh Nouri Trunk Show {Designer Appearance} January 24-26

Francesca Miranda Trunk Show February 21-23

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

RYAN RA Y

Few people hold their homes as dearly to their hearts as Southerners do, and perhaps the most so, as Texans do. A fierce sense of pride and place weaves through everything about life in the Lone Star State. Texans treasure history and tradition, make time to appreciate skies that stretch as far as the eye can see and know that nothing is more important than family. These same qualities hold so much value in a marriage, so we turned to one of the most iconic folk songs to inspire a wedding deep in the heart of Texas. It brings together the best of the old, the sweetest of the new and of course, the biggest, brightest kind of love.

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Bows & Arrows created the loveliest floral arrangements and bouquets for this shoot. We love the way the white flowers pop against our night sky-inspired bridesmaid styles!

Blair is the definition of a dapper Texas gent in his bow tie and cowboy hat! The lasso takes the cake for the perfect accessory.

ISN'T OUR TEXAN COVER COUPLE DARLING?

They're a real life husband and wife! We love what they had to say about marriage:

CHRISTINA: When Blair and I got married, I knew he was a true Southern gentlemen. (He often calls me "darlin"!) I've grown to love his Southern roots even more â&#x20AC;&#x201C; manners, love for family and love for the Lord.

BLAIR: When I was about five and misbehaving, my Dad gathered my brothers and I up and told us that before mom was "mom," and before she was his wife, she was his girlfriend. In hindsight, I realize his point was to always court your wife as when you are dating â&#x20AC;&#x201C; always pursue her and love her with the kind of love you had on your first date.

I met Christina in the fall of 2011, right after we both got engaged. She'll always hold a special place in my heart since we're wedding date twins: September 15, 2012! SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

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How precious are these little ones? Each of the flower girl tutus was made with over 250 yards of tulle, and these star wands are an adorable alternative to flower girl baskets. Plus, wands are much more fun to play with after the big day!

This Monique Lhuillier dress may as well have been made for this shoot. Its subtle sparkle is so unique and beautiful.

A JOYFUL BRIDE: I'M HAPPIER THAN A PUP WITH TWO TAILS!

I loved these star wands so much that I kept one for my desk. Now, whenever I need to make a little editorial magic happen, it's at the ready.

This gauzy backdrop was handmade in Germany just for this shoot. We think it's the most beautiful focal point!

This spiffy young fella stole my heart. Dying over his snazzy vest.

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What could be better than rows of twinkle lights? Most definitely hanging stars!

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I couldn't help but jump up and down with excitement when I saw the images from this shoot for the first time. The romantic colors and textures look amazing against the natural beauty of the landscape. Oh, how I love Texas!

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In true Texas fashion, the sky lit up in an incredible sunset shortly after these pictures were taken. We can think of no better way to end the day!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Ryan Ray, FILM PROCESSING Indie Film Lab, EVENT DESIGN Stefanie Miles, FLORALS Bows & Arrows, BRIDE’S GOWN Monique Lhuillier, VINTAGE RENTALS LOOT Vintage Rentals, LOGISTICS Dovetail Logistics, LIGHTING It’s Your Night Entertainment, HAIR Samantha Landis, MAKEUP Lindey Duckworth, INVITATION SUITE AND CALLIGRAPHY Brown Linen, DESSERTS Layered Bake Shop, RIBBON Froufrou Chic, HAND-PAINTED FABRIC SIGNAGE Sending Heartstrings, CAKE TOPPER By Madeline Trait, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Juicy Couture, BHLDN, BOW TIE The Tie Bar, TABLE CONFETTI STARS MemrieMare, STAR GARLANDS ArtsDelight, LINENS La Tavola, FLOWER GIRL DRESSES The Princess and the Boutique, FLOWER GIRL CROWNS Giant Dwarf, FLOWER GIRL WANDS Urban Collective

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY

LAUREN KINSE Y

Blackberries are not expensive or gourmet. The foods they grace are often simple enough to whip up without even glancing at a recipe. The memories made gathered around a blackberry cobbler, however, are memories that endure. Inspired by the sense of true contentment that comes from sharing even the most humble dessert, we present to you the new luxury. It cannot be bought. Rather, this luxury comes from filling your wedding with what matters most to you. It comes from looking around at your dear family and childhood friends, sweet new husband by your side, enjoying real laughter and good conversation. Most of all, it comes from knowing that if this feeling of joy and thanksgiving was the only detail at your wedding, it would be more than enough.

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How sweet is our real life couple for this shoot? We just love this little snippet of their love story that Ellen shared with us: "Cody and I have been together for five years; we were married this past May. We were long distance for the last two years, and there was nothing like the feeling of excitement I would get every time I was going to get to see him. I still get that feeling driving home from work even now that we live together, and it's my favorite part of being married!"

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We love this touching take on an invitation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a handwritten note from the parents of the bride, who are clearly smitten with the groom. For an intimate, family wedding, we can think of no invite more meaningful.

This sweet beauty above is the daughter of a longtime friend. So special to have her in this issue!

As soon as we saw these delicate applique sleeves, we knew we had to use this dress in an editorial. So beautiful!

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I'm usually a fan of bold, bright colors, but these moody purple tones inspired by the blackberry are tugging at my heart strings!

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A GROOM TO HIS BRIDE: I LOVE YOU MORE THAN A CAT LOVES THE CREAM JAR.

Naturally, the floral arrangements at a blackberry-inspired shoot would be incomplete without the fruit itself! Myrtie Blue incorporated blackberries into the centerpieces, bouquets and that stunning oversized wreath.

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Yum! The family style meal Dine by Design created looks delicious!

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I have such fond memories of my mama making blackberry and dewberry cobbler when I was young. What a perfect idea for a wedding!

Don’t you want to dig right into that blackberry cobbler? If we attended a wedding where this scrumptious dessert was served, we wouldn’t even miss the cake.

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren Kinsey, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, PLANNER Shelby Peaden, VENUE Eden Gardens, FLORALS, TABLES, CHAIRS, LINENS AND STEMWARE Myrtie Blue, BRIDE’S GOWN Lela Rose via Nordstrom Wedding Suite, GROOM’S TUXEDO Black by Vera Wang, HAIR STYLIST Jamie Hardy Mcowan, FLOWER GIRL DRESSES Fox'n Lily, MAKEUP Lanna Bloodworth, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Donna Morgan, Amsale, Watters, SILK RIBBON Froufrou Chic, CHAIRS AND FLATWARE The Big Day, CATERING Dine by Design, PAPER PRODUCTS Regas SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

Images courtesy of Nancy Ray Photography

BR I N GI N G THE B OUNTY OF THE SO UT H T O YOUR W EDDING DAY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSIC A BURKE STYLING BY LOVELY LIT TLE DETAILS ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOY LAFORME WRITTEN BY LARA C ASE Y

sat in my mama’s kitchen, my daughter’s little fingers sticky with sweet peach nectar, and I watched my mom do what generations before her have done in our family: preserve the good stuff. We had bought a bushel of Chilton Country peaches – ripe with so many memories of Alabama road trips when I was a kid – from the local market. They were still warm from the summer sunshine, having just been picked. “When fruit is perfectly ripe,” she explained in her thick Andalusia drawl, “you have to act fast. Using the sweetest fruit, just before it starts to turn, makes the best preserves.“ Fruit, by its nature, begins to spoil the moment it is harvested. The arts of preserving and canning allowed people to plant roots, live in one place instead of moving to more fertile ground and form a community. You didn’t have to consume the harvest right away, but could preserve some for later use – when winter turned fields to clay, when crops were low or when you needed a taste of summer during a rough season. My mama was filling those Masons with so much more than peaches that day. She was filling them with profound memories that would burst into our hearts with every bite.

THE GOOD STUFF OF LI FE

is much like our prized jams,

and our wedding celebrations are much like the sweet harvest. The taste of bright peach preserves on a fresh biscuit can make even the harshest winters feel warm. Memories made and preserved through photographs, a box of love letters from your courtship, worn and filled journals, special mementos from adventures together and stories told and passed down – these treasures brought out from the shelf during dry seasons of the soul can change everything. They can nourish your heart and bring you back to that place of joy with a single taste. There are seasons in our lives – times of great bounty, and times of inward focus. In those joyful times, preserve the good stuff. Make what matters happen and give yourself, and the generations ahead of you, a physical remembrance that all things are made new. Spring always follows winter, but store up the good for when the winter comes – whether that’s journaling your love in seasons of abundance, sending love notes instead of love texts, having photographs printed and hung on your wall, keeping a mason jar in your kitchen full of notes listing things you are grateful for, or a saving a bottle of wine from your wedding to open on a future anniversary. Preserving doesn’t require anything fancy or too hard to procure. Just the simplest ingredients – sweet peaches, sugar and lemon juice – are in the jar.

THE MAGIC? IT’S IN THE PREPARATION. SMALL BATCHES.

Slow cooking and intentional stirring. In my own life, that’s slow dances in the kitchen with Ari and laughs with Grace, photographs on our fridge and on our walls instead of stuck in a Facebook album, a blank notebook we use to write love notes to each other daily and my mama’s peach preserves. They all bring us right back to the good stuff. In these things, when times are hard, we have preserved a connection to what matters. You don’t think you’ll forget the joy of your wedding day, but some days, you do. You don’t think you’ll ever forget feeling blissfully in love, but some days, you do. You don’t think winter will come, but it does. And when it does, pop the sealed lid on that jar of sweet goodness and savor every bite. Ari and I now eat my mama’s peach preserves straight out of the mason jar with a fork together, having come to a rich place in our marriage where we are unafraid to indulge in the good stuff more often than not. Life is short. Love is a gift. Preserve your joy in simple, humble jars, and know that spring always follows winter.

LARA CASEY, SIXTH-GENERATION PEACH JAM MAKER AND LOVER OF SIMPLE JOYS

TURN THE PAGE FOR CANNING TIPS, RECIPES AND IDEAS FOR INCORPORATING PRESERVED BOUNTY INTO YOUR WEDDDING.

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Many of these items can be found at your local grocery store if you live below the Mason-Dixon! You don't need to start with the whole collection, either – add as you go! Walmart, Target and the Dollar Store can also be great sources for finding canning jars in bulk.

21 ½-quart canner (or a nice, roomy stock pot)

jar lifter to pull the jars from the boiling water

magnetic lid lifter not necessary, but handy to place the lids on the jars

canning jar rack to place at the bottom of the canning pot to keep jars from jostling around during the canning process

funnel - to make filling the jars an easier (and cleaner) process

berry masher or hand mixer depending on the consistency of the jam, you might want to use the hand mixer

cooking pot - non-stick pots are helpful for sticky jams large metal spoon or mesh skimmer - to remove the foam from the berry jars

canning jars whichever size and style strikes your fancy

large bowl - for mixing ingredients whisk

dish towels

patience

TALKING ABOUT A HANDSOME GENTLEMAN: WELL, AIN’T HE JUST THE TOM-CAT’S KITTEN?

pectin (depending on your recipe)

More important than tools are fresh ingredients and great company! Make canning and preserving a summer project during your engagement â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perhaps a special family time or fun with your bridal party. Pick local fruit together and spend an afternoon preserving the good stuff in small favor jars for wedding guests to enjoy in the months to come.

One of my favorite #SouthernDoins is picking berries at the local farm during the summer. I've always wanted to try making jam from them!

YIELDS 6 TO 8 8-OZ JARS OR 12 4-OZ JARS You will need: 4 c. fresh berries (either a mixture, or one type of berry) 2 lemons 4 ½ Tbs. powder pectin 3 ½ c. sugar 1 Tbs. butter (optional, helps prevent foaming)

Prepare your jars by boiling for five minutes or running through a rinse cycle in your dishwasher. Dry jars upside down on a cooling rack.

Large mixing bowl Measuring cup Hand blender or potato masher Canning funnel 6 to 8 8-oz jars or 12 4-oz jars Large stock pot or canner Whisk

Stir over high heat and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, add sugar. Stir constantly and bring to a rolling boil for three minutes.

Rinse your berries, removing any stems and hulling strawberries (if using).

Remove from heat and funnel into jars, leaving ¼ inch of space between liquid and top of jar. Clean rim of jars with a dry cloth. Screw on lids and bands tightly.

Combine berries in a mixing bowl and mix with hand blender, or, if you prefer a more textured jam, use a potato masher.

Transfer berry mixture to stock pot and add lemon, butter and pectin, whisking pectin into mixture to prevent clumps.

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Process in canner or boiling water for 15 minutes. Wipe remaining water off lids and cool at room temperature on towel or rack for 12 to 24 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when you hear the seals popping in the other room.

Share your own recipes and canning adventures with us! Tag #ILOVESWMAG

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

Whether given as a favor at the end of your wedding reception, as part of a welcome basket for out-of-town guests, or as a special gift for your bridal party, jam is a gift that's enjoyed long after the big day... unless you're Ari and Lara, who eat it right out of the jar with a fork!

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Not all preserved goodies have to be eaten on a hot biscuit! Homemade tomato juice, pickled okra, pickled peppers and classic dill pickles are all crowd favorites, and the perfect beginnings of a signature cocktail bar at your reception or post-wedding brunch.

YIELDS 6 TO 8 PINT JARS OR 10 TO 12 8-OZ JARS

You will need: 18-20 mini cucumbers 4 tsp. ground turmeric 2 ½ quarts boiling water A large bowl, big enough for all the cucumbers, plus room to stir boiling water Canning funnel 6 to 8 pint jars or 10 to 12 8-oz jars Plastic knife Large stock pot or canner 1 jar dill seed 1 jar dill weed or fresh dill, chopped 6 cloves fresh chopped garlic 4 c. distilled white vinegar (5% acidity) 4 c. boiling water 4-5 Tbs. non-iodized salt

Prepare your jars by boiling for five minutes or running through a rinse cycle in your dishwasher. Dry jars upside down on a cooling rack.

Rinse cucumbers well with cold water. Trim ends and quarter cucumbers lengthwise. Place in a large bowl with turmeric. Pour boiling water over cucumbers and stir well. Let stand at room temperature for one hour. Drain and rinse twice.

Place 2 tsp. each of dill seed and dill weed, and 1 ½ tsp. minced garlic, in each of your jars.

Mix the water, vinegar and salt in large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve salt. Pour the mixture into a large pitcher or measuring cup so it’s easier to pour into the jars later.

Firmly pack cucumber wedges vertically into jars. Using a canning funnel, pour hot liquid over cucumbers, leaving ¼ inch of space between liquid and top of jar. Run thin, non-metallic utensil down inside of jars to remove air bubbles. Clean rim of jars with a dry cloth. Screw on lids and bands tightly.

Process in water canner at 180° to 190°F (simmering water) for 15 minutes. After processing jars, remove from the water bath. Wipe remaining water off lids and cool at room temperature on towel or rack for 12 to 24 hours. You’ll know the pickles are ready when you hear the seals popping in the other room.

Give simple preserved peaches a personalized touch with these monogramed jam jar toppers! We love them as sweet gifts at a bridesmaid luncheon, or in place of place cards at an intimate wedding brunch.

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YIELDS 4 TO 5 PINT JARS You will need: 5 lbs ripe peaches 1 lemon 1 ½ cups sugar 4 c. water (plus water for boiling) Ice cubes

Prepare your jars by boiling for five minutes or running through a rinse cycle in your dishwasher. Dry jars upside down on a cooling rack.

Cut peaches into quarters, removing the pits.

Canning funnel 4 to 5 pint jars Large mixing bowl Sauce pan Large stock pot Large canner

Once peaches in ice water are cool enough to handle, remove skins from each quarter and place peeled peaches back in lemon ice water.

Bring sugar and 4 c. water to soft boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add peaches and bring back to a soft boil.

Fill mixing bowl with ice water. Squeeze lemon juice into bowl to prevent the peaches from turning brown.

Remove from heat, funnel peaches into jars and add syrup to cover fruit, leaving ¼ inch of space between liquid and top of jar. Run thin, non-metallic utensil down inside of jars to remove air bubbles. Clean rim of jars with a dry cloth. Screw on lids and bands tightly.

Fill stock pot with water and bring to a boil.

9 5

Add quartered peaches to boiling water and boil for one minute. After one minute, place boiled peaches in bowl of ice water to blanch. You may have to do this in batches; just make sure the stock pot water is always boiling.

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Jessica Burke, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, STYLING, FLORALS, SIGNAGE, PAPER lovely little details, LOCATION Longmeadow Ranch Rutherford Gardens, HAIR AND MAKEUP Katie Nash Beauty, MONOGRAMMED JAR COVER AND DISH TOWEL Oatmeal Lace Designs, MODELS Stars Model Management, ILLUSTRATIONS Joy Laforme

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Those of you who know me well or have taken a glance at my Instagram profile know that this is my favorite shoot! Yay for chickens!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ALI HARPER

There is something mysterious and dazzling about the simplicity of daily life on the family farm. It's the place where we can take off our shoes and let the wind run through our hair, the crows of roosters echoing in the background. It's where we celebrate family and tradition through our daily actions – making our great-grandmother’s biscuits for breakfast, setting out heirloom china for lunch, picking prize vegetables for supper. This magical place serves as a picture-perfect backdrop for a good ol’ Southern fete, complete with a gaggle of the Southern Weddings office favorite farm animal – chickens! We believe that love is in the details, and celebrating this place where we live means using everyday things in a way that honors our past and establishes our future. So we drug the family dining room table outside and grabbed some extra eggs from the hen house, and in the process, created an informal (albeit glamorous) celebration. To "fete" is to honor or commemorate, and what better way to do that than with our loved ones and the guests of honor: a few of our finest feathered friends (family farm optional).

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We couldn't believe our eyes when we saw how perfectly the vintage car from Blue Eyed Yonder matched our color palette! Krista's inventory is amazing!

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This invitation suite is my favorite in the issue! The whimsical calligraphy and heirloom chicken-inspired colors and patterns could not be more perfect for our lovingly-nicknamed “chicken shoot.”

WHAT YOU MIGHT SAY ABOUT THE BRIDE AND GROOM: THEIR HEARTS ARE A-POPPIN’ LIKE THE FLOWERS IN MAY!

Thankfully, our videographer, Teejay, is not only a talented filmmaker but an amateur chicken wrangler. If he hadn't been on the scene, I don't think we would have ever caught this bird!

The line on this marriage certificate is a lyric from a favorite Mumford & Sons song. We love the idea of using lines from songs that have played a role in your relationship throughout your wedding.

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I'd be delighted to receive a hand-wrapped local cheese as a favor! Packaged with crackers, it would be perfect for a post-wedding midnight snack (because let's face it, I wouldn't be able to wait much longer than that!).

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Ashley Buzzy McHugh hand-lettered each of these real eggs. She currently lives in California, but completed them all on a recent trip to Georgia to avoid having to ship such a delicate package through the mail!

We had chickens from the time I was in fourth grade, including some beautiful Ameraucanas!

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I loved how many personal heirlooms were used in this shoot! These egg cups belonged to Ali's grandmother.

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Krista borrowed the pie ties and baking sheets we used to plate food from her grandmother, who was confused as to why she wanted old and blackened pieces. They had just the look we were going for, though â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sometimes, well-loved is perfect!

Alison from Sun In My Belly completely wowed us on this shoot. She produced some of the most delectable food we've ever photographed, and she prepared everything on-site from the back of her car!

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This crew was way too much fun to work with. I especially loved that so many of them already had their own connection to SW – Ali's wedding was featured in V3, and Claudia's was featured on our blog!

This beauty from Anne Kathleen Cakes couldn't have been more perfect for a farm-fresh story. The coconut flakes reminded us of feather drifts, and the stand, an egg basket!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Ali Harper, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, VIDEOGRAPHER Anchor Heart Films, PROP STYLING AND SET DESIGN Blue Eyed Yonder, FLORAL DESIGN Lindsay Coletta Designs, HAIR AND MAKEUP Claudia Mejerle, FASHION STYLING Molly K. Webb, BRIDE’S GOWN Carol Hannah from The Sentimentalist, BRIDE’S SHOES Manolo Blahnik, BRIDE’S NECKLACE J. Crew, BRIDESMAID DRESSES BHLDN and Joanna August, MEN’S FASHION Billy Reid Atlanta, PAPER AND CALLIGRAPHY Ashley Buzzy McHugh, FOOD AND DRINK Sun In My Belly, CAKE Anne Kathleen Cakes, FURNITURE AND CAR Blue Eyed Yonder, FLATWARE Design Within Reach, PLATES Lenox “Butler’s Pantry,” NAPKINS Ice Milk Aprons, DAIRY PRODUCTS Many Fold Farm, VENUE Serenbe, MODELS Factor Women and Directions USA

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

Check out behind-the-scenes photos and video from this shoot at SOUTHERNWEDDINGS.COM!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOUTHERN WEDDINGS come in all shapes and sizes; however, we believe “Southern” is a state of mind. The throughline for what makes a wedding as sweet as tea is the intangible. What makes a wedding "Southern" is the gathering of people who love and support you and the new family you’re building, who know your history and believe in your future. It’s the grace, hospitality and gratitude shown by you and your groom. And it’s the beautiful, expansive land where it all takes place that represents all that a true Southern wedding encompasses: warmth, possibility, tender nurturing, overflowing abundance, deep-seated love and joy.

KT MERRY

So although this story has many hallmarks of a wedding beneath the Mason-Dixon (cows, corn, casseroles), it’s the feeling that all of those elements evokes that we’re most proud of. It's the same feeling you get when combing a Gulf beach at sunrise, or wading in the creek behind your childhood home, or crossing a mown field at twilight, surrounded by swirling fireflies. It's the same feeling you'll experience on your wedding day, surrounded by the simple beauty of those you love most in the world. We hope you feel it here, too. So if there's only one thing you take away from the following pages, let it be the joy. Joy is always in style.

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COMPLIMENTING YOUR FRIEND ON THE FOOD AT HER WEDDING: THIS IS GOODER ‘N’ GRITS!

This hay bale wasn't planned; KT snapped it on a scouting trip the day before the shoot. Aren't we lucky to live in a place that's so photo shoot-ready, even without our help?

Adorable farm animals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you already know this story has our heart!

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A great time and sanity saver when wrangling groomsmen: buy them matching shirts, then let them choose their own khaki pants and accessories. (We say bow ties, belts, suspenders and pocket squares are all fair game!)

Mack (above) was such a joyful, dashing grandfather! Nothing moves me more than a doting gent at a wedding. Bonus points for the bow tie, too!

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Our plucked-from-the-field bouquet (actually masterfully made by Alana from Serendipity Designs) was composed of white cattleya orchids, Jeanne Moreau garden roses, ranunculus, scabiosa blooms, white stock, lisianthus, orlaya, feverfew and just a touch of scented green geranium and North Carolina jasmine vine. SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

While this whole troupe is lovely, I'll be the first to say that Mrs. Kristin Winchester (second from the right) is one beautiful gal in gold!

I was honored to join these girls with golden locks and play pretend wedding for the day. We caused quite the commotion when we stopped for coffee between shoot locations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; everyone swore that we were sisters.

Instead of a pass-down handkerchief, how about a pass-down table runner? This one was handembroidered for us by Merriweather Council, and we love the idea of it representing – and gracing the beginnings of – generations of marriage. We placed it next to a unique guest book idea: set out a Bible (maybe a new one for your new family?) and ask guests to write a note of encouragement or love next to a favorite verse.

One of my favorite memories in creating this issue was the many afternoon drives I spent with Emily, hunting for the best corn fields and the cutest church around! We were so grateful to finally make our picks!

To get the shot above, the entire cast and crew joined our sweet flower girls in a round of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" – what a wonderful moment!

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Shucking Alabama corn with my mom and Grandma Bunny is a treasured memory and something I hope to do with Grace one day, too!

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The chefs at Fearrington Village outdid themselves creating the most beautiful classic Southern dishes. They were inspired by our own favorite comfort foods, as well as famous dishes from our friends at Southern Living. Find the recipe for the chicken pot pie with bacon-and-cheddar biscuits above on SouthernLiving.com!

All hail the best mac and cheese I have ever eaten in my entire life.

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To carry our cornfield feel to the table, strips of husk were threaded through place cards, then wrapped around simple napkins.

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While not the best idea for a giant guest list, I love the idea of a family-style pass and serve dinner!

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Your smallest guests will appreciate a spot sized just for them at the reception. We created this one by laying a baby quilt over a hay bale and cozying up two petite chairs. A mini mason jar centerpiece completes the scene!

FOUND YOURSELF IN A BIT OF A DILEMMA ON YOUR BIG DAY? NOW, AINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T THIS A FINE HOWDY-DOO!

I had never tried hummingbird cake until I took a slice of this one home after the shoot. It quickly became my new favorite dessert! SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER KT Merry, FILM PROCESSING Richard Photo Lab, VIDEOGRAPHER Twenty-One Films, FLORAL DESIGN Serendipity Designs, BOUQUET RIBBON Pressed Cotton, HAIR AND MAKEUP Makeup For Your Day, BRIDE’S GOWN Alvina Valenta, Style 9358, BRIDE’S VEIL Jule’s Veils, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Modcloth and personal, YELLOW LITTLE GIRL’S DRESS Belles and Bugs, WHITE LITTLE GIRL’S DRESS Sorella Designs, APRONS Stitch Thru Time, MEN’S SHIRTS Lands’ End, GROOM’S SUSPENDERS No Slip Suspenders, FLORAL BOW TIE Voila! Press, PAPER MaeMae Paperie, CALLIGRAPHY MM Ink, FOOD AND CAKES Fearrington Village, CEREMONY VENUE Martha’s Chapel, RECEPTION VENUE Maple View Farm, TABLE, NAPKIN AND BENCH RENTALS Classic Party Rentals Raleigh, VINTAGE TABLES Mason Dixon Collection, TABLE LINEN AND BENCH CUSHIONS Nuage Designs, VINTAGE CHINA Replacements, Ltd., GREEN GLASSWARE Gone the Sun Vintage and 180 Degrees Vintage, EYELET RUNNERS El Ritmo Retro, DISH TOWELS Crystal’s Creations and Vinieschild, FABRIC Benoit Designs and Fabric ala Carte, KIDS’ TABLE QUILT Keri Quilts, EMBROIDERED RUNNER The Merriweather Council, GARLAND A&M Growers, GUITAR FLOWERS Afloral.com, Inc., CAKE STANDS Smash Cake & Co. and The TomKat Studio, YELLOW TUBS Pressed Cotton, VINTAGE RIBBON Hyman Hendler

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

Check out behind-the-scenes photos and video from this shoot at SOUTHERNWEDDINGS.COM!

(561) 670-7553

W W W. S H U T T E R L I F E P R O D U C T I O N S . C O M

PHOTO BY LAURA GORDON PHOTOGRAPHY

lthough I've been sneaking peeks at bridal magazines and getting teary-eyed over love stories since middle school, I was a junior in college before I discovered my dream job. It was a chilly fall afternoon at the city magazine I was interning for at the time, and I was assigned the task of factchecking real wedding interviews. I quickly realized that listening to joyful newlyweds talk about their weddings was my favorite part of the day. For fifteen minutes, over the phone, these brides became so much more than names on a list or faces in picturesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;they were my friends, relaying the memories of their emotional proposals and filling me in on their thoughtful wedding decisions. I still remember each story years later. At Southern Weddings, although we all found our careers here in different ways, we have one thing very much in common: we love love. Weddings in the South full of meaning, family and tradition capture our hearts daily, and we are honored to share the following love stories with you. LISA OLSON, HOPELESS ROMANTIC SINCE AGE 13

HOW THEY MET: Sparks flew for Sarah and Gabe in the library while studying for finals during their second year of law school. They kept in touch over winter break, then started dating once classes picked back up in the spring. THE PROPOSAL: A quiet night just between them at home, with a ring picked out by Gabe. THE “I DO’S:” Sarah and Gabe chose to tie the knot in the Lowcountry community of Spring Island, where Sarah’s parents have a home. The other residents and staff watched their relationship grow over the years, which made it even more special to have them there to celebrate their marriage! DRESS DESTINY: Sarah, on her gown: “My favorite part is that it felt like it was made for Spring Island. The lace of the bodice and the appliqué pieces on the skirt were cotton (which Spring Island was known for) and the washed organza skirt was so light, it felt like it was supposed to get dusty on the walk down the oak alley.” Sarah met Peter Langner at the trunk show where she chose her dress, and learned she was the first bride ever to pick it! COLLECTED WISDOM: Gabe’s father officiated the ceremony, and wove marriage advice from family members into his message. WONDERFUL WATERCOLORS: From the envelope liners of the save the dates to the table numbers at the reception, a set of one-of-a-kind watercolors graced many aspects of the big day. The couple called one of Sarah’s parents' best friends from college, who painted scenes from Spring Island for their use. The originals are now framed and hanging in the newlyweds’ dining room!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ASHLE Y SEAWELL

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I am in LOVE with this stationery suite from Sideshow Press that perfectly captures the landscape of South Carolina's coastline.

The ceremony was held before a statue of Saint Francis under a canopy of oaks draped with Spanish moss. Sarah and her dad took a long walk to get to the special spot, and many guests commented on how magical it was to watch from a distance as they approached.

Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bouquet echoed the range of pastels used throughout the wedding, and included trailing ribbons embroidered with her maiden initials.

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I spy a perfectly-pressed monogrammed table runner. Be still my letter-loving heart.

Sarah wanted to thank her mom for the heart and soul she poured into their wedding, so she asked Sideshow Press to print a letter she wrote on wood stock. The letter was waiting at her mom’s seat in lieu of her place card – a perfect, emotional surprise for the master planner.

A WONDERFUL GROOM: HE’S BIGGER THAN LIFE AND TWICE AS HANDSOME!

That cake! Who knew swirls of toasted marshmallow could look so elegant and appetizing at the same time?

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Ashley Seawell, PLANNER AND DESIGNER Ashley Rhodes Event Design, VENUE Spring Island, South Carolina, FLORIST Emily Wynn Wildes Floral Design, CATERER Spring Island, WEDDING CAKE Signe’s Bakery, BRIDE’S GOWN AND VEIL “Waking Up” by Peter Langner, BRIDAL SALON Mark Ingram Atelier, BRIDE’S SHOES Stuart Weitzman, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Amsale and J. Crew, HAIR STYLIST Hope Patterson, Bangs Salon, MAKEUP ARTIST Nora Honeycutt, GROOM AND GROOMSMEN FASHION J. Crew, PAPER Sideshow Press, RENTALS Sperry Tents SE, Snyder Event Rentals, Amazing Event Rentals and Ooh! Events, LIGHTING Sperry and Snyder, LINENS Snyder, WATERCOLORS Julian Tablada, TRANSPORTATION Point Tours

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ALABAMA SWEETHEARTS: Louise and Billy both attended the University of Alabama, where they enjoyed Greek life and Bama football. They were introduced by two of their best friends, who are now married as well. HOMETOWN WEDDING: There was no question of where Louise and Billy would get married: Louise’s hometown of Mobile. They selected an August date because they wanted a short engagement, a wedding during football season was out of the question and as a wedding planner, Louise’s open weekends were limited. NUMBER OF GUESTS: 500. SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN: Billy and his groomsmen dressed in tuxes with white dinner jackets and simple boutonnieres. MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT: Louise will never forget seeing Billy’s smile at the end of the aisle when he saw her for the first time. FAMILY HEIRLOOMS: Both the silver trays used for the wedding cakes and the tablecloths on the cake table have been in Louise’s family for years. Her grandmother also gave her a toasting cup, which both she and Louise’s mother used at their own wedding receptions. THE BOUQUET TOSS: Louise had her florist, Buffy Hargett, fashion six smaller bouquets that she could hold as one. When she tossed the bouquet, it split into six so that more than one girl could soon have her dream wedding. WISE ADVICE: Louise recommends hiring a wedding planner. Even as a planner herself, Louise was glad her team from Mariée Ami was there to take care of the details of the day, so she could focus on enjoying the wedding.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

A BRYAN PHOTO

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Louiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bouquet was inspired by a French garden, and consisted of peonies, garden roses, ranunculus and dahlias. An assortment of ribbons wrapped around the stems added a touch of whimsy.

A REACTION TO A SURPRISING MARRIAGE PROPOSAL: WELL, BUTTER MY BUTT AND CALL ME A BISCUIT!

Three generations of dapper Southern gents? Talk about a treasured family photo for decades to come.

Growing up in Mobile, the Cathedral is my absolute favorite church! It literally takes my breath away every time I walk through the doors!

Louise's orchid and veil combo is both totally unexpected and totally classic. I love it so much!

Louise had worn several wedding dresses in the past for debutante balls, so she knew she wanted something lacy and elegant for her wedding day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Springâ&#x20AC;? by Lela Rose was the first dress she tried on, and it ended up being exactly what she wanted.

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Louise and Billy love Mobile Bay, and dreamed of being married in a tent overlooking the water. Even though the summer heat ultimately prevented them from choosing an outdoor venue, they were excited to still be able to incorporate tent-like draping inside!

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The cake designs were one of the first wedding planning decisions Louise and Billy made. To accompany their classic, modern wedding cake, Louise had a groom’s cake made to look like a fly fishing basket in honor of Billy’s love for the sport.

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What an adorable getaway dress! And I'd be remiss not to mention that even Billy made a wardrobe change!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Bryan Johnson of A Bryan Photo, VIDEOGRAPHER A Bryan Photo, PLANNING, DESIGN, LINENS AND PAPER GOODS Mariée Ami, CEREMONY VENUE Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral, RECEPTION VENUE Fort Whiting, CEREMONY FLORIST Zimlich Bros, RECEPTION AND PERSONAL FLORIST Buffy Hargett, CATERING Clifton Morrissette, CAKE Barb's Cakes, BRIDE’S GOWN “Spring” by Lela Rose, BRIDAL SALON AND VEIL Ivory and White, BRIDE’S SHOES Jimmy Choo, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Amsale in French blue, graphite and dove, HAIR STYLIST Greg Andrews, MAKEUP Ashley Mitchell, CALLIGRAPHY Jan Pruitt, RENTALS Event Rentals Unlimited, BAR PAINTINGS Liz Legg Designs, LIGHTING AG Lighting, BAND Atlanta Showstoppers

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HOW THEY MET: Kate and Cesar lived in Savannah at the same time (Cesar even worked at Kate’s favorite restaurant), but they didn’t meet until months later at a card game with mutual friends in Miami. They were paired up in the game, and developed a friendship over the following months. THE PROPOSAL: After years of long distance, Cesar moved to Georgia to be with Kate, and proposed on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. The ring featured a diamond surrounded by nine smaller diamonds, symbolizing the ten years they had been together. NATURAL BEAUTY: Kate fell in love with the rolling hills, serene ambiance and adorable farm animals at Serenbe. Since her late grandfather grew up on a farm, the location also served as a tribute to him. NUMBER OF GUESTS: About 70. DREAM DRESS: When Kate’s mother was remarried a few years prior, Kate accompanied her to a bridal boutique that was going out of business, where the owner invited them to try anything on. Kate fell in love with a lace wedding dress, but since she was not engaged yet, she wouldn’t dream of buying it. The Christmas after Kate and Cesar’s November engagement, Kate’s mother surprised her with a gift: the same dress, which she had secretly purchased years earlier. MARRIAGE OF CULTURES: Cesar’s family is Nicaraguan, so it was important to the couple that they reflect the joining of their diverse families. They included Spanish in the ceremony and Nicaraguan traditions in the reception. SHOUT: One of Kate and Cesar’s favorite memories from their wedding was when their DJ played “Shout” as the last dance of the night. They loved the feeling of all their guests surrounding them on the dance floor, full of joy and happiness.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

GRACIE BLUE

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From the bride: "Our amazing photographer suggested we write each other short notes to exchange the moment before we saw each other. Cesar's reaction to seeing me was everything I could have hoped for â&#x20AC;&#x201C; emotional and overflowing with pure love and sincerity. I wish I could relive it again and again!"

Kate’s grandparents were an integral part of her upbringing, so her grandmother walked her down the aisle. The locket on her bouquet included a picture of her late grandfather, so that “he could walk her down the aisle, too.” Locket or not, Kate knew he was there in spirit.

Leading up to the big day, Cesar's mother collected handmade pottery votive candleholders, crafted by Nicaraguan artisans, at local markets. The bride and groom loved sharing such a personal parting gift with their guests.

From the invitation suite to the cake display, I adore how much texture Kate + Cesar incorporated into their wedding. A sweet, sweet day and a feast for the eyes!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Gracie Blue Photography, VENUE The Inn at Serenbe, OFFICIANT Dr. Rusty Edwards, CATERING AND BAR SERVICE Endive, COORDINATOR carolynA Events, FLORAL DESIGN Holly Bryan Floral and Botanical Design, PAPER GOODS AND STYLING Bride, Kate Incer, BRIDE’S DRESS Casablanca, ALTERATIONS Angela Vazquez, RECEPTION DRESS Lodekka, HAIR ACCESSORIES Twigs and Honey, BRIDE’S SHOES Badgley Mischka, BRIDE’S CEREMONY NECKLACE Nikki Haley Designs, BRIDE’S CLUTCH Mrs. Murgatroyd’s Collection, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Lauren by Ralph Lauren, HAIR STYLIST Keka Heron, GROOM’S SUIT Jos. A. Bank, GROOM’S TIE Geoffrey Beene, CAKES Blooming Flour Bakery, DJ Matt Callahan, Events to Remember, PAPER POMS Pom Love, CRINKLE FANS AND ROSETTES BHLDN, MILK GLASS CAKE STANDS Vintage Fenton, YELLOW CAKE STAND Vintage L. E. Smith

HOW THEY MET: As a prank, Dylan and his friends ransacked Haley’s room freshman year, and Haley swore he’d never be allowed back in. After establishing a base of friendship (and forgiveness for the upside-down room), these two turned their relationship romantic after a year. THE PROPOSAL: Dylan lured Haley to her favorite restaurant under the guise of a work dinner, but upon arrival, they were whisked to the courtyard, glasses of champagne in hand, where Dylan immediately got down on one knee! A photographer caught the moment, and a string light-draped rickshaw was waiting to escort them to a second restaurant filled with cheering friends and family. THE “I DO’S:” Haley and Dylan planned a July wedding in Charleston, and so were prepared for hard rain and/or sweltering temps. Happily, they and their 180 guests were blessed with 80 degrees and a light breeze. FAMILY STONE: Dylan had Haley’s ring specially designed with family stones, and her wedding band is all rubies with stones from her grandmother (appropriate for this red-loving bride!). Dylan’s gold wedding band is engraved with lyrics from their first dance song and their wedding date. JUST BOW-TIFUL: Haley knew her dress was the one the second she tried it on. The design of the horsehair bow was also incorporated into their cake! ONLY YOU: One of Haley’s favorite memories from her wedding day is sharing breakfast with just her parents. She and Dylan are both only children, so their big day was momentous for their families! Haley also tucked the same good luck penny in her shoe that her mom had used on her wedding day. BOLD DESIGN: Haley and Dylan are both self-professed “over the top people.” They chose their bold color scheme to represent their belief in living life to the fullest. SWEET DESIGNS: Haley and Dylan served their guests three different cakes, each with a different gold design and flavor combination: chocolate with honey buttercream, lemon cake with passionfruit mousse and raspberry jam and almond cake with cinnamon cream cheese.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

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Haley and Dylan made personal, though not necessarily traditional, choices for their ceremony. The president of the college they both attended married them, and a string duo played modern favorites. They combined classic and contemporary vows to come up with a pledge that they “would and could live by” for the rest of their lives. One of Haley’s favorite lines: “All that I am, I give to you, and all that I have, I share with you.”

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

After attending a Florida wedding outside in late June, I believe chilled flavored water should be mandatory for outdoor weddings here in the South!

Haley and Dylan both opted for a house party of loved ones instead of a traditional bridal party. Haleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group of high school girlfriends are passing down a handkerchief embroidered with each galâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s married initials; Haley was the second to carry it, and wrapped it around her bouquet.

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ON WEDDING DAY BLISS: LOVE AND MARRIAGE GO TOGETHER LIKE GRITS AND GRAVY.

Food was a showpiece at Haley and Dylan’s reception. The Bacon Bar included pork belly sandwiches, piggy pops and bacon-infused bourbon, and fried catfish and gravy with horseradish mashed potatoes (a staple in Haley’s household) was served at dinner. Haley’s parents wrote a cookbook based on family recipes, so sharing heirloom favorites was a must.

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Such a fabulous dance floor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no wonder these two are cutting a rug!

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I love how many of the gentlemen in this issue are wearing white dinner jackets! So dapper and undeniably Southern.

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Tim Will, VIDEOGRAPHER Film Anywhere Productions, PLANNER AND DESIGNER Melissa Barton, A Charleston Bride, VENUE Lowndes Grove, FLORIST A Charleston Bride, CATERER AND WEDDING CAKES Fish, BRIDE’S GOWN “Promise” by Monique Lhuillier, BRIDAL SALON Maddison Row, BRIDE’S SHOES Christian Louboutin, BRIDE’S VEIL Vera Wang, HAIR STYLIST Carrie McLeod, Paper Dolls, MAKEUP ARTIST Elina Mille, Bellelina, GROOM’S FASHION Ben Silver, PAPER Lytle Cannon, CALLIGRAPHY Paige Tanenbaum, RENTALS Snyder Event Rentals, LINENS Snyder and Nuage Designs, CUSTOM FABRIC DESIGN Caroline Messier, A Charleston Bride TRANSPORTATION Lowcountry Loop, LIGHTING Technical Event Company, CEREMONY MUSICIANS Charleston Virtuosi, BAND Charleston Groove Factory, OFFICIANT Dr. John Griffith, RING DESIGNER William Nichols

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HOW THEY MET: Each attended a benefit with a friend visiting from out of town. When the friends hit it off, Sarah Jane and Brad found themselves thrown together for the rest of the weekend! THE PROPOSAL: Brad is die-hard UK Wildcat fan, and Sarah Jane bleeds Volunteer Orange. The two had a tradition of going to the UK/UT football game when it’s a home game for Kentucky, and in 2011, when the Wildcats won the matchup for the first time in 27 years, Brad took the opportunity to propose. Sarah Jane is still not sure whether he wanted to commemorate their historic win, or balance what he knew was a tough loss for her with a wonderful memory. THE “I DO’S:” A May wedding was nonnegotiable for SJ, a gal a bit obsessed with peonies. They chose Carillon Beach in Florida so Brad’s wishes for a toes-in-the-sand vow exchange could be realized. TRADITIONS TO GO: Planning a destination wedding didn’t stop Sarah Jane from participating in a favorite Southern tradition, burying a bottle of bourbon for good weather. She simply asked her planner, Avis, to attend to this oh-so-important detail, and Avis was happy to oblige. All in the name of duty! PERFECT PALETTE: The big day’s colors were plucked from the beach just before sunset: pearly beiges, shell pinks and watery blues and greens. FAMILY TIES: With a guest list of just 50 loved ones, the couple was able to celebrate a few special moments in addition to their union: a niece’s baptism the night before the ceremony (in the ocean!), several birthdays and a sweet friend’s anniversary (they played that couple’s first dance song at their reception). FINGER-LICKIN’ GOOD: Sarah Jane’s funniest moment from the day? “The ring ceremony, when Brad couldn’t get my band on my finger. He actually had to lick my finger to get it on!!” SWEET MEMORIES: Sarah Jane and her sister each used their parents’ cake topper and knife in their respective weddings. The knife was engraved with each wedding date to serve as an heirloom for future generations!

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Sarah Jane’s daddy was the seersucker standard bearer in his three-piece suit and jockeysilk bow tie, a nod to their native Kentucky. The two shared a number of sweet moments throughout the day, including a “first look" before the ceremony.

I love these images of the groomsmen sharing a toast after un-burying the bourbon! Check out page 82 if you're not familiar with this tradition!

I am a big fan of â&#x20AC;&#x153;unpluggedâ&#x20AC;? weddings. Check out our tips for planning your own at southernweddings.com/unplugged!

We feel like Sarah Jane is an old friend since she was featured as one of our Southern Brides of the Month on the blog! Check out her interview and many more at southernweddings.com

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Sarah Jane chose a longtime favorite song, “Nella Fantasia” by Sarah Brightman, for her walk down the aisle. It was one of the choices she was most nervous about, but ended up being a favorite decision in the end!

OVERWHELMED DURING THE WEDDING: I FEEL LIKE A SHORT DOG IN TALL GRASS.

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Oh my stars, I'm crazy about those perfectly pink ranunculus! Sarah Jane and Brad's cake strikes the loveliest balance between rustic and feminine.

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I love Sarah Jane and Brad's sweet love! You can feel their joy in every image!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Vue Photography, VIDEOGRAPHER Sixpence Productions, PLANNER Carillon Weddings, DESIGNER AND FLORIST Events by Nouveau Flowers, CEREMONY VENUE Carillon Beach, Walkover No. 7, RECEPTION VENUE The Meeting House at Carillon Beach, CATERER Townsend Catering, BRIDE'S GOWN “Peony” by Monique Lhuillier, BRIDAL SALON Joan Pillow, BRIDE’S SHOES AND CLUTCH Kate Spade, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Assorted Amsale styles in blush, HAIR STYLIST Melia Schmidt, MAKEUP ARTIST Jamie Gummere, Paint Me Pretty, GROOM’S SUIT Kenneth Cole, GROOM’S BOW TIE “Lucky Julep” from Vineyard Vines, GROOMSMEN POCKET SQUARES High Cotton Ties, GROOMSMEN MONOGRAMS Sew Nice in Lexington, KY, PAPER Miss Pickles Press, RENTALS Events by Nouveau Flowers and Townsend Catering, LINENS Townsend Catering, FLOWER GIRL DRESSES AND RING BEARER TIES Andrea Corbett, Pippy Frances, DJ Paul Kirker, Gulf Talent Services

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HOW THEY MET: Shannon and Clay lived around the corner from each other in a highly social neighborhood, so they were already familiar faces to one another. Running into each other at a Zac Brown festival was enough to ignite a spark! THE PROPOSAL: Clay waited for the first shooting star on the night of the Gemini meteor shower before leaning over and whispering, “So, what are you doing for the next 50 years of your life?” Shannon fell right into his trap, not realizing he was leading into a proposal! THE “I DO’S:” Shannon and Clay wasted no time, planning a late-spring wedding for 175 guests on the banks of the Wando River for just four months after getting engaged. HOME AWAY FROM HOME: Shannon grew up spending time at her family’s house on the water in SC, and though they opted not to hold their wedding there, they wanted to create the family feel with carefully-chosen details. Shannon’s mother’s collection of vintage tablecloths and glasses were used to serve the family-style meal! TWIN SET: Shannon originally planned to wear the same gown as her identical twin, married twelve years prior. A consult about possible alterations with her friend, the owner and designer of LulaKate, quickly turned into a dress-trying-on session that resulted in a new dress altogether – and Shannon was the first to wear the new design! BLOOMING BEAUTY: Shannon’s bouquet included a branch of kousa dogwood from her parents’ home – it will bloom every year on their anniversary! She also carried Clay’s mother’s lace handkerchief pinned onto her bouquet with an antique diamond brooch. NEW TRADITIONS: Shannon had a ring pillow designed and crafted with fabric samples from her mom and sister’s wedding gowns. A small piece of Shannon’s gown will be pinned on before the pillow is passed down to the next generation of brides! FIRST DANCE: Fittingly, Shannon and Clay chose “Free” by the Zac Brown Band for their first dance – a nod to their most fateful meeting. STAR-STUDDED FINALE: The littlest guests waved star wands vigorously at Shannon and Clay’s departure while the rest of the guests tossed Carolina Gold rice. The owners of RiverOaks also surprised the couple with a fireworks show as they took off down the driveway!

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VIRGIL BUNAO

Doesn't Clay make for one dapper gent? He actually designed his tie and pocket square with Ben Silver of Charleston!

Shannon was inspired by the bridesmaid dresses in a range of greens from our “Virginia is for Lovers” story in V5. Each bridesmaid picked her own neckline from LulaKate’s line! The wedding party was all family, including Clay’s two daughters, four nieces and one nephew.

Shannon, an artist by profession, made an ink drawing of a favorite oak tree that was letterpressed onto their invitations. The benefit of personal artwork? She hid a tiny shooting star in the foliage! The original drawing, invitation and letterpress plate were displayed at the reception.

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IF YOU’RE HEAD-OVER-HEELS IN LOVE: IF I WERE ANY PEACHIER, I’D BE A COBBLER.

Clay had pushed for a bagpiper early on, but was met with resistance from Shannon. I love that she ultimately surprised him with one at the ceremony!

The littlest attendants at Shannon and Clay's wedding carried glittery star wands instead of tossing petals, a nod to the couple's proposal story. SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

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At Shannon and Clay's cocktail hour, a large community table covered in butcher paper was spread with a collection of local cheeses, honey, jams and chutneys. All were family favorites from either Charleston (the bride's hometown) or Asheville (Clay's hometown).

Guests arriving at the ceremony encountered a vintage bee skep and recipe box inviting them to “share their recipe for love.” The escort cards were also pinned to a bee skep with florals that was topped with a small “bee our guest” sign.

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Shannon and Clayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family style sit-down dinner was served at tables arranged in a square. At the center? A cake bar filled with Southern favorites, including red velvet, carrot, strawberry, caramel, chocolate seven-layer and coconut. All were made by favorite local bakeries, and the topper Shannon's parents used at their own wedding marked the cake reserved for the bride and groom!

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Virgil Bunao, PLANNER AND DESIGNER Marianne Caldwell and Lauren Heuber, RiverOaks Charleston, VENUE RiverOaks, FLORALS AND STYLING Deborah Gibson Design and RiverOaks, CATERER Harvest Catering, WEDDING CAKES Carter’s Kitchen, SALT at Station 22, See Wee Restaurant, Square Onion, Sugar Bakeshop and Village Bakery, BRIDE’S GOWN “LaMour” by LulaKate, BRIDE’S SHOES “Culver” by Nina Shoes, BRIDE’S EARRINGS Skatell’s, BRIDE’S BRACELET David Yurman, BRIDE’S VEIL LulaKate, BRIDESMAID DRESSES LulaKate, MAIDEN DRESSES #586 by Us Angels, FLOWER GIRL DRESS David’s Bridal, HAIR STYLIST Dianna Reine, Salon Jolie, MAKEUP Kristin Pavao, Finger Paint Makeup, MENS’ SUITS Jos. A. Bank, CUSTOM-DESIGNED TIES AND POCKET SQUARES Groom and Baron Fain of Ben Silver, INVITATION LETTERPRESS Reaves Engraving, INVITATION ARTWORK Shannon Smith Hughes, TABLETOP RENTALS Polished and EventWorks, RENTALS Muster Branch Vintage and RiverOaks, TENT Sperry Tents, BAR SERVICE Squeeze OnSite, LINENS RiverOaks and vintage, SHUTTLE BUS ACW Limo Service, LIGHTING RiverOaks, CEREMONY OFFICIANT Rev. John Hage, Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, BAND The Tony Howard Show, SIGNS Reclaimed Artistry, FRAMER A Simple Tree, BRIDAL PARTY JEWELRY Felice Designs, RING BEARER PILLOW Circa Children

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Wedding Planning & Design W W W . W E D D I N G B E L L E W E D D I N G S . CO M

Plan

TO LO V E YO U R

wedding

P H OTO S B Y C A N D I CO F F M A N P H OTO G R A P H Y

HOW THEY MET: Jamie and Blake both work at a certain social media company, so it's only natural that their relationship started with a friend request. They met in person a few months later at a company event in New York City, and traveled between Austin and Connecticut every weekend for ten months. THE PROPOSAL: Blake proposed at New York City’s Gramercy Park Hotel over Christmas. His son, Spencer, orchestrated the perfect moment, including how Blake would drop his napkin at the restaurant to get on one knee. BRINGING IT HOME: With only four months to plan a wedding, finding a venue in Austin was impossible, so Jamie and Blake opted to hold their reception at their beautiful new home. PRE-WEDDING BRUNCH: Before the ceremony, Jamie enjoyed brunch with her girlfriends and family at Z’Tejas, while Blake hosted friends at Abel’s on the Lake, two of their favorite Austin restaurants. NUMBER OF GUESTS: 90 at the ceremony and 230 at the reception. SOMETHING SHARED: Jamie and her college girlfriends share a white lace handkerchief monogrammed with their names and wedding dates, which each girl wraps around her bouquet. AUSTIN INSPIRATION: From the vintage airstream photo booth to the cheer performed by Jamie and the University of Texas cheerleaders (her alma mater), the city of Austin inspired many details of Jamie and Blake’s wedding day. UNDER THE STARS: A clear-top tent gave guests the convenience of the indoors without sacrificing the view of the night sky. #CHANDLEEPARTYOF2: A hashtag printed on cocktail napkins and various signage encouraged guests to share pictures on social media. THE GETAWAY: Even though they spent the wedding night at their house, Jamie and Blake knew they had to leave so that their guests wouldn’t stay all night! After a sparkler exit, they rode around the corner in a pedicab and snacked on Ropollo’s pizza until the house was clear.

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Blake's son Spencer had the honor of walking Jamie down the aisle, and he did it in style â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we love his bow tie!

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What a meaningful way to blend their families together, and what a dapper young man!

I graduated from the University of Texas, so Austin will always have a piece of my heart. Everything from the architecture of Jamie and Blake's beautiful home to their mouthwatering Southwestern menu makes me miss my college town!

Jamie and Blakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side lawn was the right size for their reception, but since the ground was uneven, they had a platform built so that they could use the full space. No one knew they were dancing 13 feet in the air!

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The dessert station was nicknamed “Ellie Mae’s Sweet Shop” after Jamie and Blake’s beloved maltipoo. It featured a variety of delicious desserts from all around Texas, including macarons, brownie pops, pie pops, lemon bars, mini cupcakes, caramel and chocolate popcorn, chocolate covered almonds and decorated sugar cookies.

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While I'm usually a black and white gal, these fabulous pops of pink have stolen my heart! Choosing drinks and sweets that already work with your color scheme is a great way to cut down on costs and keep things cohesive! SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

A BEAUTIFUL BRIDE: YOU’RE PRETTIER THAN A BLUE RIBBON LAMB ON FAIR DAY.

As a former University of Texas at Austin cheerleader, it was only natural that Jamie perform a cheer with the UT cheerleaders at her wedding! Hook 'em!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Cameron & Kelly Studio, PLANNING, PAPER, LOUNGE FURNITURE, LIGHTING AND LINENS Mary Beth Burrow, Mary Beth Events, CEREMONY VENUE Tarrytown United Methodist Church, RECEPTION VENUE Private residence, FLORIST Posey Floral and Event Design, CATERER Pink Avocado Catering, CAKE AND DESSERTS 3 Brothers Bakery, BRIDE’S GOWN "Amaranth" by Monique Lhuillier, BRIDE’S VEIL Toni Federici, BRIDE’S CEREMONY SHOES Christian Louboutin, BRIDE’S RECEPTION DRESS Jovani, BRIDE’S RECEPTION SHOES Yves Saint Laurent, HAIR AND MAKEUP Miss Z, GROOM’S ATTIRE Armani, RENTALS Swift Events, TENT Aztec Party Rentals, BAND The Maxx, DJ El John Selector, PHOTO BOOTH Airstream Photo Booth, GETAWAY CAR Capital Pedicab, PIZZA TRUCK Roppolo’s Pizzeria

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Cross Creek Ranch

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: PHOTOS BY KENDRA CONNER PHOTOGRAPHY, CROSS CREEK RANCH, NEIL SHANNON PHOTOGRAPHY, SHIPRA PANOSIAN PHOTOGRAPHY, JERRY MCGAGHE PHOTOGRAPHY AND CROSS CREEK RANCH

HOW THEY MET: Lynze grew up with four brothers, so her house was always filled with older boys. John, who played high school soccer with her siblings, took her to Homecoming freshman year – which, Lynze says, was “mortifying,” since they went in the same group as her brothers! THE DATING: The two reconnected in NYC after John graduated, and again when John came to visit Lynze while studying abroad in the Middle East, and again when she returned for a second summer internship in New York. After just six months of dating, Lynze had to break the news to John – she had been offered a job in Dubai, and she was going to take it. She attributes their entire relationship to his two-second decision to move with her. THE PROPOSAL: Elaborate, and involving thirty of their closest friends on the beach. THE “I DO’S:” WIth family spread across the country and friends spread around the world from their years living overseas, John and Lynze settled on a New Year’s Eve wedding in New Orleans. HEARTFELT HERITAGE: Lynze’s advice? “Remember that someone was dreaming about your wedding day long before you were. As the youngest of five and the only girl, my grandmother and my mother had been thinking about my wedding day since the day I was born.” Her bonnet from the hospital seconded as a hanky on her wedding day. GLAM GUYS AND GALS: Lynze asked each bridesmaid to choose a long dress in gold that had “New Year’s Eve zing!” The groomsmen, ushers, fathers and grandfathers all wore bespoke tuxedoes from Knot Standard, John’s company. BROTHERLY LOVE: As a surprise, Lynze’s twin brothers opened the church doors for her grand entrance – a hugely emotional moment for everyone. MIDNIGHT SNACK: Lynze and John’s whole menu was a celebration of New Orleans fare, including their late-night nibble: mini muffalettas! CONFETTI DROP: Lynze’s favorite memory from the day: “When the clock hit midnight and the confetti poured down. It was magical!” Guests gathered on the dance floor in top hats and party masks to count down, kiss and sing Auld Lang Syne.

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Cathedral ceremonies are a serious weakness of mine -- this one is breathtaking!

Unsurprisingly, the second line parade between John and Lynze’s ceremony and reception was a highlight for guests and newlyweds alike. More than 200 loved ones singing, dancing and waving hankies down Canal Street was “overwhelming in the best way!”

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In honor of their festive wedding date, Lynze and John adopted New Year. New Life. Together. as their wedding’s theme. “Even though we had been dating for years in advance, we knew our marital commitment meant a new start for us together,” she says. Other nods to the date came into play, including table numbers with marital-themed resolutions and countdown menus.

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Longtime friends of the family, married for thirty years, complimented Lynze and John on their personal vows during dinner. The couple confided that every year on their anniversary, they’ve repeated their own personal vows to each other; Lynze has looked forward to continuing the tradition ever since!

CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Trent Bailey, VIDEOGRAPHER Lumehouse Weddings, PLANNER Emily Sullivan, Get Polished Events, CEREMONY VENUE The Church of the Immaculate Conception, RECEPTION VENUE New Orleans Board of Trade, FLORIST Bella Blooms, CATERER Pigeon Caterers, WEDDING CAKE The Royal Cakery, BRIDE’S GOWN Ines DiSanto, BRIDE’S SHOES Hey Lady Shoes, BRIDE’S JEWELRY Haute Bride, BRIDE’S VEIL Sara Gabriel, HAIR STYLIST Kelly, Get Polished Events, MAKEUP ARTIST Daphne, Get Polished Events, MEN'S FASHION Knot Standard, PAPER Village Invites, LINENS AND LIGHTING Get Polished Events, CARRIAGE Mid-City Carriages, ROLLS-ROYCE Unique Transportation, PEDICAB Need a Ride Pedicab, LIMO BUSES American Luxury Limousines

I love Lynze’s sparkling gown and perfect Southern bump. That confetti-covered kiss makes for a picture-perfect moment.

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HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS: Erin and Stephen met during an orientation for high school students taking college classes. They spent the first event of orientation, a meteor shower viewing, talking until two in the morning. Erin thought he was the “funniest, smartest,and most handsome guy” she had ever met! SOMETHING OLD: Erin’s engagement ring includes a beautiful diamond that belonged to her grandmother, who passed away in April 2012. The couple chose a ring setting that accentuated the diamond’s beauty in a unique way. MORNING MEMORIES: The gentlemen spent the morning of the wedding getting oldfashioned straight razor shaves, while the girls enjoyed breakfast in charming downtown Senoia. NUMBER OF GUESTS: About 175. THE CEREMONY: Erin and Stephen were so grateful to have their longtime friend and minister officiate their wedding. Their favorite part of the ceremony was taking communion together. COCKTAIL HOUR: Immediately following the ceremony, a bluegrass band waiting outside began to play. The band led guests down the road to the party, where a cocktail hour featuring a spread of local cheeses awaited them. SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY: Erin and Stephen wrote personal, handwritten letters to each of their guests, telling them how much it meant to have them at the wedding. These notes doubled as escort cards. FAMILY STYLE: Simple, delicious recipes served familystyle encouraged guests to relax and dig in. NEW YORK NEWLYWEDS: After a relaxing honeymoon in the British Virgin Islands, Erin and Stephen are enjoying newlywed life in New York City. They cherish daily breakfasts together and long walks through Central Park.

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Erin had always loved Grace Kelly’s wedding gown, so when she saw a similar gown in a window, she knew she had to try it on. It looked and fit perfectly without any alterations, and ended up inspiring the “organic elegance” design of the reception.

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I love the contrast of these down-home folks against the more classically formal elements of Erin + Stephen's wedding! SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

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Amy Osaba did such a beautiful job on Erin and Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s romantic flowers. These centerpieces are nothing short of dreamy!

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The groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite detail was the whiskey bar. Underneath a vintage olive basket light fixture that Erinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother made, the friendly bartender taught people about different whiskeys and served up samples.

These specially-wrapped loaves of bread are one of my favorite details out of all of the weddings featured in this issue!

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CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER Harwell Photography, FLORAL AND EVENT DESIGN Amy Osaba Events, CEREMONY VENUE Senoia United Methodist Church, RECEPTION VENUE Veranda Historic Bed and Breakfast Inn, CEREMONY COORDINATION AND RECEPTION FOOD DESIGN Kathy Black, BRIDE’S DRESS Sassi Holford, BRIDAL SALON Fabulous Frocks of Atlanta, BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES Haute Bride, BRIDESMAID DRESSES Alfred Sung, MOTHER OF THE BRIDE DRESS Mon Cheri, BRIDESMAID DRESS SALON J. Andrews Bridal, ALTERATIONS Betty Harrah, HAIR AND NAILS Ici Paris Day Spa and Salon, MAKEUP Katie Gant, COCKTAIL HOUR BAND Sourwood Honey, COCKTAIL HOUR APPETIZERS AND CHEESE Sweet Grass Dairy, INVITATION PRINT CONSULTANT The Paperie at Sam Flax, BARTENDER Mobile Cocktails ATL, DJ BeatHouse Productions, CAKE Blooming Flour Bakery, TABLES, CHAIRS, DANCE FLOOR, LIGHTING Goodwin Rentals, BARS, HIGHBOYS, SERVING DISHES Peachtree Tent and Events, CALLIGRAPHER Donna Dow, LINENS I Do Linens, GALLERY ART AND MAP WATERCOLOR Georgia Watercolor Society, MONOGRAMMED NAPKINS Mactees Inc

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THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEF T: Glass Jar Photography, Riverland Studios, Elaine Palladino Photography, Captured by Jen, David Newkirk; OPPOSITE PAGE, FIRST ROW FROM LEF T TO RIGHT: No Eye Has Seen Photography, Polly Alexandre Photography, Riverland Studios; second row: Ruth Eileen Photography, Ryan Ray; third row: Jessica Lorren, Laura Leslie Photography, Elaine Palladino Photography

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True story: my very own BDK ONLY wears bow ties. In over eight years, I've never seen him wear a standard tie!

"ANYONE C AN BE HEROIC FROM TIME TO TIME, BUT A GENTLEMAN IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO BE ALL THE TIME." LUIGI PIRANDELLO

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HOW TO

TIE A BOW TIE ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY MCC ARTH Y

Unless your gent was trained up in the art of bow tie tying since he was knee high to a grasshopper, learning this delicate art can involve much sweating and muttering... and many YouTube videos. Or, he can try a more elegant solution: our handy go-to guide. Clip it out and slip it to your groom before his next big event!

S TEP

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The first time my husband wore a bow tie was on our wedding weekend. I wish I had provided the groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party with this handy how-to guide.

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OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Viera Photographics, Courtney Dox Photography, Joann Arruda, Little Blue Feathers, Jose Villa, Jodi Miller Photography, Ben Q Photography, Woodnote Photography; THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Taylor Lord Photography, Captured by Jen, Patricia Lyons Photography, Taylor Lord Photography, Jose Villa

Looking for a bow tie for your own pup? The terrier at left is sporting his owner's design, which she sells in her Etsy shop, Little Blue Feathers.

I was a passionate cat lover until I saw this page! These pups are so adorable!

YEARS 1-5 The first five years are sometimes called the hardest years of marriage. We believe that with a positive mindset, a willingness to learn and a strong commitment to communication, newlyweds will not merely survive their first few years of marriage, but rather, truly thrive in them.

YEARS 5-10 These years of marriage often bring about many new experiences - anything from children, to home ownership, to career developments. In this time of transitions, making the effort to always prioritize your relationship and grow together will make these years sweet.

YEARS 10-50 With over a decade of marriage experience, y’all have been through thick and thin together. Appreciate the life you have created for yourselves, and continue to build on that strong foundation by always striving to be the best spouse you can be.

MARRIAGE ADVICE FROM OUR FAVORITE COUPLES, TOGETHER ONE TO FORT Y YEARS

Resources for planning a wedding are abundant – we are honored to be one of them! But all too often, couples find themselves so caught up in wedding planning that they neglect preparing for the most important part of all: their marriage. Since we’d be hard-pressed to find a whole marriage magazine out there, we took this opportunity to chat with couples that have marriages as strong as a pine knot. Their words of wisdom cover everything from the sweet to the serious, and we hope you are as inspired by them as we are.

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You know that saying, find a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life? Well, we like to switch it up a bit: marry your best friend, and you'll never work a day in your marriage. That, of course, is not entirely true – even the best marriages have harder days and easier days – but if you truly LIKE your partner, and love spending time with him or her more than anyone else, everything else seems to fall into place. Or, at least, that has been our experience! Other tips that have served us well throughout our eight years together: forgive again and again, and don't hold a grudge (easier said than done). Put your partner before yourself in small things – it will help to have that muscle in shape when bigger things come around. Take great joy in surprising and delighting him or her. Always speak well to others about your spouse, and about marriage in general. Stay humble. And finally, because it's one of the main causes of divorce and marital issues, get your financial house in order. If finances are simply not a cause of stress, you'll have a huge leg up on life together. EMILY AND JOHN THOMAS MARRIED 1 YEAR

If there is something small that I can do to make my husband’s day better, I try to achieve it, and he does the same for me. Will taking out the trash or running an errand without being asked make your spouse's day easier? Why not focus on one small thing each day to make your husband or wife’s day a bit brighter? I find that this small practice makes for a happy marriage… plus, you’ll never be left with a stinky trash can. How bad can that be? LEAH BERGMAN, FREUTCAKE MARRIED 3 YEARS

For a marriage that's filled with easy, everyday joy, do your best to practice kindness and gratitude. Put each other first, make each other laugh and don't forget to do the little things, just because. The truth is, following my first year of marriage, I've come to learn that it's as simple – or, some days, as challenging – as that: kindness and gratitude. Make the most of your time together, and make the most of your time apart. You fell in love with someone who enjoyed a life all their own, and while there's nothing more special than the life you're building together, it's just as important that you keep growing as a person – not just as a spouse, but also as a friend, a daughter and a professional, too. When you bring your best self to the table, it's a gift to the person you love. Treat yourself well.

Marriage will never be perfect because it's two imperfect people doing life together. Strive to love the other person for who they are, and not who you wish them to be. It's laying down pride, asking for forgiveness and reflecting on your own heart instead of your spouse's. Our marriage has grown when we've been willing to sacrifice for each other. It has been lot of laughter, some tears and ultimately, surrendering everything to, and placing all hope in, the Creator of this beautiful mess we call marriage. RYAN AND CARY RAY, RYAN RAY PHOTOGRAPHY MARRIED 4 YEARS

LAURA MARIE GIVEN, LITTLE THINGS AND CURIOSITIES BLOG MARRIED 1 YEAR

You learn a new lesson each and every day, whether you like it or not. No matter how tired you might be or how much you have on your plate, marriage does not allow you to be lazy in learning. MADI REID SANDERS MARRIED 1 YEAR

I always tell people, "I got the best one! How did I do that?" One of the best pieces of advice I can give someone about marriage is to tell anyone who will listen just how great your spouse is. It's great when they are in earshot, but it's really special when they overhear you raving about them. I could write novels about the kindness my husband has shown me. But since I don't, I make sure everyone knows just how great he is all the time. Including him! If you meet me in person, I can guarantee you'll hear some variation of, "I hit the jackpot!" I have no fear of mush. SARAH TUCKER, SARAH TUCKER EVENTS MARRIED 3 YEARS

KRISTIN AND KYLE WINCHESTER MARRIED 1 YEAR

For every decision we make, there is an opportunity to choose either our selfish desires or to choose wisdom and respect for each other and our beliefs. We get to make these decisions together for the first time. I pray that I’ll always remember the sweet joy I feel now when deciding even minor things like our grocery budget, because we share groceries, and because we are a "we." It’s an overwhelming joy that I would encourage you to cherish and hold on to. VICTORIA STRADER, HAPPILY EVER STRADER MARRIED 1 YEAR

NEWLYWED BLISS: YOU MAKE ME HAPPIER THAN A PIG IN SLOP!

Inherently, a good marriage starts LONG before you say I do. It starts with being patient, trusting God and actively seeking the right person to share in the adventures of marriage. Of course, this same patience, trust and effort must follow you for a successful marriage to become a reality. Marriage is magical, but it is foolish to think that good marriage just happens. It takes hard work and dedication; the great news is that the rewards are neverending. You get to spend the rest of your days with your very best friend – learning, laughing and growing through life together. Always keep dating – be it at an occasional fancy restaurant or pizza on the living room floor. Never stop learning – ask each other questions and take advantage of long car trips to recount silly stories. Hold one another accountable to greatness – root each other on as you explore new careers, hobbies and passions. Be present in the moment (i.e. put down your cell phone) and enjoy the adventure right in front of you. And remember, you are not perfect. The good news is that neither is your spouse. Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry,” forgive without ceasing and say "I love you" every chance you get.

My best advice is to laugh and laugh often. Never take life too seriously, and at the same time, focus on the things you both care deeply about. Above all, never, ever stop dating each other. EMILY LEY, EMILY LEY PAPER MARRIED 5 YEARS

A few things that have kept our marriage strong and vibrant? Setting goals and choosing experiences that we can accomplish and enjoy together. We love to sit down over a home-cooked meal and dream of our next big thing – whether it's reaching a financial goal, sponsoring a child in need or planning travels. We love thinking big-picture and planning ways we can impact others. We both have individual interests, and it's just as important to be mutually supportive of those. But we are intentional about experiencing things we enjoy together! In addition, we always strive to constantly improve and never settle in our relationship. We read all kinds of books together and discuss them – including marriage books. We always want to know each other more deeply, understand what makes the other person tick and improve our relationship continually. By accomplishing goals together, choosing experiences together and learning of life and one another together, you can only strengthen your marriage relationship.

NANCY AND

WILL RAY, NANCY RAY PHOTOGRAPHY MARRIED 5 YEARS

It's easy to say love, respect and appreciate each other, but it's difficult to figure out how to act on those in real life. In the past four years of marriage, here is what has worked for us: kiss each other the moment you get home from work. Do an equal amount of housework. Give in every now and then; you don't always have to be right. Have an interest in your spouse's hobbies. Tell them they are doing a great job. Have an active sex life. Take care of each other. Bring them a cold glass of iced tea, just because. Backrubs work wonders after a long day of work. Support each other's dreams, even if they are insane (especially if they are insane). It's simple acts like these, although small, that build a strong marriage. MICHELLE AND ADAM EDGEMONT, MICHELLE EDGEMONT MARRIED 4 YEARS

Being married for four years, I can hardly say that we have things all figured out. But what I can say is that we have learned how to at least try. Love is a choice, each and every day. There are days when we don't like each other very much, but we still love each other. It's important to remember that, and to remind each other of that fact every single day. We have put each other through a lot in such a short amount of time, and if you add to it two military deployments, our marriage hasn't been a cake walk. But we both agree that it is still worth it – we are still worth it. With a solid foundation of faith, the belief in grace and forgiveness and a whole lot of patience and love, we get through this journey, together. And what a beautiful journey it has been! MEG SUTTON, BELLE & UNION MARRIED 4 YEARS

We started dating when we were 15 and 17, so we had been together exactly eight years the day we were married. After growing up together, we thought we knew everything about each other, but found out very quickly we were wrong! Staying connected and learning is something we work on constantly, and it isn't always easy. Katelyn's dad officiated our ceremony and told us we have to decide every day to work on our marriage and put each other first. In order to remember this daily, we have started getting up a little bit earlier so that we can have some quiet time with each other (and our puppy!) on our front porch. We start as many days as possible this way and it has done wonders for our marriage and our relationship with God! KATELYN JAMES AND MICHAEL ALSOP, KATELYN JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY MARRIED 3 YEARS

The best advice I heard before getting married was to not "set your husband up for failure." In other words, don't expect him to read your mind or do certain things without you telling him it's important to you that he do them. When I expect things from Justin that I've never even mentioned that I wanted, and he doesn't deliver, it's simply unfair for me to be upset with him! It's much better to communicate your needs and desires to your husband so he has an opportunity to impress you and love you the way you need to be loved. KATE BRYAN, THE SMALL THINGS BLOG MARRIED 4 YEARS Washing each other's feet during the ceremony is such a special symbol of commitment and serving one another with humble hearts!

Take a long honeymoon. It's one of the only times that people won't bug you for being unavailable, for almost as long as you want. Have good friends that you can have real, open conversations with about how your lives are going and what you're feeling. Get away more often than you think you need to: date night once a week, a weekend or overnight every once in awhile. Either go to bed together or wake up together every day. Know that when you have kids, they are going to rule your life and try to divide you, and you need to figure out how to love your spouse every day in spite of that happening. ERIC AND LORA KELLEY, ERIC KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY AND LORA KELLEY STYLING + MAKE-UP MARRIED 4 YEARS

In five years of marriage, the most important thing I've learned is to let go of expectations. I think we all come into marriage with ideas of how we'll run the household, what kinds of boundaries we'll set with extended family or how we'll raise or discipline children. Once I decided to let go, relax and make these decisions with Todd, life got a lot easier. We're a team and we're on the same page. We both have parents who love us and love our kids, so what's the harm in seeing them to make everyone happy? Besides, it gives us a much-needed date night! Picking my battles and accepting that I'm not always going to get my way has made me a happy wife. And I have a pretty fantastic husband to do life with, too. ERIN CARROLL, BLUE-EYED BRIDE MARRIED 5 YEARS

The best lesson I've learned is to enjoy the “now.” Like all newlyweds, Kyle and I are busy making plans for our future and for the family, careers and life we hope to have. But more important than our planning is remembering to enjoy the stage of marriage we’re in at this moment. For us, that means enjoying being newlyweds and a family of two – and all the blessings and struggles that come with that. We enjoy carpooling to work and meeting for lunch because we're lucky enough to work in the same building and know we won't always have this luxury. We love our evening runs, looking happily at the passing baby strollers, but content in spending time with just each other. Don't get me wrong: we think about, plan for and work toward our future all the time. We're always cognizant of ways to improve our marriage and our routines in anticipation of that life we want to share. But we try, above all else, to enjoy the now. So enjoy your two-bedroom apartment with not quite enough closet space because home ownership (and its many responsibilities) will come soon enough. Enjoy weekend-long Homeland marathons on your living room couch while you don’t have Little League games to watch. Enjoy Kraft macaroni and cheese dinners served on your wedding china because, really, there’s no finer dining. Plan for your future, yes; work to make your marriage better, certainly. But remember to enjoy the precious, fun, infuriating, happy, crazy "now" in your marriage – whatever that looks like for you. KATHARINE WATERMAN, FORMER SW EDITOR! MARRIED 3 YEARS

Always communicate and resolve issues immediately. We work hard to talk through any issues before the day ends, even if it's late and we're both tired. Things start to build up if you put them off. ANNA BOND, RIFLE PAPER CO.

MARRIED 5 YEARS

After seven years of marriage and two kids, I think the best way to keep a marriage alive is to take time to plan special dates and romantic getaways, even if it's just a staycation in your own city. It's so important to keep your relationship feeling young and fresh! CAITLIN

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WILSON, CAITLIN WILSON TEXTILES MARRIED 7 YEARS SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

Listen to each other. Compromise and take time to stare into each other’s eyes. Honestly, take one minute to gaze at your spouse and love them for who they are without distraction. Also, it's been such a blessing in my life to have a gratitude journal of what my spouse does for me. It helps me stay grounded and focused on serving him back! GINA ZEIDLER, GINA ZEIDLER PHOTOGRAPHY MARRIED 6 YEARS

My husband suffered a spinal cord injury a decade before we met, leaving him wheelchair-bound and meaning that I would be a spousal caregiver from day one. While we were dating, we established a reciprocal rule of communication: Bryce has to ask for help when he needs it and I have to ask questions when I don’t understand aspects of his care and abilities. Our natural tendencies often steer us in the opposite direction. He’s a strong, kind-hearted man who wants to do as much as possible for himself— and for me. And I’m a strong-willed, independent woman who wants to believe that I’ve “got this” with little help or explanation. But that’s not what God intended marriage to look like, for us or for anyone. Giving over to that vulnerability is hard, but it’s beautiful. The moments I’ve felt closest to my amazing husband are those marked by some of the hardest circumstances, when we simply surrender, admitting to each other and to our loving God that we cannot rely on our own strength. Oh, and my sweet hubby adds this nugget of marriage wisdom: “You don’t need separate sinks; you need separate bathrooms. Period.” True story! KATIE BOND, THOMAS NELSON MARRIED 5 YEARS

Kiss! And we are not talking about

FROM ARI: The best way to improve

a simple little peck on the lips

your relationship with your spouse

before you walk out the door in the

is to work on your relationship with

morning or go to sleep at night. We

God. When you feel God's love

are talking about the passionate

for yourself, you will joyfully serve,

kind of kiss that takes your breath

give and sacrifice for your spouse,

away and gives you butterflies in

and these actions will nurture your

your bellies and tingles in your toes.

relationship. FROM LARA: Yes,

Life is too short not to show each

God has changed our marriage

other how much you love each

completely. We went from hopeless

other with a little affection! The next

to bubbling over with love and joy

time you are about to rush out the

together. Praying together has

door or turn out the bedroom light,

been the glue that keeps us close.

hold each other tight and (as Ryan

Especially when we are mad at

likes to say) “kiss her like she’s your

each other, praying together

wife!” And don’t stop for at least ten

changes things. Our hearts soften

seconds! Trust us, you won’t regret

and strengthen. Love God, never

it! LIZ AND RYAN BOWER, LIZ AND RYAN

stop dating and slow dancing in

PHOTOGRAPHY

the kitchen helps, too. LARA AND ARI

MARRIED 6 YEARS

MARRIED 7 YEARS

People always ask us how we've managed to do house projects together for five years straight without throwing things at each other, and our answer is always: it's us against the house! It's nice to remember that we're on the same team and we both want the same outcome. If we hit a few speed bumps, we're both going to feel them and get frustrated, but it's not like either one of us is to blame for them. It's the dang house! When things are put back together, we always end up more proud and in love with the house than ever, which is how we get sucked into our next project. It's a vicious cycle, but there's no one we'd rather be in the DIY foxhole with. JOHN AND SHERRY PETERSIK, YOUNG HOUSE LOVE MARRIED 6 YEARS

Jeff and I have been on such a crazy adventure since our engagement, living in five cities in three different countries stretching across three continents! Constantly living away from family and friends has taught us to lean more on one another and truly surrender to our love. A good marriage takes work, and not just when things start falling apart. The constant ups and downs of moving to entirely different cultures is hard on a marriage and on the individual. You have to readjust your life every few years, and despite how glamorous it seems, it can breed resentment and regret; however, building a solid foundation on the shared commitment of prioritizing your marriage makes challenges a blessing. We've grown as a couple, and at the same time, nurtured each other's growth as individuals. We believe it's important to be a constant cheerleader, mentor, best friend, lover and protector to one another. Marriage truly is for better or for worse and all the moments in between. ASHLEY LA RUE, LEMON AND LAVENDER MARRIED 6 YEARS

After eight years of marriage, I have learned that the key to a happy marriage is flexibility. Throughout our marriage, we have been through many ups and downs, peaks and valleys and everything in between. Learning to ebb and flow together – hand in hand – is what has helped us grow and move forward as a couple, and now as a young family. We pray and we plan and we prepare, but ultimately, we let it all go and just enjoy the ride. I think we are able to do that because we trust each other and we trust our God. After that, everything else is just details. KATIE BROWN, MARRIAGE CONFESSIONS MARRIED 8 YEARS

Write love letters! They can sent through the mail or short surprise notes tucked into a shirt pocket. My husband, Andrew, started sending me notes before we were married and continues to do so today. The timing is totally random, and every time one shows up – either in our mailbox or as a note left on a pillow – I can’t help but smile. We see each other every single day and it can be easy to get bogged down by all the things that go into daily life – caring for our daughter, cleaning the house, paying bills, running errands. These little notes are a sweet reminder of our love for each other and the fact that we chose to spend the rest of our lives together, both the fun parts and the not-so-fun parts. I keep every single note in a box, and every time I look through it, I realize all over again why he’s the perfect person for me. NOLE GAREY, OH SO BEAUTIFUL PAPER MARRIED 5 YEARS SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

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In August, we marked our 18th wedding anniversary with a simple celebration and lots of love. Over the years, we've had the opportunity for role reversals on many, many occasions. For example, there were years where I was the sole breadwinner, while Ben was the full-time parent and graduate student. More recently, though it's something I typically enjoy doing, Ben had to take over our social calendar arrangements because I couldn't speak French well enough. I can think of no better way to offer compassion to your spouse at the end of a long day, or to offer celebratory joy at the end of a happy day, than if you really understand what their day has been like. My advice: look for opportunities to walk in your spouse's shoes as often as possible, then actively appreciate what MARRIED 18 YEARS they're bringing to the table. GABRIELLE BLAIR, DESIGN MOM

Go to bed angry (this is not a typo). My sweet Grandma Netton never got to meet my wonderful husband, which is a real shame, because I just know she would have adored him. However, before Grandma died, she offered me some of the most profound marital advice I have ever received. "Natalie," she said, "never try to have a fight when you're too tired, too hungry or too angry." Richie and I have proven her theory time and again. I can't tell you how many times we've placed heated "discussions" on hold so that I could go and manage my blood sugar with a spoonful of peanut butter, or so that I could deal with my blatantly irrational behavior by taking a quick nap. This isn't to say you should avoid your problems, or run from tough conversations. It's a necessity that these kinds of challenges are discussed so that they can be resolved. Richie and I have simply found that if we can get a little distance from all the heat and do whatever it takes to get our heads on straight, when we return to the conversation, it is a much more healthy and productive experience that serves to reinforce, rather than tear apart, our love and respect for one another as husband and wife. NATALIE NORTON, NATALIE NORTON PHOTOGRAPHY

I think the key to a long and successful marriage is never giving up. Tough times will come, and there will be loss and pain along the way. It's essential that you rely on each other through these challenging times. By standing together and consistently getting through difficult times, you begin to realize that you're invincible together. Together, you can persevere and accomplish anything. HOLLY CHAPPLE, HOLLY

Commit to making life together meaningful for both of you by serving your spouse first, being respectful in all things, focusing on your spouse’s strengths, seeking first to understand and then to be understood, setting your traditions together and making happiness a goal. Remember, a successful marriage is an equal partnership that takes constant work and commitment. PAGE AND BRILLA

HEIDER CHAPPLE FLOWERS MARRIED 27 YEARS

Always be kind and considerate! Remember that marriage is meant to last a lifetime and there will be ups and downs in LIFE, not just in the marriage. If you are committed to a lifetime together, you find a way to get through the hard times and rejoice in the good ones. It's remarkable to look back and appreciate all that we've come through together and know that there is still more to come!! RICHARD AND JADZIA OLSON, LISA’S PARENTS

WINCHESTER, KRISTIN’S IN-LAWS MARRIED 40 YEARS

I think the key to our happiness is loyalty, spontaneity, chemistry and a sense of humor. We laugh a lot. We both love adventure and can be pretty spontaneous (i.e. packing up four kids and moving to the beach). I think it's imperative to marry someone you admire – Peter inspires me with his loyalty to our family, optimism and protection. As far as keeping chemistry alive, that's easy – always keep a little mystery and act like your husband's girlfriend! Red lipstick, pearls and champagne can fix anything. There is no such thing as a perfect life, but perfect love makes it all worthwhile. SELETA HOWARD, SIMPLY SELETA MARRIED 10 YEARS

The best advice that I can give is to treat your spouse like your greatest treasure, because it is true. A good spouse is the greatest treasure you will ever hope to receive. Keep this in mind during the hard times and your relationship will endure and grow. SUZANNE LEROUX, ONE LOVE ORGANICS

MARRIED 28 YEARS

Our marriage of 33 years has been a continual and necessary lesson in learning what it means to live for greater things than ourselves. Our faith in Jesus keeps us learning this and makes our marriage sweeter along the way. We have taught newlyweds at our church for 15 years, yet this ministry has given back to our marriage more than we have ever given. So, a great way to keep your marriage growing is to invest in a couple a step behind you and pour your life into them together! Finally, on each anniversary, reminisce about first dates, first kisses, when you fell in love, your wedding day and more. Cherish your story in the past, present and future! This intentional and purposeful work in your marriage will tell your story for generations to come! MARIANNE AND

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MARRIED 11 YEARS

KENNY CALDWELL, RIVEROAKS CHARLESTON MARRIED 33 YEARS

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE | southernweddings.com

MARRIED 11 YEARS

From the time when you have children until you become empty nesters, I think you need to stay focused on each other. It is hard, because sometimes it feels like you and your spouse are just passing each other on the way to another child's activity. If you do not make an effort to stay involved with each other, you might realize that you have grown apart and that the kids are the only thing holding you together. We say "I love you" to each other multiple times a day – not just in passing, we really mean it. He praises me for how good my dinner was, and I let him know how proud I am of him for going to work and supporting our family. We don't assume that the other person knows how we feel – we let them know. We are in our thirtieth year of marriage and my heart still skips a beat when I look across a crowded room and see him. MARY AND RICHARD, NICOLE'S FAMILY FRIENDS MARRIED 30 YEARS

The other day, I asked my husband just what exactly I had contributed to our marriage. It was one of those times when I felt my side of the donation ledger was slim compared to his. A day when I felt like the luckier one. He said, “You have worked really hard to know me.” So there you have it: perhaps the noblest sacrifice in marriage. Working hard to stay thin, interesting, funny, sexy – all those things we think matter to our husbands – pales compared to knowing. It turns out getting to know each other, that thing you did so easily when you were falling in love, is a bigger deal than you thought it was. It means time – in our case, 35 years of afternoon coffee dates, quiet dinners, weekends wherever we could afford to get away, lunches and “tea times” after the kids went to bed. It means listening. It means giving gifts tailored to each other instead of those awkward “why would I want this?” gifts. My husband and I are polar opposites, so it means finding a way to not only accept our differences, but to downright celebrate them. And – here’s the best part – it means the wonder never ends, because there’s always something new to know. KITTI MURRAY MARRIED 35 YEARS

When you should meet the other person “halfway,” convince yourself that what you think is 60-40 is actually 50-50. If the other person does the same thing, you’ll actually meet in the middle. Give a little extra. When you’re having a difference of opinion, don’t insist on being “right” or getting the last word. On the other hand, some subjects can’t, and shouldn’t, be put off forever – the two of you need to address them. Be man (or woman) enough to sit down and face up to them. Put things in terms of “I” instead of “you.” As in, “I feel that…” instead of “You always...” When you turn off the light at night, say good night and kiss each other – even if you’re not on the best of terms. Try to start off the next morning with a clean slate – no grudges. Pretend it never happened – and it will be like it never did. ROB AYER, EMILY'S DAD MARRIED 32 YEARS

A God-centered relationship will give you a shared sense of responsibility, a basis of church friends with common values and a great resource of older, more experienced couples for sounding boards when things get tough. Pray for each other and your marriage. Everyone brings their own baggage to the relationship. Both individuals must acknowledge their shortfalls and work on them. You cannot fix the other partner. You can, however, be supportive and caring. Remember that compromise is okay and that both partners will at some point give more than their fair share. LOVE unconditionally. STEVE AND ANGELA NEAL, KRISTIN’S PARENTS MARRIED 34 YEARS

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For more information, call 866-994-3246. W W W. C A N O N G AT E O C C A S I O N S . C O M

A L L T H E DAY S of MY LIFE WISDOM AND ADVICE FROM COUPLES MARRIED 25 OR MORE YEARS

WHEN YOU â&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE IN THE THICK of deadlines, dishes, laundry and overtime, just hoping to get through the day so you can lay your head down on your pillow, read this story. When you find it impossible to take the long view in marriage because the way seems clogged with petty disagreements, disappointments and the tyranny of the urgent, read this story. When you realize youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gone a week without hugging your partner, looking into his

eyes or kissing her for more than two seconds, read this story. If one day you are lucky enough to have fifty years spent together to look back on, make them fifty good years. Fight to fill them with the best things, every day. Minute by minute, moment by moment, build a legacy you will be proud of when you are old and gray. Love never fails. And if you ever need a reminder, read this story.

We just adore this image! The sweet couple in this photo is the grandmother and grandfather of photographers Rachel and Becky. The lovebirds were once-widowed before finding each other online and tying the knot just three months later!

"Always keep God f irst and don't take one another for granted."

SHERRY + BILL Married for 25 years

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? 46 (Bill) and 43 (Sherry) WEDDING DATE: June 25, 1988 CHILDREN? Two girls, aged 21 and 22 WHEN DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS "THE ONE"? The

first time I saw Sherry, she was coming from her welding class to get a snack. Through the soot I saw her beautiful blue eyes, and knew right that second she was the one. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING MEMORY? Bill: Staring into her eyes at the altar. WHAT'S THE SECRET TO YOUR MARRIAGE? Placing God at the head of our marriage and not taking one another for granted. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER?

"Love one another unconditionally."

TERESA + SEBURN

The first time we officially met was in a bowling alley, and funny enough, that’s still our favorite thing to do together. Whether in a league or tournament, we love being together while we bowl. WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY RELATED TO SOUTHERN FOOD OR FAMILY? Just the smell of fried chicken

will instantly take me back to when we were first married. Sherry LOVED to cook fried chicken,

and to this day, when I smell it, I can see her with a big, beautiful smile on her face while we chat in the kitchen.

Married for 64 years

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? 82 (Teresa) and 82 (Seburn).

I am so glad you asked me before my birthday, because he always teases me about being a few months older! WHAT WAS YOUR WEDDING DATE? June 4, 1949 CHILDREN? 4 – two sons and two daughters; 14 grandchildren, ten granddaughters and four grandsons; and 10 great-grandchildren, but we are patiently awaiting the arrival of our eleventh! She is due any time! WHEN DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS THE “ONE”? Seburn always says that he knew I was "the one” on our first date. I am far less spontaneous or romantic. I am practical – I knew he was "the one” when he proposed. He stood on the edge of the bridge and told me to marry him or he would jump. It didn’t leave me much choice. I am so glad he is my perfect opposite – he is so decisive and helps me live my life more focused and intentional. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING MEMORY? We love the vows we exchanged and the meaning behind them. When we made the promise before God, we knew we were both intentionally going to live those promises daily. WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR MARRIAGE? Our marriage is easy, because we like each other. There is no one else I would rather face challenges with or celebrate joys with. Our honesty with each other about where each of us are has helped our marriage stay strong throughout the years, but our secret is that we are married to our best friend. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER? We love celebrating holidays and birthdays with our family and singing in the choir. When we get to combine our love for family with our love of singing, it is our very favorite. WHAT’S YOUR BEST MEMORY RELATED TO THE SOUTH? Seburn’s favorite memory of Southern food is the time I made gumbo with strawberries (on accident). The strawberries looked like deer meat to me in the freezer. I noticed it looked grainy when I cooked it, but didn’t think much about it. When I tasted it, I thought it was odd, but I couldn’t figure out what I had done. Seburn finished his bowl, so I don’t know why he thinks it is so funny. I think it is more hysterical that he liked it. WHAT’S YOUR BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE? To be honest with one another, to not make a mountain out of a molehill, to never go to bed mad at each other and to love one another unconditionally.

"Don't even consider that this is not going to be forever."

ROSE MARIE + KEITH Married for 66 years

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? 91 (Keith) and 88 (Rose

Marie) WEDDING DATE: July 27, 1947 CHILDREN? Three children and six grandchildren WHEN DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS “THE ONE”?

Keith: I had come back from the war, and knew I had to get settled down. After our first date at a football game, she went home to visit family, and I went to visit. Instead of going back another way, she came back with me...

and somewhere along the way I just knew. We stopped at a park, and I asked her to marry me. She said, "Oh, yes!" WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING MEMORY? Rose Marie: We were married just the two of us, unfortunately no family was present. We dated for four months, were engaged for three months, and then Keith's childhood preacher that had baptized him as a 10-year-old boy married us, and we had dinner at his home afterwards. Dixie, my maid of honor and college friend, was there, as well. WHAT'S THE SECRET TO YOUR MARRIAGE? Rose Marie: Compromise – you aren’t always going to get your own way! And love! Keith: Love, faith and patience. My biggest mistakes were when I didn’t talk things over with her – she has great common sense. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER?

Keith: Eat out (but not anymore, with this lowsalt diet...) and starting the Presbyterian Night Shelter in Fort Worth in 1984. Rose Marie: Travel – we’ve been to every single state, and several foreign countries. We also taught ballroom dance classes together for 15 years. Our 50th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii was pretty good, too. WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY RELATED TO SOUTHERN FOOD OR FAMILY? Keith: In 66 years of marriage,

I've never had a bad meal – Rose Marie's first job was running a cooking school in Dallas. I love her banana creme pie and coconut cake. Rose Marie: Christmas dinners at my grandmother's home. My uncle brought a live turkey, and we fattened it up the week before, killed it, dressed it and cooked it! My job as a young girl was stirring the dressing. Grandma's table sat 8-10 if we squeezed, so the men would eat first, we'd wash the dishes and reset the table, then the women, and then the children! Mother's ambrosia, coconut cake, potato salad and pecan pie are some of my favorites. WHAT IS YOUR BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE? Keith: Don't even consider that this is not going to be forever. Rose Marie: If you have problems, see a counselor or some kind of outside perspective that can see both sides. And forgive – unforgiveness hurts you more than it hurts them.

"Remember that you're a team and work together as one. Live each day like it's your last and love hard!"

ANGELA + HENRY Married for 31 years

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? 53 (Angela) and 54 (Henry) WHAT IS YOUR WEDDING DATE? September 25, 1982 CHILDREN? Two children and one granddaughter WHEN DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS "THE ONE"? Angela: I knew Henry was the man I would marry when I was in the ninth grade. We are high school sweethearts. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING MEMORY? Angela: When the doors of the church opened, I immediately locked eyes with Henry. I will never forget how I felt looking into his eyes as I walked down the aisle.

WHAT'S THE SECRET TO YOUR MARRIAGE? Always keeping God first. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER? Although we enjoy our one-onone time and date nights, we get the most joy spending time with our granddaughter. She has been the best gift and we live for her weekend visits. WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY RELATED TO SOUTHERN FOOD OR FAMILY? Ever since we were teenagers, we've spent Thanksgiving celebrating with both of our families. We are blessed that our families are very close and we are able to fellowship with both sides during the holidays. WHAT IS YOUR BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE? Remember that you're a team and work together as one. Live each day like it's your last, and love hard!

"Respect each other's thoughts and ways and try to enjoy each and every day of your lives together."

RITA + NICK Married for 63 years

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? 83 (Rita) and 87 (Nick) WHAT IS YOUR WEDDING DATE? April 15, 1950 CHILDREN? Three children, five grandchildren and two

great-grandchildren WHEN DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS “THE ONE”? Rita: The

only thing equaling the longevity of our marriage is the ironic prelude of our story. On a summer day in Brooklyn, I was in the park with my two closest friends, and two young gentlemen passed by several times before working up the courage to talk to us and eventually ask my friends out. Those two guys who asked out my best friends were Nick’s best friends. Nick: Afterward, I was playing ball, and my best friends came up to tell me that they both had dates, and that they saved the best one for me… to which I replied, “Oh yeah, sure.” So our first time meeting was on a blind date with the two other couples. As it turns out, our friends only lasted a few dates, and here we are 63 years later. WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR MARRIAGE? Respect, love and faith. We spend time separately socializing with different friends and taking part in different activities, but we always find time to take walks together, to talk, dance and eat our meals together. Our personalities have always complemented each other, but we continue to evolve, and grow to love each other more each and every day. We always put others before ourselves; with our words and actions we always think of each other first. The love for our children and grandchildren only brings us closer and our faith has gotten us through the bumps in the road. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER? We love to dance, watch movies, travel and spend time with close friends. We’re very active in community events, and once a year, we participate in skits and dances in our community’s annual talent show. Our favorite dances together are the Lindy and Foxtrot. WHAT IS YOUR BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE? Respect each other’s thoughts and ways and try to enjoy each and every day of your lives together.

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AUDREY + STEVE Married for 62 years

"It pays to tell your partner that you love them every day."

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? 78 (Audrey) and 81 (Steve) WEDDING DATE: January 13, 1951 CHILDREN? Four children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren WHEN DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS “THE ONE”? Audrey: I knew on the first

date... just the type of guy he was, his gentleness really struck me. I knew he was going to be special to me. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING MEMORY? Actually, we eloped, and on the way home, we stopped in Diamond, Oklahoma, and ate lunch. When we were through eating, Steve surprised me with a small wedding cake. WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR MARRIAGE? I guess if I had to choose only one thing, love. Always hold each other special, set apart from all else. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER? Go to movies and ball games. WHAT’S YOUR BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE? You need to be honest with each other. It pays to tell your partner that you love them each day.

THERESA + AL Married for 40 years

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? Theresa and Al, both “in their

sixties” WEDDING DATE: May 26, 1973 CHILDREN? Two daughters and two grandchildren WHEN DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS “THE ONE”? There

wasn’t an “aha” moment. The relationship grew gradually until it was obvious we belonged together. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING MEMORY? We were married in St. John’s Episcopal Church, right across from the White House. We had a mid-day wedding. After the ceremony, when the church doors opened and we emerged for the classic “leaving the church” photo, several tour buses had just unloaded, and there were hundreds of tourists cheering for us, in addition to our wedding guests! Cameras were clicking and the excitement was amazing! WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR MARRIAGE? Marriage is for a lifetime. Change is inevitable – both for the good and the not so good. If you are happy today – wonderful, enjoy it. If you are not happy, well, tomorrow is another day and you can choose to make it different. Every couple goes through bad times, sometimes for a long time, but to prosper, you must

"Listen to the other person, communicate with each other and recognize each other's strengths"

PEGGY + JIM Married for 39 years

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? 63 (Peggy) and 67 (Jim) WEDDING DATE: September 1, 1974 CHILDREN? Two WHEN DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS “THE ONE”? Peggy:

I knew when I called him after midnight one night asking him to come over and kill a “huge” bug in my apartment, and he came. Jim: When I had to choose either to stay in DC to continue the relationship or move back to Minnesota after law school, and I stayed. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING MEMORY? Peggy: Seeing how happy my parents looked dancing at our reception and hoping we would look as happy at our children’s weddings. WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR MARRIAGE? Being able to laugh with each other. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER? Spending the day at the beach reading and watching the ocean. WHAT’S YOUR BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE? Listen to the other person, communicate with each other and recognize each other’s strengths.

"Always show respect for each other. Always sleep in the same bed."

"Don’t keep score, because it is NEVER 50-50. Above all, have fun and keep a sense of humor." take the long view. Time is your friend; use it wisely. Forty years passes very quickly. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER? Theresa: Car trips! Sometimes we listen to music, sometimes we listen to books on tape and sometimes we just take in the scenery. There is always something that stirs a memory that leads to laughs and the occasional “I can’t believe we did THAT” moment. One of the wonderful things about having spent so many years together is that we ALWAYS have something to talk about! WHAT’S YOUR BEST MEMORY RELATED TO SOUTHERN FOOD OR FAMILY? Al: My mother’s pecan pie. It was truly a

work of art. Theresa: Treat your family like guests and your guests like family! WHAT’S YOUR BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE? Don’t keep score, because it is NEVER 50-50. The relationship must be as a whole, but at any point in time, one spouse is always carrying a greater part of the load, whether that be financial matters, childcare, walking the dog or taking out the trash. The important thing is to appreciate each other’s efforts. Above all, have fun and keep a sense of humor.

"Don't get mad over the little things, do not raise your voice, and communicate with each other."

DONNA + TOM Married for 42 years

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? 66 (Donna) and 72 (Tom) WEDDING DATE: July 17, 1971 CHILDREN? Two children and four grandchildren WHEN DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS “THE ONE”? Tom: I

knew she was the one within a few weeks of meeting. She had a challenge on her hands and she was willing to take me on to make me better. Donna: Within the first six months, we were at a movie and I looked over at him and he was looking at me. I knew it then. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING MEMORY? Donna: When my dad gave my hand to Tom, he held my hand so tight, I had the overwhelming feeling he would take care of me. Tom: I was scared to death, but when I saw her walk down the aisle, I was relieved and excited. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER? Going on out-of-town adventures, whether they be short or long, close by or far away. WHAT’S YOUR BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE? Under all circumstances, make your marriage and relationship the first priority. Always show respect for each other. Always sleep in the same bed.

SUE + SEAN Married for 50 years

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? 77 (Sue) and 77 (Sean) WEDDING DATE: November 8, 1963 CHILDREN? Eight kids, 19 grandchildren and six great-

grandchildren WHEN DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS THE “ONE”? Sue:

When I first saw him, it was loooooove at first sight. Sean: On our first date, just being with her, I knew she was the one. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING MEMORY? Sue: Sean picking me up at momma’s house and seeing her cry. Sean: Just getting married finally. WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR MARRIAGE? Sean: We never argued – we talked through it instead of fighting. Sue: Compromise and communication, communication, communication. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER? Hanging out on the back patio and gardening. WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY RELATED TO THE SOUTH?

Planting and eating okra. WHAT IS YOUR BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE? Don’t get mad

over little things, do not raise your voice and communicate with each other.

INSPIRING PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS: THEIR MARRIAGE IS AS STRONG AS A PINE KNOT.

"Make it your life’s work to make it last forever. You’ll never be richer."

WENDY + KEN Married for 28 years

"Take time to be a strong and complete individual so you are able to bring resources 'to' your marriage rather than to take resources 'from' your marriage."

KATHY + TOM Married for 38 years

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? 52 (Ken) and 51 (Wendy) WEDDING DATE: January 19, 1985. Our engagement

was four months long, and I had a bad attitude that I had to wait that long! CHILDREN? Four, aged 15, 19, 21 and 24 WHEN DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS THE “ONE”? It took me awhile to realize Ken was “the one” (actually, it took me longer than it took him!). In October of our senior year, we went on a trip to Boston with our campus church group, and I really began to see him in a different light. I noticed how caring he was toward everyone, and I also began to see how hilarious he was! He told me that he was in love with me that December, but I was not able to return the sentiment for a few more months. In March of that year, we began to date seriously, and he asked me to marry him September 8, 1984. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING MEMORY? Our wedding was so simple compared to many of today’s weddings! My father told us that he would give us $1,000 toward the wedding, and we stayed within that budget! I purchased my wedding dress (complete with big, ‘80’s puffy sleeves) off of a sale rack at a department store, and we had a friend make our wedding cake for $100 (the most expensive thing that we had to purchase). One of my favorite parts of our wedding was that my friends from church made all of the food (after all, we were in the South!). Another one of my favorite parts was my processional song. When I was a little girl, my Nana took me to see the movie “The Sound of Music” in the theater, and I was mesmerized. My processional was the wedding song from that movie – the one that Maria used. My Nana was at my wedding, so that made it extra special! WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR MARRIAGE? Our marriage is based on our common faith, and this has guided our marriage for 29 years. In addition, you have to LIKE the person you marry, and you have to RE-

MEMBER that you LIKE that person. When your differences start to bug you, which they will, you have to talk about it. But, don’t talk about it in an angry, accusing way, do it in a humble way – it’s your problem, not theirs. Admit when you are wrong, apologize with sincerity, and apologize first (my husband is much better at this than I am!). Honor the one that you chose. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER? We like to sit every evening and have a glass of wine and talk about our day or our vision for our future. We talk about our dreams (even at 50, we’re still dreaming!). We are at the stage of life where our children are beginning to leave – college, marriage. It’s so bittersweet, and we reflect and cry together. You HAVE to enjoy being together at this stage of life, because it all circles back to just you and that guy who used to be your boyfriend! WHAT’S YOUR BEST MEMORY RELATED TO THE SOUTH? I actually never realized that we have several family traditions related to food, until one year, I changed something and my oldest daughter protested, “That’s not what we do!” For example, EVERY New Year’s Day I make Hoppin’ John and collards and everyone HAS to eat it for good health and wealth. There have been a few years when my daughters were not home on New Year’s Day, and they have called me from wherever they were to get the recipe. One year my eldest daughter was in Philadelphia and she insisted that her husband take her to the grocery to buy the ingredients for Hoppin’ John! WHAT’S YOUR BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE? Marriage advice is hard to give because every person is a sum of their childhood, their successes and failures, their perceptions. But maybe there are building blocks which provide a firm foundation for everyone: faith, forgiveness, gentleness, laughter, humility. Make it your life’s work to make it last forever. You’ll never be richer.

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? 59 (Kathy) and 59 (Tom) WHAT WAS YOUR WEDDING DATE? August 9, 1975 CHILDREN? Two children and two grandchildren WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT HE/SHE WAS "THE ONE"?

Kathy: I was only 18 years old and visiting his grandparents with Tom's family. I had this feeling that I not only belonged with Tom, but I belonged to this wonderful family, as well. Tom: When my Camaro wouldn't go anywhere else but to Kathy's house. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM YOUR WEDDING? Tom: Seeing Kathy walk into the church

with her daddy. Kathy: I was so nervous that I couldn't seem to get the wedding ring on Tom's finger. Turns out that I was trying to put it on his right hand. During the prayer, Tom calmly slipped it onto his left ring finger. WHAT'S THE SECRET TO YOUR MARRIAGE? To support each other's individual interests and to be happy for the time they spend enjoying them. Tom loves to golf and he loves aviation; I love needlepointing and book club. It's important to foster the personal interests that make someone who he/she is. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER?

Our ancestry is Scottish and we love traveling to Scotland together. Every minute spent there is fun, magical and memorable. It feels like home. WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY RELATED TO SOUTHERN FOOD OR FAMILY? Our best Southern food

memories involve family gatherings – Thanksgiving, Christmas, family reunions – where there is always a multitude of Southern desserts. Ma's chocolate pie graced the table at every family reunion. Grandmother's Christmas morning coffee cake signaled that the holidays were here. And our family recipe (dating back many generations!) for fresh coconut cake was used for our daughter’s wedding cake in 2011. It was a joy for that specific food memory to be woven into her wedding.

"Be kind to each other!"

DEBBIE + GREGG Married for 41 years

WHAT ARE YOUR AGES? 60 (Debbie) and 60 (Gregg) WEDDING DATE: September 3, 1972 CHILDREN? Two beautiful daughters and two ador-

able grandsons. WHEN DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS “THE ONE”? I ac-

tually had a marriage proposal from another guy (who, ironically, was also named Gregg). That’s a whole other story, but I had just started dating my Gregg and I knew that he was the type of man that I wanted to marry. He had integrity and was a good Christian man. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING MEMORY? My favorite memory is of our friends gathering around us and praying for us. WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR MARRIAGE? I guess our secret is that we respect each other. We are kind to each other and don’t take each other for granted. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER? We like to explore new places together – historical places or little towns. WHAT’S YOUR BEST MEMORY RELATED TO SOUTHERN FOOD OR THE SOUTH? When the whole family gathers for a

Low Shrimp Boil.

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COVER Photography: Ryan Ray (ryanrayphoto.com), Styling: Stefanie Miles (stefaniemiles.com) STAFF PHOTO SHOOT (pages 4, 7-9) Photography: Landon Jacob Photography (landonjacob.com), Dresses: Marissa: “Bailey” in honeysuckle by Donna Morgan (donna-morgan.com), Emily: “Genevieve” by Erin Fetherston (erinfetherston.com), Kristin: “JH5375” in blush by JLM Couture (jlmcouture.com), Lara: “G764C” in coral by Amsale (amsale.com), “GA112C” in shell by Amsale, Lisa: “JH5357” in blush and rose by JLM Couture TABLE OF CONTENTS (page 5) Top to bottom: Erin Lindsey (erinlindseyimages.com), Virgil Bunao (virgilbunao.com), Landon Jacob (landonjacob.com) FROM LARA (page 7) Calligraphy: Little Miss Press (littlemisspress.com) OPENER (pages 12-13)Photographer: Elisa B (elisabphotography.com), Marriage quote: Tiffany Rebecca (tiffanyrebecca.com), Printing: Shed Letterpress (shedletterpress.com), Blooms: Afloral. com, Inc. (afloral.com) SOUTHERN HOSPITALIT Y TIPS (pages 16-24) Page 16, clockwise from top right: Happy Everything Co. (happyeverythingco.com), Admoni Photography (admoniphotography.com); page 17, Jennings King (jenningskingphotography.com); page 18, clockwise from top left: Andi Mans (andimansphotography.com), Odalys Mendez (odalysmendezphotography.com), Paige Jones (paigejones.co); page 19, clockwise from top left: Landon Jacob (landonjacob.com), Virgil Bunao (virgilbunao.com); page 20, clockwise from top left: Taylor Lord (taylorlordphotography. com), Pasha Belman (pashabelman.com), Taylor Lord; page 23, clockwise from top left: Matthew Johnson (matthewjohnsonstudios.com), Katie Stoops (katiestoops.com); page 25, clockwise from top right: A Bryan Photo (abryanphoto.com), Stephanie Yonce (stephanieyoncephotography.com), Watson-Studios (watson-studios.com) SURCEES (pages 30-47) Photographer: Nancy Ray (nancyrayphotography.com), Liberty of London fabrics: Alice Caroline (alicecarolinesupply.etsy.com), Miscellaneous fabrics: Chitchat Fabrics (chitchatfabrics.etsy.com) TO HAVE AND TO HOLD (pages 49-52) Page 49, Kristin Vining (kristinvining.com); page 51, clockwise from top right: Bryce Covey (brycecoveyphotography.com). Elizabeth Messina (elizabethmessina.com), Emily Steffen (emilysteffen.com); page 52, clockwise from top right: Caroline Tran (carolinetran.net), Caroline Ghetes (carolineghetes.com), Figlewicz Photography (figlewiczphotography.com) SOUTHERN BLOOMS (pages 55-65) Photographer: Patricia Lyons (patricialyonsphotography. com), Floral design: Janie Medley Flora Design (jmflora.com), Styling: Merriment Events (merrimentevents.com), Wholesale blooms: Florabundance (florabundance.com), Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones (elizabethporcherjones.com), Flower chart photographer: Annabella Charles (annabellacharles.com), Special thanks to Flowerwheel App (flowerwheel.com) ULTIMATE MARRIAGE CHECKLIST (pages 67-73) Illustrations: Trial by Cupcakes (trialbycupcakes.com) ODE TO THE BISCUIT (pages 75-79) Photography: Eric Kelley (erickelleyphotography.com), Food creation and styling: Chefs Crawford and Benjamin from The Umstead Hotel (theumstead.com), Hand-lettering and Illustration: Lara Casey, Emily Thomas (emformarvelous.com) and Morgan Moore (cargocollective.com/morganmoore), Striped and polka dot flags: Shop Sweet Lulu (shopsweetlulu.com), Burlap heart: Three Twigs Designs (threetwigsdesigns.etsy.com), Burlap flag: The Artsy Hippie (theartsyhippie.etsy.com) SOUTHERN TRADITIONS (pages 81-83): Page 81, left to right: Cassidy Carson Lynch (cassidycarsonphotography.com), Ray Anthony (rayanthonyphoto.com); page 82, clockwise from top left: Austin Gros (austingros.com), AL Gawlik (algawlikphotography.com), Jodi Miller Photography (jodimillerphotography.com); page 83, clockwise from top left: Marissa Joy Photography (marissajoyphotography.com), Matthew Johnson Studios (matthewjohnsonstudios.com), Jarrad Lister (jarradlister.com) SOUTHERN CHARM (pages 85-88) Photographer: Jen Huang (jenhuangphoto.com), Film processing: Richard Photo Lab (richardphotolab.com), Florist, copper vessels, pink cake stand, bowls and spoons: Poppies & Posies (poppiesandposies.com), Location, tables, biscuits, sweet tea glasses: Oldfield Club (oldfield1732.com), Prop styling: Elizabeth Demos (elizabethdemos.com), Hair and makeup: Amie Decker Beauty (amiedeckerbeauty.com), Darby gown: Amsale (amsale.com), Sofia dress: Dolly Pearl (dollypearl.com), Cap Cana dress: Troubadour (troubadourclothing.com), Pink polka dot dress: Nordstrom (nordstrom.com), Mix and match china: Replacements, Ltd. (replacements.com), Recipe box: Sugar Paper (sugarpaper.com), Charm bracelets: Crystal Faye (shopcrystalfaye.com) and Past Time Jewelry (pasttimejewelry.etsy.com), Gold dot linen: Caitlin Wilson Textiles (caitlinwilsontextiles.com), Mini cakes: Sweet Memories Bakery (sweetmemoriesbakery.com), Gift wrap: Midori (midoriribbon. com), Paper Source (paper-source.com) and Sugar Paper, Crepe paper baskets: Shop Sweet Lulu (shopsweetlulu.com), Sweet tea stirrers: Em for Marvelous (peachandpearl.etsy.com), Cake toppers and calligraphy: Antiquaria (shopantiquaria. com) A LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER ROAST (pages 90-93) Photographer: Landon Jacob (landonjacob.com), Film maker: Shade Tree Films (shadetreefilms.net), Planner: Julian Leaver, CWP, Bella Flora of Dallas (bellafloraofdallas.com), Floral designer: Marianne McGee, Bella Flora of Dallas, Venue: Mingo Point, Kiawah Island Resort (kiawahresort.com), Linen: La Tavola Linen (latavolalinen.com), Chargers and bar front: ooh! Events (oohevents.com), Chairs and tables: EventWorks (eventworksrentals.com), Lighting: Technical Event Company (techicaleventcompany.com), Stationery: Chips and Salsa Designs (chipsandsalsadesigns.com), Valet: Coastal Valet (coastalvaletonline.com), Entertainment: Lee Edwards Entertainment (leeedwardsentertainment.com), Hair and makeup: Olya Grimes and JoAnna Cross, On-page illustrations: Morgan Moore (cargocollective.com/morganmoore) BERRY BLISS (pages 96-102) Photographer: Katie Stoops (katiestoops.com), Film processing: Richard Photo Lab (richardphotolab.com), Venue: Oakley Farm (oakleyfarm.info), Bride's gown: "Guindon" by Hayley Paige (jlmcouture.com/Hayley-Paige), Bridesmaid dresses: LulaKate (lulakate.com), Shoes: Nina (ninashoes.com), Pearl bracelet: Fornash available at Swell Caroline (swellcaroline.com), Earrings: Swell Caroline, Bracelet: Loren Hope (lorenhope.com), Bride's sunhat: Zappos (zappos.com), Hair and makeup: Makeup For YourDay (makeupforyourday.com), Rentals: CE Rentals (cerental.com), Benches: Classic Party Rentals Raleigh (raleigh. classicpartyrentals.com), Strawberry Fields tablecloth: House 8810 (house8810.com), Plates: Anthropologie (anthropologie. com), Dessert plates: Replacements, Ltd. (replacements.com), Bow ties: High Cotton Ties (highcottonties.com), Florist: Watered Garden (wateredgardenflorist.com), Bouquet wrap: Fairstore (fairstore.etsy.com), Pots: Jamali Garden (jamaligarden.com), Paper goods: Cheree Berry (chereeberrypaper.com), Cake: Ashley Cakes (ashleycakes.com), Cake stand: Sarah's Stands (sarahsstands.com), Mini strawberry desserts: Little Sugarbakers (littlesugarbakers.com) SONG OF THE SOUTH (pages 104-117) Photographer: Nancy Ray (nancyrayphotography.com), Film processing: Indie Film Lab (indiefilmlab.com), Planning, event styling, paper goods: Amber Housley Weddings (amberhousley.com), Venue, floral design, event styling, prop calligraphy: Cedarwood Weddings (cedarwoodweddings.com), Fashion and wardrobe styling: Opulent Couturier (opulentcouturier.com), Hair and makeup: Jessica Arnholt, Studio BBC Nashville (studiobbcsalon.com), Paper goods calligraphy: Hardink Calligraphy (hardinkcalligraphy.com), Cake: Patty Cakes (pattycakes-tn.com), Musicians: Jace Aaron and The Ranchers (reverberation.com/jaceaaron), Bridal jewelry: Love Shine Bridal (LoveShineBridal.etsy.com), Veil, sashes, accessories: Beatrice Couture Designs (beatricecouturedesigns.com), Bride’s gown: Olia Zavozina (oliazavozina. com), Bridesmaid dresses: Watters (watters.com), Bridesmaid dress salon: The White Room-Lebanon (thewhiteroom.us), 1. Our office is not always as neat as it is on photo shoot days, but it is definitely always this fun! (Faith Teasley) 2. We loved having Chefs Crawford and Benjamin from The Umstead Hotel on hand to make our Ode to Biscuits shoot both beautiful and delicious! 3. All in a day’s work! Emily arranging the exquisite Hayley Paige gown at the Berry Bliss shoot. (Graham Terhune) 4. What better way to start a Wednesday than an office blueberry picking trip? Please note Emily’s fancy, hands-free bucket. (Eric Kelley) 5. Grace matched the Berry Bliss shoot perfectly! (Graham Terhune)

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Menswear: Street Tuxedo (streettuxedo.com), Flower girl dresses: Cotton Angels (shop.cedarwoodweddings.com), China and linens: Liberty Party Rental (libertypartyrental.com), Reception chair rentals: Southern Events (southerneventsonline. com), State of Mind pillow: Kijsa Studio (kijsa.etsy.com), Flask: Liquid Courage (liquidcourage.etsy.com), Guitar picks: Namedrops (namedrops.esty.com) GENERATIONS PAST Photographers: Adam Barnes (adambarnesphoto.com) and Katie Stoops (katiestoops.com), Videographer: Naz Films (nazfilms.com), Styling: Ashley Baber Weddings (ashleybaberweddings.com), Flowers: Amy Osaba (amyosaba.com), Stationery: Momental Designs (momentaldesigns. com), Choir: Savannah State University Wesleyan Gospel Choir (savannahstate.edu), Cake: La Bella Torta (labellatorta. webs.com), Rentals: Amazing Event Rentals (amazinglowcountryevents.com), Jewelry: Erin McDermott (erinmcdermott. com), Bridal headpiece: Lo Boheme (loboheme.com), Bride’s gown: Reem Acra from Rent the Runway (reemacra.com, renttherunway.com), Bridesmaid dresses: Erin Fetherston from Rent the Runway (erinfetherston.com, renttherunway.com), Grandmother/mother’s attire: Nordstrom (nordstrom.com), Shoes: Badgley Mischka (badgleymischka.com), Bow tie: High Cotton Ties (highcottonties.com), Hair: Jordan Purtee Reddick, Makeup: Jules De Jesus Fritz, Dollface by Jules, assisted by Jessica Mock (dollfacebyjules.com), Cufflinks: Megan Cash (megancash.net) DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS (pages 131-141) Photographer: Ryan Ray (ryanrayphoto.com), Film processing: Indie Film Lab (indiefilmlab.com), Event design: Stefanie Miles (stefaniemiles.com), Florals: Bows & Arrows (bowsandarrowsflowers.com), Bride’s gown: Monique Lhuillier (moniquelhuillier.com), Vintage rentals: LOOT Vintage Rentals (lootvintagerentals.com), Logistics: Dovetail Logistics (dovetaillogistics.com), Lighting: It’s Your Night Entertainment (itsyournight.com), Hair: Samantha Landis (samanthalandis. com), Makeup: Lindey Duckworth (lindey.net), Invitation suite and calligraphy: Brown Linen (brownlinendesign.com), Desserts: Layered Bake Shop (layeredbakeshop.com), Ribbon: Froufrou Chic (bitsandbobsshop.bigcartel.com), Handpainted fabric signage: Sending Heartstrings (sendingheartstrings.com), Cake topper: By Madeline Trait (madelinetrait. com), Bridesmaid dresses: Nordstrom (nordstrom.com), Dillard’s (dillards.com), Juicy Couture (juicycouture.com), BHLDN (bhldn.com), Navy bow tie: The Tie Bar (thetiebar.com), Table confetti stars: MemrieMare (MemrieMare.etsy.com), Star garlands: ArtsDelight (artsdelight.etsy.com), Linens: La Tavola (latavolalinen.com), Flower girl dresses: The Princess and the Boutique (theprincessandthebou.etsy.com), Flower girl crowns: Giant Dwarf (giantdwarf.etsy.com), Flower girl wands: Urban Collective (UrbanCollective.etsy.com) BLACKBERRY BEAUT Y (pages 144-152) Photographer: Lauren Kinsey (laurenkinsey.com), Film processing: Richard Photo Lab (richardphotolab.com), Planner: Shelby Peaden (shelbypeadenevents.com), Venue: Eden Gardens (floridastateparks.org/edengardens), Florals, tables, chairs, linens and stemware: Myrtie Blue (myrtie-blue-kegd.squarespace.com), Bride’s gown: Lela Rose (lelarose.com) via Nordstrom Wedding Suite (nordstrom.com), Groom’s tuxedo: Black by Vera Wang (verawang.com), Hair stylist: Jamie Hardy Mcowan, Flower girl dresses: Fox'n Lily (foxnlily.etsy.com), Makeup: Lanna Bloodworth (facebook.com/Destin.makeup.artist.LannaBloodworth), Bridesmaid dresses: Donna Morgan (donna-morgan.com), Amsale (amsale.com), Watters (watters.com), Silk ribbon: Froufrou Chic (bitsandbobsshop.bigcartel.com), Chairs and flatware: The Big Day (thebigdayrentals.com), Catering: Dine by Design (dinebydesigncateringinc.com), Paper products: Regas (regasstudio.com) PRESERVING THE GOOD STUFF (pages 155-165) Photographer: Jessica Burke (jessicaburke.com), Film processing: Richard Photo Lab (richardphotolab. com), Styling, florals, signage, paper: lovely little details (lovelylittledetails.com), Location: Longmeadow Ranch Rutherford Gardens (longmeadowranch.com/Gardens/Rutherford-Gardens), Hair and makeup: Katie Nash Beauty (katienashbeauty. com), Monogrammed jar cover and dish towel: Oatmeal Lace Designs (oatmeallacedesign.com), Models: Stars Model Management (starsmodelmgmt.com), Illustrations: Joy Laforme (joylaforme.com) FINE FEATHERED FETE (pages 166177) Photographer: Ali Harper (aliharperphotography.com), Film processing: Richard Photo Lab (richardphotolab.com), Videographer: Anchor Heart Films (anchorheartfilms.com), Prop styling and set design: Blue Eyed Yonder (blueeyedyonder. com), Floral design: Lindsay Coletta Designs (facebook.com/LindsayColettaDesigns), Hair and makeup: Claudia Mejerle (claudiamejerle.com), Fashion styling: Molly K. Webb (mollykwebb.com), Bride’s gown: Carol Hannah (carol-hannah.com) from The Sentimentalist (thesentimentalistatl.com), Bride’s shoes: Manolo Blahnik (manoloblahnik.com), Bride’s necklace: J. Crew (jcrew.com), Bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN (bhldn.com) and Joanna August (joannaaugust.com), Men’s fashion: Billy Reid Atlanta (billyreid.com), Paper and calligraphy: Ashley Buzzy McHugh (ashleybuzzymchugh.com), Food and drink: Sun in My Belly (suninmybelly.com), Cake: Anne Kathleen Cakes (annekathleencakes.com), Furniture and car: Blue Eyed Yonder, Flatware: Design Within Reach (dwr.com), Plates: Lenox “Butler’s Pantry” (lenox.com), Napkins: Ice Milk Aprons (icemilkaprons.com), Dairy products: Many Fold Farm (manyfoldfarm.com), Venue: Serenbe (serenbe.com), Models: Factor Women (factorwomen.com) and Directions USA (directionsusa.com) SWEET CORN SWEETHEARTS (pages 179197) Photographer: KT Merry (ktmerry.com), Film processing: Richard Photo Lab (richardphotolab.com), Videographer: Twenty-One Films (twentyonefilms.com), Floral design: Serendipity Designs (serendipitydesignsnc.com), Bouquet ribbon: Pressed Cotton (pressedcotton.com), Hair and makeup: Makeup For Your Day (makeupforyourday.com), Bride’s gown: Alvina Valenta, Style 9358 (alvinavalenta.com), Bride’s veil: Jule’s Veils (julesveils.etsy.com), Bridesmaid dresses: Modcloth (modcloth.com) and personal, Yellow little girl’s dress: Belles and Bugs (bellesandbugs.etsy.com), White little girl’s dress: Sorella Designs (everythingsorella.etsy.com), Aprons: Stitch Thru Time (stitchthrutime.com), Men’s shirts: Lands’ End (landsend. com), Groom’s suspenders: No Slip Suspenders (noslipsuspenders.etsy.com), Floral bow tie: Voila! Press (voilapress.blogspot. com), Paper: MaeMae Paperie (maemaepaperie.com), Calligraphy: MM Ink (mminkstudio.com), Food and cakes: Fearrington Village (fearrington.com), Ceremony venue: Martha’s Chapel (marthaschapel.com), Reception venue: Maple View Farm (mapleviewfarm.com), Table, napkin, and bench rentals: Classic Party Rentals Raleigh (raleigh.classicpartyrentals. com), Vintage tables: Mason Dixon Collection (masondixonrentals.com), Table linen and bench cushions: Nuage Designs (nuagedesigns.com), Vintage china: Replacements, Ltd. (replacements.com), Green glassware: Gone the Sun Vintage (gonethesun.etsy.com) and 180 Degrees Vintage (180degreesvintage.etsy.com), Eyelet runners: El Ritmo Retro (elritmoretro. etsy.com), Dish towels: Crystal’s Creations (ccampbell0509.etsy.com) and Vinieschild (vinieschild.etsy.com), Fabric: Benoit Designs (benoitdesigns.etsy.com) and Fabric ala Carte (fabricalacarte.etsy.com), Kids’ table quilt: Keri Quilts (keriquilts. com), Embroidered runner: The Merriweather Council (merriweathercouncil.etsy.com), Garland: A&M Growers (amgrowers. com), Guitar flowers: Afloral.com, Inc. (afloral.com), Cake stands: Smash Cake & Co. (smashcakeandco.com) and The TomKat Studio (thetomkatstudio.com), Yellow tubs: Pressed Cotton, Vintage ribbon: Hyman Hendler (hymanhendler.com) REAL WEDDINGS OPENER (page 199) Photographer: Laura Gordon (lauragordonphotography.com) SARAH + GABE (Pages 201-207) Photographer: Ashley Seawell (ashleyseawellphotography.com), Planner and designer: Ashley Rhodes Event Design (ashleyrhodeseventdesign.com), Venue: Spring Island, South Carolina (springisland.com), Florist: Emily Wynn Wildes Floral Design (ewwfloraldesign.com), Caterer: Spring Island, Wedding cake: Signe’s Bakery (signesbakery.com), Bride’s gown and veil: “Waking Up” by Peter Langner (peterlangner.it), Bridal salon: Mark Ingram Atelier (markingramatelier. com), Bride’s shoes: Stuart Weitzman (stuartweitzman.com), Bridesmaids dresses: Amsale (amsale.com) and J. Crew (jcrew. com), Hair stylist: Hope Patterson, Bangs Salon (bangssalonofbeaufort.com), Makeup artist: Nora Honeycutt, Groom and groomsmen fashion: J. Crew, Paper: Sideshow Press (sideshowpress.com), Rentals: Sperry Tents SE (sperrytentsse.com), Snyder Event Rentals (snyderevents.com), Amazing Event Rentals (amazinglowcountryevents.com), and Ooh Events (oohevents.com), Lighting: Sperry and Snyder, Linens: Snyder, Watercolors: Julian Tablada (juliantablada.com), Transportation: Point Tours (843-522-3576) LOUISE + BILLY (pages 209-216) Photographer: Bryan Johnson of A Bryan Photo (abryanphoto.com), Videographer: A Bryan Photo, (abryanphoto.com), Planning, design, linens and paper goods: Mariée

6. Emily and spring intern, Jessica, styling paper products for Katie Stoops to capture. Lara’s dining room often becomes our “photo studio!” (Graham Terhune) 7. We were blessed with a beautiful summer day here in North Carolina for our Sweet Corn Sweethearts shoot. (Julia Wade) 8. On any given day, Nicole’s desk drawer will be filled with Gobstoppers and orange office supplies. (Faith Teasley) 9. Lara putting a few finishing touches on the ceremony garland at the Sweet Corn Sweethearts shoot. (Julia Wade) 10. We adore working with the chefs at Fearrington Village!

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Ami (marieeami.com), Ceremony venue: Christ Church Episopal Cathedral (christchurchcathedralmobile.org), Reception venue: Fort Whiting, Ceremony florist: Zimlich Bros (zimlichbros.com), Reception and personal florist: Buffy Hargett (buffyhargett.com), Catering: Clifton Morrissette, Cake: Barb’s Cakes (barbscakes.com), Bride’s gown: “Spring” by Lela Rose (lelarose.com), Bridal salon and veil: Ivory and White (ivorywhiteboutique.com), Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo (jimmychoo. com), Bridesmaid dresses: Amsale in French blue, graphite, and dove (amsale.com), Hair stylist: Greg Andrews, Makeup: Ashley Mitchell, Calligraphy: Jan Pruitt, Rentals: Event Rentals Unlimited (erultd.com), Bar paintings: Liz Legg Designs (lizlegg. com), Lighting: AG Lighting (alighting.net), Band: Atlanta Showstoppers (atlantashowstoppers.com) KATE + CESAR (pages 219-223) Photographer: Gracie Blue Photography (grblue.com), Venue: The Inn at Serenbe (serenbeinn.com), Officiant: Dr. Rusty Edwards (christlutheranchurchmarietta.org), Catering and bar service: Endive (endiveatlanta.com), Coordinator: carolynA Events (carolynaevents.com), Floral design: Holly Bryan Floral and Botanical Design (hollybryandesign.com), Paper goods and styling: Bride, Kate Incer (incerstudios.com), Bride’s dress: Casablanca (casablancabridal.com), Alterations: Angela Vazquez (angeladvazquez@yahoo.com), Reception dress: Lodekka (lodekka.com), Hair accessories: Twigs and Honey (twigsandhoney.com), Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka (badgleymischka.com), Bride’s ceremony necklace: Nikki Haley Designs (nikkihaleydesigns.etsy.com), Bride’s clutch: Mrs. Murgatroyd’s Collection (mrsmurgatroyds. etsy.com), Bridesmaid dresses: Lauren by Ralph Lauren (ralphlauren.com), Hair stylist: Keka Heron (kekaheron.com), Groom’s suit: Jos A. Bank (josbank.com), Groom’s tie: Geoffrey Beene (geoffreybeene.com), Cakes: Blooming Flour Bakery (bloomingflourbakery.com), DJ: Matt Callahan, Events to Remember (mattcallahan.dj@gmail.com), Paper poms: Pom Love (pomlove.etsy.com), Crinkle fans and rosettes: BHLDN (bhldn.com), Milk glass cake stands: vintage Fenton, Yellow cake stand: vintage L. E. Smith HALEY + DYLAN (pages 225-232) Photographer: Tim Will (timwillphoto.com), Videographer: Film Anywhere Productions (filmanywhereproductions.com), Planner and designer: Melissa Barton, A Charleston Bride (acharlestonbride.com), Venue: Lowndes Grove (lowndesgrove.com), Florist: A Charleston Bride, Catering and wedding cakes: Fish (pphgcharleston.com), Bride’s gown: “Promise” by Monique Lhuillier (moniquelhuillier.com), Bridal salon: Maddison Row (maddisonrow.com), Bride’s shoes: Christian Louboutin (christianlouboutin.com), Bride’s veil: Vera Wang (verawang.com), Hair stylist: Carrie McLeod, Paper Dolls (mycharlestonweddinghair.com), Makeup: Elina Mille, Bellelina (bellelina.com), Groom’s fashion: Ben Silver (bensilver.com), Paper: Lytle Cannon, Calligraphy: Paige Tanenbaum (calligraphybypaigetanenbaum.com), Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals (snyderevents.com), Linens: Snyder and Nuage Designs (nuagedesigns.com), Custom fabric design: Caroline Messier, A Charleston Bride, Transportation: Lowcountry Loop (lowcountrylooptrolley.com), Lighting: Technical Event Company (technicaleventcompany.com), Ceremony musicians: Charleston Virtuosi (charlestonvirtuosi.com), Band: Charleston Groove Factory (charlestongroovefactory.com), Officiant: Dr. John Griffith, Ring designer: William Nichols (scoresdiamondjewelers.com) SARAH JANE + BRAD (pages 235-242) Photographer: Vue Photography (vuephotographyonline.com), Videographer: Sixpence Productions (sixpenceproductions. com), Planner: Carillon Weddings (carillonweddings.com), Designer and florist: Events by Nouveau Flowers (eventsbynouveauflowers.com), Ceremony venue: Carillon Beach, Walkover No. 7, Reception venue: The Meeting House at Carillon Beach, Caterer: Townsend Catering (townsendcatering.com), Bride's gown: “Peony” by Monique Lhuillier (moniquelhuillier.com), Bridal salon: Joan Pillow (joanpillowbridal.com), Bride’s shoes and clutch: Kate Spade (katespade. com), Bridesmaid dresses: Assorted Amsale styles in “blush” (amsale.com), Hair stylist: Melia Schmidt, Makeup artist: Jamie Gummere, Paint Me Pretty (paintmeprettymakeup.com), Groom’s suit: Kenneth Cole (kennethcole.com), Groom’s bow tie: “Lucky Julep” from Vineyard Vines (vineyardvines.com), Groomsmen pocket squares: High Cotton Ties (highcottonties. com), Groomsmen monograms: Sew Nice in Lexington, KY, Paper: Miss Pickles Press (misspicklespress.com), Rentals: Events by Nouveau Flowers and Townsend Catering, Linens: Townsend Catering, Flower girl dresses and ring bearer ties: Andrea Corbett, Pippy Frances (pippyfrances.com), DJ: Paul Kirker, Gulf Talent Services (gulftalentservices.com) SHANNON + CLAY (pages 244-250) Photographer: Virgil Bunao (virgilbunao.com), Planner and designer: Marianne Caldwell and Lauren Heuber of RiverOaks Charleston (riveroakscharleston.com), Venue: RiverOaks, Florals and styling: Deborah Gibson Design (deborahgibsondesign.com) and RiverOaks, Caterer: Harvest Catering (harvestcateringcharleston.com), Wedding cakes: Carter’s Kitchen (carterskitchenion.com), SALT at Station 22 (saltstation22.com), See Wee Restaurant (seeweerestaurants. com), Square Onion (squareonion.com), Sugar Bakeshop (sugarbake.com), and Village Bakery (dinewithsal.com/village), Bride’s gown: “Lamour” by LulaKate (lulakate.com), Bride’s shoes: “Culver” by Nina Shoes (ninashoes.com), Bride’s Earrings: Skatell’s (skatells.com), Bride’s bracelet: David Yurman (davidyurman.com), Bride’s veil: LulaKate, Bridesmaid dresses: LulaKate, Maiden dresses: #586 by Us Angels (usangels.com), Flower girl dress: David’s Bridal (davidsbridal.com), Hair stylist: Dianna Reine, Salon Jolie (843-971-0717), Makeup: Kristin Pavao, Finger Paint Makeup (fingerpaintmakeup.com), Mens’ suits: Jos. A. Bank (josabank.com), Custom-designed ties and pocket squares: Groom and Baron Fain of Ben Silver (bensilver. com), Invitation letterpress: Reaves Engraving (reavesengraving.com), Invitation artwork: Shannon Smith Hughes (anglinsmith.com), Tabletop rentals: Polished (facebook.com/polishedtabletop) and EventWorks (eventworksrentals.com), Rentals: Muster Branch Vintage (musterbranchvintage.com) and RiverOaks, Tent: Sperry Tents (sperrytents.com), Bar Service: Squeeze OnSite (squeeze-onsite.com), Linens: RiverOaks and vintage, Shuttle bus: ACW Limo Service (acwlimo.com), Lighting: RiverOaks, Ceremony officiant: Rev. John Hage of Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church (mppc.net), Band: The Tony Howard Show (tonyhowardshow.com), Signs: Reclaimed Artistry (reclaimedartistry.com), Framer: A Simple Tree (asimpletree.com), Bridal party jewelry: Felice Designs (felicedesigns.com), Ring bearer pillow: Circa Children (circachildren. com) JAMIE + BLAKE (pages 253-242) Photographer: Cameron & Kelly Studio (cameronkellystudio.com), Planning, paper, lounge furniture, lighting and linens: Mary Beth Burrow, Mary Beth Events (marybethevents.com), Ceremony venue: Tarrytown United Methodist Church (tarrytownumc.org), Reception venue: private residence, Florist: Posey Floral and Event Design (poseyevents.com), Caterer: Pink Avocado Catering (pinkavocadocatering.com), Cake and desserts: 3 Brothers Bakery (3brothersbakery.com), Bride’s gown: “Amaranth” by Monique Lhuillier (moniquelhuillier.com), Bride’s veil: Toni Federici (headpieces.com), Bride’s ceremony shoes: Christian Louboutin (christianlouboutin.com), Bride’s reception dress: Jovani (jovani.com), Bride’s reception shoes: Yves Saint Laurent (ysl.com), Groom's attire: Armani (armani.com), Hair and makeup: Miss Z (zhairandmakeupartist.com), Rentals: Swift Events (swiftevents.com), Tent: Aztec Party Rentals (aztecusa. com), Band: The Maxx (eastcoastentertainment.com), DJ: El John Selector (eljohn.com), Photo booth: Airstream Photo Booth (airstreamphotobooth.com), Getaway car: Capital Pedicab (capitalpedicab.com), Pizza truck: Roppolo’s Pizzeria (roppolos.com) LYNZE + JOHN (pages 260-265) Photographer: Trent Bailey (trentbailey.com), Videographer: Lumehouse Weddings (lumehouseweddings.com), Planner: Emily Sullivan, Get Polished Events (getpolishedevents.com), Ceremony

11. Grace sneaking a snack at the Ode to Biscuits shoot – she sure has good taste! (Eric Kelley) 12. Our very own Kristin Winchester getting her hair and makeup done to model as a bridesmaid in the Sweet Corn Sweethearts shoot. Doesn’t she look fabulous? (Julia Wade) 13. Emily posing with the Fine Feathered Fete team in Serenbe, Georgia. (Anna K Photography) 14. Only at Southern Weddings does an editorial shoot require some cow wrangling! This show cow’s name is Kaitlyn, but she goes by Katie. (Julia Wade) 15. We had such an amazing day taking our team photos with Jordan and Landon of Landon Jacob Photography! (Landon Jacob)

FOR MORE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEEKS, VISIT WWW.SOUTHERNWEDDINGS.COM/EDITORIAL

venue: The Church of the Immaculate Conception (jesuitchurch.net), Reception venue: New Orleans Board of Trade (neworleansbot.com), Florist: Bella Blooms (bellabloomsfloral.com), Caterer: Pigeon Caterers (pigeoncaterers.com), Wedding cake: The Royal Cakery (royalcakery.com), Bride’s gown: Ines DiSanto (inesdisanto. com), Bride’s shoes: Hey Lady Shoes (shopheylady.com), Bride’s jewelry: Haute Bride (hautebride.com), Bride’s veil: Sara Gabriel (saragabriel.com), Hair stylist: Kelly, Get Polished Events, Makeup artist: Daphne, Get Polished Events, Men's fashion: Knot Standard (knotstandard.com), Paper: Village Invites (villageinvites.com), Linens and lighing: Get Polished Events, Carriage: Mid-City Carriages (midcitycarriages.com), Rolls-Royce: Unique Transportation (uniquetrans.com), Pedicab: Need a Ride Pedicab (needaridenola.com), Limo buses: American Luxury Limousines (american-limo.com) ERIN + STEPHEN (pages 267-272) Photographer: Harwell Photography (harwellphotography.com), Floral and event design: Amy Osaba Events (amyosaba.com), Ceremony venue: Senoia United Methodist Church (senoiaumc.org), Reception venue: Veranda Historic Bed and Breakfast Inn (verandabandbinn.com), Ceremony coordination and reception food design: Kathy Black, Bride’s dress: Sassi Holford (sassiholford.com), Bridal salon: Fabulous Frocks of Atlanta (fabulousfrocksofatlanta.com), Bride’s accessories: Haute Bride (hautebride. com), Bridesmaid dresses: Alfred Sung (alfredsung.com), Mother of the Bride dress: Mon Cheri (moncheribridals.com), Bridesmaid dress salon: J. Andrews Bridal (jandrewsbridal.com), Alterations: Betty Harrah, Hair and nails: Ici Paris Day Spa and Salon (iciparisdayspa.com), Makeup: Katie Gant, Cocktail hour band: Sourwood Honey (reverbnation.com/sourwoodhoney), Cocktail hour appetizers and cheese: Sweet Grass Dairy (sweetgrassdairy.com), Invitation print consultant: The Paperie at Sam Flax (samflaxsouth.com/156/Atlanta), Bartender: Mobile Cocktails ATL (mobilecocktailsatl.com), DJ: BeatHouse Productions (beathousepro.com), Cake: Blooming Flour Bakery (bloomingflourbakery.com), Tables, chairs, dance floor, lighting: Goodwin Rentals (goodwinrentals.com), Bars, highboys, serving dishes: Peachtree Tent and Events (peachtreetents.com), Calligrapher: Donna Dow, Linens: I Do Linens (idolinens.com), Gallery artwork and map watercolor: Georgia Watercolor Society (georgiawatercolorsociety.org), Monogrammed napkins: Mactees Inc (macteesinc,com) DAPPER GENTS (pages 274-275) Page 274, clockwise from top left: Glass Jar Photography (glassjarphotography.com), Riverland Studios (riverlandstudios.com), Elaine Palladino Photography (elainepalladino.com), Captured by Jen (capturedbyjen.com), David Newkirk (davidnewkirk.com); page 275, first row from left to right: No Eye Has Seen Photography (noeyehasseen. com), Polly Alexandre Photography (alexandreweddings.com), Riverland Studios; second row: Ruth Eileen Photography (rutheileenphotography.com), Ryan Ray (ryanrayphoto.com); third row: Jessica Lorren (jessicalorren.com), Laura Leslie Photography (lauralesliephotography.com), Elaine Palladino Photography HOW TO TIE A BOW TIE (page 276) Illustrations: Emily McCarthy (emilymccarthy.com) DAPPER DOGS (pages 278-279) Page 278, clockwise from top left: Viera Photographics (vieraphotographics.com), Courtney Dox Photography (courtneydoxphotography.com), Joann Arruda Photography (jarrudaphotography.com), Little Blue Feathers Etsy shop (littlebluefeathers.etsy.com), Jose Villa (josevilla.com), Jodi Miller Photography (jodimillerphotography.com), Ben Q Photography (benqphotography. com), Woodnote Photography (woodnotephotography.net); Page 279: Taylor Lord Photography (taylorlordphotography.com), Captured Photography by Jenny (capturedbyjen.com), Taylor Lord Photography, Patricia Lyons Photography (patricialyonsphotography.com), Jose Villa TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH (pages 281287) Page 281: Top: Jose Villa (josevilla.com), bottom: Danielle Capito (daniellecapitophotography.com); page 282: top: Michelle March (michellemarch.com), bottom: Leo Patrone (leopatronephotography.com); page 283, clockwise from top left: Ryan Ray (ryanrayphoto.com), Green Tree Photography (greentreephotography.net), Matt Lien (mattlien.com), Cyn Kain (cynkainphotography.com); page 284, clockwise from top left: Eric Kelley (erickelleyphotography. com), Odalys Mendez (odalysmendezphotography.com), Gina Zeidler (ginazeidler.com), Onelove Photography (onelove-photo.com); page 285, clockwise from top right: Ryan Ray, JoPhoto (jophotoonline.com), Vicki Grafton (vickigraftonphotography.com); page 286: McGowan Images (mcgowanimages.com) ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE (pages 289-294) Page 289: Wurzbach Fisher (wurzbachfisher.com); Page 290: Teresa + Seburn: Brandi Mattison (brandimattisonphotography. com), Sherry + Bill: KLP Photography (klpphotography.com), Rose Marie + Keith: Kari Crowe Photography (karicrowe.com); Page 291: Angela + Henry: Rachel May Photography (rachel-may.com), Rita + Nick: Justin DeMutiis Photography (justindemutiisphotography.com); Page 292: Audrey + Steve: Bamber Photography (bamberphotography.net); Page 293: Theresa + Al, Peggy + Jim, Donna + Tom: Sweet Tea Photography (sweetteaphotographybylisamarie.com), Sue + Sean: Sarah McKenzie (sarahmckenziephoto.com); page 294: Wendy + Ken: Gracie Blue Photography (grblue.com), Kathy + Tom: Katherine Miles Jones (katherinemilesjones. com), Debbie + Gregg: Kelly Lane Photography (kellylanephotography.com) BEHIND THE SCENES (pages 302-305) 1-15: 1. Faith Teasley (faithteasley.com), 3. Graham Terhune (grahamterhune.com), 4. Eric Kelley (erickelleyphotography.com), 5. Graham Terhune, 6. Graham Terhune, 7. Julia Wade (julia-wade.com), 8. Faith Teasley, 9. Julia Wade, 11. Eric Kelley, 12. Julia Wade, 13. Anna K Photography (annakphotography.com), 14. Julia Wade, 15. Landon Jacob Photography (landonjacob.com) EVER AFTER (page 306) Sweet Little Photographs (sweetlittlephotographs.com)

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PHOTO BY SWEET LIT TLE PHOTOGRAPHS

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING

Photo courtesy of chiPhotograPyofcharleston.com

WEDDING CERTAIN TO MAKE HISTORY.

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

2013 AAA Five Diamond Award

CREATE YOUR DREAM 866.706.6565 palmettobluffresort.com