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Southern Weddings Weekly Round-Up

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Happy Friday! I’m delighted to report that our V6 photo shoot on Tuesday was a smashing success. I can’t give too much away, but I can say that many of our favorite things were present, including farm animals and lots of yummy Southern food! While that shoot was the biggest part of our week, we also shared lots of pretty weddings and some fun features here on the blog. Let’s take a look!

I shared my Dream Southern Summer Wedding this week–an elegant, urban wedding, complete with lots of charming Southern details. See it here.

We love Real Weddings!

Even with a 400+ person guest list, Britt and Ren managed to make their Georgia polo farm wedding feel relaxed and intimate. No easy feat, but they pulled it off beautifully! See it here.

Marjorie and Adnan’s barn wedding was full of beautiful handmade details, many of which were made with love by Marjorie’s mom! See it here.

I wish I could have been a guest at Sarah and Nick’s wedding–it looks like it was so much fun, and their love and joy is so evident in their pictures. See it here.

Few things sound prettier to me than a peony-filled springtime wedding in Virginia, and Kristen and Patrick’s wedding certainly proves that! See it here.

Before we head into Labor Day weekend…

Sign up for the monthly Southern Weddings newsletter for more behind-the-scenes goodies (as well as occasional sneak peeks and shop discounts) here! Our September newsletter will be on its way to your inboxes Monday, and it’s going to be a fun one, so don’t miss it!

Have a wonderful weekend!

lisa Written with love by Lisa
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My Virginia roots give me a soft spot for pretty Old Dominion weddings. When I realized that Kristen and Patrick’s peony-filled wedding day took place less than an hour from my hometown, I knew I was going to love it, and I was right! Spring in Northern Virginia is positively dreamy, and they took advantage of the season to the fullest with a romantic, outdoor ceremony, followed by an elegant reception. I love the way they brought family into so many aspects of the day, especially the deeply personal way Kristen’s uncle officiated the ceremony, the engagement ring Kristen wears that has been in Patrick’s family for over 100 years, and even the groom’s cake that Patrick’s relatives drove down to Virginia from Ohio!

Thank you to Rachel May for sharing Kristen and Patrick’s wedding with us!

How Patrick and I met is quite different than most couples. The story of us meeting began before we were even born! Patrick’s mom and my father were high school sweethearts. Although they never married, they remained friends, and my father was still very close to her family members. A few summers ago, Patrick’s uncle invited me to a happy hour to hang out with him and his nephews at a local restaurant. It didn’t take long, after a round of hangman and a drink, I knew there was something special between Patrick and I.

Describe your wedding flowers. BEAUTIFUL! For our wedding, we wanted very romantic, full and lush flowers. Our florist, Morgan from Petals and Hedges, made my vision come true! The colors that I chose for our flowers were varying shades of pink and corals and cream. We incorporated Juliet roses, ranunculus, poppies, coral charm peonies, sweet peas, and hydrangeas, which were accented with dusty miller to create our bouquets, centerpieces and ceremony pieces.

Did you decide to do a “first look”? Why or why not? Patrick and I chose to not have a first look. I think first looks capture some of the best photos, but we are very traditional, so we opted to forgo the first look. I wanted Patrick to see me for the first time when I was coming down the aisle.
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? No, we did not write our own vows. My uncle married us. He delivered the most heartfelt ceremony and made it extremely personal. He was even able to make me feel as if my grandmother, his mother, was still with us and watching over us as we said our vows.

Did you have something borrowed, blue, old, and new? If so, do tell! My something borrowed was a bracelet from my mother. My something blue was my dear friend’s late grandmother’s handkerchief. My something old was my engagement ring–my ring was my husband’s late grandmother’s ring, which has been in the family for over 100 years. I will someday pass it down to our future child or grandchild. My something new was my wedding day earrings and necklace that my mother bought for me.

Our favorite detail of the wedding was: Gosh! I have so many favorite details but I would have to say one of our favorites were my flowers. I had several meetings with Petals and Hedges conveying my ideas and how I wanted them to look and feel. I had been collecting mercury glass vases/votives for about a year and Morgan was able to incorporate all of my pieces. I was very happy that she completely understood and delivered my vision. A second favorite of mine would most likely be the donut truck we hired to surprise our guests for a late night snack during the dance party! Mama’s Donut Bites was a huge hit with our guests.

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? We had a groom’s cake. My father-in-law is from Ohio, so my husband is a HUGE Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Patrick’s aunt and cousin personally drove the groom’s cake all the way from Ohio. The cake was from my husband’s family’s favorite bakery, Resch’s Bakery in Columbus. To make the cake especially for Patrick, Patrick’s mother called the bakery to ask if they could add sprinkles to the batter to make the cake a funfetti cake. The cake was decorated with buckeyes and his alma mater, the University of South Florida.

Tell us all about the proposal! The story of the proposal is quite funny! Patrick originally planned to propose the day after Christmas. But, my uncle surprised everyone with a Christmas Eve proposal to his girlfriend! Patrick let a few weeks pass (so that he wasn’t stealing anyone’s thunder) and on MLK weekend, he decided it was time, so he popped out of bed early to make breakfast. I thought it was odd, but I continued to sleep and enjoy my lazy Sunday morning. An hour or so later, I heard him coming up the stairs. After asking what all that noise was about, he walked into the room with a tray of homemade eggs benedict to eat and mimosas for us to drink. As I started to eat my breakfast, he asked me to butter him an english muffin (he’s not an eggs benedict fan). As I lifted the top of the butter dish, there was my beautiful engagement ring!
When did y’all get married? May 3, 2013
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 150
Tell us about finding your wedding dress. Oh boy! Where do I begin about finding my wedding dress…what an adventure that was. Patrick and I had a 15 month engagement, so around the one-year mark, I decided to go to a sample sale in Alexandria, Virginia to browse wedding gowns. While my mom and I were at the bridal shop, I tried on a bunch of wedding gowns and eventually, I settled on my first gown. Yes, I said first gown. I was never 100% about the dress–every day, I fretted over my dress decision and if I made the right choice. After trying the dress on again, at my first fitting, I had a meltdown. I literally was on the floor of the dress shop floor crying–crying because it wasn’t my dress and crying because I had made a mistake and felt horrible for my mother (I should have been on one of those bridal shows on TV! Oh my goodness, if those dressing room walls could talk!). After a few glasses of wine, my mom, maid of honor and I ran to another local bridal shop, as a last hope of finding “the one.” The shop was closing within the hour, so I picked out a few, ran into the dressing room and started trying them on. I tried on two, with no luck. I began to panic and then I tried on one last one. My facial expression completely changed. I was smiling and I was COMFORTABLE–it was everything my first dress wasn’t. So all in all, I ended up with a dress that I loved, but I sure had a lot of bumps along the way!
What readings, if any, did you have at your ceremony? We chose to have Mark 10: 6-9 and Colossians 3:12-17 read at our wedding ceremony.
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. While the guests were seated, Patrick and I chose the harpist to play ” In the Garden.” I selected this song because it reminded me of my Grandmother, “MawMaw,” and I thought it was a perfect fit for getting married in the garden at Whitehall. We also selected a song to be played in between are two readings. We chose “For the Beauty of the Earth,” which also has sentimental meaning to me because every Christmas when I was growing up, my uncle and I would watch Little Women. I loved the wedding scene where they danced at the wedding while singing “For the Beauty of the Earth.”
Describe your wedding cake or dessert. DELICIOUS! I’ve been getting my birthday cakes from Edible Incredibles, in Reston, Virginia for years, so it was a no-brainer where I would get my wedding cake from! We had a four-tiered cake of lemon with buttercream filling and vanilla with a raspberry filling, topped with buttercream! The design of the cake was simple–it was a pink ombre cake with a pink bottom layer that gradually became ivory on top. Our florist had cascading sweet peas and poppies strategically placed over the tiers.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? My biggest challenge was stressing over small things. I really tried to relax and enjoy the planning journey, but it was extremely difficult for me. I finally relaxed when I saw Patrick waiting for me at the end of the aisle and I knew that everything would be perfect and wonderful.
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? $50,000-$75,000
What is the one detail or vendor that you were so happy to have as a part of your wedding? We had so many wonderful vendors, but Rachel May had to be one of the best decisions that we made. Right from the beginning, Rachel and I connected at Starbucks, where we first met. I left that meeting knowing I had found the right fit for my wedding photographer and I couldn’t wait to work with her. People always say that your wedding will be a blur, and they were right. It’s wonderful to relive that wonderful night through Rachel’s pictures.
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? Other than marrying Patrick, I would have to say my uncle performing our wedding service. It meant so much to both of us to have someone we know perform our wedding ceremony. We wanted someone that knew us and who had watched our relationship blossom. My uncle was able to incorporate funny little things about both Patrick and I, but also deliver a message about what a marriage is all about.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? My advice to new brides is to enjoy the journey of planning this wonderful day! I found myself getting so caught up in the minutia, that I forgot to enjoy little moments along the way!
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? Patrick and I are looking forward to settling into our new home. We closed on our townhouse in Ashburn, Virginia two weeks after the wedding. We can’t wait to make our house into our home!

Photographer: Rachel May Photography | Planner: Ashlee Virginia Events | Ceremony and Reception Venue and Lighting: Historic Whitehall Manor | Florist: Petals and Hedges | Wedding Cake Baker: Edible Encredible | Caterer: Celebrations Catering | Rentals: Select Event Group | DJ: Chris Laich | Ceremony Music: Kate Rogers | Donuts: Mama’s Donut Bites | Photobooth: Shutterbooth | Bride’s Gown: Ellis Bridal | Paper Products and Table Numbers: Paper Source | Wedding Invitations: The Dandelion Patch | Bride’s Veil: Freca Designs | Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Claudine Fay | Bride’s Shoes: Arturo Chiang | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Style “450095” by Monique Lhuillier | Men’s Attire: Custom Indochino Suits | Monogrammed Napkins: The Knot | Dancing Flip Flops: Old Navy | Frames: Homegoods | Candles and Votives: Candles4less | Bride’s Wedding Band: Hunt Country Jewelers | Guestbook: delovelyArts Etsy Shop

lisa Written with love by Lisa
16 Comments
  1. avatar Rachel May reply

    Thank you so much for featuring Patrick & Kristen’s wedding! It’s an honor to have my work featured on SW!!!

  2. avatar Dana reply

    love how pretty the pink flowers look with the blue bridesmaid dresses!

  3. avatar Kat reply

    What cute monogramed bags!!

  4. avatar Laura reply

    I love that song from Little Women!

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  6. avatar Brannon reply

    As one of Kristen’s bridesmaids some night say I’m biased, but I’ve been in/attended 8 weddings so far this year and it was by far the most beautiful and heartfelt. Not only are Rachel’s photographs gorgeous, she was an amazing presence that day. She calmed the brides nerves, managed rowdy groomsmen and even helped find lost bouttonieres. She is a gem!

  7. avatar athena reply

    Love all the details of this wedding! Where did the Bride find those precious bags for the bridesmaids?

  8. avatar Published | Southern Weddings – Rachel May – Wedding Photographer – Engagement Photography – Charlottesville VIrginia reply

    […] I am beyond words with excitement to share that Patrick & Kristen’s wedding is featured on Southern Weddings’ blog!! […]

  9. avatar Wedding PR: Rachel May Photography Featured in Southern Weddings reply

    […] It is always an exciting day here at OFD when one of our clients gets recognized for their outstanding work. Today is no exception with Rachel May Photography’s feature in Southern Weddings! […]

  10. avatar Mandi Engram reply

    I love those shoes! What brand are they?

  11. avatar Leann Moore reply

    Rachel May is a wonderful photographer and so humble. Her work is soft and feminine and you absolutely can’t go wrong hiring her. I’m looking forward to working with her soon.

  12. avatar For the Love of Peonies reply

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  13. avatar Stephanie reply

    Where can I buy those shoes?

  14. avatar rachel reply

    Where did you get the silver sandals? I’m looking everywhere for my bridesmaids! Thank you.

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As many of y’all know, Rosemary Beach is one my favorite places on the entire earth! It’s holds a very special place in my heart as it’s where BDK and I took our very first vacation together – it’s even where I’d hold my dream Southern summer wedding! So, of course, I am tickled pink to share Sarah + Nick’s sweet day. From the adorable rhymes on their chalkboard signs to their bridal party’s dance floor antics, it’s hard not smile while seeing the pure joy in the photos from Pure 7 Studios! I love weddings that look like they were a complete blast for all in attendance, and I’d venture to say that Sarah + Nick’s definitely has that look!

Opting out of the first look? Sending a sweet note to your beau is one of my favorite ways to share your excitement without seeing each other!

Tell us about finding your wedding dress. I actually found it on Pinterest of all places! Just searching around, Pinterest took me to the BHLDN website and miraculously, they have a store in Houston (only 2 in the country!). I went with one of my best friends on my lunch break because I really didn’t think it was going to be THE dress, but the second I stepped out of the dressing room and saw the look on her face, I knew I had found the one!

We decided not to do the first look. I really wanted the first moment that Nick saw me to be when I was walking towards him down the aisle. I did however, decide to do a first look with my dad which was really fun!

Grab a tissue y’all, Nick’s expression in the photo below is sure to having you reaching for your hanky!

Did you have something borrowed, blue, old, and new? If so, do tell! My something blue and old was a combination. My grandfather passed two months before the wedding and I had a piece of one of his blue shirts, as well as a piece of lace from my mom’s wedding dress, cut into a heart shape and sewn on the back of my dress. I guess my something new was just everything else!

I can’t help but imagine Nick said the sweetest/funniest thing to Sarah right before this photo, and her reaction is THE best!

Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? Yes. His vows to me were absolutely perfect. One line read, “I promise to watch Shark Week with you every year, even though it is the same episodes over and over.” Just hearing how he felt and knowing they were his words meant the world to me. He ended them with “I will always remind you that you is kind, you is smart, and you is important”.

Our favorite detail of the wedding was: Being surrounded by all of our family and friends. Seeing everyone out on the dance floor and having a wonderful time was priceless. And all of the lights set up under the tent were amazing!
What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? My husband’s family is from Louisiana, so we did a second line during the reception.

Describe your wedding flowers. The flowers were perfect! My bouquet and the centerpieces were a mix of tulips, roses, ranunculus and baby’s breath in light shades of pink and white, as well as greenery. The bridesmaids carried baby’s breath and lavender.
Describe your wedding cake or dessert. The wedding cake was white and off-white, four tiers, with little round balls all around it. It was exquisite and fun at the same time! The groom’s dessert was a delicious cheesecake with a New Orleans Saints emblem designed on it.

I love this Second Line — such a fun tribute to Nick’s hometown!

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. Nick and I actually knew each other in high school. We didn’t really hang out in the same group of friends, but we ended up in the same prom group during our senior year. After we graduated, I went to Texas A&M University and he went to the University of Texas, so we pretty much went our separate ways. Nick eventually moved to Reno for work and was home to visit family for Christmas 2010 when we ran into each other at a bar in our hometown. He asked for my number and ended up calling me that March. We had immediate chemistry and talked for hours that first night. He moved back home that August and the rest is history.
Tell us all about the proposal! Anyone that knows me knows that I love anything to do with the ocean, more specifically, sharks. I interned at The Aquarium of the Pacific after graduating college and I had always wanted to take a trip to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium. I have always had an obsession with that aquarium, but wasn’t ever able to make a trip to see it. Nick knew how much I would love to visit the aquarium, so he surprised me with a trip for my birthday. I was blown away that someone would fly across the country with me just to see an aquarium! I was so excited about the trip that a proposal was the last thing on my mind. After a day at the aquarium, followed by dinner at an amazing sushi restaurant (ironic, I know), we decided to explore our beautiful hotel, which was right on the beach. We walked down a stairway that led down to the ocean and just stood there with his arms around me talking about how amazing the trip had been. Then, he said “I think I know how I could possibly make this trip better” and I responded with a very ladylike “Huh?!” The next thing I knew, he was down on one knee. I honestly couldn’t tell you what else he said because I was just so blown away, excited, wanting to scream yes! Of course, I said yes and could not wait to start this next chapter in our lives
When did y’all get married? March 2, 2013
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 85
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. For some reason, I had always wanted to walk down the aisle barefoot to the sounds of a steel drum, so that is exactly what I did. I wanted a beachy, but not cheesy, feel and all of my vendors succeeded in that without a doubt. Our first dance was “That’s What’s Up” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. They are one of our favorite bands and the words really spoke to us. This is a somewhat fast song, so we really improvised with our first dance by just kind of jumping around, singing and laughing to the music. The whole reception had perfect music from Van Morrison to a Skrillex to Jack Johnson. Our last song of the night was “Walking on a Dream” by Empire of the Sun. A perfect song to end a perfect night.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? How overwhelming it can all be! I had to remember to take it one day at a time and trust all of my amazing vendors.
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? $25,000-$50,000
What is the one detail or vendor that you were so happy to have as a part of your wedding? Honestly, I can’t choose just one vendor I was the happiest with. They were all perfect!! If I had to choose one, it would have to be Jen (number 2) from It’s a Shore Thing, since they pointed us in the right direction to all of our vendors. Our wedding wouldn’t have been half as amazing if we didn’t have them!
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? Aside from Nick’s amazing wedding vows, I would say that the dancing and fun everyone had at the reception were the most memorable moments. I took a few moments to step back and just take everything in, and seeing all of these people that we love having a great time was worth everything.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Just relax! No matter what happens, if the weather isn’t what you wanted, if your bridesmaid dresses don’t turn out right, at the end of the day, you will be married to your best friend and that is all that matters!
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? We just moved to a new town home in Houston and we are looking forward to relaxing and enjoying married life!

Photographer: Lindsey and Ryan from Pure 7 Studios / Videographer: Adam Grumbo / Planner: It’s a Shore Thing / Ceremony and Reception Venue: Western Green in Rosemary Beach, Florida / Florist: Celeste Barefield / Wedding Cake: Rhonda Joodi / Caterer, Rentals, Lighting, Paper Products and Special Details: Celeste Barefield / DJ: Brian of BBoy Productions / Bride’s Gown: “Luella” from BHLDN / Hair Stylist: Johnathan Doria from Pure and Couture Salon / Makeup Artist: Renee Armour / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Little Borrowed Dress / Men’s Pants and Vests: Perry Ellis

marissa Written with love by Marissa
21 Comments
  1. avatar Kat reply

    LOVE that cake!! And her laugh during the vows was priceless :) Beautiful wedding!!

  2. avatar johnathan reply

    Incredible wedding!

  3. avatar Kristen Moss reply

    We’re so delighted to see the memory of your happily ever after captured so beautifully!

  4. avatar Tom Heines reply

    I consider myself very fortunate to have been invited to the wedding of these two wonderful young people. I’m one of Nick’s uncles and I watched him grow up lo these many years. I’ve always hoped for the best for this fine young man, but I couldn’t have imagined how “best” his new bride would be! Sarah and Nick are a terrific couple, and the great wedding at Rosemary Beach was the perfect way for them to start their life together.

    All the best, Sarah and Nick!

    Uncle Tommy

  5. avatar Ann reply

    Another great Foster wedding!

  6. avatar Emily reply

    Love that photo of the groom reading his note! And the pearl cake :)

  7. avatar Lisa reply

    They may be one of the cutest couples I’ve ever seen! The way they’re looking at each other in all of these pictures is darling, and that ceremony kiss is priceless!

  8. avatar Karen Sherman reply

    This is amazing!! And “I” was a part of it – how awesome is that! I love both of you very much. If you’re ever in North Carolin, you have got to come see us’

    Aunt Karen

  9. avatar Sharon Foster reply

    I am blessed to be the mother of the groom and then doubly blessed to now be the M-I-L of Sarah. I can attest to the fact that the wedding was beautiful! The photographers were great, as well as the wedding coordinators. The DJ was amazing too! We had a blast and it shows in these pictures. Rosemary Beach was absolutely the perfect setting for this wedding.

  10. avatar Kate Biggs reply

    So beautiful!!

  11. avatar Jen Fisher {“Jen2”} reply

    I don’t even know where to start . . . from the first time I met Sarah & Nick, I absolutely thought they were just the cat’s meow (no, really). SUCH a sweet couple – and I genuinely enjoyed working with and getting to know them throughout the planning process. It’s sweet brides (and moms – hi, Karen!) like this that make me love what I do – and seeing such a deserving couple featured on THIS blog = happy, happy heart. Adore y’all and hope to see you again soon! XOXO ~Jen2

  12. avatar Karen Brock reply

    Love you both bunches!! The most perfect day!

  13. avatar Brock reply

    These photos are great! What an awesome wedding for an awesome couple!

  14. avatar Kim Cartlidge reply

    It was an amazing wedding in every way!!!. From the photography to the caterers everything was wonderful!!! Nick and Sarah are a perfect couple!! Rosemary Beach was a beautiful place to began a beautiful life!!!

  15. avatar Margaret Sambrooks reply

    Lovely reliving the most beautiful & fun wedding!!
    I always knew Sarah would be the most beautiful bride(I’m her proud grandma!) &Nick makes them a lovely couple – soo happy together & so photogenic!
    So many touching moment-Love you both

  16. avatar Kevin Brock reply

    An unbelievable wedding for the perfect couple! I’ve never been to a wedding where everybody was having such a great time, from old to young, everyone was on the dance floor. From the food to the DJ, it couldn’t have been any better. Thanks again to everyone involved in making this a great day!

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