Southern Weddings

This week’s post has come at the perfect time! We have been having intense “yo-yo” weather here in North Carolina lately, so I could use a good dose of Rosemary Beach daydreaming right about now! Join me, won’t you?

In a previous “Mere Found her Beau” post, you learned that we will be getting married in the quaint Town Hall, and that the white architecture and wood accents couple nicely with the feel we want for our wedding day. Today, I’m excited to share some of the inspiration for how we plan to make this lovely venue even more “us.” Our goal is a light and airy vibe filled with soft, fluffy pastels–and a hint of sparkle, of course! :) Let’s start at the entrance, walk through the ceremony, head out to the courtyard for cocktail hour, and end inside with the reception.

During my most recent visit to Florida, I met up a few of my amazing vendors and dove a little deeper into the design and décor. My planner (Shelby Peaden), florist (Brian of Myrtie Blue), and I all agree that when it comes to the ceremony décor, less is more. We love the outside of the venue just as it is. We’re considering adding floral accents to the entrance, along with a little welcome signage of some sort, but probably not much more than that– the goal is to accentuate, not to mask.

Clockwise from top left: Carla Ten Eyck, Jessica Kettle, Lauren Kinsey, Dear Wesleyann

Inside the venue, we considered placing a welcome table at the entrance for a guest book, but decided once again that less is more, especially considering three things:

1. Our venue is on the small side, so we want to avoid the possibility of any entry “traffic” for incoming guests.
2. I have an awesome photographer, and I think an open layout would make for a pretty indoor photo.
3. The most enticing reason for me is that the thought of looking down a clear, simple, and beautiful aisle to where my fiancé will be standing once the doors open is kind of perfect.

Austin Gros, Dear Wesleyann

All of that in mind, we are leaning toward a simple aisle lined with rows of wooden folding chairs to compliment the beautiful paneled ceiling and wooden light fixtures.

For the ceremony backdrop, my inspiration varied from a floral cross, to strings of twinkly lights, and even a written backdrop accented with flowers. Although my inspiration was a little scattered, it all shared one common detail: soft and sweet floral accents.

Troy Grover, Lauren Fair, Ryan Ray

Following the ceremony, we’re planning an afternoon cocktail hour on the Town Hall’s side courtyard, filled with merriment, music, sipping, and snacking. I imagine that a few simple, draped round tables with wooden chairs combined with a few draped high tops would create an appropriate cocktail hour environment.

Adriana Klas, source unknown

We can’t forget the lounge area–be still my heart! One of my favorite things to do on warm summer nights is to to listen to live music outside. Throw in loved ones and a patio with strings of twinkly lights, and well, I’ll be happy as a little clam! Rosemary’s courtyard has a serene waterfall on the back wall of the courtyard, and if you ask us, we think a lounge area would fit quite nicely there! Here are a few that I could imagine sitting in just about all night.

Clockwise from top left: Caroline Joy, Jen Fariello, Elizabeth Messina

Topping off the night, we will head inside for dinner and dancing! We decided on a casual, buffet-style meal to be enjoyed seated at tables, like at a family dinner. For us Blankenships and McKinneys, this fits us perfectly–there is nothing we enjoy more than sitting around a table with loved ones, chatting and eating great food. Once we had our hearts set on a lovely seated dinner, I began to gather inspiration–remember how I mentioned I love a soft velvet detail? I love, love, love these table settings!

Clockwise from top left: Kim Le, Rylee Hitchner, Tyra Bleek, source unknown

To complete the reception décor, we will have “fluffy” floral arrangements, as I like to call them. :) Not too polished, but still pretty and put together! Aren’t these examples lovely?

Jen Huang, Landon Jacob

Phew! Although this dream of a wedding may still be a work in progress, I have full confidence that my team of amazing vendors can help me to tie together any loose ends in a big, pretty, velvet bow! :)

What are some of your favorite details in your upcoming wedding? I’d love to hear them!

Missed a post? Check them all out here:
An Introduction + Proposal
The Venue
What They’ll Wear

Dear Wesleyann is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!