Though our darling Lisa is out on maternity leave, I couldn’t help but give her a “hi, bye” call this week. In between my gushing of how beautiful her baby boy is we chatted about our shared love of the classics. You know: lace gowns, pale pink details, lush florals…basically, what we have here today, so I’m extra excited to share this beautiful wedding with you!
Ashley and Coleman knew exactly what kind of wedding they wanted: traditional and classic. But when it came to seeing each other at the ceremony versus a fist look, Ashley listened to her sweet beau and they opted to buck tradition for a few moments alone to calm their nerves. Though she might not have been on board at first, it ended up being her favorite part of their entire wedding! Let’s swoon over the whole day together, shall we?
Big SW hugs to Blue Ribbon Vendor Elisabeth Carol for sharing Ashley and Coleman’s wedding with us!
I had pictures of about five dresses saved, all of which looked pretty similar: soft, flowing ball gowns. I am a pretty indecisive person, so having decided on a style of dress was huge for me. I had always dreamed of wearing a ball gown at my wedding…until I started trying them on. They all looked really nice, but not one gave me “the feeling” I had always heard about. My stylist kept encouraging me to try a specific dress, from the moment I walked into the store, but I just kept saying, “No, that style isn’t me.” After trying on 20 dresses and feeling defeated, I gave in and tried on the dress. When I looked into the mirror and saw my mom holding back tears, I knew instantly that this was my dress!! Turns out, my stylist knew exactly what she was talking about!
I was very hesitant to do a first look–I wanted the church doors to open and for me to see my future husband standing there waiting for me to walk down the aisle, tears and all. I wanted the guests to feel what we were feeling–all of the emotions in that one moment. However, Coleman expressed to me that the first look was something he wanted to do and that it would mean a lot to him if we did one. For him to speak up about wanting something about the wedding was huge, so I knew this was important and I listened to him. I have to admit, it was my favorite part of our entire wedding. After all of the emotions and being apart the entire day leading up to the ceremony, having a moment to ourselves was exactly what we needed to calm our nerves.
What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? We both knew exactly what we wanted for our wedding: traditional and classic. Our venues were our first choices and the only ones we went and looked at. We fell in love with them immediately and knew they were perfect for us.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: We had a live painter at the wedding reception painting our first dance. Not only was it unique, but it provided great entertainment for the guests. The painting is now showcased in our new home, and will be a great keepsake for the rest of our lives.
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? We were able to reuse the altar flowers at our reception–they would have been thrown out otherwise, and I couldn’t bring myself to let that happen. They were too pretty!
How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. We met while we were students at Texas A&M University. We both attended the 2010 Chilifest, a country concert right outside of College Station, and found each other in the crowd of 50,000 people. My friends and I were celebrating my birthday and stumbled upon Coleman’s fraternity’s tent. He knew just the way to get my attention: the entire tent sang the most memorable “Happy Birthday” to me. A few months later, we met again at a mutual friend’s lake house, only to realize we had more in common than country music. Our friendship grew for a couple of years until we knew we were meant to be more than friends.
Tell us all about the proposal! I had mentioned to Coleman that I had always wanted to go to Fredericksburg for a quick getaway, so Coleman devised a plan to pop the question in the Texas wine country. He rented a small bed and breakfast for the weekend and asked me to join him. After dinner the first night, Coleman asked me to go on a hike around the house. I agreed and changed into workout gear. However, Coleman stayed in his dinner clothes; while I thought it was odd, I brushed it off. When we reached the overlook, I immediately pulled out my phone to capture the scene. To my surprise, there was Coleman standing behind me, shaking and preparing to get down on one knee. I was so incredibly shocked and surprised, and I remember screaming “Wait, is this real?” The next day, we celebrated at Grape Creek Vineyards and came back to our B&B to find two bottles of champagne that were sent over by dear friends.
When did y’all get married? July 23, 2016
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? Around 150
What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? Our wedding monogram–what is more Southern than having your monogram on everything?
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? $50,000-$75,000
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? The first look and the last dance, both moments between just the two of us, and memories we will forever cherish.
Photographer: Elisabeth Carol Photography | Videographer: Emily Paige Films | Ceremony Venue: Perkins Chapel at Southern Methodist University | Reception Venue: The Room on Main | Coordinator: Whitney Bailey of Chic Fleur Weddings and Events | Florist and Rentals: Something Pretty Floral | Wedding Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets | Caterer: CN Catering | Lighting: Le Force Entertainment | Band: Cover Down | Reception Painter: Julia Pappas McNally | Paper Products and Wedding Logo: Lolo Lincoln | Bride’s Gown: “8659” by Justin Alexander | Bride’s Lace Jacket: “A085” by Justin Alexander | Bridal Salon: Bridal Boutique of Lewisville | Bride’s Belt: Watters | Bride’s Earrings: Nordstrom | Hair and Makeup: The Styling Stewardess | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: “Brooklyn” in Taupe by Adrianna Papell | Menswear: Culwell & Son | Getting Ready Hotel: Hotel Lumen | Calligraphy: Dixie Script | Koozies: Rook Design Company | Napkins: Sip Hip Hooray | Bride’s Robe: “Lambkin” by Plum Pretty Sugar | Bridesmaids’ Robes: Le Rose Gifts | Bridal Pouch and Hanger: BHLDN | Ring Box: The Mrs. Box | Confetti Poppers: Inspire Lovely
Elisabeth Carol and Sugar Bee Sweets are delightful members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!
Best day ever!!! Thanks so much for sharing, ladies!!