It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of 30A, so before I even looked at these beautiful photos of Callie and Cade’s wedding, I knew I was going to love it! Though my family traditionally vacations just down the road, I have had the pleasure of attending services at the Seaside Chapel, and can attest to how simply magical it is. For Callie, who grew up going to Seaside, this home away from home was the perfect place to host their guests at a destination wedding that was as warm and inviting as the Florida coast itself. Although they were married at the beach, Callie and Cade wanted their wedding to have a classic, antique look that was achieved through the cascading white and blush florals and gold accents. The ornate glass globe installation added an especially romantic feel for their reception at the WaterColor Inn. And of course, I can’t help but love these Alabama alumni’s shaker exit–Roll Tide, C+C!
Thanks to Paul Johnson for sharing such a fabulous day with us!
My wedding dress was a dream come true. It had a fitted silhouette with a trumpeted skirt. The top and back were illusion and covered in pearls, crystals, and stones. It reminded me of something Audrey Hepburn would’ve worn.
Did you decide to do a first look? Why or why not? NO! I am old school. I wanted the first time he saw me to be when I walked down the aisle. Seeing his face in the pictures made it all worthwhile.
What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? I grew up going to Seaside, Florida, and it has always been a home away from home for me. Since we are from different states and went to school in Alabama, we thought it would be a great idea to have everyone travel to one of our favorite locations.
Our flowers included cabbage roses, peonies, dahlias, and many other types. They really made the wedding look the way I wanted it to–they were all neutral, blush, and rose colors, helping to give the wedding a classic, antique look.
Describe your wedding cake or dessert. This was Cade’s favorite part of the wedding! We loved too many flavors on the tasting day, so much so that we decided to have four different flavors in our main cake: French vanilla, strawberry, citrus Grand Marnier, and Kahlua chocolate. Cade’s groom’s cake was pistachio chocolate and was inspired by his love for fly fishing and the outdoors.
How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. We met when I was in high school and visiting the University of Alabama. Although I was dating one of our mutual friends at the time, when Cade walked into the room, I knew he was special. We talked and immediately hit it off. When I went home that night, I told my mom I wish I had met him first. Because we were both unavailable, our friendship developed until the beginning of my junior year, when we were finally both single at the same time and Cade asked me on a date. Thrilled, I said yes, and it has been smooth sailing ever since.
Tell us all about the proposal! The week before my birthday, Cade took me to our favorite restaurant in Tuscaloosa. He made up a little lie to get me down to the river next to the restaurant. There, he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife, while a photographer was hiding in the trees!
When did y’all get married? August 6, 2016
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? About 165
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. We chose “You Had Me From Hello” by Kenny Chesney for our first dance song. We both feel like we had a love-at-first-sight moment all those years ago, and we are huge Chesney fans!
What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? Since we went to school at Alabama, we had a traditional Alabama send-off, complete with red and white shakers and a loud “Roll Tide” chant. We also provided guests with yellow hammers, an Alabama favorite, as our signature cocktail. I was a Phi Mu and had a candle lighting to celebrate my engagement when I was a senior, so all the Phi Mus in attendance surrounded me and sang one of our songs at the reception, which was a total surprise!
How did you plan for your marriage while planning your wedding? Cade and I worked on our spiritual life a lot during our engagement. We prayed together, did devotionals, and kept each other calm during all of the stressful wedding moments.
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? More than $100,000
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? We were able to reuse some of the flowers that were at the church at the reception.
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? Listening to my dad talk about how great of a man Cade is. It made me feel so safe, confident, and happy.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Don’t sweat the small stuff. There is no way to please everyone, so go with your gut on decisions and don’t second guess yourself.
What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together? Cade is finishing his law degree and I am finishing my Master’s. We are also getting a chocolate lab in a few days and can’t wait to spend our free time training him!
Photographer: Paul Johnson Photography | Videographer: Momentus Films / Planner: Defining Moments Weddings & Events | Ceremony Venue: Seaside Chapel | Reception Venue and Caterer: Watercolor Resort | Florist and Lighting: Christina Springfield of Events by Nouveau | Wedding Cake: Confections on the Coast / Rentals: HM Tents & Party Rentals | Music: Kyle LaMonica and Compozitionz | Paper Products: Emily O. Holmes | Bride’s Gown: “The Sanctuary” by Lela Rose | Bridal Salon: Ivory & White | Hair Stylist: Rolland’s Salon | Bride’s Shoes: Rene Caovilla from Neiman Marcus | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: “D724” in Blush by Alfred Sung | Menswear: Jos. A. Bank | Photo Booth: B-Boy Productions
Love this one!