Southern Weddings

To me, I think the event and overall style was perfectly conveyed in the very first piece: the invitations! My sister and I designed the invitations together (yes, a professional planner and stationery designer sister duo). First, we created the monogram. We combined vintage letters and details of custom heraldry that I love so much with inspiration from a 1920’s store sign I saw once. Keeping that one tone helped it stay somewhat light, despite the elaborate lines. The letterpress suite was perfectly stacked to reveal the transition of colors from blue, lavender, and then a light mauve. The invitation also had our custom logo/monogram on the back.

Tell us about finding your wedding dress. The criteria I had going into the process was something not entirely white, some interesting detail, nothing strapless that I would tug on, and lighter material for the time of year. My rule of thumb was to allow anyone who accompanied me to the appointment one dress to suggest. I think that helped me get more comfortable with different styles. When I finally put the dress on, it had an elegant structure, hints of romance and whimsy, champagne coloring, and intricate cotton lace details with sleeves. It was so beautiful!

Describe your bridesmaids’ dresses. My thought was to stay in the cool tones of the color palette, but give them range to find what they felt most comfortable in. Nerd alert…I sent a survey monkey to have them rank the colors in order of what they wanted to wear to make sure everyone was happy!

Who was one of the most special guests at your wedding? My 92-year-old grandmother traveled for two days from a small town in Kansas to get to Charleston. For the wedding, she wore her actual wedding dress, which is 69 years old this year! She and my grandfather were an exceptional example of love and marriage. When he passed, they had been married 63 years.

Tell us about your wedding flowers. June is amazing for floral! I love a lot of texture and a mix of different shapes, sizes, and color. When Lisa and Kaitlyn and I met to talk through everything, they not only understood my vision, but encouraged all the vibrant and unique touches. My bouquet was a lush romantic loose floral and soft greenery slightly cascading. It included white parrot tulips, blush peonies, jasmine, lavender lilac and sweet peas, caramel and peach garden roses, ranunculus, white clematis, queen Anne’s lace, mock orange, tuberose, green hellebores, California bay, jasmine vine, sage, and seeded eucalyptus. It was wrapped with a silk ribbon in sky blue.

Originally from Texas, I never thought I would end up with a Cowboy outside of Dallas, but got very lucky. My gift to Mark was a pair of black ostrich Luchese boots, which he loved enough to wear that day.

What was the most memorable or touching moment of your wedding day? Mark and I both lost our fathers in during our college years and unbeknownst to the two of us until later, we had booked our wedding date over Father’s Day weekend. It felt like they were a part of the day. Walking in with Robert was also very important. To ask him to walk me down the aisle in place of my father meant a lot to him and I can’t think of anyone who is more admirable and supportive. He is like a brother and I am incredibly proud of his character. Walking in the church and seeing Mark for the first time was the perfect mix of nerves, adulation, and ease.

Having a daytime wedding first came into play during initial thoughts on overall spending. Just as I tell my clients, you must strike a balance between your most important aspects and places you can bend. In our case, the time worked a little better for the Post House, being that it was a restaurant and could reopen later in the night. Once that idea had time to steep, I really loved it! The process from there was very organic. A June daytime wedding meant a lighter dress material, simplified menu, relaxed bar, and great varieties in floral.

Tell us about a date you’ll always remember. I distinctly remember a dinner on the patio at the Old Village Post House early into dating when I knew this meant something very special just by the way he talked with such confidence.

One of my favorite parts of a wedding is the passed hors d’oeuvres. They can be playful and imaginative, and I tend to think people enjoy the delicate approach of a quick bite that keeps them engaged in their conversation. We had two-three passed every hour at the reception, and they were progressive from cold to hot, and then savory to sweet. Every item we chose was either something we enjoy a couple, have experienced on trips, or a family favorite ingredient reimagined.

Our reception was immediately following at Old Village Post House & Inn, in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant. The house itself has three stories. The first two floors have seven separate mixed-use spaces for dining, bar and outdoor seating, and the top has inn rooms. Designing each room with different colors, chairs, linens, and floral compositions was such a treat. The house itself has a coastal, somewhat masculine feel, so the additional layers were extremely soft and feminine.

What was the design inspiration for your wedding? I was so happy with the way the colors conveyed the energy and feel for the day. I stumbled on a photo of Tono and Co. Ribbon that was a full color pinwheel of gathered silk samples. The pastel-based colors of cream, honey, champagne, blush rose, and mauve, then to emerald, seafoam, stone, and finally sea and sky blue. I just kept going back to it! I love vintage details and antique finds. I also love so many elements of the floral botanicals, but had to find a way to keep light and airy.