Southern Weddings

I have a soft spot for Cheryl + Collin’s wedding, and I think it’s because of these sweet images of their families working side by side to piece together their big day. That, and the gorgeous weather, remind me so strongly of my sister’s wedding last summer.

Though Cheryl + Collin’s wedding has a Southern sensibility to it, the two were actually married in Maine, on 200 acres of land owned by Collin’s family. Friends and family helped out with almost everything, including bailing the hay the guests sat on for the ceremony, baking the cake, arranging the flowers, and fashioning the bride’s jewelry! Cheryl’s dress, which she paired with Durango boots, was from Ann Taylor, and her bridesmaids wore David’s Bridal.

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. We met through Collin’s brother, Tobin. Tobin & I danced together for years with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. I met his parents before I had met Collin! He was the icing on the cake.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Timeless, untouchable, magic.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: The sun and perfect air. It was a torrential downpour for three days straight prior to that Saturday, giving Collin a mini-stroke each further minute it rained. He glued himself to the Doppler, making hour-by-hour predictions of when it would let up. Alas, it did, and the day’s weather could not have been more perfect. It’s a small detail in reality, but certainly a favorite.
What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? I grew up in Knoxville, TN and when I was 11, we moved to Orlando, FL. Every Christmas we would drive to Cuthbert, GA, to visit my dad’s family farm. We loved being outdoors and were raised to appreciate the land and all living things. Collin was raised in the mountains & fields of Maine, so he has a deep affection for the same things. His family lives on 200 acres of land in Maine, and we felt it was important to celebrate the land, and the world that they have created there. His father built the house they grew up in, and everything that goes with it. His mother tends a garden unlike any other. They eat what they grow. It’s a beautiful life. We used the pickup truck to house the stereo system, and backed it into the tent. Collin’s family built the trellis that we stood under for the ceremony, which was free standing in the field. Our guests sat on hay bales that Collin’s family friend had baled. Everything was hand made by us…as it should be!
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: Well…I had tried a few different things. I found a site called Light in the Box, which is located in China. It was a bad idea because if you don’t like it or it doesn’t fit, they won’t take it back. Then I tried David’s Bridal, but I got a bit cold towards the dress once it arrived. Finally, I was sitting next to my mom, who had decided to shop online a bit, and said to me, “What about this dress?” It was from Ann Taylor and it was perfect. I called them and there was a full refundable guarantee. They were amazing to work with.

HUGE thank you to photographer Duston Todd for sending these images our way. What a gorgeous day! Check back soon for Cheryl + Collin’s homespun reception!

Written with love by Emily