Southern Weddings

The Southern Wedding of the Week continues with more fab photos and details from Katrina + Matt’s Atlanta Wedding, shot by {Our Labor of Love}.  Be sure to check out the {OLOL BLOG} for more!  You can also read details about the planning of this stunning soirée on event planner Jeannine Kennedy’s {BLOG}. Reception Venue {The Trolley Barn}, Catering by Nationally-acclaimed {Affairs To Remember}, Cupcakes {Gabriel’s Desserts}, and Entertainment from {DejaBlue}.

From event planner, Jeannine… “Favorite things about Katrina and Matthew’s wedding, Part II: Topiaries – really made the tablescapes. What a pop of color! Initially I was worried about the dirt showing through the glass, but they looked really organic and earthy; The Bouquet Toss was for ALL women (single or married) and Katrina used a breakaway bouquet – it broke into several small bouquets when she tossed it – it was so fun!; Cupcakes – Katrina chose great flavors over frou-frou design and her guests loved it!; Birds of a Feather – We incorporated a couple of items into the overall organic theme to make it personal. The couple’s invitation had two birds on it, so we used birds nest favors with white Jordan almonds that look just like little eggs. We also attached some small nests to the garden-themed custom cupcake stands to unify things; Travel – The couple had traveled extensively during their five years together, so travel was a natural theme to bring in. We made custom escort cards matted on a beautiful antique map paper. For the rehearsal dinner the night before, we were able to create a large, custom atlas of some of their travel locations and bits of trivia about the places they have been.”

What was the design inspiration for your wedding? We went more for clean designs and lines. My goal was to have a simple table- topiary trees that guest could take home, white candles, and wine that I have discovered while traveling. Overall, we opted for an organic, natural look. I wanted people of feel like they were sitting down for dinner at a huge family reunion in someone’s backyard…in Italy!
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: Our bluegrass band, DejaBlue Grass Band.
Describe your wedding cake: Only one choice for us: CUPCAKES! Matt lived in New York City for a year and we would always make the trek to Magnolia Bakery for their amazing cupcakes. However, I have to say that our wedding cupcakes were ten times more delicious! Gabriel’s Desserts provided strawberry cupcakes, real strawberries baked in yellow cake mixture, and red velvet cupcakes that killed!
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? My older two brothers, from my father’s previous marriage, delivered a very moving prayer at the reception and gave a very touching tribute to my mother, who just battled cancer earlier in the year. Seeing my mom’s face light up as they expressed their appreciation for her made the entire day worth it.
Scariest moment? One of the groomsmen got lost in downtown Atlanta while shopping for additional vodka. The limo bus driver finally located him but he certainly experienced the crusty side of ATL. Second scariest moment: realizing how much vodka our families consume.

Funniest moment? My 8-year-old nephew performed one of the readings during the ceremony. He had rehearsed for weeks but when he stepped up to the podium he forgot to stand on the provided step stool. Only the top of his head was visible, probably the cutest thing ever. Oh, and he wasn’t wearing any socks with his tux. Too cute.
What were your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue items? My mom’s white and blue wedding garter knocked out the Big 3! She wore it 37 years ago and my sister borrowed it for her wedding day in 1996.
Why do you love your husband? I’m speechless…he is the only person who makes me speechless.
Most unexpected moment: How amazing our wedding song turned out to be. DejaBlue sang Van Morrison’s These are the Days. The band was a little hesitant about covering such a legendary song. They were concerned that it would not translate to bluegrass well and not meet their high standard of quality (they are truly amazing). In the end they worked it out beautifully. Actually, Matt and I were able to hold back tears throughout the entire day but when we heard that song the floodgate opened wide- well, they opened wide for me, Matt just got a little misty eyed.

How was your wedding different than the way you’d always imagined it would be? It flew by…
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Precious, Fun, Rewarding
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding? Take it all in stride and stick with your vision. (And buy extra vodka.)

What a joy!  Thank you so much, Jesse and Whitney, for sharing these fabulous images with us and to Jeannine for all the behind the scenes details.  Congratulations, Katrina + Matt, on your marriage and a truly inspiring wedding.  Have a wonderful weekend!  

PS- Don’t forget to vote for your favorite SATC Design Carrie’s Wedding board before Monday!