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While it may be starting to feel like fall around many parts of the South, I can assure you, it still feels like summer in Florida! For their end-of-May wedding, Kristina and Kyle worked with the talented Anthology Co. Floristry to create a “tropical romance” feel and welcome their out-of-town guests to the beauty of Miami. From the floral structure over The Bath Club‘s fireplace to the tiny pineapples incorporated into the decor, I’m pretty sure guests were in awe…however, I’m sure that’s not the only thing they were admiring! Judging by the sweet snippet of their personal vows, I can only imagine how inspired Kristina and Kyle’s guests were by this adorable couple and their love for each other!

Gracious we’re so happy Blue Ribbon Vendor Elaine Palladino was on hand to snap all the sweet moments and gorgeous blooms!

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. From Kyle: Kristina and I met on a cold Saturday night in Tallahassee. It was fall semester at Florida State University and, like any good college kids on a cold night, we were gathering for a bonfire behind my friend Todd’s house. Although I was rarely on time for school, I was never late for non-affiliated after school activities. I was there early to help set up the tables, chairs, music and, of course, the beverage station. Kristina and her friends were among the first to arrive. I introduced myself when she walked into the backyard, but we didn’t really meet until later that night when I was offered a seat near Kristina and her friends by the bonfire. Kristina and I ended up in immediate conversation, and before I knew it, our chairs were next to one another, where they remained for the rest of the evening. Conversation was easy because we had so much in common, including, we learned, an Intro to Film class. We ended up being the last people to leave that night, but before Kristina left, I said, “I’d ask for your number, but I’ll just get it from you in class.” I still think that was pretty smooth.

Veronica of Anthology Co. Floristry is not just a florist–she is a flower artist. Her arrangements are sculptural, interesting, and, above all, beautiful. She translated my vision of tropical romance perfectly. I wanted bold, saturated blooms with lots of greenery and texture, and she delivered just that. The structure she built around the fireplace was breathtaking! I could not be happier with how the flowers turned out.

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? Since most of our family and friends were coming from out of town, we wanted a venue that was within walking distance to a hotel on the beach where everyone could stay. We didn’t want a traditional hotel ballroom, which made our search tricky! The Bath Club was the perfect choice for us. It was built in 1926 and has served as a private cabana venue for celebrities and presidents throughout the years. I loved the beautiful Spanish architecture and dark wood.

My uncle graciously agreed to marry us and it made it so much more beautiful and personal to have someone we love guiding such an important moment. We also chose to do a wine box ceremony, where you seal a bottle of wine along with notes written to each other to open on your fifth anniversary, or if you should ever need a reason to remember why you got married. We love good wine and it gave us a reason to buy a great bottle that we look forward to drinking on our fifth anniversary.

Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? We wrote our own vows, which was a very important detail for me. I wanted to share our own words of love with all of our friends and family on that day. Kyle is an amazing writer and every line of his vows was so special. I loved when he said, “Even though you are so easy to love, I promise to never take it for granted. I never want to get comfortable and forget that our time here is short.”

It was important for us to have a table with pictures of our parents and grandparents showing the love that brought us to this point. Most of our grandparents were unable to be with us at the wedding, but having the table with their pictures helped us feel their presence.

What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? I have a knack for calligraphy and design, so I designed all of the paper products and did the calligraphy for our envelopes (which took forever!). I also designed the booklet for our welcome bag that contained all of our favorite things to do in Miami. On the day of the wedding, I chose to do my own makeup, which was such a good decision for me. It came out exactly the way I wanted it and I still looked like me. I am so glad I could put my personal stamp on all of these things, but it was a huge undertaking!

I have so many favorite details! Our wedding was hands down the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Above all, the flowers by Anthology Co. were absolutely show-stopping, especially the structure over the fireplace and all of the palms and tiny pineapples! I also loved both sets of cake toppers: our mice “cheese cake” toppers that have been passed down to me from my mother, and our vintage kitty salt and pepper shakers on our wedding cake that were gifted to me by Kyle’s cousin.

We chose Earth and Sugar to make our wedding cakes because we wanted a really delicious vegan cake. Janderyn made three delicious flavor combinations for us: chocolate cake with fresh raspberry filling, vanilla cake with fresh pineapple filling, and vanilla cake with fresh passion fruit filling. They were absolutely delicious and beautiful! Our caterer, Stephen Starr Events, provided tiny dessert bites like key lime ice cream sandwiches, salted caramel bars, brownie bites, and tropical meringues.

What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Brides, do yourself a huge favor and buy beautiful, amazing, flat shoes. Maybe even make flats (or tiny heels) your main shoe choice. Heels are absolutely beautiful, but with the amount of time I was standing for pictures and walking, my feet were killing me before I even walked down the aisle. And my back-up shoes were a “more comfortable” pair of heels! Terrible! Thankfully, my photographer, Elaine, convinced me to bring a pair of sandals with me, which I ended up wearing for most of the night. But they were not cute. Another piece of advice is to think beforehand about what you want to spend your time doing during the reception, whether that’s being able to talk to everyone, really eat and enjoy the meal, take a lot of pictures in the photo booth, or dance all night, because you will not be able to do it all! Make sure you don’t regret not doing something you really wanted to do.

Tell us all about the proposal! It was May 23, and I knew something was afoot because a week earlier, Kyle had told me about a new meteor shower called Camelopardalis that he wanted to see. We planned to drive to Anne’s Beach in Islamorada, known for its low pollution, making it perfect for stargazing! He also made a reservation for us to eat dinner at a French restaurant on the way. After hearing about this reservation, I knew I had to do my nails, because this was it! We had a long dinner with my favorite, escargot, and Kyle’s favorite, fresh fish, along with delicious French wine and bread. We then made the drive to Islamorada with the windows down while we listened to old jazz. To my surprise, Kyle had filled the trunk of the car with the works: sheets, pillows, wine, cookies, cheese, and crackers. We set up camp at the beach and laid under the stars. It was truly amazing. We watched the stars for hours–we got there at probably around 11 P.M., and by 2 A.M., I was sure he wouldn’t propose that night after all. I was even getting ready to tell him on the drive back that he missed the perfect opportunity! Then, all of a sudden, he told me he needed to get something from the car, and he came back with the ring! Of course, I said yes, and he brought out champagne to celebrate as I was using the flashlights to try and see my new ring. We stayed for several more hours and didn’t get home until the sun was already rising. It was an unforgettable night.
When did y’all get married? May 30, 2015
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 180
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. Walking down the aisle, The Wynwoods played an acoustic version of “La Vie en Rose.” I fell in love with the song on a trip to Paris with my mom. It is just the most beautiful love song and I knew I would one day walk down the aisle to it. It was also my Abuela’s favorite song, and because of her Alzheimer’s, she was unable to be at our wedding, so it was a small way to honor her as well. Our recessional song was “Wouldn’t it be Nice” by The Beach Boys. Kyle and I love The Beach Boys (who doesn’t!) and it is such a fun and happy song. Our first dance song was “Harvest Moon.” Neil Young has been a constant in our relationship–I didn’t have a car when we first started dating, so Kyle drove me around most of the time. He was having a big Neil Young kick at the time, so hearing Neil Young now always brings me back to our first months together!
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? Definitely walking down the aisle. All of the months of planning are leading up to that exact moment: walking down the aisle to meet the person you want to build your life with. There was so much commotion and excitement on the day of our wedding, and it was all very overwhelming. But hearing The Wynwoods play their acoustic version of “La Vie en Rose” and seeing Kyle at the end of the aisle, with my parents right beside me, was the best part. There is a picture of my parents and I at the end of the aisle, where my mom and I on the verge of tears (I had been crying happy tears pretty much all day, I was SO emotional!) and that it immediately brings me back to what I was feeling in that moment. It was the happiest moment of my life.
What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together? I feel incredibly lucky to call Kyle my husband now. We are continuing to weave our lives together and look forward to growing our family!
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your wedding? The best thing I didn’t know I wanted: Stephen Starr Events provided amazing food, but what surprised us the most was our personal waiter who took care of us the whole night! He always had a glass of water (or champagne!) at the ready for us on the sidelines. It was amazing!

Photographer: Elaine Palladino / Videographer: Pabelona Studio / Planner: Miranda Estes / Venue: The Bath Club / Florist: Anthology Co. Floristry / Cake Baker: Earth and Sugar / Caterer: Stephen Starr Events / Rentals: Unearthed Vintage / Lighting: Illumene / Band: The Wynwoods Band / DJ: DJ Mike Kruz / Invitations: Bella Figura / Other Paper Goods: Moo / Bride’s Gown: “Juliet” by Reem Acra / Bride’s Hair Comb: “English Violet” by Halo & Co. / Bride’s Earrings: “Disco Pansy” by Kate Spade / Bride’s Engagement Ring: Trumpet & Horn / Wedding Bands: Catbird NY / Hair and Makeup: Carolyn Jones Makeup / Bride’s Shoes: “Hollie” by Badgely Mischka and “Opalize” by Anne Klein / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dessy, White by Vera Wang, and Assali / Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss and Ryan Seacrest / Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux / Vintage Stamps: TreasureFox / Linens: Over the Top Linens / Photo Booth: Capture Pod / Cigar Roller: On-Site Cigars / Getting Ready Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar

Elaine Palladino is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

marissa Written with love by Marissa
5 Comments
  1. avatar Friday Fresh Squeeze #211 – Floridian Social reply

    […] not surprising that a batch of our Faves came up with something so perfect for Kristina and Kyle's tropi-chic wedding at The Bath Club! Elaine Palladino captured all the beautiful moments of the day, including a ceremony around the […]

  2. avatar Denice Lachapelle reply

    So good! Lovely wedding!

  3. avatar Emily Lurie reply

    Any idea where the bride got the mini pineapples to decorate the tables?

  4. avatar Green and Gold Forest Wedding Theme Ideas | Wedding Paper Divas reply

    […] Photo Source: Leaf | Green Door | Candles | Bridesmaids | Succulents | Cake […]

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    […] Sources: blues, greenery and mixed metalis : Kristin La Voie Photography greenery & candle : https://southernweddings.com /2015/09/23/tropical-chic-miami-wedding-by-elaine-palladino/ metallic […]

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It’s a good week here at Southern Weddings for my fellow pink and gold glitter-loving gals! After thoroughly gushing over yesterday’s wedding, I considered reigning in my enthusiasm a little for Katey and Matt’s post, but decided against it. If you know me, you know that when I get excited, I talk WAY too fast, so please read this quickly and drink in all the prettiness below!

As a wedding planner herself, Katey had so many creative ideas, but she knew she didn’t want to go overboard. Armed with Kate Spade as her inspiration and the beautiful Sanderling Resort as her backdrop, she created a perfectly preppy celebration! I think she found just the right balance of big and bright (hello ah-mazing paper flowers at the ceremony) and sweet and subtle (that LulaKate bow belt)! It’s also completely romantic that Katey and Matt held their wedding weekend in the same place where she realized he was the one for her–swoon!

I’m so glad Meaghan Elliot was there to capture this wedding!

Tell us all about the proposal! We were with my family in the Bahamas over the holidays. Although it seemed like the perfect time to propose, I had no idea it was coming, as we had briefly talked about getting engaged sometime in 2014 and then getting married in 2015. This vacation was in 2012! My sister and I gifted our parents with professional family photos on the beach as a Christmas present. While the photographer was snapping pictures, I turned around to check out the sunset, and when I turned back around, Matt was on one knee. It was the shock of a lifetime!

Oh, nelly! Wedding dress shopping was so much fun! For the first shopping trip, I brought my mom, sister, best friend, and a few aunts. We had a large group, but it was such a special time to share with some of the most important women in my life. I went back with just two ladies a few weeks later and found my dress! To make it more “me,” I found the perfect bow belt from LulaKate and a veil with three stripes on the bottom, which really helped complete my look and personalize it a bit.

Did you decide to do a “first look”? Why or why not? Yes! I felt as though nothing would take away from that iconic moment when I walked down the aisle with my dad and saw Matt at the end waiting for me–even if we had seen each other before. I loved being able to see him and it helped settle a few nerves. We were able to get some pictures together and with the bridal party, which allowed us to enjoy more time with our guests after the ceremony.

Our bridal party walked down the aisle to “In My Life” by The Beatles, We thought that was a great song to celebrate all of our friendships with our bridal party. We went very traditional for the other songs–I walked down the aisle to “Bridal March,” and “Wedding Chorus” played when we were announced man and wife.

What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? Matt and I were taking pictures on the beach at sunset when we came up over the dune to join everyone else who was already dancing. We stood up on top of the dune for a few minutes and watched our friends and family celebrating our marriage at one of our favorite places. The sun dipped into the bay and we went to join in on the party…we’ll never forget that!

Our favorite detail of the wedding was: It sounds corny, but it was so amazing to have so many of our friends and family not only in the same state, but in the same 400-foot radius. Our loved ones are spread out all over the country and to have them all in the Outer Banks for a few days was so nice. As for the details, we didn’t even plan this, but guys ended up putting their escort card flowers on their shirt or suit pockets, so it was like all the men had boutonnieres. It really added a fun pop of color to the wedding in an unexpected place.

Describe your wedding flowers. Working with Renee Landry was fantastic, and with my ideas and her creative genius, we ended up with three looks for the tables. They were all rectangle or square and were inspired by a bright, colorful, Kate Spade look. We did small bud vases with massive peonies in them for the longer tables, and we sprinkled in garden roses as well. Everything was bright and bold and I loved it! We also spray painted artichokes gold to stick the table numbers in, and they turned out beautifully!

Since my family is from Pittsburgh and we are Italian, we followed a big Italian tradition in Pittsburgh of a cookie bar, where tons of family members bake cookies and serve them at the wedding. Since we had a destination wedding, we knew this wouldn’t exactly be possible. I ended up doing a cookie display with cookies that represented some of our favorite things–our hobbies, dogs, favorite sports teams, and of course, our monogram!

To see more of this gorgeous wedding, take a peek at Katey and Matt’s video by our Blue Ribbon Vendor, Blueberry Creative!

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. I lived in DC for awhile working on Capitol Hill, and then headed up to Baltimore to pursue a career in advertising. Mutual Virginia Tech alumni friends brought us together a few times, but it wasn’t until Halloween that we finally met while aboard the Urban Pirate Ship that sails around in the inner harbor in Baltimore (kind of a hilarious place to meet!).
When did y’all get married? June 7, 2014
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 225
What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? I grew up going to the Outer Banks, and some of my fondest memories have happened there. After about a year of dating, Matt and I and some friends went to OBX in October for a long weekend. It was the first time many of my friends who didn’t live close by were able to meet Matt and hang out with him. Everything went so well (I figured it would, of course!), and it was on that vacation that I realized he was the one for me. How special to go back and marry him there! Guests stayed at The Sanderling, and we celebrated the welcome party, ceremony, reception, and brunch there. We wanted our wedding weekend to be a vacation for everyone.
What readings, if any, did you have at your ceremony? We had our bridesmaids read our wishes and promises to each other instead of readings. Some were funny and others were more serious–one wished us a lifetime of love, laughter, and strength through life’s ups and downs. In another, I promised not to not force Matt to eat all of the crazy healthy meals I make, like cauliflower pizza!
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? Being a wedding planner and working in weddings every day, it was hard to “stop.” I wanted to do so many things and had so many ideas/etc, but I didn’t want to go overboard or over budget. There’s just so much inspiration out there and it’s hard to narrow down ideas.
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? I had our bridesmaids carry the boxes with the wishes instead of flowers. Since I chose a very expensive flower for the reception, I knew we needed to save somewhere. It was a fun unique twist for bridesmaids, and it saved me from having to buy 12 bridesmaid bouquets! A few of the girls carried huge paper flowers too.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? When you and your fiancé need to do some planning, go to an interesting place, like a park, a bench on the water, a restaurant (with Internet of course), etc. That way, even if you’re talking about less fun topics, it is not as bad if you’re eating a great meal or watching sailboats go by–we did lots of planning on Baltimore’s waterfront! Also, it’s never too soon to start purchasing things for the wedding! After you nail down your color palette and vision for the day, if you see a cocktail napkin design on Etsy you love, order it, even if the wedding is still five months away. Nothing is worse than praying for a shipment to get in on time!
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? We just can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. We’re in such a great time in our lives–so many of our friends are having babies, buying homes, and creating their lives together. We can’t wait to join in the fun with them!

Photographer: Meaghan Elliott Photography / Videographer: Blueberry Creative / Planner: lemon & lime event design / Day-of Coordinator: Orangerie Events / Venue and Catering: The Sanderling Resort / Florist: Renee Landry Style / Cake Baker: Patti Cakes / Rentals: AFR / Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen / Lighting: Blue Steel Lighting / Band: Burnt Sienna / Paper Products: Fig2 Design Company / Bride’s Gown: “1103” by Blush by Hayley Paige / Bridal Salon: Garnish Boutique / Bride’s Jewelry: Kate Spade / Bride’s Veil: Sara Gabriel / Hair and Makeup: Amie Decker Beauty / Bride’s Shoes: Jack Rogers / Bridesmaid Dresses: LulaKate / Menswear: Perry Ellis / Dog Cookies: Sweet Kiera / Monogram Cookies: Sweet Goosie Girl / Beach/Ski Cookies: Miss Lizzy Cakes / College Cookies: Ruthie’s Cookies / Watercolor Calligraphy: Perch Paper Company / Cheers Signs and Bridesmaids’ Flowers: Lovelyfest Goods / Ceremony Music: Club Violin / Cocktail Hour Music: Hear Steel Drums Play / Escort Card Paper Flowers: Land of Flowers / Monogrammed Bouquet Ribbon: Oatmeal Lace Design / Wedding Signs: Sweet NC Collective / Custom Clutches: Bobbie K Designs / Table Numbers: Better Off Wed / Instagram Clay Vases: Hadley Clay / Koozies: Rouge and Co

Blueberry Creative, Orangerie Events, and the Sanderling Resort are delightful members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

marissa Written with love by Marissa
12 Comments
  1. avatar Jenn – Wedding Supplies reply

    Amazing details for each any every component of this wedding design – adorable!

  2. avatar Calling Local Mama’s…. | Meaghan Elliott Photography Blog reply

    […] brides (Katey & Matt) weddings (think Kate Spade meets nautical… Outer Banks wedding) is featured on their site today! […]

  3. avatar Hadley reply

    What a beautiful, inspiring wedding! I’m SO thrilled my little instagram bud vase was included! XO

  4. avatar Lisa reply

    What a fun wedding!! Love all the creative ways they used navy and white stripes, and that ceremony space is a show stopper!

  5. avatar Southern Weddings Weekly Round-Up – Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] Katie and Evan did our blush and bashful-loving hearts proud at their beautiful Arkansas wedding! Katey and Matt‘s Kate Spade-inspired wedding took place at a sentimental beach […]

  6. avatar Wedding Video Wednesday XVIIII » Borrowed and Blue Occasions reply

    […] came across this video on one of Southern Weddings posts last week and fell in love with the paper flowers! No detail was over looked and they could […]

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  8. avatar 12 creative DIY centerpiece ideas for the crafty bride reply

    […] Meaghan Elliott Photography via Southern Weddings […]

  9. avatar Excited M-I-L to be reply

    I really must know where the Katey purchased the robes for the bridesmaids in the Kate Spade inspired wedding. Please, can anyone help me find those….??

    • avatar Lisa reply

      They are from Plum Pretty Sugar! Find them here: http://rstyle.me/ad/w7heabfdsf

  10. avatar 20 Lovely Soft Pink Wedding Bouquets – MODwedding reply

    […] Featured Photography: Meaghan Elliot via Southern Weddings […]

  11. avatar New Years Eve Party Decoration Ideas | The Koch Blog reply

    […] references: 1/ Wedding Bells 2/ The Glitter Guide 3/ The Glitter Guide 4/ Southern Weddings 5/ Lauren Conrad 6/ Best Friends for […]

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I get so excited every time I see a wedding from A Bryan Photo pop up on our blog schedule–without fail, it seems, his couples are undeniably classic, beautifully thoughtful, and as Southern as can be. Kameron and Brian fit this description to a tee! Their farm venue evoked a backyard feel that was perfect for their family-focused celebration, and from Kameron’s gorgeous Heidi Elnora gown to the bottle of bourbon they buried to keep away the rain, there was no shortage of sweet Southern touches at their Alabama wedding.

Thanks so much to A Bryan Photo for sharing this gorgeous day with us!

I stumbled upon Heidi Elnora’s Instagram and immediately fell in love with the Clara Louise dress from her fall 2014 collection. Just two days after Brian and I got engaged, I made an appointment to try it on at the Heidi Elnora Atelier in Birmingham. My Mom was the only one to come with me, and it was such a special experience. The first dress I tried on was the Clara Louise gown–I was immediately in love with it and did not want to take it off. I cried, Mom cried, even the consultant helping us cried! I was the first bride to ever try it, which made it feel even more special! The dress has a removable tulle skirt that goes over the more form-fitting dress, and I loved the versatility and style. I tried on a few (like two) other dresses to make sure, and there was just no comparison! Our consultant sealed the deal when she put me in a cathedral veil and I had a total “bride” moment.

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? The whole time during wedding planning I was only concerned with one thing: the weather. Having a mind full of Southern traditions, I knew we had to bury the bourbon to ward off rain. I went out and buried it at the ceremony site thirty days before the wedding on a perfectly sunny day, and prayed hard. Come our wedding morning, the skies were looking gloomy. Brian went out that morning and dug the bourbon out of the ground, and wouldn’t you know, the skies cleared up. Now I credit the good Lord for blessing us with a beautiful sky on our special day, but a little Southern tradition never hurt anyone.

Did you decide to do a “first look”? Why or why not? No. Brian and I both agreed we wanted to keep our wedding as traditional as possible, and that included not seeing each other until I was walking down the aisle. Our photographer loves getting images of the genuine moment that happens when a bride and groom see each other for the first time. The emotion was so real and I will never forget how Brian looked at me (and cried) when I headed down the aisle toward him.

I loved the moment of having my mom walking me down the aisle and giving me away to Brian. Having her support and encouragement meant the world. I was focused on Brian and smiling ear to ear, but I could still feel her give my hand a little squeeze as I let go to take Brian’s hand.

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, Alabama was the perfect venue for us. We wanted a timeless setting with a home-y feeling. The beautiful plantation home, complete with a white picket fence, where we said our vows made it feel like a backyard wedding. Our families stayed in the stunning cottages on the grounds, so we were able to enjoy the special time all together.

Our photographer was hands-down the best decision we made during the whole wedding process. We both wanted classic images that will still be timeless when our grandchildren are looking at them. A Bryan Photo is unparalleled when it comes to wedding photography. The uniqueness of film photography in a digital age sets them apart in the best way. Bryan made us both feel so comfortable in front of the camera, and he really captured the emotion of the day.

Describe your wedding cake or dessert. Our wedding cake was made by a family friend, and it was so chic and simple. Brian and I both decided that we wanted a “wedding cake” rather than bride’s and groom’s cakes. It was placed on a classic white cake stand and topped with a gold script “R.” We did not get to taste much, but from what we had, it was delicious! I can’t wait to eat the top layer on our first anniversary!

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. As much as I hate to admit it, our mothers and my aunt actually set us up. They all went to high school together and have stayed in touch over the years, so at a get-together around Christmas in 2012, they conspired to get us together. Brian and I both found ourselves single and willing to meet up for a date around April 2013. Our first date was one for the books–Brian had planned a nice dinner at a restaurant in Birmingham, but the wait was two hours, so we decided to head to a more casual restaurant next door. We sat outside so we wouldn’t have to wait for a table. Everything was fine until we actually got to our table and realized it was freezing outside. I was too nervous and shy to say anything, and I think he was mortified! We now laugh about the fact that he made me sit outside in the freezing cold on our first date! Brian soon took a job in Scottsboro, Alabama, about two hours from Birmingham, but he came back every weekend to see me. We’ve been inseparable ever since!
Tell us all about the proposal! After visiting Brian in Scottsboro a few times, I discovered a beautiful park that overlooks the Tennessee River and planned a surprise picnic date for him after work. I brought my great-grandmother’s quilt and picnic basket, along with lots of homemade goodies to snack on. We watched the sunset and everything was perfect. A few months later, Brian told me that he wanted to go on another picnic. He was always doing romantic things for me, so I didn’t suspect anything when he told me he would take care of the details, and that I just needed to be ready. When we arrived at the park, I went around to the trunk of the car to help unload, but then he grabbed my hand and led me to the picnic that was already set up. I immediately began to cry when I saw my great-grandmother’s quilt surrounded by flowers, candles, and a beautiful spread of treats. Brian got down on one knee and vowed to love me forever if I’d make him the happiest man in the world by becoming his wife, and then he presented me with a ring I could have only dreamed of. I don’t remember much, but I think I managed to say “YES!” I was overwhelmed with emotion, and when I saw my mom and future mother-in-law come out, the tears kept coming. It was a perfect day!
When did y’all get married? May 10, 2014
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 100
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? No, Brian and I both wanted to say the vows that couples have been vowing to each other for centuries. I love the simplicity of traditional vows.
Describe your wedding flowers. For my bouquet, I carried all-white peony blooms. It was a small bouquet, which fit perfectly in my hands and did not overwhelm me or my dress. The bridesmaids carried bouquets of white and blush pink peonies and garden roses.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: Our favorite detail was the moment after we were finally married, and we turned, hand in hand, to face all of our loved ones. It was so surreal. We were both so giddy and could not stop smiling or kissing!
Did you have something borrowed, blue, old, and new? If so, do tell! My something borrowed was my beaded headpiece I wore above my veil, which my two sisters had both worn in their weddings. My something blue was a beautiful tulle garter I ordered from Etsy. My something old was so special to me–it was my great-grandmother’s handkerchief that my mother had saved for me. My something new was a beautiful David Yurman bracelet that Brian gave me as a wedding present.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? We have moved to Huntsville, Alabama and are settled in with our two pups, Bailey and Harry Winston. We are looking forward to exploring this new city and enjoying life’s daily adventures!

Photographer: A Bryan Photo / Planner: Janet Naramore / Venue, Catering, and Coordination: Pursell Farms / Florist: Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market / Cake Baker: Kathy McCurry / Rentals and Lighting: Special Events / Band: Park Band / Garland and Table Flowers: Fifty Flowers / Paper Products: Minted / Bride’s Gown: “Clara Louise” by Heidi Elnora / Bride’s Veil: Heidi Elnora / Bride’s Earrings: BaubleBar / Hair and Makeup: Tori Crocker of The Beauty Bar / Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bridesmaids Inc. / Men’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank

lisa Written with love by Lisa
3 Comments
  1. avatar Laura reply

    The black and white photo’s are absolutely gorgeous. The one of the bride in front of the open doors is breath-taking.

  2. avatar Wedding 101 reply

    Absolutely love the details of this wedding!

  3. avatar Elizabeth reply

    Hi,

    Curious where the flower girl dresses are from for this wedding?

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