It’s no secret I love my job — after all, there are very few ways that someone who loves weddings and loves the South as much as I do would prefer to spend her days! My usual routine at the Southern Weddings office leaves me happy as a goat in a briar patch and thoroughly satisfied. But, sometimes working at SW affords me experiences that are literally out of a dream, and I fall in love with my job (and weddings, and the South) all over again. Such was the case with Engage13.
I recently accompanied Lara to this amazing conference, held at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville (she was speaking!), and we enjoyed three days of learning, meeting new friends, and details to make any wedding lover weak in the knees. One party in particular we just knew we had to share with y’all — the opening party, designed by Pressed Cotton and held in a renovated barn on the Biltmore property!
The party began the minute we stepped off the buses at Antler Hill Barn — with a grown-up petting zoo! Lara and I couldn’t resist snapping a photo with this adorable baby goat.
So many of these fun rustic chic details are available in the Pressed Cotton store — perfect for wedding decor and details!
These gorgeous kraft paper menus outlined everything we’d be sampling that evening, including pulled pork sliders, corn spoon bread, fried pickles, short ribs, and much more!
Many of the beautiful rental pieces you see are from Settee in Atlanta. After walking through the barn, the space opened up into a beautiful courtyard with biscuits on each long farmhouse-style table! We loved the kraft paper runners.
Hot boiled peanuts! Lara was in heaven.
Cheerwine! I was in heaven. (You may recall we served it at our wedding.) They couldn’t have designed this party more perfectly for us!
The gentleman you see below was one of our favorite people we met that night, though he wasn’t technically a guest at the party! He’s an actual blacksmith on the Biltmore staff, and was giving demonstrations throughout the evening. We got to chat with him a bit, and found out that his wedding was six days away! He even showed us the (gorgeous!) ring he’d forged for his fiancee. We’re hoping to bring more of his wedding story to the blog soon!
The night concluded with s’mores by a massive bonfire. It’s true, Engage does share some characteristics with summer camp!
Oh yes — these adorable screen-printed snack bags were waiting for us when we stepped off the bus at the Inn at Biltmore! The perfect end to a perfect Southern night. Thanks to Pressed Cotton, the Biltmore staff, and Rebecca and Kathryn of Engage for a delightful evening!
All photos except top instagram courtesy of the talented Allan Zepeda, Carla Ten Eyck & Andrew Henderson, and Jeremie Barlow
I love the Southern hospitality showing through in these photos ! I also love the two kiddos dancing.
Thank you so much for the amazing feature!!!! It’s such an honor being published on your blog!! And special thanks to Reverie Made for the incredible event styling for their wedding weekend. God bless, Kay
Beautiful rehearsal dinner! I love the bunting and floral arrangements. Lovely photographs!
Kay English rocks!!! Wow what an amazing venue. I kinda want to go there right now…. Is that oysters I see being delivered on a shovel to each table??? SO COOL.
What a lovely, warm and pretty celebration! Beautiful imagery.
Great pictures Kaycee! :)
What a beautifully done affair! You can’t get getting than Kay English and Reverie Made!!
I absolutely love this wedding and I love the setting! The low country is one of my favorite areas, and Kay English captured all of it’s beauty in these pictures! Absolutely gorgeous!!!
Destination wedding photographer, Kay English does an amazing job capturing every little detail from your big day. From the rings, to the dress, the invitations and the food, she makes sure to get it all. Her abilities and keen eye are amazing. We love her and will be using we for all of our photography needs.
Wow, wow, wow! Absolutely smitten with all these gorgeous details and these photos! If I could do it all over again, I would do this, and have Kay do the photos. Beautiful work!
what a perfect way to welcome guests to your wedding weekend! gorgeous job, wedding team!
So enjoy the beautiful photography of Kay English. She transports you to wherever she is thru the lens of her camera and heart as she captures each moment to be remembered and cherished.
Thanks so much for featuring Kelly and Ted’s rehearsal dinner! We absolutely adored designing this event, from the flowers to the decor. The bluegrass band was so much fun and everyone had such a lovely time. A wonderful celebration for a wonderful bride and groom.
This event is gorgeous!! Did you make these oyster cans? Bluffton is home for me, and I have never seen them produce a can. Love, love, love this event!
Beautiful! Makes me homesick for boiled peanuts and spanish moss.
so pretty + perfect!!
Awesome photos!