Southern Weddings

Welcome back for part II of Angie + Tony’s merlot-inspired fete. I love the rich and unique color palette.  The scattered grape clusters and artichokes coupled with the rich florals create a warm, elegant feel.   Stunning ice sculptures created by {Masterpiece Ice}.   Many thanks, again, to {Casey Cunningham Photography}.  For more from Angie + Tony’s big day, be sure to check out {Tara} and {Casey’s} blogs.  Happy Monday!  ~ Rachel

From Tara…“Tony and Angie had fun and creative vision going into their wedding plans. We wanted to incorporate everything they loved into their wedding… chocolate, wine, Italy, food and of course, each other! We weaved the colors of merlot and chocolate brown into every detail…the lighting,the draping on the tent, the cake, the flowers, and even down to the martinis…chocolate and pomegranate! Wine corks held the place cards, and the tables names were inspired by all the places they were going to see on their honeymoon in Italy. The wedding was stunning, and I was so happy to be a part!”

What was the design inspiration for your wedding? The design inspiration was the wedding ceremony/reception location, the Biltmore Estate, and the location of our Honeymoon (Italy).
What colors did you choose?  Our colors were chocolate brown and merlot.  We both love chocolate and Angie loves wine.  We incorporated wine and chocolate elements throughout the wedding such as chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate truffles on the desert table and bunch of grapes and wine bottles on the dinner tables.
Describe your wedding flowers:  Variety of merlot-colored flowers such as orchids, roses, peonies, tulips and calla lilies with chocolate brown accents of fiddle heads, naked sunflowers and birch branches.  We also incorporated berries, artichokes, and grapes around the centerpieces.
Describe your wedding cake: The cake was a 3-layer round cake with chocolate fondant on the outside and chocolate cake and filing on the inside.  It was decorated with merlot bands at the base of each layer and merlot flowers.
Any do-it-yourself items that you created for your big day?  My mother designed and made our beautiful wedding invitations, place cards and table cards.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: The reception tent decoration.  Everything was impeccably done, creative, warm, beautiful, and classy.
Were there any special family traditions you included in the wedding? My mother put a penny, dated that same year as the year I was born, in my shoe for future health, happiness and prosperity.
The most unexpected event on our wedding day was: Seeing the ice bar Angie’s father surprised us with at our reception.
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding? Hire great vendors and trust in their expertise, don’t micromanage.
Other details you want us to know about your wedding: Everyone danced the night away. It was simply a fantastic evening.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? With the vendors I had, I never felt that any of the planning was a big challenge – they made everything so fun and easy.

Congratulations, Angie + Tony! We wish you a lifetime of happiness~