Google+ Real North Carolina Wedding: Tara + Andrew, Part II - Southern Weddings

Southern Weddings

Is there anything more Southern than an authentic, down-home reception in a rural North Carolina barn?  Judging by these photos from Sean and Mel McLellan, we don’t think so!  The mint green and brown bow on the on the tin washtubs is an ultra-sweet detail and, yes, the newlyweds did have a real-life bonfire, perfect for marshmallow roasting.  The couple’s simple, three-tiered frosted pound cake from City Bakery was the perfecting ending to Tara + Andrew’s sweet Southern affair.

What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day?  My grandmother hosted my bridal brunch at the Grove Park Inn and did an absolutely amazing job!  She actually made a cake for me and used the wedding topper from her own wedding reception over 50 years ago.  It was so sweet and really meant a lot to me.
Funniest moment?
  Andrew is 6’4” and I’m only 5’1,” so when the pastor said “Look into Tara’s eyes and repeat after me,” Andrew ducked down so we were at eye level with one another for just a moment.  Everyone laughed!
Hardest decision you made in planning?  
Besides choosing a venue, we had the most trouble choosing musicians.  We knew we wanted live music for both the ceremony and the reception, but quickly grew frustrated with the search.  Some of the bands we liked were already booked and others that were available just weren’t our style.  Then, we remembered Carey Sims, a guy we had heard play one random night when we were out for pizza and beer in Charlotte.  Even though he wasn’t really a “wedding” band, we couldn’t help think that he’d be a great fit for us and our guests.  Luckily he was available and willing to play, so we hired him!  He did a fantastic job too!  Our guests complimented us a lot on the band, and my dad’s boss is even considering them for his daughter’s wedding now.  I was also very pleased with the ceremony musicians.  They are members of a local bluegrass band, so the music fit right in with our mountain wedding.  
Three adjectives that describe the day are:
  Fresh, fun and sweet.
Who was your most honored guest at the wedding?
  My Papa, my Italian grandfather!  He got sick about six months before the wedding, but he stayed strong through it all and was in great spirits on our wedding day day.  I love him so much, and am so honored that he and my grandmother were able to celebrate such a special day with me.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future?
  We are just excited to be on this journey through life together.  I think each of us are still working out exactly what it is we want to do in this world, but we share a passion for life and a faith that I know will carry us far.  We would love to be fortunate enough to travel, both stateside and overseas, and we’d eventually like to have children.

Congratulations, Tara + Andrew!  We wish you all the best!

lara Written with love by Lara Casey
6 Comments
  1. avatar Abbie reply

    Who was the bluegrass band? Beautiful pictures!

  2. avatar Tara reply

    Hehe this made me feel a little better. I’m 5’1" too but my fiance is a bit taller then yours…6’8"! We’re going to have a wedding step-stool for the ceremony. Beautiful wedding btw!!

  3. avatar Mandy reply

    I’d also love to know who the musicians were for your ceremony and reception?? I’m looking at adding a bluegrass flare to our wedding reception – and don’t even know where to start to find someone. We’re getting married in the Asheville area too!Beautiful wedding – congrats!

  4. avatar Emily @ Southern Weddings reply

    Hi Mandy and Abbie! I was just searching for a NC bluegrass band for one of our Bliss brides, and I had great luck with just Googling "Asheville, NC bluegrass bands." The prices are VERY reasonable, as well — around $400 for a reception seemed to be the norm, and that’s for a great band!

  5. avatar regina holder reply

    Hi, Mandy,I’m a photographer in the Asheville area. I HIGHLY recommend Balsam Range. http://www.balsamrange.com They are a great bluegrass band with the current #1 single on the bluegrass charts. Plus, they are super nice and fun!

  6. avatar Wedding Tuxedo reply

    Wow, that is a really beautiful wedding dress. Did you design it yourself? Also, the pics are really cool…it looks like you had a great atmosphere at your wedding. Congratulations!

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