Southern Weddings

They may not be the Rachel + Ross (Friends flashback, anyone?), but we think this twosome is just as sweet… and Southern, to boot!  The talented Kelly Moore Clark was on hand to document the Louisiana nuptials at the Lincoln Parish Park.  Ruffles gave the bride’s vintage sheath (an eBay treasure) an updated look, and we’re still impressed Rachel and her photographer and now sister-in-law (with the help of Wal-Mart blooms) designed the floral arrangements themselves an hour before the ceremony.  (There’s DIY in action, ladies!)  Next to the intimate couple shots, Emily’s favorite detail is the fun burst of summery colors in everything from the flowers to the fabric wall treatments.  I have to agree: let’s skip spring and go straight to summer!

How did the two of you meet?  Tell us your story.  Ross and I met through mutual friends at a dinner party. We got along well and stayed in touch but were not looking for anything romantic, as we were both involved with other people at the time.  After those relationships ended, we realized we had the potential to become so much more than what we were, and felt that we belonged together.  Our relationship took a lot of sacrifice from both of us, namely a cross country move for myself and my two young children.  The girls and I are still adjusting to the culture shock of living in the South, but could not be happier with the family we have joined.  Ross and I believe that God has brought us together to heal the parts of our souls that were broken and to bring joy to ourselves and everyone around us for the rest of our lives.
Describe the proposal:  I was fresh off the plane from Las Vegas and had only been living in Louisiana for three weeks.  Ross and I knew that we were going to be married and were making plans for the wedding and our life together, but I still didn’t have my ring.  Ross  had commissioned a custom sapphire and diamond ring that I knew was on the way but had no idea when it was going to arrive.  One night, we were standing in the kitchen making dinner together.  Ross, who wears one of my gold rings on his pinky to remember me by, turned to me and said, “You know how much I love you, right?  I was thinking you could wear this ring until your ring arrives.”  He then pulled the ring off his pinky and crossed the kitchen to place it on my ring finger.  As soon as he got close, however, I could see the ring he was holding was not the plain gold band I had given him, but my beautiful engagement ring.   Once the shock and surprise wore off (and I stopped dancing around the room) he held the ring out and said, “So you want to marry me?”   The whole proposal was very personal and low key, and very fitting for our personalities.  He was able to surprise me in a very sweet and way, which was just what I was hoping for: magic.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Whimsical, vintage and homemade.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was:  Everything turned out more beautiful than we ever expected, but I would have to say our favorite detail was the quilt on the cake table.  It was made by Ross’ great grandmother and i’s bright pattern and bold colors fit perfectly into the theme of the day.  It was amazing to think that a piece of family history made so many years ago would fit into our wedding day so perfectly all these years later.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress:  I knew that I wanted a vintage dress, but wasn’t sure that the tea length A line skirt was the way to go. I  found my dress on Ebay of all places and fell in love with it. I purchased it for the low price of $200 and Ross’ mom let the seam out on the side for me.  It fit like a glove!   After a $30 cleaning and steaming, it was good as new and ready to walk me down the aisle.  I loved the neckline and simple, elegant feel of the gown.  I know it’s not the typical choice of most brides, but I love the way that dress made me feel.