Southern Weddings

We know, we know: you love real weddings.  With a passion.  In fact, you love them almost as much as we do – which is really saying something.  Because real weddings make you happy – and because we want to make you happy! – we’ve picked some of our favorite real Southern weddings from the November issue.   As an added bonus, we’ve included never-before-seen shots from the couples’ big day you won’t even find in the mag.

First up is Aubrie + Josh, photographed by our North Carolina neighbors at Kim Box Photography.  When a model (Aubrie is the Deal or No Deal stunner who holds case number 23) marries a rock star (Josh plays for the international rock band, Trust Company), it’s understood that their wedding celebration is going to be a scene-stealer. Engaged just eight months later, Aubrie + Josh took long-distance wedding planning to a new level, flying back and forth from L.A. to the groom’s hometown of Montgomery, Alabama once every two weeks. 

The bride’s middle name (“Lemon”) served as the design inspiration for the star-couple’s yellow-infused nuptials at the historic Oaks Plantation.  Everything from the hand-drawn sketch of a lemon tree on their letterpress invitations to the lemon-colored dresses Aubrie’s bridesmaids selected played up the bride’s cheerful middle name. 

One thing the happy couple couldn’t plan on?  The string of flash flood and tornado warnings that plagued Alabama in the four days leading up to their wedding.  Luckily, the sun broke just in time for Aubrie, in a gown from David’s Bridal, and Josh to exchange their vows beneath the groom’s favorite oak tree.  The outdoor ceremony was officiated by the bride’s grandfather.  How sweet – and Southern! – is that?

For their reception, the newlyweds attempted to preserve the relaxed, home-spun feel of their outdoor ceremony with a tented reception on sprawling lawns.  Aubrie + Josh’s take on the post-I do’s?  “Our reception, in a word, was fun!”  In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, the bride + groom treated guests to fresh summer cupcakes from Icing Illusions and a candy bar, replete with an old-fashioned cotton candy machine.  Talk about a sweet ending!

Fun fact: Aubrie + new hubby, Josh, came all the way out to Atlanta to attend our November launch party!  They were our second real wedding couple to attend a launch party, and were just as adorable – and gorgeous – in person.

Credits: Photographer KimBox Photography; Planner Southern Wedding Designs; Venue The Oaks Plantation; Tent and Rentals American Rental and Tent Company; Florist Southern Wedding Designs; Wedding Cake Baker Icing Illusions; Caterer Marchelle’s; Bride’s Dress David’s Bridal; Accessories Bel Aire Bridal; Hair & Makeup Christine Colucci of Makeup Mafia; Reception Music Just a Few Cats.

As a reminder, NONE of these photos are featured in the latest issue!  Snag your copy now to see the rest of the goodness!