Southern Weddings

Reading how couples met is on the top of my list of favorite things about my job. Sometimes couple’s stories are hilarious, others are movie-like. For Natalie + Wade, it was meeting at the right time, at the right place. I love how this V4 couple chose to spend their wedding day on the beaches of Watercolor Inn and Resort, the same place they first met. The tree under which they stood to recite their vows was filled with hanging flowers and looks so dreamy. See that photo of Wade with his eyes closed during the ceremony? Bliss. Biggest thanks to Tec Petaja who captured that moment and shared this wedding with us.

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. Wade and I met on the beach in Watercolor, Florida at the perfect time and place. I had just graduated from Texas A&M and began to question if I would ever find “the one.” Ironically, Wade was simultaneously praying about his future wife. One week after arriving at Watercolor, unbeknownst to me, I’m hanging out on the beach next to my future husband. We believe our families’ chairs were placed next to each other on the beach, not by coincidence, but by God. My nana and mom instantly bonded with Wade’s mom and sister because of their sweet spirits and common interests. After talking with his family for an hour or so, I discovered he was single like me, and our families immediately started trying to play matchmaker. They were successful in setting up a family date before their vacation was over. After returning to Tennessee, Wade decided he would fly back down to Florida a week later to pursue this possibility with me. He invited me to Nashville two weeks later, and after regular trips between Texas and Tennessee, the rest is history.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Breathtaking, romantic, unforgettable
How many guests attended your wedding? 210
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I went to two different bridal shops in Houston to find the perfect wedding gown. I had looked through numerous wedding magazines, as every young bride does, and thought I would love a mermaid style Vera Wang gown. But after trying on a mermaid style Monique Lhuillier wedding gown, I fell completely in love with it and knew it would be perfect for the garden setting of my wedding. Once I made my decision, I never looked back!
Describe your bridesmaids’ dresses. How did you choose them? I did not want traditional bridesmaids’ dresses because they are not my style at all, so instead, I picked out various BCBG dresses that were muted tones for the girls to choose among.
Briefly describe your wedding flowers: My flowers were one of my favorite elements of the wedding. I wanted them to be muted neutrals with pops of peach and blush tones featuring hydrangeas, David Austen roses, succlents, lamb’s ear, craspedia, and seeded eucalyptus. I purchased a wedding bouquet token to attach to the bouquet that said “I love you to the moon and back” with the date of our wedding on the back.

Photographer: Tec Petaja // Videographer: Celia Hilton // Planner: Watercolor Inn and Resort // Ceremony Venue: Western Lake Park at Watercolor Inn and Resort // Reception Venue: The Boathouse at Watercolor Inn and Resort // Florist: Bella Flora // Wedding Cake Baker: Confections on the Coast // Caterer: Fish Out of Water // Bridesmaid Dresses: BCBG and J. Crew // Bride’s Dress: Monique Lhuiller // Hair Stylist: Katie Carter // Makeup Artist: Two Fishes Artistry // Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade // Bride’s Jewelry: Grandmother of the bride’s // Bride’s Veil or Hair Accessory: Toni Federici veil, BHLDN wreath // Groom’s Fashion: J. Crew // Groomsmen Fashion: J. Crew // Paper Goods: Save the dates by Posh Paperie, invitations by Rock Scissor Paper, programs and maps by Jennifer Lane // Rentals: Bella Flora // Linens: Bella Flora // Favors: Kraft and Jute // Lighting: Bella Flora

Love this wedding? Check out these past features:
Natalia + Levi’s plantation wedding here and here
Mix and match bridesmaid dresses (inspiration + shopping guide)

Written with love by Nicole