Southern Weddings

Judging by the impassioned comments on our first football wedding round-up (celebrating the SEC, of course!), y’all take your football seriously! Not that we had any doubt, but still. Since Marissa’s in NYC at Bridal Market, the task of writing our second football round-up fell to me (not exactly sure how that happened…). Though I historically would not have classified myself as a football fan, I have developed a deep appreciation for the sport and its culture after watching the entire series of Friday Night Lights last year. (Goodness, don’t even get me started on that show!) I also know a thing or two about the ACC, since I married a diehard Duke fan and have been a fan-by-association for the last seven. I’ll try not to let that color my narrative :) Let’s get started!

Top to bottom: Amy Arrington, My Glass Slipper, Photographs by Sabrina, Scott Hopkins, Melissa Ragan, Amy Arrington

Clemson University
Nickname: The Tigers
Mascot: The Tiger and the Tiger Cub
Colors: Clemson Orange and Regalia
Location: Clemson, South Carolina
Joined the ACC: Original member (1953)

Next, my favorite – Duke!

Top to bottom: Luster Studios, Walters & Walters, and Logan Jarrard

Duke University
Nickname: The Blue Devils
Mascot: The Blue Devil
Colors: Duke Blue and White
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Joined the ACC: Original member (1953)

Let’s head down South to FSU!

Both by Paul Johnson via Southern Weddings

Florida State University
Nickname: The Seminoles
Mascot: In addition to Osceola and Renegade (see below), Cimarron the horse
Colors: Garnet and Gold
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Joined the ACC: 1991

Fun Fact: FSU lays claim to what might be the most dynamic tradition in college football (in fact, it’s almost too dynamic-sounding to be believable, but it is!) At every football game at Doak Campbell Stadium, a student portraying the famous Seminole Indian leader, Osceola, charges down the field riding an Appaloosa horse named Renegade and plants a flaming spear at midfield to begin every home game. Whoa! FSU graduate Bill Durham envisioned the idea of Osceola and Renegade while still a student and sought and obtained the approval of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Osceola’s regalia is designed by the tribe, and Durham and his family supply the beautiful Appaloosa horses who portray Renegade. Make sure you YouTube this one if you’re not familiar with it!

Next up: Georgia Tech!

Natosha Ledbetter and The Decisive Moment

Georgia Institute of Technology
Nickname: The Yellow Jackets
Mascot: Buzz the yellow jacket and the Ramblin’ Wreck
Colors: White and Old Gold
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Joined the ACC: 1979

Fun Fact: The Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech is the 1930 Ford Model A Sport coupe that serves as the official mascot of the student body. The Wreck is present at all major sporting events and student body functions, and its most noticeable role is leading the football team into Bobby Dodd Stadium, a duty which the Wreck has performed since 1961. The Ramblin’ Wreck has been the target of several pranks perpetrated by rival schools — the University of Tennessee once provided the Wreck with an unsolicited new paint job, and the University of Georgia has stolen the Wreck on at least two occasions. The official Ramblin’ Wreck is considered the only “true” Wreck, and no backups or replacements exist.

On to Maryland!

Peter Bang and Roberts Photographers

University of Maryland
Nickname: The Terrapins
Mascot: Testudo the diamondback turtle
Colors: Red, White, Black, and Gold
Location: College Park, Maryland
Joined the ACC: Original member

Since we couldn’t find anything for the Hurricanes, we’re going to move on to UNC! Two from our team graduated from Chapel Hill, so it holds a place in some of our hearts… though not in mine! Ha!

Top to bottom: Martha Manning (yes, that’s Kristin!), Carisa Chee, Lime Green Photography, and Graham Terhune

University of North Carolina
Nickname: The Tar Heels
Mascot: Rameses, a live Dorset ram. A stuffed ram makes appearances as well :)
Colors: Carolina Blue and White
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Joined the ACC: Original member

Continuing right down the road to NCSU!

Cyn Kain

North Carolina State University
Nickname: The Wolfpack
Mascot: Mr. and Ms. Wuf, who are stuffed wolves, and Tuffy, a live Tamascan dog
Colors: Red and White
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Joined the ACC: Original member

Nothing for the Cavaliers, but it’s easy to find beautiful weddings that took place on UVA’s campus, like this one and this one!

Up next: Virginia Tech!

Charlotte Geary

Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Nickname: The Hokies
Mascot: The Hokie Bird, a turkey-like bird that grew out of the former Fighting Gobbler mascot
Colors: Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Joined the ACC: 2004

Last but not least, Wake Forest!

Marissa Moss

Wake Forest University
Nickname: The Demon Deacons
Mascot: Demon Deacon
Colors: Old Gold and Black
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Joined the ACC: Original member

Tell me: Where does your alliance lie? Have you been to or will you be representing your alma mater at your wedding?

Amy Arrington, Scott Hopkins, Graham Terhune, and Cyn Kain are fabulous members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

Written with love by Emily