Southern Weddings

Today’s gorgeous bride described the couple’s Atlanta wedding as “unpretentious, fun-loving, and perfect!” Of all the adjectives that our darling brides have used to describe their weddings, Eddie’s three not only encompass her big day exactly, but they might be my favorite I’ve ever read. While tradition and formality are important to us as Southerners, we believe weddings are supposed to be personal, and a meaningful start to a long-lasting marriage. And for Eddie + Jordan, keeping their big day relaxed and enjoyable for everyone — kids and adults alike — was the ultimate representation of their personalities!

Based off the ear-to-ear grins on the faces of Eddie + Jordan and their guests, I’d have to say they achieved their goal. Special thanks to Harwell Photography for capturing the joy of their day!

Look at that stunner! My bouquet was an all-white delinquent handmade giant garden rose. The bridesmaids had a beautiful mix of gorgeous flowers with pops of purple, and the boutonnieres were unique and timeless, with just enough color.

I knew what style would look good on my body type, so I set out to find that immediately, and gave myself about 30 days to make a decision. I found my dress at the second boutique I went to, which was having a Vera Wang trunk show. How much easier can it get?

Ear-to-ear smile = pure radiant joy! You, Eddie, are gorgeous!

I love how Eddie and her planner used complimentary shades of purple and lots of white flowers to create the perfect pop of color!

One word for these handsome fellows: dapper! Love all of the pattern mixing going on!

I loved how handsome my two sons looked once they were dressed. Jordan’s suit definitely blew me away as well. He looked so handsome and perfect! To think, I didn’t even get anyone dressed — they did such a good job on their own!

Tell me a bit about the wedding ceremony.  The most special thing for us was the music selections. I had a group from our church come in and sing before and during the ceremony, which really set the tone. Since I wasn’t getting married at a church, I decided I better get some church to us! Jordan walked out to a song called “Thank You” by Johnny Gill and New Edition, and I walked out to “I Believe in You and Me” by Whitney Houston. With her passing away last year, it was important to me to make sure that I was able to honor her memory in some way. More importantly, that song really encompassed all that I wanted Jordan to know about how I was feeling and the degree of my commitment to our union. It was perfect!!

I agree with Eddie, the King Plow Arts Center is a divine location! She said “I just loved the idea of the old brick and concrete of this industrial setting meshing with all things pretty and new that the wedding would bring to the space. It was gorgeous!”

We’ll be back with more from the reception in just a bit!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story.  We met at a supper club back in 2006 that was the known spot for “social singles.” Jordan was sent to our table to chat us up. Long story short, after a year and never returning his calls, I did run into Jordan again. I didn’t remember him initially but he remembered me and vowed that day that he wouldn’t be shaken off so easily again! Needless to say, he had severely changed his tone and the rest is history.
Tell me all the basics of your wedding! We chose Memorial Day weekend because it was important to us both that our guest would be able to travel from far away and have an extra day to still enjoy the festivities of our wedding. With the holiday Monday built into that, it really made a beautiful weekend. We chose to have our wedding at a venue called The King Plow Arts Center. The wedding started at 5:30pm.
What was the weather like on your big day? It had to be about 85-90 degrees. HOT!!
How many guests attended your wedding? 125 guests
What was the design inspiration for your wedding?  Why was this design special to you as a couple? Our design inspiration was something that we were both very familiar and comfortable with. We both grew up in small towns with humble beginnings so that sense of easiness and things that feel familiar had to be incorporated into the space — old school candies, a high school-style DJ, simple but elegant décor. We wanted to convey to our guests that yes, this is our special day and things look so pretty, but we are going to have a stinking good time still! Neither of us like spaces where you feel like things are so posh that everyone tends to be uptight all night! NO BUENO! I like to think of it as a posh-yet-weathered setting with touches of nostalgia that created a sense comfort and intimacy.
Bride’s favorite detail of the wedding: I also thought that my planner was Jesus for about 10 minutes while I stuffed my face with the food she and her staff packed for me and Jordan to eat back at our room that night. That detail alone was a lifesaver because neither of us got a chance to eat at the wedding. Thank you for taking care of us, Michelle!
What did the groomsmen wear? They wore charcoal grey tuxedos with no tie to convey the relaxed feel of our event, with off-white shirts and off-white leather shoes. It worked in perfectly with our wedding, however I wouldn’t suggest that anyone wear that without at least three other guys that are dressed the same!!
Who participated in your ceremony? Six of my best girlfriends were my bridesmaids, and my two older sisters were my honorary bridesmaids. Jordan’s niece was our beautiful flower girl, and his groomsmen were made up of two of his brothers, one cousin and two of his best friends. My oldest son, Jackson and our son Myles were our ring bearers.
Who was one of the most special guests at your wedding? Jordan’s grandmother. I had not met her before that day and since both of my grandmothers are not with us any longer, I was so pleased and honored that she was able to make it!

Harwell Photography is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

Written with love by Marissa