When it comes to mixing decor genres, I believe Southern and nautical make the perfect pair! Throwing some British inspiration into the mix could have made it more than interesting, but for Heather and Eric, with the help of their planner and florist, Crystal at Southern Posies, incorporating all the different strands of their heritage came together in an absolutely lovely day! I’m officially obsessed with the oyster shell table runner and the story behind Heather’s single magnolia bloom bouquet (be sure to read below)!
We’re sending bug hugs all the way to Austin to Mrs. Caroline Joy for capturing this pretty day!
My something borrowed was my late grandfather’s tie pin that my grandmother lent me; my grandfather was the beloved patriarch of our entire family, and we lost him just a few years ago, so I just had to have him there with us somehow. My something blue was an evil eye charm that a stranger pinned on me when I was a baby–he told my parents that “I would need it,” as they are supposed to protect the wearer from evil thoughts. My something old was my antique sapphire ring that my parents found when we lived in England. My something new turned out to be a solitaire teardrop sapphire necklace that Eric gave me on our wedding day. I also had a sixpence in my shoe that my brother’s best friend brought me over from England when he came for the wedding to surprise my brother!
The décor was an odd mix of Southern, nautical, and a little British (my family and I lived in England when I was in high school). My planner and florist, Crystal, and I picked out soft blooms in cream and blush to complement everything, and anemones, succulents, and dusty miller really brought out the nautical elements. After Crystal and I had designed a beautiful bridal bouquet, Eric and I were having a hard day with a difficult, very personal family issue. Driving into my neighborhood, I saw that the magnolia trees were in bloom, and seeing them cheered me up, so I asked Eric to stop so I could pick one. I’ve always loved magnolias, so I apologized to Crystal and asked her to change my bouquet–I carried a single magnolia bloom, and Eric’s boutonniere was a magnolia seed.
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? We did not write our own vows, going with tradition. We did write promise notes to each other though, and our favorite promises were to never stop working on our marriage and to always speak kindly to each other, no matter what. That’s a promise we live by now.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress. I made an appointment at Ivory and White in Birmingham and showed my consultant, Molly, several pictures of dresses. She laughed and told me that all my pictures were of the same dress, and she had it in the store! I tried it on and just loved it. My momma, however, really didn’t like it. Even though it made me sad that my mom wasn’t in love with it like I was, I just didn’t see another dress I liked. We found out the designer was having a trunk show at the store in a few months, so we waited until then to purchase the dress. The day my mom, my mother-in-law, and I went to buy the dress, I tried on lots of trunk show dresses, just for fun. My mom really liked one of them, and when I put it on, I realized it had everything the first dress had, and more. The only thing this dress didn’t have was a train, but Molly told me the designer could add a train to the dress. It was perfect!
Short of the British pub table outside the church, I am not sure what wasn’t Southern about our wedding. All of the food was Southern–sweet potato fries, oysters, green beans, fried chicken, prime rib, mashed potatoes, cornbread, collards, and chicken tenders and mac and cheese for the kids. The pound cake and red velvet cake are both Southern favorites. A lot of the details included seersucker and grosgrain. We included our love for Auburn–guests signed a framed and matted print from Auburn that says “from family grows tradition,” and I had a garter from Tiger Rags. We are the fourth generation in my family to be married in June. My favorite Southern details were the hand-sewn heirloom dresses we gave to the bell ringers, because they turned out to be the prettiest ones I have ever seen. And of course, our favorite Southern tradition was our receiving line.
I really love classical music, and being a ballet dancer, visualizing things to classical music comes easily to me. When I listened to the wedding pas de deux from The Sleeping Beauty, I could just see all of those walks up and down the aisle. The music is so, so beautiful and romantic and just lent itself perfectly to our wedding.
When we told Ms. Rose Pollman, the wedding cake designer at the Staple bakery in Mobile, that we wanted a traditionally decorated cake, she was over the moon. Too funny! She made the most delicious cream cheese pound cake that we served with strawberries.Eric’s groom cake was red velvet, and the cake topper on it held special significance to us. On a road trip, we passed two horses on opposite sides of a fence that were nuzzling necks as close as they could get. We just knew they loved each other! The nuzzling birds now always remind us of those horses and to love each other, no matter what fence is in the way.
How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. The summer after my junior year at Auburn University, a friend invited me to go downtown one night. There, I met all of his friends, including Eric. We were instantly attracted to each other, and were pleasantly surprised to find out that we were both majoring in engineering. We started to hang out more and more, and not long after we met, Eric brought up talk of a relationship, which I didn’t quite respond to the way he had hoped, and apparently, I didn’t talk to him for two weeks. As fate would have it, magic was in the air that fall, and we grew closer with each date and exciting football game. A few months later, a friend of a friend blatantly asked us, in front of a lot of people, if we were “like, together?” to which Eric furiously shook his head and said that was not the case. I thought his response was a little too quick–I guess it was his revenge for the alleged “two weeks of silence,” because when I asked him if that wasn’t a possibility, he said it was possible. The next morning, on his birthday, I remember waking up so happy because I was thinking of him. I told him later that I had a birthday present for him–that if he wanted to talk about a relationship, I wouldn’t freak out. It took us six months from when we first met to put aside our stubbornness, but we’ve pretty much been inseparable ever since.
Tell us all about the proposal! From Eric: It was December, and I picked the ring up on Saturday morning with a reservation at Hamilton’s Restaurant that night to “celebrate her performances in The Nutcracker Ballet.” After dinner, I convinced Heather to go on campus with me instead of going to see her family, who were in town for her ballet performances, at a nearby restaurant. After some nerve-wracking conversation, we finally walked over to the swing where we had gone to talk after our first date. After reminiscing about that date, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. After a noticeable and, once again, nerve-wracking pause, she started to cry, so I tried to lighten the mood and said “Please?” She said yes!
When did y’all get married? June 7, 2014
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? About 200
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? We cut having a videographer pretty early on, which is actually something I really regret–I wish we had taken a longer look to cut out other things that weren’t lasting. We used a lot of our own décor, which cut down on flower costs and rentals. Also, my planner and the awesome lady who designed our paper suite are both just starting out in the industry, so their costs were not as high as most other vendors. They were both fantastic and attentive and so personable to work with, and their work turned out more beautifully than I could have imagined!
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? I’m a crier, and I surprised myself the entire day by not crying. I was just so happy all day! But then, we started saying our vows, and tears just started streaming down my face. The most memorable moment for me was when Eric wiped my tears away.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? We are just happy to be living together and having quiet days to ourselves. We are definitely looking forward to building our home, traditions, and family together!
Photographer: Caroline Joy Photography / Planner and Florist: Crystal Strickland from Southern Posies / Ceremony Venue: Fairhope United Methodist Church / Reception Venue and Catering: Steelwood / Wedding Cake: Pollman’s Bakery / Band: The Voltage Brothers through EastCoast Entertainment / Paper Products: Kara Anne Paper / Bride’s Gown: “Katarina” by Vera Wang / Bride’s Second Gown: “Sweet Dreams” by Ivy and Aster / Bride’s Veil: “Leda” by Vera Wang / Bride’s Earrings: Kate Spade /Hair Stylist: Joanna Ballentine and Molly Stilley from Morgan Ashley Salon / Makeup Artist: Celine Russell / Bride’s Shoes: “Chantilly Booties” from BHLDN / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: “Niceties Dress” in French Grey from BHLDN / Men’s Attire: Black by Vera Wang from Men’s Wearhouse / Bow Ties: J. Hilburn / Cufflinks: Bullet Cufflinks / Girls’ Getting Ready Robes: BHLDN
The best thing about being married is having your best friend always by your side. I love seeing his smiling face everyday after work, it makes going home so much better!
Ashley H, Orlando, FL
I think my comment got eaten so I’m trying again!
My husband and I dated long distance for almost 5 years before we got married 2 years ago so my favorite thing about being married is all the time we get to spend together now! Since most of our dating was spent rushing around weekends trying to fit a month’s worth of activities into two days, we now look forward to any weekend that has zero plans and use that time to create a blanket nest on the couch.
My favorite thing about being married is having a partner, to help you, hug you and be there for you whenever you need it. My second favorite, a close runner up, is a having a lifelong sleepover with your favorite person.
Jillian S. Beltsville, MD
The absolute best thing about being married is having an accountability partner in my walk with Jesus Christ. My husband keeps me grounded, and helps me to remember to always keep God first in every aspect of life. He’s also pretty cute to look at!
Knowing that I always have someone in my corner & on my side (: No matter if my hair is a mess or I completely burn a casserole, he’s right there waiting with a hug & kiss. He truly embodies what “extending grace” means, & it’s one of my favorite things about having a husband!
It’s been surprisingly fun to have the same last name. Newly monogrammed things aside :).. When you’re dating you don’t think how it will feel for people to refer to you as mrs-his-name. There’s something about it that feels so fun and special and permanent, connecting you to generations before you and beginning your own little family of two.
My favorite part of marriage is getting to start and end each day with my best friend. It’s the fact that his home is my home, too.
I was surprised by how much I love sharing a last name. There’s something so sweet and special about being Mrs-his-name. You feel connected to generations before and that somehow it makes your little family of two official.
The best part about being married is having a partner to experience every walk of life with; the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
My favorite thing about being married is having someone who makes me want to be the best version of myself. Even after almost 9 years, he still constantly encourages me to be successful, loves me like I’m the most deserving person in the world- even when most times I feel far from deserving.
There’s so many things I love about being married. Besides having someone to take out the trash and kill bugs, it’s wonderful to have a partner in life. Someone to enjoy the big moments along with the little ones. Someone to cheer you on and lift you up. Someone to keep you in check when you’re getting a little crazy. Someone to just truly love you and for you to love back.
I am the luckiest girl in the world simply because I got to marry the man of my dreams. As I’ve grown older, I have had many goals + aspirations added to my “bucket list”, but now I realize that my husband, Clayton, entirely encompasses it. He is my bucket list. He is my glass half-full, if not overflowing, and he makes me a better person because of that. He makes me laugh, he comforts me when I cry, he takes my breath away, & still makes my heart skip a beat. He captured my heart and I gladly threw away the key, and I am beyond blessed to have gained a partner who will walk with me by my side, hand in hand, to wherever our journey leads us.
Oops! I forgot to put where I am from…
Atlanta, Georgia
Thanks! Can’t wait for the new issue!
My favorite thing about married is doing life with my best friend. Whether it’s praying before we go to sleep or making chocolate chip pancakes on a Saturday morning, I love making memories with him.
My favorite things about being married are Friday date nights, daily runs outside…even though I get passed because I’m much slower ;), traveling to new and exciting places, long chats over coffee on Saturday mornings, nighttime snuggles and best of all…knowing my husband and I are living “OUR” dream together!!
Living and Loving in Sweet Home Alabama!
I met my husband in college. My mother passed away the year prior to breast cancer. I knew, when I met my husband, that he was the one – instantly. He felt the same thing. Because I was still dealing with the loss of my mother, I was not emotionally ready for the relationship. I moved to a different college and we both moved forward with our lives. After 15 years and failed marriages, we were randomly reunited. We have now been married for three years. My favorite part of my marriage is knowing each day that, although the path has been broken and painful, by grace, I was given a second chance to walk through my crazy, joyful, flawed and completely beautiful life with my best friend and love of my life!
My favorite thing about marriage is creating and establishing family traditions with my husband! I live for sweet memories and it has been so much fun to share them with my best friend!
To put it simply, I get to see my favorite person in the entire world every single day. What’s better than that?
My favorite part of being married is continuously learning from each other and growing with each other. We each have our own passions, but are always willing to share those interests with each other. My husband taught me to fish, golf and shoot; I shared my passion for running, yoga and cooking. We love the opportunity to engage in these interests with each other!
Leanne W- Durham, North Carolina
There are so many! But my favorite part is falling asleep wrapped in each other’s arms and waking up to sweet, good morning kisses. We’ve been married for 5 years now, and it’s still something we look forward to all day and can’t wait to get home for!
My favorite thing about being married is that he knows me better than I know myself and shows that to me with little gestures of surprises. That moment when he comes home from work with a lemonade in hand because he knows I had a rough day is truly the sweet spot of marriage!
The best thing about being married is never having to say goodbye at the end of the night! I remember hating that when we were dating, and now we don’t have to! I love doing life with my very best friend. He see’s me at my best and worst, and I love that at the end of a hard day or argument he will lean over and say, “You know there is no one that I would rather do this with….right?” For better or worse.
The little moments are my favorite part of marriage; fits of laughter, morning coffee, silly dancing, and evening strolls with our dog.
My favorite part about being married is continuously learning from each other and always growing with each other. We each have our own passions, but are always willing to share our interests with one another. My husband has taught me to fish, golf and shoot; I’ve shared my passion for running, yoga and cooking. We love the opportunity to engage in these interests together! – Leanne W. Durham, North Carolina
My husband and I have been married for 3 months and I am a brand new military wife. I still get butterflies when he walks in our door is his uniform. I love hearing him introduce me as his wife, I don’t think that will ever get old. I love knowing that in all of the ups and downs of life, we get to go through them together.
-Kelsey H
Savannah, GA
My favorite thing about being married is two-fold. It’s the pride I feel when I call him my husband and the comfort I feel knowing that I have a companion for life with whom I love more and more every day.
Laughing everyday like I’m in high-school. My husband is mature and serious and but has always made me laugh with a good sense of humour, however it wasn’t until we were married that I saw his real silly side. He is a creative (graphic designer) so he’s forever making up silly but creative on-the-spot songs depending on what I’m doing (like making sandwiches) and turns an otherwise menial moment into hilarity. I love that he tries to make me laugh and loves to see me happy! How nice that it’s someone’s goal each day just to see you happy and laughing.
Having a built in late night chinese take out partner and fellow car dancing aficionado. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that mean the most. Emma A. Washington D.C.
I feel like my favorite thing about being married should somehow sound more glamorous. We have been married for 6 years and anytime anyone asks me about marrital advice I tell them you have to want to be married just as much as you want the person. It’s not enough to love the person next to you, you have to love being yolked to them. That is my very favorite thing – that i am connected to my spouse. He makes my burdens lighter, my happiness more happy and my sorrows less cumbersome. He pulls with me everyday. I love how the Savior said, take my yolk upon you…and he shall find rest unto your soul. I think it’s the perfect model for marriage. Commit to one another and pull with all your might through this life. I love that my husband is my dear companion through the good and rough terrain of this life. And that we are not just in love with each other, but in love with being yolked together.
My favorite part of being married is witnessing the vulnerable moments, the things that don’t happen around anyone but me, knowing that my husband trusts me enough to be himself without concern for judgement.
I would love it if you would like to include my quote!
Carolyn G.
Greenwood, SC
On a serious note, I love having a teammate. We have such a baby marriage, but it is already the sweetest thing to have a partner to walk through life with.
On a less serious note? Well, my husband is a fantastic cook, and it’s his turn in the kitchen every Tuesday. So…Tuesday evenings are one of my favorite parts of marriage ;)
– Haley B.
Charlotte, North Carolina
There are so many great things about being married, but my favorite is that I get to start and end each day with my best friend. However, there are simple pleasures about marriage that bring a smile to my face – I love getting my mail and seeing his last name behind my first, and I love sending Christmas Cards from our family to others. I think marriage is about the simple things in life, and just knowing that I get to share my everything with him brings me the greatest joy!
My favorite part of being married is cooking dinner for my hubby each night. Like many Southern women I show love through food, and it makes me so happy to make his favorite dishes and watch him clean his plate!
My favorite thing about being married is having a “forever” date to all of life’s events and adventures! Whether it’s going to weddings, dinners, movies, concerts, work events- you name it- I love that even though we’re married, he’s always my date :)
Athens, Georgia!!
Our favorite part of being married is the amazing sense of comfort we find in our relationship. When our lives outside of our relationship get chaotic and stressful we know that our stability at home will carry us through. While we have many things in our lives to question, we never question our relationship.
My favorite thing about being married is knowing that – as happy and full of love as our lives are now- the best is yet to come!
Washington, D.C. (always a Tennessee girl at heart)