Southern Weddings

It’s my delight to unveil our final Southern Weddings V8 editorial for this week! Love Preserved was built around a couple who met as kids competing in 4-H and share a deep love for their hometown–its farming history and its rustic charms–and their desire to see this special place flourish led them to plant their own roots where their story began. They married on a plot of farmland where they’ll build their forever home and introduced their guests to many of the things they hold most dear — including handmade pickled goods and a little pink pig!

Big hugs to Blue Ribbon Vendors Nancy Ray Photography and Hey Gorgeous Events, who brought this story to life alongside a heap of talented folks! (See them all below!)

Coral Pheasant designed this pastel wedding invitation suite, complete with a map of the couple’s farmland. It points out key wedding day locations as well as the site of their future home!

We love the ways Rhiannon played with blushes and lavenders in this shoot, splitting them out for the bridesmaid bouquets and then combining all of the hues together for our bride’s.

Caitlin has the best bangs, doesn’t she? We loved working with her and her sweet fiance Tyler on this editorial!

This photo captures all of the most adorable participants on our shoot day — three little flower girls who drove all the way from Alabama to be a part of our story, and a little pink pig named Gumdrop! Gumdrop stole everyone’s heart on set, not least because of the story of how he found his way to his owner. Christin bought him as a present for her maid of honor, Savanna, since she had wanted a pig for years! Christin now considers herself Gumdrop’s agent :)

We pulled in vintage items from Paisley & Jade for the outdoor ceremony, including a gorgeous rug and mantle, to represent pieces the couple would repurpose in their home after their wedding day. The thought of a couple walking across the rug where they said “I do” every time they enter their home makes me giddy!

One of my favorite details from this shoot was the favor display, filled with pickled favorites canned by the bride and groom. I had a very specific vision for how I wanted this shot to look, and Nancy (plus the streaming sun!) knocked it out of the park!

We filled the center of the reception table with beautiful blooms from Rhi along with cut vegetables and crusty bread for guests to nibble on. Each guest was treated to an individual pickle plate — a prelude to their delicious favor!

Last but certainly not least, we finished the evening on a sweet note with a trio of white wedding cakes from Ashley Cakes. The floral collar on the largest is so delicate and perfect for spring – it stole my heart!

For more from this shoot, check back soon for behind-the-scenes photos and a BTS video! And, as always, if you haven’t picked up your copy yet, you can do so here or on newsstands near you!

Photographer: Nancy Ray Photography | Film processing: Indie Film Lab | Videographer: Heart Stone Films | Stylist and florals: Hey Gorgeous Events | Hair stylist and makeup artist: Lula Hair and Makeup | Cakes: Ashley Cakes | Paper goods: Coral Pheasant | Map illustration: Social Alchemy | Linens: Nuage Designs | Runners: Silk & Willow | Table and charger rentals: Party Reflections | Vintage rentals: Paisley & Jade | Glassware, china, flatware: Vintage Charlotte | Marble cutting boards: Pizitz Home & Cottage | Wooden cutting boards: AK Woodburning | Wooden menu: AT Home Decor | Teal shelf: World Market | Bride’s gown: AH6200 by Saja | Bridesmaid dresses: Joanna August | Menswear: The Black Tux

Nancy Ray Photography, Heart Stone Films, Hey Gorgeous Events, Lula Hair and Makeup, Ashley Cakes, and Paisley & Jade are delightful members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory and Joanna August and The Black Tux are delightful SW sponsors!

Written with love by Emily