We have had the thrill of traveling to so many iconic Southern destinations in ten years of publishing our magazine, but still, some stand apart. There are few destinations that hold as much history as North Carolina’s Biltmore Estate, and though staging an editorial shoot there was not without its difficulties (ahem, 4:00 AM wakeup time to begin shooting before guests arrived on the property!), all of the negotiations and accommodations were more than worth it.
With a love for history, literature, and the mountains, the couple we dreamed up looked right at home on the Biltmore’s terraces and grounds. We truly couldn’t have pulled it all together without our planner and stylist, Rebecca Rose Events, and our photographer, Henry Photography — we’re so grateful to both of them!
Each Southern Weddings gal has her own not-so-secret favorite V10 editorial, and this, my friends, is mine. Pride and Prejudice is our bride’s (and also my) favorite book, and our couple fell in love in a literature class in college. Though I did not meet my sweet husband until law school, my Jane Austen class happened to be one of my very favorite courses as well. If there’s anything dreamier than escaping to a countryside estate through reading, it’s bringing the whole scene to life and toasting to a real love story on the Biltmore’s terrace!
The lines on these beautiful ribbons (penned by Simply Jessica Marie) are from favorite Southern novels, but there are so many meaningful ways you could use this idea! You could write special notes to each of your bridesmaids on ribbons tied around their bouquets. Or, you could include meaningful phrases, song lyrics, or inside jokes you share with your future husband on your own bouquet ribbons!
Amber Housley and I were both tiara-wearing brides, and I support this particular accessory wholeheartedly. But if you want to add a little glamour without going over the top, this Emma Katzka headpiece is the ideal bohemian middle ground.
It doesn’t get much more romantic that this! These are the shots that made us happy to have that 4am wake-up call! One thing to consider if you fall in love with a venue that may be a bit over-budget: if you have a backdrop and setting that is simply gorgeous on its own, you can really save in your floral and decor budget! Some venues need little additional adornment, and the Biltmore is definitely one of those venues!
Escort card displays are a great opportunity to get creative and let your personality and love story shine. This vintage escort card display is a collection of thrift-store books wrapped in coordinating paper to create a romantic, literary station for guests to find their table numbers! The seating assignments themselves were calligraphied in large coffee table books guests could peruse to find their names.
The Biltmore is the largest privately-owned home in the United States, and the 8,000 acre estate grows beef, lamb, eggs, vegetables, herbs, and fruit on site to create their delicious menus. The Estate also hosts its own vineyard, creating the (very) local wine your guests can enjoy at your reception!
This couple’s unique, historical and literary wedding cake is ringed by a line from Henry James: “It has made me better, loving you.” Heirloom cake toppers were displayed around the cake table to celebrate the couple’s personal history as well.
For more from this story, pick up your copy of our tenth anniversary issue in our shop and on newsstands around the South!
Planner, stylist, and florals: Rebecca Rose Events | Photography: Henry Photography | Film Processing: PhotoVision | Venue and caterer: The Biltmore Estate | Hair and makeup: Lindsey Regan Thorne | Wholesale flowers: Fifty Flowers | Silk bouquet ribbon: Adorn Company and Of the Earth | Bouquet ribbon calligraphy: Simply Jessica Marie | Head chairs and vintage rentals: The Prettiest Pieces | Candlesticks and cake serving set: BHLDN | Chairs, glassware, china, and flatware: Professional Party Rentals | Linens: Nuage Designs | Chargers: Wayfair | Wooden sign: Rebecca Rose Events with lettering by Sarah Hanna Calligraphy & Design | Invitation suite, menu cards, and bookmarks: Bella Figura, Envelope calligraphy: Sarah Hanna | Seating chart calligraphy: Calligraphy by Carole | Chocolate favors: Sugar Cloud Baking Company | Welcome basket contents: French Broad Chocolates, Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn, Vanderbilt Reserve Wine | Vintage cake toppers: Patricia Minish Designs, Over the Top Studios, and Dorothy Kinghorn Huggins | Vintage car: Air Haven Limousine | Bride’s gown: “Andie” by Carolina Herrera | Crown: “Camellia” by Emma Katzka | Bride’s earrings: Bailey Banks & Biddle | Red heels: “Cirrus” by Jessica Simpson from Amazon | Clutch: Ted Baker London from Nordstrom | Bridesmaid dresses: “Madison” in Dusty Rose by Katie May for BHLDN | Groom’s pants and vest: Bonobos | Groom’s jacket: ASOS | Tie: The Tie Bar
Hi there! I’m loving my new Southern Weddings Planner and the 10th anniversary issue! I was a little sad to realize I could have received 40% off on both, but I didn’t realize that when I purchased them. Is there anything you guys might be able to do for me? :) Since I’m trying to save up for the big day I figured I would ask :) Thanks so much!
Hey Holly! We emailed you! :)