Google+ Katharine, Author at Southern Weddings

Southern Weddings

Author: Katharine

“Promise me you’ll never forget me, because if I thought you would I’d never leave.” –Winne the Pooh

Two years ago, I thought writing my first post on the Southern Weddings blog was a difficult (and downright daunting!) task. Lucky for me, you were the most gracious and patient of readers, and helped ease me into my first job out of college. (Thank you!) Writing this post, on my last official day in the SW office, though, is another beast, entirely. While I’m excited for the changes (and significant student debt) law school promises, I can’t help but be sad to think my time in this very special office is coming to an end. Since my husband assures me laughter is the best remedy, join me on a trip down memory lane as I relieve some of my favorite – and happiest – times at Southern Weddings. As Emily so eloquently says, it’s been real, y’all!

Anyone remember this gem? If you’ve been following us from the beginning, you likely remember Emily’s and my “Southern Introduction” on the SW blog. Emily and I both started work at SW Mag, barely a month out of college, back in July 2009. After only a week in the office, Lara treated the SW newbies and our handsome beaus to a welcome dinner in Chapel Hill. With literally hundreds of snapshots, photo shoots and iPhone pics now under our belt, I believe this was the first time Em and I were ever photographed together. Aww!

It wasn’t too long after that Emily and I got to work on what would be our first issue of Southern Weddings. After months of hard work, long hours and frequent infusions of sugar for this candy lover, V2 hit the stands. I can’t remember being so proud of a finished product. It seems y’all loved it just as much!

We oversaw countless shoots for V2, and met some incredible vendors in the process, but it was this portrait session of the two of us that topped my list. The SW office (not so jokingly) refers to these pictures as our engagement shoot. Emily is such a diva! (Wait ’til you see the wedding pics.)

Hard work is nice and all, but it was the post-V2 celebrations I loved the most. If you know our office even a little bit, you know we are serious about our Smilebooth sessions. This candid from our Launch Party at Bridal Bar Atlanta sums it (and us) up quite nicely.

In between photo shoots and Smilebooth vogueing, I did manage to squeeze in a bit of work.

A very little bit of work. (Just don’t tell my boss, okay?)

I thought the transition from college student to working girl was big, but the winter and spring following the publication of V2 brought some momentous changes of their own. I accepted a proposal from my college sweetheart, (reluctantly) started planning a wedding and dove headfirst into what would be the biggest and best issue in Southern Weddings history.

Of course, it wasn’t all work and no fun. Kyle, my now-husband our resident social butterfly, sure enjoyed himself at all of our office outings.

Though it’s common knowledge around the SW office that I hate (loathe, despise, break out in hives at the mere thought of) having my picture taken, I spent a happy day in front of Millie Holloman’s lens. We love her!

This series, also by Millie Holloman, doubles as Emily’s + my “wedding photos.” Don’t judge us.

And then there was that time I got married. As much as I dreaded the planning process and prided myself on being an atypical bride, I have to admit my wedding day was, in fact, the best day of my life. See our official posts on the wedding here, here and here.

While I definitely feel like I hit the relationship jackpot in marrying Kyle, I also was lucky to have a troupe of my nearest and dearest friends serve as bridesmaids at my wedding. Emily, a lovely bridesmaid herself, actually was the inspiration for the stunning black dresses the girls wore!

The day after my wedding, Lara presented me with an advance copy of SW V3. Best wedding present ever? I think yes! (I sure do like that big screen T.V. from Kyle’s parents, though…)

There are a whole lot more memories (and pictures!) from my two years at Southern Weddings, but when you get right down to it, what I’ll miss most, of course, are my co-workers and the times we’ve shared. (Cue the Vitamin-C “Graduation Song,” circa 2000.) I love this shot of us from Christmas 2010! There couldn’t be a better foursome to help pick up where I’ve left off.

And then there’s Lara and Emily, without whom I would not have landed my first job (thank you, L!) and this blog would not exist (you’re the best, E!). Lara, I’ll miss your charisma, energy and and indomitable go-get-’em attitude. (I’ll also miss the endless supply of candy you funneled my way. Think we can work out some kind of mail order candy system?) I feel lucky to have had had the opportunity to learn from you and to challenge myself to become a better individual and businesswoman. Watching you continue to transform your life and your business from afar will be my pleasure! And Emily, I’m willing to bet not every girl is lucky enough to have a co-worker become a true friend. We’ve often joked that I’m the yin to your yang, and after thinking about well and seamlessly we’ve worked together these past two years, I now appreciate how accurate that description really is. You are graceful and poised, genuine and talented – and I can only hope some of your lovely qualities have rubbed off on me. Spending time with you has made me better, and knowing you is a privilege!

Last, but oh-so certainly not least, thank you! For welcoming me to the blog and this fabulous office two years ago, for waiting patiently while Lara showed me the ropes, for taking part in my wedding planning process last year and for loving Southern Weddings just as much as we do – thank you! I feel honored that so many of you have shared your own wedding plans and questions with me and that I had the privielge to take part in one of the happiest times of your lives. You can bet I’ll be following along from the law school library, with SW bookmarked as my go-to guilty pleasure during study breaks – and hopefully sending a few updates of my own along the way. (They do have study breaks in law school, right?)

xo,
Katharine

Written with love by Katharine
16 Comments
  1. avatar Jennifer from Canada reply

    Congratulations! Have a wonderful time on this new adventure, and all the ones to follow. God bless you!

    I sure will miss your posts!!

  2. avatar Meredith reply

    What a wonderful post, Katharine! I remember reading about all of these fun moments over the last two years. Good luck with everything!

  3. avatar Emily reply

    Sob! What a beautiful post from a beautiful lady. LOVE YOU!

    • avatar Lara reply

      I’m with Em. I am a wet mess of tears AGAIN today! We love you so much. Missing you beyond words already. You are a phenomenal woman, KTW.

    • avatar Whitney reply

      I have to join in. Katharine, I love you! You have brightened up the SW office for two years and we are going to miss you dearly. I am so proud of you for pursuing your law school dream and I fully expect you to still attend all office parties. Can I bribe you with candy?

  4. avatar Becky @ Roost Flowers reply

    Lovely post…you’ll be missed:)

  5. avatar Erin reply

    I’m not gonna lie–and maybe it’s just ’cause of all the royal wedding emotions–but that Winnie the Pooh quote made me cry! What a lovely goodbye letter, Katharine! You will be missed, and best of luck in law school!!

  6. avatar Adrienne reply

    Say it ain’t so! I will really miss your VA prespective and classy posts.

  7. avatar Katie reply

    You are going to be missed! You are so poised and so talented, and I know you are going to do WONDERFUL things in law school and beyond! Plus, I’m sure you can still get care packages in law school right? :)

  8. avatar Lisa reply

    Aww! Katharine, you are lovely and this post is beautiful!! I wish you all the best in the world at law school!
    Lisa

  9. avatar We Love You, Katharine! « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] just couldn’t let our dear KTW go without a few words from each of us, especially not after her post this morning. Without further ado… Katharine, You are one of the funniest people I’ve met in a […]

  10. avatar angel swanson reply

    best wishes, katharine!! i know your law school adventure will be amazing ~ may your future be filled with many more beautiful experiences! xo

  11. avatar Kara reply

    Congratulations on Law School! If I understand correctly, you are coming to UNC? I am just now finishing up my second year at UNC Law and love it! Good luck :)

    P.S. Thanks for all of your posts! They have been incredibly helpful as I plan my own wedding.

  12. avatar Anna Kim Photography reply

    Mixed emotions of sadness and happiness. I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts, it’s been some mornings highlights while I drink my coffee. But I am so excited to see what the future has in store for you. Best of luck, Katharine!

  13. avatar belinda reply

    I think ….I know I got teary because ” breaking up is hard to do” when relationships grow and GO! Good luck….push your self and make things happen!

  14. avatar Southern Weddings 2011 Recap « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] Vendor Directory and the Honey List) 63 :: current number of Blue Ribbon Vendors 1 :: number of departures from the Southern Weddings office. Katharine is as happy as a goat in a briar patch in grad school, […]

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

Reply to:
close

I know, I know: April showers bring May flowers and all that good stuff, but this spring has brought plenty of other changes to the SW office. Lara is busy growing a human, for one, we’re moving to a brand new office and soon we’ll be expanding our team! (So much for a few measly showers and flowers, huh?)

The past few months have been especially busy and exciting for me, too. Tomorrow, I’ll be leaving Southern Weddings for the land of law school and student debt. (Trust me: it’s scarier than it sounds.) After nearly two years with Lara, Emily and the SW crew, it’s hard to imagine my day-to-day without them or this beautiful blog, but we’ll save the sappy post for tomorrow, okay?

Though my time at Southern Weddings sadly is coming to a close, I couldn’t be more excited to announce our new Ad Director. We scoured the blogosphere and reviewed scores of resumes looking for the perfect gal to take over the advertising reigns, but in the end realized she’d been right under our noses the entire time. Yes, folks, I’m happy to say the new Southern Weddings Ad Director is a familiar (and friendly!) face to most of you.

Please join me in giving a good old-fashioned “howdy” to Whitney Davis, Southern Weddings Ad Director extraordinaire! Whitney has been an integral part of the SW team for the past two years, and many of you have followed her transition from college intern to editorial assistant and, now, to our new director of advertising. There are few people who know the SW brand, community and sponsors as well as Whitney, and I couldn’t dream up a better person for the job. The fact that her initials are W.E.D. is just further proof that Whitney was born for this industry!

Her best attribute, though? Girlfriend can work a Smilebooth like it’s her job – which, as a member of this fun-loving team, it kind of is.

Written with love by Katharine
11 Comments
  1. avatar Lisa reply

    Congratulations, Whitney!! Y’all seem like such a wonderful, close group–it is so sweet to read about here on Southern Weddings! :)
    Lisa

  2. avatar Erin reply

    I had no idea–I’m sorry to see you go Katharine, but I’m sure law school will definitely be amazing and you’ll do amazingly well! And CONGRATULATIONS WHITNEY! How exciting! I love that your initials match the business oh-so-perfectly–it’s a sign!

  3. avatar Alison reply

    Congratulations Katharine!! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you start your new adventure! I am so sad to see you go as I truly refer to your posts almost daily for guidance and inspiration as I plan my 09.10.11 wedding (with the wonderful Ashley Baber!). Best of luck and please have the other girls keep us readers updated on your progress!

  4. avatar Bethany A. reply

    Oh my goodness! I had no idea you were leaving Katherine! I’m so sad, but a new adventure is beckoning you!! Thank you for your dedicated service and love to SWMag!Congrats!

  5. avatar Kelly Sauer reply

    Yay, Whitney! I never even realized that you weren’t already part of the official SW team! Congratulations on your new position – do enjoy!

  6. avatar Charity reply

    Congrats Whitney!!:) it’ll be sad to see Katharine go (beautiful wedding btw!). love those initials W.E.D.!!

  7. avatar Miss Type A reply

    No, no, no! I’m graduating law school right now…and I want YOUR job! Good luck, though!

  8. avatar FloridaStateLove reply

    Miss Type A hit the nail on the head!! But we still love you and SW at FSU law!

  9. avatar Meredith reply

    Congratulations, Whitney!

  10. avatar Nancy Ray reply

    Yipppeeee! Congratulations, Whitney! Very excited for your future at SW!

  11. avatar Petronella reply

    Katherine, all the best with law school. Your energy and spirit will be missed on the SW blog. Congrats to you Whitney. Well deserved!

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

Reply to:
close

I’ve read a lot of wedding interviews in my time at SW, but can say, without a doubt, that none have been sweeter than Taylor’s account of how he met and eventually won over his lovely bride. (If you don’t usually, you’ll definitely want to read this couple’s sweet story!) After a whirlwind two month engagement, Laurie Anne + Taylor exchanged vows at the Aldridge Gardens, with Stephen Devries on hand to document their intimate service. The bride, in a Bella Couture gown, pulled out all the stops when it came to planning to outfitting her wedding party: pearl gray mix-and-match frocks from J. Crew with coordinating wraps (my favorite), cowboy boots and crisp gray suits for the gents. Laurie Anne’s veil was a Charlsie and Linda Designs creation, and Carol Riley of Lillie’s styled arrangements of lush blue hydrangeas. We’ll see you back here for Part II!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. (From the groom) We met in ethics class our junior year of college at Auburn University. I was already in class our first day when I saw Laurie Anne walk in. We quickly became close friends that semester. We both liked each other, but I was moving back to Birmingham and she was staying in Auburn. We lost touch and I spent the next three years trying to get over her. By this time I was living in NYC and thought she was out of my life for good. I had deleted her number from my phone and cut off all connection with her in an attempt to really move on. Next thing I know, I have a Facebook message from Laurie Anne telling me she is coming to NYC for a work trip and that she wants to hang out. So here is where I really tried to move on from her. I messaged her back, finally telling her how I really felt and have felt about her since the day we met, fully expecting her to respond like, “Sorry, I had no idea.” But instead her message back to me was a confession about how she has not been able to get me out of her heart, either. We talked on the phone for hours and within two days, she had a plane ticket to come visit me. That was easily the best give days of my life. Somehow the city was practically empty everywhere we went. Several times throughout the weekend we had stumbled our words and almost told each other “I love you,” but had managed to catch ourselves. But after a ferry ride to Staten Island, while sitting at the harbor looking towards Manhattan, I finally told Laurie Anne that I loved her. From there we had the greatest long distance relationship possible. Jesus blessed us with a very generous amount of sky miles, free plane tickets and time off work to where the longest we went without seeing each other was only three weeks…which was torture! A month and a half later, I had quite my job and was returning to Birmingham to get my bride.

Describe the proposal. Since Laurie Anne and I worked together, it made surprising her with a proposal a little tricky. I would pick her up on the way to work and after work would hang out with her until we got tired and then I would head home. So there was really no time to surprise her. I figured my only chance to catch her off guard was the only time we were apart: while she was asleep. The night before, I had been praying about how to go about this proposal and the Lord told me to open my Bible. I randomly opened to a very familiar chapter I had been dwelling on for the past year and began to read. I woke up before the sun, and planned to get to her house at sunrise. I snuck into her room at sunrise, knelt down at the side of her bed and woke her up. I read my promise to her and asked her to marry me. She said, “Yes!!!!”

Written with love by Katharine
5 Comments
  1. avatar laila reply

    really it is a sweet love story.hope you the best Laurie Anne

  2. avatar Taylor and Laurie Anne: Featured on SWS blog! | Stephen Devries Chronicles reply

    […] Woke up this morning to Taylor and Laurie Anne’s wedding featured on the SWS blog!  So excited for them and to be featured again…check out part one on SWS HERE. […]

  3. avatar Jennifer reply

    This is such a sweet love story! Congrats!!!

  4. avatar Courtney reply

    Such an incredibly sweet story! I wish yall the best!

  5. avatar Weekly Round-Up « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] week: Laurie Anne + Taylor had a sweet reception backed by a sweeter love story. See the wedding here and […]

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

Reply to:
close
Top