Lara Casey, Author at Southern Weddings

Author: Lara Casey

Karen Tran: Gold

by Lara Casey in Inspirations on March 26, 2009

Welcome to another lovely Karen Tran Thursday! We love this color palette of golden elements that Karen put together. The colors instantly turn this wedding into a royal affair with gorgeous gold accents throughout the decor. Be sure to check out her previous posts here: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII.

A truly classic, elegant theme for a wedding is gold and white. The singular selection of white as a wedding theme, accented with gold, creates a truly romantic backdrop for a wedding ceremony or reception. White is a clean color, without distraction, allowing the focus of the event to be on romance shared between the bride and groom. White candles create a luminescent glow throughout the entire reception space, adding to the romance of a white and gold themed wedding.

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credits: Top Left {Tim Otto}, Top Middle {Jennifer Dery}, Top Right {Jennifer Dery}, Bottom Left {Karen Tran Florals}, Bottom Right {Tim Otto}

Written with love by Lara Casey

2 Comments

wedding chicksd March 26, 2009 reply

the gold theme is so pretty, very rich and elegant looking :)
Jodi {In Any Event} March 26, 2009 reply

What a lavish creation! Very romantic and gorgeous… I love the lush cake table, it’s beautiful!

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Details: Tammy + Mickey

by Lara Casey in Real Weddings Beyond the South on March 25, 2009

Tammy + Mickey’s wedding is full of beautiful Moroccan detailing complete with a belly dancer. On top of that, I love Tammy’s Greek heritage and how beautifully it was woven into this celebration. Tammy and Mickey were married at {Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral}. The bride wore an {Amy Michelson} gown and the groom looked dashing in his {Canali} suit. The beautiful floral detail was created by {Louloudi Designs}. After the ceremony, Tammy + Mickey traveled with their guests to {Hotel Figueroa} for the reception. Check out what Tammy called “the talk of the evening”… the wedding cake was made by {Rosebud Cakes}! Photography by {Gia Canali Photography}. Check out more of Gia’s work on her {Blog}. Thank you for sharing this fun wedding with us today, Gia!

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How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story: I lived across the street from Mickey’s shop for six years and we would always notice each other but nothing came of it until finally three years ago when he asked me out. He would always make sure that he was outside setting up the shop at the time I was leaving for work and would stop me at the stop sign in front of the shop and bid me a good day. Finally he got up the nerve and we went out. From that point on we were together.
What was the design inspiration for your wedding? I love Moroccan architecture and design, so I found this hotel that was perfect for an ethnic style wedding. I wanted the guests to feel as if they were taking a flying carpet ride to a Kasbah to enjoy traditional Moroccan food and bellydancing. I am Greek and Mickey is Hungarian so of course there was Greek dancing with a bouzouki band.
Favorite design element of your big day: I loved the menus that were done by an Indian company as well as the placecards that were little brass incense burners with peacock feathers coming out of the top of them. Mickey and I made the cards and assembled them. It was tedious but fun. They looked so nice.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: My dress was at the second shop I tried. The experience was funny because I went alone and found it right away. I knew what I wanted and had sketched it out so when I found something so close there was no need to make it. The designer is {Amy Michelson}. Amazing. The boutique is: {The Montclair Collection}.
Describe your wedding flowers: Along with the exotic theme of the evening, I wanted lots of vibrant colors. We went with magenta orchids and tangerine dahlias. The tables held the same type of flowers but in bunches of one type of flower which made a statement.
Describe your wedding cake: My wedding cake was a design from {Margaret Braun}, the ultimate cake decorator. It was the Empress Theodora cake with 24K gold mosaic tiles on it in a Byzantine pattern that was adorned with a royal blue swag and topped with a crown that I had copied from a piece of jewelry I had from By Royal Order. It was the talk of the evening.
Our favorite aspect of the wedding was: I loved the fact that my wedding was intimate and everyone was able to take home Moroccan lanterns filled with chocolate kisses with our names on them as well as a little seed packet that said “grow with love”.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Exciting, ethnic, and sensual.
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding? Have a blast doing it. Do exactly what you want within your budget and do not listen to tradition if that is not your style. Make it quirky and interesting for your guests. Remember that is why you are having a wedding with people attending. Make sure not to lag in between dinner and dancing. The evening must flow.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? We enjoy traveling and plan on visiting my cousin in Greece this summer for her wedding, then off to Mykonos.
Any DIY items? I say, if you have any creative bone in your body, make the place cards, and as much as you can. It really makes a difference with that special touch.

Congratulations to Tammy + Mickey! Have fun in Greece!

Written with love by Lara Casey

3 Comments

Gwendolyn Tundermann March 25, 2009 reply

What a beautiful wedding!! The bride is just gorgeous and the church is so ornate! I love that they had a bellydancer. How fun is that?! The last shot is simply breathtaking. This is one of my favorite posts to date!
Kayleen T. March 25, 2009 reply

What a gorgeous wedding! I love all of SW’s photo collages! They’re so inspirational.
Ayesha March 26, 2009 reply

These are soo beautiful. Very Nice Touch on the Moroccan lanterns.

Contest: Sweet Biscuit Paper and Press

by Lara Casey in Contests on March 24, 2009

How adorable are these ring bearer pillows and garter sets? Lucky for you, our latest contest will give one lucky reader the chance to add a fanciful touch to their dream day with one of these gorgeous designs from Sweet Biscuit Paper and Press! We love that {Sweet Biscuit Paper and Press} provides unique, hand-made, personalized announcements, invitations, and assorted products that add an element of whimsy to your event. From luxurious ring bearer pillows and garter sets to custom boutonnières and stunning jewelry, Sweet Biscuit Paper and Press has so much to offer to make your special day even more special!

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Win: A ring bearer pillow and ribbon flower garter set!

To Enter: In honor of the arrival of spring on March 20th, leave a comment on this post describing your favorite thing about this time of year. Yay for birds, blooms, and blue skies! Winner will be chosen at random.

Contest Ends Tuesday, March 31st at midnight! Good luck everyone!

Written with love by Lara Casey

83 Comments

Nicole-Lynn March 24, 2009 reply

The things I love most about this time of year is the beautiful spring weather, flowers blooming, and an extra hour in my day to spend with those I love the most!
Alexis March 24, 2009 reply

Floating down the river at the springs and grilling with friends!
Angie March 24, 2009 reply

I LOVE spring for all the beautiful floral blooms. Still cool enough to bundle up in layers to snuggle, but warm enough to wear a pretty frock to the Farmers’ Market on the weekend!
Cassie Pawling March 24, 2009 reply

Of all the wedding contests I have wanted to win, this one I want to win the most. These sets go so perfectly with the aura of my wedding!! My favorite part of spring in March is that it is quite warm out, you can start soaking up the sun, but there is always a beautiful breeze to balance the warmth. Finish in March and April is just gorgeous.
Amber March 24, 2009 reply

i love the heat, and the fact that all my tulips are starting to bloom! without pops of color around itd feel like winter!
Sandra Miller March 24, 2009 reply

I love that I can sit outside and read a book!
Leah March 24, 2009 reply

My favorite part of spring the campus of the University of Mississippi. There are beautiful tulips and daffodils everywhere that you look!
Ashley March 24, 2009 reply

My favorite time of the year is fall. I love all the beautiful colors (even though they don’t change to much here in Florida) and the nice cool weather. And I don’t have to worry about allergies!
Renee March 24, 2009 reply

My favorite thing about spring is seeing the little drops of dew on grass and bushes in the morning… it’s so pretty and refreshing! This is a terrific giveaway, the Sweet Biscuit products are too cute for words.
Lynn March 24, 2009 reply

I love that I can finally loose the heavy layers of clothes and constricting socks and boots in favor of lighter spring fashions. Plus there’s more daylight in my life again instead of heading home from work after dark!
lauren eudy March 24, 2009 reply

seeing green on the trees, on the ground, it’s wonderful to see renewal
Brittany March 24, 2009 reply

I am in love with the colors of spring. My favorite thing to do is look up at a blue sky and see the pinks and whites of the blooming trees!!And these pillows are DARLING!
Megan March 24, 2009 reply

The thing I love most about spring is when the weather is warm enough to drive around town with the sunroof open and peoplewatch! The first days of warm weather bring everyone outside!
Patty March 24, 2009 reply

Springtime! How do I love thee, let me count the way…I have a floor-to-ceiling window in my living room. I love sitting in the sunlight that pours in (warms me from my head to toes) with either a bowl of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream or a good book. Warm goodness! Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
Amanda Andrews March 24, 2009 reply

My favorite thing about spring is the perfect weather for long sleeve shirts and shorts, and being able to breakout the sandals for the first time since summer!These pillows would go perfectly with our khaki seersucker groomsmen and ring bearers!
Emie March 24, 2009 reply

Spring is hands down my favorite time of year! I love the look of the trees as their just beginning to bloom. I love watching my dog lay in the grass in our backyard (winter is too cold for him, summer too hot). I love that the farmer’s market opens next month! I love that I can stop running on the treadmill and instead run around my neighborhood! And I love the smell and sounds of Spring…it’s such a happy time!
Karen March 24, 2009 reply

I live in New Orleans and one of my favorite things about spring is the blooming of the azalea bushes. If you go uptown on St. Charles, almost every residence has at least one bush, and the bursts of color are so beautiful!
Brittney March 24, 2009 reply

I love spring… especially THIS spring… because I’m marrying the love of my life. Mostly I love spring because it’s a reminder of the old becoming new. The trees regain their leaves, flowers are there that we hadn’t seen, the grass becomes MUCH greener. For Central TX – we’ve been in a drought… but, I think this is the most beautiful spring we’ve had. I love newly cut grass and days in the sun :)I would LOVE one of those ring bearer pillows :)
Jenn H March 24, 2009 reply

I love that it is actually still sunny out when I leave work!
Caryn March 24, 2009 reply

I love spring because it’s green! Everything is green outside and life is just so mugh lighter. Enough of the cold harsh winter, people are in good moods, everything is new and fresh! I think this season is when the world is beautiful!
Alexis B March 24, 2009 reply

Cherry Blossom trees in full bloom!! :)
Jordie March 24, 2009 reply

I love spring! I am able to spend so much more time outside. I live in Georgia and the weather is perfect for sitting outside reading a book or going fishing. I can even lay by the pool without getting hot. (I just can’t swim in it yet!) I love seeing all of the flowers in bloom, especially the tulips.
Joan March 24, 2009 reply

My Nana grew the most fragrant, vibrant, lilacs in her yard. My cousins, siblings, and I would all complete to collect the biggest blooms for her to arrange on her kitchen table. Thinking of her whenever the first lilacs appear is my favorite part of spring.
Sara March 24, 2009 reply

I love that, as the days get longer, I can dust off my bike and go for rides in the evening after work.
Stephanie March 24, 2009 reply

I love that this means the days will only get longer and warmer, and that at the end of spring is summer! I also love that it means lots of lazy weekends in the sunshine with my wonderful family and fiance!
Emily March 24, 2009 reply

My favorite thing about Spring is being able to walk my dogs during the cool, pretty evenings. Nothing is better than being outside on a pretty day. Not to mention I’ve been looking for a garter and those are so great!!
Mel295 March 24, 2009 reply

Warming my toes in the sand at the beach…I love being about to walk down my favorite stretch of Florida coast and feel the warmth from the sand match the warm sun on my shoulders.
Kelli March 24, 2009 reply

I love spring because the it starts getting warming and you can spend your days in your bathing suit soaking up the rays. You can have bbq by the pool, go to the park with you dog and run around. I love just relaxing outside and enjoying the sunshine. It is the most relaxing thing to me.
Lillian March 24, 2009 reply

My hands down, no question, absolute favorite part of this time of year is the newness it brings. In these troubled times where we’re constantly bombarded with gloomy news, all you have to do is slip on your favorite sundress, feel the sunshine on your shoulders, and take a walk outside to witness the colors of creation unfolding. Truly…what can beat that!
Junage March 24, 2009 reply

It’s still sunny when I leave work!
stephanie March 24, 2009 reply

Wow- Those are some gorgeous ring pillows and adorable garters!!!There is nothing better than a beautiful, sunny, and crisp spring day. I recently moved out west and just thinking of spring makes me miss warm Georgia weather so much! To me, spring signals the begining of another wonderful southern season made complete by the smell of freshly cut grass, bright spring blossoms, and days spent by the pool grilling out with friends.
Lauryn Adkins March 24, 2009 reply

I really love the warm sunny days and cool crisp nights! Its the perfect time of year :-)
Ivy March 24, 2009 reply

i love the fact that its not too hot, but just warm enough. when you go outside, the sunshine doesnt make you sweat – but makes you happy instead!
Kelsey March 24, 2009 reply

My favorite part is the extra sunlight we get back after the gloomy winter. It never fails to brighten up my mood! :) It doesn’t hurt that my brithday is in Spring either!…and these ring pillows and garters may be the most adorable things I’ve seen yet!
Theresa March 24, 2009 reply

Lilac bushes are in bloom, sandals appear on store shelves, pink lipstick makes a comeback and hope is renewed!And *this* Spring I will say "I do" to my best friend! Hooray to Spring!
morgan March 24, 2009 reply

Spring Break and flip-flops!
Nicole Allman March 25, 2009 reply

My favorite thing about this time of year has nothing to do with the season or the weather. It has to do with the excitement that resonates as the school year comes to an end. Kids buckle down & study for exams & those that are in their last year burst with thought they might actually get through this thing called ‘college’. My years as a graduate student are coming to an end, but I’ll have to wait just a little longer than most since I won’t graduate until August.
Erika March 25, 2009 reply

I love Spring because it means I get to have outside adventures with my honey. We fish, camp and enjoy all of the outdoor beauty that Alabama has to offer.
Miranda March 25, 2009 reply

The return of warm weather– and cute sandals!
Abbie March 25, 2009 reply

My favorite part about this time of year is that the snow is starting to melt (I live in a ski town), running outside and my flowers’ leaves are starting to sprout– at least this year! I’m excited that spring is coming a bit early this year! I can get off the treadmill and enjoy the sun!
Conchetta March 25, 2009 reply

My absolute favorite thing about spring are crisp white blouses with lots of poufs and ruffles
Allyson March 25, 2009 reply

I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada. At this time of year, we are preparing for the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival… It’s a HUGE event here, and absolutely stunning to view. Many weddings are photographed at this time. Standing under the trees, when the wind blows, and the petals fall, it’s like God himself is showering your union with kisses :)
Ashley March 25, 2009 reply

I love spring because it means it is time to head to the water… We fell in love on the water in coastal South Carolina and this time of year we start going out for little day trips that turn into weekend trips as it gets warmer.
PinkPrincessR7 March 25, 2009 reply

The thing I love most about this Spring is that my 2-year-old niece is now aware that Spring is here and threw a temper tantrum because she actually wanted to stay outside! Poor thing was so sick of being trapped inside during our cold, snowy, New England winter! She got her way and played for another 1/2 hour! : )
Clara March 25, 2009 reply

I love watching all the new plants and tree bloom. Spring is the reason I garden.
Katy March 25, 2009 reply

I love being able to drive with my sunroof down (music blaring of course), watching colors gradually replace the brown’s and gray’s of winter, that the sun stays out past 6:00, that I can finally pull out my favorite shorts and sandles (and wear them everyday), that little itch you get (also known as spring fever) when you know that classes are almost done and summer is almost here, the general "cheery" feeling of the season, and the fact that my birthday is right in the middle of it all!I’ve been looking for both of these items everywhere, and these from Sweet Biscuit are too cute!
CatisaKitty March 25, 2009 reply

BBQ!!!!!!
Jaclyn Rickwald March 25, 2009 reply

I love the extended day light and the cherry blossoms. :) So Romantic.
kelly March 25, 2009 reply

I love this time of the year in Melbourne, rainy days in autumn. Waking up in the morning, feeling very warm and cozy in the bed by just listening to the rain on my window.
Caroline B. March 25, 2009 reply

Two things: Shopping at the farmer’s market for fresh produce… and (although it seems silly) getting into a weather-warmed car after work!
Aisling March 25, 2009 reply

My favorite things about Spring are the extra hour of sunlight, the blooming flowers, hearing the birds in the morning, and grilling out with friends! What’s not to love about Spring!
Brooke March 25, 2009 reply

I love the newness of everything. The birds chirping, the flowers blooming, and smell of fresh cut grass. It’s just a renewing feeling!
Anne March 25, 2009 reply

Spring to me means eating dinners outside on the back deck with my family and friends. Burgers and hotdogs cooking, lanterns lit, good conversation flowing and cheer for great company.
lee March 25, 2009 reply

my favorite thing this spring is i’m getting married at 41 for the first time. Spring feels full of new life and possibilities!
Suddie Moma March 25, 2009 reply

Spring is a season of renewal !! I love to get a good book, a favorite cup of tea and sit on my one-hundred year old porch, curled up in a padded rocker with the warm sunshine refreshing my soul and body. The birds are singing and fueling up for their long journey up north. The wisteria smells so sweet and gorgeous to the eye. The bumble bees are busy with all the beautiful flowers about. Is it any wonder that love is in the air? I love the old, something new and something borrowed in a wedding.
Mrs. Jetplane March 25, 2009 reply

Love her I bought my ring bearer pillow from her last year.
Kristen March 25, 2009 reply

I love the warm sunshine and long sunny days! And flip flops! The Sweet Biscuit stuff is too cute!
Abigail March 25, 2009 reply

I love that it is warm enough for my fiance and I to walk to fun things like brunch/dinner/ice cream and can take our dog with us and sit outside!
Sarah March 25, 2009 reply

There’s so many things I don’t know where to start. As a child I always loved May because it’s my birth month. Along with my birthday, May is also our anniversary. Spring, in my opinion, is the most beautiful and cleansing season. Everything is growing and starting new. I love all the pastel colors and spring blooms…Oh- and waking up with birds singing outside my window. *sigh*
Katie March 25, 2009 reply

I love to wake up and hear the birds chirping outside, its the greatest motivation to help me wake up knowing that others are up this early as well and they are ENJOYING the morning air!!!
ggsb March 25, 2009 reply

I always look forward to the easter lilys around our mailbox starting to break through the mulch in the flower bed. They multiply so each year there are a few more than the year before….I can’t wait to see how many there are this year!
Kameisha March 25, 2009 reply

My favorite parts of the spring are the days are longer, I love the weather, and the beautiful flowers blooming.
Maggie March 25, 2009 reply

What I love about spring is being outside after being cooped up all winter. Plus my birthday is in spring, the weather naturally lifts my spirits, and people start to bar-b-que and bonfire… mmmmmmm!
Meghan March 25, 2009 reply

My favorite thing about this time of year, aside from the weather, are all the new shoes that are arriving in stores now. So many bright colors and new looks… now I just have to find just the right pair for my wedding.
Morg March 26, 2009 reply

Driving with my sunroof open!
erinleigh March 26, 2009 reply

Love, love the smell of freshly cut grass.
Ashley H March 26, 2009 reply

I love when spring time finally arrives!!! Besides the amazing trees in bloom and the warming air, I love the mood of the population and how people just generally seem excited about life when springtime comes around!
Amanda March 26, 2009 reply

Cherry blossom trees (yay for living in DC!) and just that innate feeling of freshness and beauty. I can’t leave the house without breathing it all in! :)
Courtney March 26, 2009 reply

Being an Azalea Belle from Wilmington, my favorite thing about spring is all of the Azaleas in bloom, especially the ones that surround my parent’s house. Those same azaleas are being used in my bouquet.
betsy March 26, 2009 reply

I love the chirping. I love the smell of fresh cut grass. I love the balmy temperature and the cloudy skies with the flash of sunlight. I’m a southern girl that moved to southern California for ten years. I longed for the seasons and moved back. I have since fallen in love with a boy from high school, and we’re getting married in June. Seeing my baby nephew carry one of these sweet ring bearer pillows will bring me to tears as I am reminded of all the reasons why I moved back….love, family and the changing of the seasons!
Amy March 26, 2009 reply

I absolutely love seeing the tulips start to peak up out of the ground. That’s when I really start to recognize that spring is finally on its way! Such a beautiful prelude of all the joys of the season to come. The evenings feel longer when I come home from work during the daylight…more time to spend outside with my fiance and our adorable mutt, Kylie! AND hanging my winter coat up for a while is definitely super-enjoyable!! :-)
Maggie March 27, 2009 reply

I love sunshine and the blooming cherry trees. You can’t help but smile when you walk outside!
ThickChick March 27, 2009 reply

Living in Portland Oregon, the spring air either smells like sweet blooms, or rain… both of which I adore!
Hilary March 28, 2009 reply

My absolute favorite thing about this time of year is the smells. I love that one day you wake up, walk outside, and you can just smell in the air that spring has arrived, the smell of flowers blooming, grass being cut, and fresh air. The most wonderful smell for me though, is the smell of a rainstorm coming. I love watching spring thunderstorms, so to be able to smell one coming, always gets me really excited!
Safiya March 28, 2009 reply

Spring is my favorite season. In the spring the air just smells different. I notice the changes everyday on my walk to work. There are more little animals running around and playing in the trees. The tiny bursts of color as flowers bloom in our neighbors yards. Even the abundance of weeds that have sprung up in the last week are welcomed if it means that warm weather is finally here.
Victory B. March 29, 2009 reply

I love more than anything how the days get longer! That means more time to play after work with friends and of course, my fiance:)
Ashley March 30, 2009 reply

I love spring!!!! The smell of fresh cut grass, tulips and daffodils popping up, trees blooming and turning green. I love it that days are getting longer, the sun is shining and its the perfect weather for jogging, biking, picnics, and anything outdoors. Spring is a time for new beginnings, it signifies the marriage of my parents and will soon be the time for my own wedding(May 30th)!!!!
Katie March 30, 2009 reply

I run outside about 3 or 4 times a week and during the winter it can get pretty lonely (not to mention mighty chilly). I love when the warm weather comes and I get to see lots of my neighbors, their kids, and dogs outside enjoying the weather. It makes my smile during my workouts.
Nikki March 30, 2009 reply

The best part of spring is the flowers, the family bbqs, the sun on my face and the wedding planning!
Dorothy Tyndall March 31, 2009 reply

I enjoy the Florida sky, just before it gets dark. It is a dark blue, almost like rain clouds, and a lighter blue, it is so pretty I don’t even know the right color to describe it.
Meredith Green March 31, 2009 reply

I love the mix of the cool, crisp days with the warm ones that gives me the hint of summer.
Jessie March 31, 2009 reply

Waking up early to the sound of birds chirping outside my window instead of snow plows in the street – is definitely a much better alternative! Spring is a new beginning just as Matt & I will have when we get married – it won’t be spring though – we are getting married the day after Christmas! Thanks for your offer – keep smiling its spring!
betsy March 31, 2009 reply

I love seeing everyone outside…playing, jogging, doing yard work, reading, whatever. I love it when my friends call me to come over for a grilled feast al fresco. I love that I can finally drink white wine again….so crisp and refreshing on a warm spring afternoon! And I love the renewed strength and inspiration to plan my wedding that the spring season gives me.