Y’all! This might have been the hardest post for me to work on… ever! As many of you know, I am already married (to the love of my life) and had my own Southern wedding. When I planned my own wedding (almost three years ago) I knew exactly what I wanted: classic Southern style, light pink accents and, for BDK’s contribution, men in tails + bow ties! Needless to say, I nixed the top hats and white batting gloves.
My taste hasn’t changed much since then. I still love classic Southern style and light pink, however, looking at gorgeous Southern weddings everyday doesn’t help my decision making skills! Poor Emily took a billion inspiration images (fifteen of which were dresses) and turned them into the great boards you’ll see below – thanks, Em!
Image credit from left to right and top to bottom: Emily Ley Paper, Studio Cabrelli via SMP, Christine Farah, Corbin Gurkin, A Bryan Photo, Tec Petaja, via Style Me Pretty and Yan Photography.
Tell us the basics. Where do you want to get married and when? How many people would you invite? Well, let’s just start by saying this is my dream vow renewal (I wouldn’t want to give BDK the wrong signal, now would I?)! I would love to renew my vows at the amazing Cathedral in Downtown Mobile where I grew up, however I am IN LOVE with the amazing outdoor cathedral from this Tec Petaja wedding. Since I need to plan around baseball season, I’d go with a lovely winter wedding with a small group of our closest family and friends.
What’s your design inspiration and color palette? I am completely obsessed with the image of the Bible and pearls from A Bryan Photo. It’s actually the background on my computer! I love the soft, feminine feel and the meaning behind it. I’m also inspired by classic Southern style with a bit of ballet shoe-colored accents. Think Grace Kelly/Audrey Hepburn with a slow Southern drawl.
What details and traditions would you include in your ceremony? Since this would be my vow renewal, I’ve always loved when the bride and groom meet half way down the aisle and walk to the altar together. Such a powerful message in just a few short steps. I would also be sure that the Bible verses that were read at our wedding were read at our renewal.
What dress would you wear? Um, herein lies quite a problem! I love SO many dresses that I absolutely cannot pick just one! Since this is my dream wedding, and in my dream I can wear as many dresses as I want, I would wear (in no particular order!): Amsale Coco, Amsale Dahlia, Justin Alexander 8483, Watters Escalante and then a gorgeous custom Chaviano Couture mini-dress for the getaway. I do have to add that IF I had to choose just one, I would say the Justin Alexander would win!
Image credit from left to right and top to bottom: First two images and last two images A Bryan Photo, plate with cameo and monogram napkin images Martha Stewart Weddings, cake by Amy Cakes and photo by Amy Rae (see more from this shoot here!), Kristin Vining and The Nichols.
What would your flowers look like? Like Nicole, I love giant, fully bloomed peonies. For my vow renewal, I’m leaning toward a fluffy all white bouquet, even though I do also adore that light pink color palette! I do know that I die for long and clean estate tables with low and fluffy arrangements with LOADS of tea light candles. Who doesn’t look stunning in candlelight?!
What details and traditions would you include in your reception? I absolutely love the idea of displaying generations of family bridal portraits, it’s just so sweet and personal. I would have large estate tables below bands of string lights enveloping family and friends while they dined on mixed vintage china (preferably heirloom!). Dancing and more dancing! Have you ever sung at the top of your lungs along to Journey at a wedding? It’s pretty fab, I’m not going to lie! Oh, and I’d monogram everything!
What food would you serve? I’m a big fan of good Southern comfort food. I’d love to serve macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, mini pot pies, grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken & biscuits. My reception would say we’re formal, but like to have fun!
Where would you honeymoon? In a private bungalow in Bora Bora! They have see-through glass floors, y’all!
What’s most important to you about weddings? God and love. Weddings, as gorgeous as they may be, are truly about two people being joined together as one to share, grow and love for the rest of their lives. Weddings are just the beginning of a crazy wonderful adventure!
What do you think, ladies? Should we begin planning a vow renewal for Miss Marissa? :)
P.S. In case you missed a post…
Nicole’s Dream Southern Wedding
LOVE this trend…though I hesitate to say trend, because I hope it sticks around! I definitely want to do this for my bridesmaids someday!
I hope so too!
I love it when brides do this! I still have a bridesmaid dress in the back of my closet that I absolutely detest. Determined to get it out this summer and sell it!
I love the idea of the monochromatic color scheme–like the one featured in the first photo. Problem: my wonderful other half has TOTALLY nixed this idea. He is 100% against shades of the same color–he’s okay with same designer/color and different styles but this…would be a no-go. Is that something I should just “deal with”? I never thought it would really matter to him. Thoughts?
Hi Brittany, you never know what your beau is going to care about! BDK (my husband) had this weird thing that the bride (myself) should only wear white! No color on shoes or sashes. It was odd! Just remember, this is the beginning of a marriage and in marriage comes compromise. If he is totally against it and you are luke warm, I’d let it go. Focus on what’s most important to each of you and left the rest fall into place naturally. Hope this helps! xo, Marissa p.s Either way I know you’ll be a stunning bride!
Marissa: Such good advice. In the end, I really don’t care what colors our party wears (I mean I do care, but you know…it’s not the most important thing). Great point about compromise. Thanks for your sweet reply!
My pleasure! I’m sure either way that you and your bridesmaids will look gorgeous! Best of luck! xo, Marissa
I think it really adds a personal, unique touch! I love the idea!
I think my favorite is the Todd Pellowe photo with all the rich colors in camel, plum, and ruby! Perfect for fall!
Completely agree!
I feel almost silly asking five independent, intelligent women in their 30s wear the same dress! This is a great idea and I loved the examples-makes me feel a lot better about it. The photos still look great!
I’m doing this for my wedding at the end of the month (I’ve let my bridesmaids choose cocktail dresses in various shades of grey), and I am thrilled to see all of these beautiful pictures. You’ve just reinforced to me that I’m making a good decision. I’m a Midwest girl, but I went to school at/lived in Chapel Hill for 7 years so I have definitely taken away a love of Southern details from my years of living in the South, and I am extra excited to hear that this is considered a “Southern” tradition. Cheers!
Ooh, I love the shades of gray! That is going to look so stunning (not as stunning as you though!). Best of luck! xo, Marissa
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ok so i am having a true southern style wedding from the dress to the place where we are having it. and i was wanting to know if anyone out there could help im doing southern belle type dresses but cant find them anywhere or any one to make them for me . i love the whole feel of everything on this page but i was to take my wedding style way. back to gone with the wind type of style
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