Southern Weddings

Shelley + Greg’s wedding looks like a party. How often do you see men breaking it down like that on the dance floor? Major kudos to anyone to attempts a split in a suit! As if we didn’t enjoy this party enough, the newlyweds treated their guests to pink and green flip flops, custom koozies, and a location that makes you want to sit back on a rocking chair and sip Arnold Palmers all day. I, personally, am the biggest fan of S + G’s two-tiered bow cake, accompanied only by a jar full of beautiful blooms and a custom table runner that I’d want for my own wedding! Big thanks again to Virgil Bunao Photography who shared this wedding and the fun photo of the newlyweds making their boat getaway.

See all the photos from Shelley + Greg’s wedding in their Real Wedding Gallery!

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? The heat. Planning our wedding for July 3, we were definitely concerned about the comfort of our guests throughout the weekend. The weather was warm but cooperated, and none of the guests complained about the heat for the rehearsal dinner or the wedding. We had misting fans on the porches at the reception, hand bamboo fans for the guests seated at the wedding ceremony, and refreshments upon arrival to the ceremony.
What range did your wedding budget fall into? $25,000 – $50,000
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? I will never forget walking with my dad towards all of our guests seeing our close family and friends there to support us and, of course, seeing Greg standing there waiting for me. Our ceremony and reception were both truly incredible with a weekend-long celebration of our love and lives together. We both love music and wanted a fun weekend for our guests. Our rehearsal dinner was a low country boil with Old Habits Bluegrass Band from Raleigh, NC, (one of the groomsmen in our wedding is in the band). Our wedding day included a violin for the ceremony followed by gospel singers singing “Oh Happy Day” as we were pronounced husband and wife. Then came one of the most memorable parts of the wedding day. As we were standing in the garden with Virgil about to take our pictures, Edwin McCain emerged from the parking lot with his guitar. I spotted him and the emotion and excitement I felt is indescribable. My family and I have been huge Edwin McCain fans for such a long time. Our wedding day was one for the history books when Edwin McCain surprised us and sang “I’ll Be” for the first dance and “Walk with You” for the father/ daughter dance. He was so genuine, down to earth and relaxed. I will forever be appreciative to Edwin McCain for adding such a remarkable element to our wedding day. The music continued with the best band we could have ever chosen for our wedding day. Loose Chain from Atlanta kept everyone on the dance floor all night. Our guests continue to tell us how much fun our wedding was, which makes us feel great.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Work together as a couple and have fun with it. Our wedding far exceeded our expectations and we are so incredibly appreciative for the support of our family and friends. The planning process can be overwhelming but you should enjoy it and most of all soak up every moment of your wedding day because it passes by so quickly. Be sure you have an excellent photographer as your pictures are the memories you will have forever. Greg and I cannot say enough about working with Virgil and his elements of creativity and passion for what he does.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? We have sold both of our houses and are starting the New Year with our new house on Johns Island, SC just outside of Charleston. We look forward to another amazing year together as we welcome our first child in July 2012.

Photographer: Virgil Bunao Photography // Videographer: Hart to Heart Media // Weekend Of Coordination: Sweetgrass Social Event & Design // Venue: Creek Club at I’on // Florist: Branch Design Studio // Wedding Cake Baker: Wildflour Pastry // Caterer: Jacob’s Kitchen // Rentals and Linens: EventWorks // Paper Products: Save the Dates Mac and Murphy, invitations from Open House, out-of-town packets and ceremony programs designed and made by the bride and groom // Hairstylist: Lauren Wood of Velvet Salon // Bride’s Dress: Lula Kate // Bride’s Hair Accessories/Veil: Etsy // Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J. Crew // Accessories: Men’s ties were custom made from M. Dumas and Sons, Mother of the Bride’s dress from Berlins, monogrammed cake table runner from Etsy, seersucker flower girl and ring bearer outfits custom designed from Etsy

Love this wedding? Check these out:
Shannon + Chris’s preppy and nautical wedding here and here.
Katie + Clark’s pink beach wedding here and here.

Written with love by Nicole