Good morning, my dears! Emily and Marissa have had their turn sharing a little more of their style with our Dream Southern Summer Wedding series (here and here), so I’m excited to share mine with you! Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the rest of the SW gals’ dreamy ideas.
Summer is my very favorite season, so there’s no doubt I’ve been (secretly until now) dreaming up a wedding soiree based around my love for all citrus-colored things. In my mind, it looks like this:
Clockwise, from top left: Orange daiquiris via Pottery Barn, floral china photo by Emily Delamater, bouquet photo by Jose Villa, fabric favors photo by Melissa Jill Photography via Ruffled, bridesmaids dresses photo by Erik Ekroth via Style Me Pretty, oranges centerpiece photo by The Nichols via Southern Weddings, pinwheel photo by Tanja Lippert via Southern Weddings, ceremony photo by The Nichols via Southern Weddings.
The feel: Warm, vibrant and fun with a spin — think picnic meets black tie. We’ll say our vows by the lake and move in to the lawn for the reception. Though picnic blankets will be laid out across the lawn in lieu of tables, string lights, a black and white checkered dance floor and formal attire will dress the shindig up. The whole event will glow from the sunset.
The place: On the lawn by the water, so the light breeze blows through the ceremony and keeps everyone cool.
The time: 6:00 pm in early September, just in time for us to turn on the string lights as the reception begins and the sun goes down.
The style: Though I’ve yet to decide what I’m going to wear, I know my bridesmaids will be donning multicolored dresses, with my maid of honor in a pretty floral pattern, like the photo from my color inspiration. Though a laid-back picnic reception follows the ceremony, I plan to outfit the bridal party in formal floor length gowns (in breathable fabric, I promise!) and sharp grey suits with red suspenders.
The food: I have a much-warranted love for food trucks, so I’d have a selection of three lined up near the picnic area for guests to take their pick from. Of course, there will be classic North Carolina BBQ, savory pies and seafood. For dessert, my beau and I will cut into a cake for everyone to pair with the flavor of their choice from the ice cream truck!
The music: I loved how festive but relaxed the jazz bands were when I was in New Orleans, so I think a live jazz band with some soulful brass notes would be the perfect touch for this outdoor wedding. Of course, we’ll all dance under string lights!
The flowers: A happy mix of poppies and garden roses. My bouquet will be a slightly wild arrangement, with jasmine vine (my favorite!) sprouting from the sides. At the reception, small glass vases will hold single garden roses with a little bit of greenery to decorate the guest book table, the drinks station and the bourbon bar.
What do you think, ladies? What would YOUR dream Southern summer wedding look like?
I love this soooo much! Once you have your dream wedding here, I’ll happily step in and do a vow renewal with all the same stuff after! : )
Love those earrings! Everything looks so bright + happy!!
Obsession… I want to attend this wedding! Looks like so much fun :)