Southern Weddings

We had so much fun with our double feature last week that we decided to do it again!  Our Southern Weddings of the Week come to us from {Jeff Greenough Photographers}. Jessica + Jason’s wedding is filled to the brim with delightful design details.  Michelle, of {Weddings by Michelle} did a fabulous job planning this gorgeous event!  Stunning flowers by {Bloom}

From Michelle: “Upon our first meeting with the Abbitt family, we quickly realized that they wanted an exquisite wedding but with a very intimate atmosphere.  Jessica and Jason’s vision was to have their wedding in her parent’s backyard, and because it is located directly off the James River, a romantic ambiance would be easy to achieve.  With such a beautiful natural surrounding, we focused on lush linens to complete the look.  Every detail was carefully thought out – from the fan programs which came in handy on a hot June day, the fifteen foot market umbrellas to provide shade, to the bamboo chairs that went perfectly with our outdoor setting.  There were so many special moments throughout the day that it is hard to narrow down just one.  However, I have to say it was a lasting memory for me to see the guests’ faces when they saw the backyard transformed after the ceremony.  Since both the ceremony and reception were held at the same location, it was important to us that we made the best use of the space.  During the ceremony, all of the decor for the reception was hidden behind muslin curtains that we designed and custom made for the deck. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails under a tent in the front yard.  When it was time for the reception to begin, all of the curtains were pulled back to show the beautiful tablescapes and special lighting.  Everyone raved about the transformation!”   

How did the two of you meet?  Jason and I first met through my brother, Travis Abbitt.  Travis and Jason were close friends, so Jason spent many weekends with our family.  In the beginning, he seemed much older than me, so we started out as friends. Once I was older, we began to see each other in a different light.  We both realized how perfect we were for each other and what a wonderful life we could have together.
Describe the proposal: Jason proposed to me on the 18th of March, which was a Sunday morning.  He woke me up with breakfast in bed and a flower he had picked out of the yard.  I could tell just by the look in his eyes that he had something to tell me.  He leaned down, kissed me, told me how much he loved me and asked me to share my life with him.  Then he pulled out the most beautiful ring I have ever laid eyes on and placed in on my finger.  We were both overwhelmed with emotion.  It was a wonderful way to wake up and we were able to enjoy that feeling all day long.
What attracted me to my husband was:  I was immediately drawn to Jason for many reasons.  His manners, grace, lifestyle and of course his good looks!  I love the way he always carries and presents himself to people in a positive light.  He is kind, respectful and sure assured.  Jason has always remained true to himself,I will always love that about him.

Why do you love your husband?  I love that he always pushes me, makes me try new things, laughs at and with me, and is always supportive.  Jason makes me want to be a better person, friend and lover.  The fact that he’s a cute fisherman, surfer and businessman doesn’t hurt either!
What attracted me to my wife was:  Jess was always a beautiful girl that was down to earth.  Being around her I always felt so comfortable.  I had never met another girl that I clicked with so well.  She would always show me so much attention and I loved it! To me, Jess was like that one piece of the puzzle that I needed to carry me into the future.
A date we went on that we’ll always remember:  We spent many days that lead into the evenings on our boat, in the James River.  We would go slowly through the creeks and have long conversations about anything and everything.  Usually, we’d end up at some little dive of a restaurant on the water, where we would eat seafood over a glass of beer.  We fell in love somewhere back in those creeks, on those lazy days.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress:  I was one of those brides who wasn’t going to buy the first dress I tried on.  One Saturday, my Mom, Maid of Honor and I decided to go look at a boutique in Virginia Beach called Pure English.  Helen, the owner, helped in choosing the dresses I would try on and she knew exactly what would look best on my body type.  The first dress I tried on was beautiful.  Being so petite, I was afraid of a wedding dress overwhelming me, but it felt as though that dress was made for me.  I tried on a few more dresses but always came back to the first one – which I purchased.
The weather on our wedding day was:  Seasonably warm, but with blue skies and puffy white clouds!
Favorite design element of your big day:  Our altar was my favorite design element.  When Michelle, my wedding planner, showed me a picture with the idea, I fell in love with it instantly.  My father and Jason built it from bamboo cut out of our yard.  It was draped with natural colored muslin, and adorned with strings of white and pink flowers.  My father even saved the muslin material that we were married under, so that one day our children could marry under it too.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: The fact that we were able to get married in my parent’s backyard was my favorite detail! We were overlooking the James River. It is such a breathtaking view!
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? The kiss.  I felt like there was no one present except for us.  It was like time stopped and we lost ourselves in the moment.
Were there any special family traditions you included in the wedding? I wore gardenia in my hair, in loving memory of my mema, Elizabeth Taylor Singletary.  Jason proposed to me on her birthday, the 18th of March.  It was like a gift from her to my family and I.

Check back shortly for Part II of Jessica + Jason~