Southern Weddings

There are few things more classic than a wedding gown that buttons up the back, and this first shot of Dana getting helped into her Alvina Valenta dress is a stunning and timeless peek into a bride’s pre-wedding ritual.  (My one – and possibly only – regret about my own wedding dress is that it doesn’t have a full back of romantic buttons, so I guess I’ll just have to enjoy Dana’s.)  Dana + Jonathan were married at The Cloister at Sea Island, and I just can’t say enough about the subtle, understated drama of their event – or their wedding pictures, courtesy of La Dolce Vita Studios!  These are some seriously stunning wedding pics, folks.  The Sea Island Resort designed the couple’s blooms and four-tiered wedding cake.  Visit the photographer’s own bog post here for more details and images from this ultra-romantic Georgia wedding.

How did the two of you meet?  Tell us your story.  We met at a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert through mutual friends.  There was definitely an instant connection.  Now every time we hear one of their songs, it brings back fun memories.
Describe the proposal.  I was moving the coming Saturday two hours away to Gainesville, Florida to start my residency.  I was worried what the future would be for us since we would be living apart.  The Wednesday night before the move, we were sitting together on the couch.  He turned to me and said that he had my parents’ permission… and then he popped the question. 
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Breathtaking, special and fun!!
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: The church looked like something out of a fairy tale.  We loved the fact it was small and quaint, perfect for our 16 guests.  The hardwood floors and wrought iron chandeliers lit with candles set the perfect stage.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I have a busy schedule, therefore little time for myself.  My mom was in town, so I thought it would be fun to go get some ideas for a dress.  I made an appointment at Solutions Bridal in Gainesville, never dreaming I would find anything.  The sales associate had picked out a dress for me based on what I had mentioned I liked.  It turned out to be the one!  I tried on 8 dresses that day, but bought the dress she had selected for me.
What was Southern about your wedding?  What details or traditions did you include in your celebration?  Well, I am a true county girl and he grew up in New York City, so we joke that we are a true blend of the country and city mouse. Thankfully, he did not have a problem with the Southern traditions – or the food!  We choose to get married in the Golden Isles of Georgia. It made my parents happy to keep the wedding in the South.
Describe your wedding cake:  delicious!  We didn’t have time for a cake tasting, so I was a little worried.  But our wedding cake was by far the best cake I have ever had.  
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? Because we had a destination wedding, we had to plan everything site-unseen.  But I had a wonderful wedding planner at the resort who basically took care of everything.  She would ask what I wanted, I would ask what she suggested… then go with her suggestion.  I was not a very picky bride.   
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day?  Ending the day as Mrs. Jonathan Hall
What’s next for you as a couple?  What are you looking forward to in the future?   Unfortunately, we are living two hours apart until I finish my residency in 2012, but we do a good job of seeing each other almost every weekend.  We are looking forward to buying a house together and seeing each other everyday.  We’re also looking forward to starting a family… but may try a dog first. 

Congratulations, Dana + Jonathan!  We wish you the best as you house hunt and search for your first family dog!