Southern Weddings

It’s always a sweet reminder to read about couple’s love stories that are as beautiful as their weddings. Suzanne + Keith’s is one of pure serendipity. They met poolside in Florida but didn’t realize until after they started dating that they had been at the same place at the same time many instances before! We think it’s wonderful that, though Suzanne was diagnosed with breast cancer exactly a month after she and Keith exchanged “I Do’s,” they have found many blessings in unexpected places and believe their obstacles make their relationship even stronger. I love that the cheery coral bridesmaids’ dresses and blue hydrangea bouquets remind of us how happy weddings are! Suzanne looked lovely in lace and gentle curls. I’m smitten with her ivory-colored sash and bouquet with magnolias and exposed stems. Another thing we’re crazy for? Their beautiful church ceremony and bagpipes! Big hugs and thanks to Ali Harper for sharing this one with us!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. (From the groom) If you believe in fate or serendipity, then this story will be for you. A week before Memorial Day, Suzanne decided she needed a break from Atlanta and headed down to Ponte Vedra, Florida. I had some friends going to Ponte Vedra, too, and headed down with them the next day. Both of us used Marriott points to pay for the rooms, so it was no coincidence we were staying at the same place. That Sunday, my friends and I decided to hit the pool instead of going to the beach. There were only a couple of chairs by the pool, next to some lovely ladies. Lo and behold, this beautiful girl on the right would be my soul mate. It only took one little question to have her hook, line and sinker. “Can I borrow some sun tan lotion and can you put it on my back?” The rest, as they say, is history. As we later found out, we lived in Vail, Colorado at the same time and never met. She has pictures with her girlfriends at festivals and you can see me in the background. Our families grew up singing the same songs, in college, her brother-in-law and I played soccer against each other, and the list goes on and on. The stars were aligned that day in Ponte Vedra!
Describe the proposal. (From the groom) Suzanne was in Louisiana for Christmas and I had already decided that I was going to propose around that time. My plan was to ask her when I picked her up from the airport on December 26. I wanted to create a beach scene, and hide the ring in a bottle of sun tan lotion. With the help from my sister and mom, I created a scene with beach chairs, towels, and sand toys. I had tea lights leading the way to the chairs. Suzanne’s flight was supposed to be in around 7, but it didn’t land until after 10. She was sick and wasn’t in a great mood from the flight delays, but I knew she would be happy in a just few minutes. She opened the door, and to her surprise was the beach scene. I asked if she would sit down, and I gave her a giftwrapped bottle of sunscreen. The ring was in the cap and I got down on one knee. It couldn’t have gone better, she said YES!
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Exciting, magical, perfect
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: My mom and sisters all went shopping in New Orleans and found the perfect dress.
Describe your wedding flowers: My bouquet had white roses, hydrangeas, and magnolias with exposed stems. My bridesmaids had beautiful large blue hydrangea bouquets.

Photographer: Ali Harper Photography // Ceremony venue: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church // Reception venue: Wolff Ballroom // Florist: Kaddie Tidwell of Breaux’s Florist // Wedding Cake Baker: Brent’s Catering // Caterer: Lafayette Receptions // Bride’s Dress: Mikaella // Bride’s Shoes: Alfani

Written with love by Nicole