Southern Weddings

I’d list all the things I like about this wedding from Ali Harper Photography, but you can just take a look at the photos and see! From the red and blue handkerchief to the groom’s monogrammed cuffs, the details are sweet, sometimes subtle, and perfectly orchestrated. Mary + Austin’s festive invitation suite will catch your eye for a few minutes — the bride designed them herself and letterpressed them with her mom and sister! The blind impression of their horseshoe-shaped initials and the twine are a terrific finishing touch and theme that is carefully carried through the wedding.

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. The short answer is we met in the sandbox. We grew up 1.5 miles from each other and went to every school preschool through college together. Over the years, we would often say with some pride that the only people who we’d known longer than each other were our parents. Still we were just friends. But by our senior year in college, Austin had decided this needed to change! He told me that he had feelings for me, and a few weeks later, we began our romantic relationship. It was like coming over the top of a hill on a rollercoaster, there was no going back! With a lifetime of friendship under our belts, we were instantly committed.
Describe the proposal. In June of 2010, Austin’s cousin got married in Austria and we were thrilled to attend. Little did I know, but Austin had even bigger plans for the trip! One afternoon we hiked up Trisselwand in Bad Aussee. After 3 hours, we finally reached the summit. Then came a very quick picnic lunch, after which Austin put the final step of his plan into motion. He set up our Flip camera and positioned me in the frame. Faster than you can say “Wait! I look like a hobo in this hiking-pant-hoodie ensemble!” he had reached into his pack, pulled out a small blue box, and was down on one knee. He asked me to be his wife, and as I tearfully accepted, a group of fellow hikers erupted into applause and congratulations.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Colorful, musical, and a group effort!
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: The un-cookie-cutter bridal party. The effect was eclectic and cheerful, just like the wedding.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I tried on dress after dress, but no spark. Then one day I went to Village Bridals, discouraged but armed with an inspiration collage and three generations of family! When I put on “the one” and stepped in front of the mirror, tears filled my eyes! The troops teared up with me, and we all knew it was perfect. I placed my order and stood there deliriously happy as the manager took my measurements. Right as we were leaving I discovered that the dress had pockets and almost fainted with joy!
Describe your wedding flowers: I wanted the flowers to be cheerful, un-fussy, and fluffy! So we ordered lots of white hydrangea & ranunculus, and then craspedia & hypericum berries for pop. Boxwood from a friend’s yard provided the finishing touch. My family made the arrangements and they were perfect! The bridesmaids made their own bouquets: a simple pairing of white hydrangea and craspedia. My bouquet from Flowercraft was a beautiful puff of white peonies surrounded by green viburnum, and dotted with yellow craspedia, yellow freesia and red hypericum berries. The lucky horseshoe brooch was a last minute, very touching gift from a dear family friend.
Describe your wedding invitations: I designed them and they were a labor of love and late nights at the office! My mom, my sister and I hand-letterpressed them at Praxium Press. Praxium is a top-notch, family-run printer, and their expertise & patience is what made it all come together!

Photographer: Ali Harper Photography // Catering & Cake: Annette Marcus // Flowers: Flowercraft and Fuji Floral Design // Paper products: Bride // Hair & Makeup: Louie Lieberman // Reception: private residence // Cake topper: Alexandra Fenzl // Bride’s dress: Lazaro // Veil: Village Bridal & Boutique // Shoes: Michael Shannon // Necklace: Groom’s family heirloom // Groom’s attire: suit by Isaia, shirt and cuff embroidery by Holland & Sherry, cufflinks by Gogo, shoes by To Boot New York // Bridesmaids’ horseshoe necklaces: Beau & Stella // Groomsmen’s ties: Supperclub // Groomsmens’ pocket squares: Jack Spade

Written with love by Nicole