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We all know I’m a classic wedding kind of girl; I love big pink blooms and puffy dresses (yes, I even wore a tiara at my own wedding!) But, y’all! Completely juxtaposed with what I traditional fawn over, there is something so lovely about Morgan and Coty’s wedding day that I am obsessed with! I’m pretty sure it’s their exuberant joy, but the handmade details, including the campfire log benches-turned-ceremony pews has a little something to do with it too! When Morgan told us about their guests singing “You Are My Sunshine” as they danced in dripping wet wedding day clothes after the rainstorm, my heart jumped right out of my chest!

I’m sure we can all agree that big hug are in order for Michael + Carina for sharing this sweet day with us!

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. Coty saw me on my first day of high school as I strolled out onto the floor in my cheerleading outfit during a pep rally. Our eight-year dating anniversary actually fell three days after our wedding!

I made my bouquet the day before the wedding. I recommend that all brides go to a flower market so you can actually see what a bloom looks like in person, rather than just in a catalog. I knew I wanted a pastel color palette, since there weren’t any set colors for our wedding, and the David Austin roses were perfect for the romantic look I wanted to achieve. The flower market was out of dahlias, so I chose white football mums for a similar texture. Ranunculus and the sweet feverfew added the perfect touch of fun and wild. I finished the bouquet with ripped strands of white fabric.

We have been camping and kayaking at Shortbranch Farms since we were teenagers. For the past several years, we have loved to sit by the river and dream about what we each would do if we were to ever decorate it for our wedding. The owners are family friends, and it was such a blessing that they allowed us to get married on the land where we have so many memories!

Our favorite detail of the wedding was: I am in love with our ceremony benches. I looked and looked for something I thought was appropriate, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing for the simple ceremony we desired. I didn’t want aisle or alter decorations, so I needed something that would speak for itself. The owners of the farm had small log benches around their campfire at their cabin, so we asked him if he could create something similar to seat 130-140 people! They came out perfectly!

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? We are from Kentucky and we love our state! We had to include some Kentucky bourbon in our day, so Coty buried the bottle in his grandfather’s old ammo box, and he and his groomsmen dug it out the morning of the wedding for a toast. I have to say–it unfortunately didn’t keep away bad weather!

We live in a very rural area in the middle of the nowhere, Kentucky. We are an hour from a (small) mall and thirty minutes from the nearest grocery. One of our biggest challenges was finding vendors that offered what we loved in our tiny area. We ended up doing a lot of items ourselves–stationery, flowers, decor–and a lot of driving and ordering to get other items.

After the rain came, everyone grabbed a pie and ran to the covered bridge. Coty and I cut a soggy pie with our hands and fed it to one another. Everyone then sang “You Are My Sunshine” as we danced in our dripping wedding clothes. It was like being in a scene from a romantic movie.

Tell us all about the proposal! We met the amazing Alicia of Aesthetiica Photography in the woods for a frosty winter session in the middle of December. Coty and Alicia had brainstormed for weeks before and planned a secret cue for when he should pop the question. We cuddled up in the blanket for a few photos in the perfect light, and the photographer told me to throw the blanket off to the side. When I turned back around, Coty was on his knee!
When did y’all get married? August 23, 2014
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 130
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? We did, but believe it or not, our vows were in Coty’s pocket during the rain, and both papers were smudged beyond recognition. Make sure your wedding vows are backed up somewhere so you can read them in fifty years!
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. We chose to have a banjo player for the ceremony–we love listening to modern bluegrass music and it is such a big part of our state’s history. He began playing slowly as everyone entered the ceremony, and for our exit, he played a fast tune in a manner Coty calls “pickin’ and grinnin’.”
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? Less than $10,000
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your wedding? I didn’t look at the weather on the morning of the wedding–whatever happened was going to happen, and there wasn’t any amount of worrying that could change it. It started out in the mid-nineties, but I was just beaming from ear to ear that it wasn’t raining. At our reception, as we made our way to cut our pie, the heavens opened and the rain came flooding down. Everyone ran for the covered bridge and we all stood huddled together waiting for the rain to end. It didn’t. It rained 3.75 inches by morning. We had a blast playing in the rain, and although we wish everyone hadn’t gotten soaked–especially our sweet grandparents–we were married all the same.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? Our newest adventure has been getting a golden doodle puppy! We actually had a dog when we got married, and now the two of them keep us busy and entertained!

Photographer: Michael and Carina Photography / Venue: Shortbranch Farms / Florist: Import Flowers, bouquet by the bride / Caterer: Brothers / Chairs: Brown Paper Bag of Kentucky / Band or DJ: Otis / Favors: The Succulent Source / Bride’s Gown: “9MK3576” by David’s Bridal / Hair Stylist: Riley Eskridge / Bride’s Shoes: “Jaxxon High-Back” by Gianni Bini / Groom’s Suspenders: No Slip Suspenders / Groom’s Bow Tie: Clip a Bow Tie / Groom’s Wood Wedding Band: Cool Natural Jewelry

marissa Written with love by Marissa
11 Comments
  1. avatar Lisa reply

    That bridesmaid breakfast looks like so much fun!

  2. avatar Erin | Elizabeth Anne Designs reply

    If I needed any more reasons to love Michael and Carina! This wedding is so fun and filled to the brim with the most gorgeous whimsy and perfectly rustic details. xo!

  3. avatar Michael and Carina reply

    Thank you so much for sharing one of our favorite weddings of 2014! Morgan and Coty are such a sweet couple and it makes us so happy to see their photos on here! xoxo M+C

  4. avatar Bonnie & Lauren reply

    My southern heart <3's Kentucky. Beautiful details (those watercolor invites!), and what a gorgeous, creative couple!

  5. avatar Michael and Carina reply

    Thank you for featuring our photos of this wonderful couple! <3 xoxo

  6. avatar Styled by Kyla: A Bountiful Pastel Farm Wedding | Kyla Mary reply

    […] by Graham Terhune via Southern Weddings, Pie bar captured by Michael and Carina Photography via Southern Weddings, Jam by Sidehill Farm captured by 822 Weddings via Snippet and Ink, Event design (ribbons) by Hey […]

  7. avatar Stacy {Woodsy Weddings} reply

    There are so many wonderful details like the groom’s red pants and suspenders and the natural stone stage. I can’t get over their invitations, though! The watercolor and customized picture is adorable.

  8. avatar Weekly Weddings Favorites No. 7 | Kyla Mary reply

    […]   Photos by Michael and Carina Photography via Southern Weddings […]

  9. avatar Styled by Kyla: A Bountiful Pastel Farm Wedding reply

    […] by Graham Terhune via Southern Weddings, Pie bar captured by Michael and Carina Photography via Southern Weddings, Jam by Sidehill Farm captured by 822 Weddings via Snippet and Ink, Event design (ribbons) by Hey […]

  10. avatar WEDDING DAY BREAKFAST RECIPES – NUTRITIOUS MUESLI – The Bijou Bride reply

    […] sources clockwise from top left – Wedding Forward via Pinterest, Southern Weddings & Mon […]

  11. avatar Weekly Weddings Favorites No. 7 – Kyla Mary reply

    […]   Photos by Michael and Carina Photography via Southern Weddings […]

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For these two self-proclaimed sentimentalists, weaving details of their own story, their families, and their friends into their wedding day was second nature. I’ve heard of using one’s mother’s or grandmother’s dress pieces before, but I absolutely adore how Blaine and Brian wove pieces of the dress she wore on their very first date into their wedding fabrics! Pieces were sewn inside her wedding dress, into his suit, and even into the fabric flowers that were given to each guest! They called it “a symbol of beginnings” and gracious alive, I love that! I also love the way they incorporated their family’s antique tractors, good ol’ moonshine, and cowbells into their wedding day–they did tie the knot at a cow farm, after all!

SW hugs and thanks to Abby Caldwell for sharing this adorably Southern day with us!

I asked the two strongest, bravest, and most honest women in my life, my mother and mother-in-law, to meet me in DC for the weekend to check out a few boutiques suggested by some girlfriends. I had always imagined I would fall in love with a fitted lace gown with a beautiful neckline and back, and we found just that at our last stop. It was gorgeous…but I could not bring myself to buy it. I had purchased tickets to a Brides Against Breast Cancer event months before and had planned our weekend trip so that we could end the dress shopping day there. The dresses were all arranged by size and roped off at one side of the room. We were instructed that once the whistle blew, we were allowed to grab as many dresses as we could hold. Having scoped out the scene during cocktail hour, we knew exactly where the dresses in my size were. One dress caught my eye, and when the whistle blew, a faster bride who I did not even see standing next to me grabbed it. I asked one of the ladies working the event to follow her, and if she took it off, to grab it. She did take it off, I got it, and it fit like a glove. It was absolutely nothing like the dress I was going to buy, but something about it was special and I bought it on the spot. The best part is that the proceeds from the event go to programs to help support breast cancer patients and their families. This was the icing on the cake, as Brian’s mother is a breast cancer survivor.

Describe your wedding flowers. Rosemary took the lead in our florals because it is the herb of remembrance, Brian’s grandmother’s name, and our favorite cooking herb, so we wanted the wedding to be flooded with the scent. Scent is one of the strongest memory triggers–forever, something as simple as cooking dinner will remind us of our special day. We incorporated rosemary into my bouquet, Brian’s boutonniere, our mothers’ nosegays, and our fathers’ boutonnieres. It also lined the aisles at the church and was spread throughout the floral arrangements at the farm.

I convinced Brian that burying the bourbon was totally going to work and that if it did not, then at least we would have an extra bottle of booze at the wedding if it rained. Well it did not rain…in fact, it was gorgeous and unseasonably warm. We dug up the bottle during cocktail hour with the help of my Uncle Frank. The three of us shared the first sips, and then our lovely wedding party passed it around. It was gone by dinner and the bottle is being framed for us as a keepsake. Other details included our custom monogram with design inspiration from the first ring Brian gave me, hay, mason jars, cowbells (we were at a cow farm, after all), our family’s antique tractors and cars, moonshine, sweet tea, barbecue pulled pork sliders, mini chicken and waffles, baskets of Southern breads at dinner, country music, and more.

Family, friends, tradition, and hospitality are very important to Brian and I. We are both super sentimental, so our wedding was packed with details that weaved pieces of our story, our families, and our friends into our day. Our favorite detail was the fact that there are probably only a couple of times in our lives when all of the most important people to us are gathered together. It was truly the best day ever because they were there to share it with us.

Describe your wedding cake or dessert. Brian and I are not big sweets people, but we know desserts are a huge fan favorite at weddings. Therefore, we had simple cutting cake made with layers of pistachio cake and pistachio icing, that we cut with the cake cutter used at Brian’s parents’ wedding. We also served a variety of cupcakes and pies, mini caramel apples, black forest doughnuts, chocolate-covered strawberries, and vanilla ice cream from our local dairy farm.

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. From Brian: We met at the Liberty Tavern in Arlington, Virginia in the spring of 2007. It was the hip new place in Arlington, and Blaine was working as a bartender/cocktail waitress. It took me a little while, but after several chats at the bar, some casual flirting, and some help from my best friend’s wife, I worked up the guts to ask her out and she said yes. Our first “real” date was at Old Ebbitt’s Grille in Washington D.C. The dress she wore on that date was woven into different fabrics at our wedding (her wedding dress, handkerchiefs for her wedding party, my suit, pocket squares for the groomsmen, the fabric flowers for each guest). It was a symbol of beginnings.
Tell us all about the proposal! From Brian: We go for a morning run every Saturday as a way of letting the week go and feeling good before we splurge on food/drinks/fun activities for the rest of the day. On April 7, 2012, I carefully placed the ring inside the pedometer pouch velcroed through my laces before we set out for our jog. The last mile took us out to the jetty, where my idea of a romantic setting for a proposal was immediately interrupted by 30 mph winds, crashing waves, jagged rocks, disgruntled fishermen, and kids screaming about the sand blowing in their eyes…not to mention, my sweaty, stinky body and lack of breath. Perfection, I’ve learned, is not without humor. I guided us to the flattest rocks we could find to sit on and stretch out our legs, and admittedly, began behaving awkwardly. As we were sitting, I must have said “Well, take it all in” four times before I finally added, “…because things are about to change.” Before she could get a word in, I continued by saying that today was about taking something ordinary, like our Saturday morning runs, and making it extraordinary. With tears in her eyes, Blaine asked if I was about to make her cry, and I pulled out the ring and asked her to marry me. She said, “Yes, but don’t get down on one knee out here!” We laughed, hugged, and kissed…then we got off the rocks and I dropped to one knee on the sand for good measure.
When did y’all get married? October 12, 2013
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 150
What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? Our reception was hosted on the Lane Farm, which has been in Blaine’s family for three generations.
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. The church has a magnificent organ, so we wanted to highlight that with the selection of our ceremony music. The bridal party entered to “Canon in D” by Pachelbel. My father and I walked in to “Rondeau” by Mouret, and the recessional music was “La Rejouisannce” by Handel. The dancing was kicked off by Brian’s parents dancing to “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, since it was their 39th wedding anniversary. My father and I danced to Faith Hill’s “There You’ll Be,” sung by Abby Caldwell, our photographer and childhood friend. That was the only time during the day when my father cried. He looked at me and said, “Your grandmother would be so proud of the man you’re marrying.” For our first dance, we selected “Ho Hey” by the Lumineers, performed by our band, the Alex White Band. Our guests circled the dance floor and helped sing the lyrics. It was fantastic!
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? The best moment was sneaking away from the party to take a truck ride up the hill through a herd of cows. It was funny, a little goofy, and perfect. We stood on top of the hill looking down over the party and saw everyone from all the corners of our lives, smiling and celebrating together. It was exactly what we wanted our day to be. That image will stay with us forever.

Photographer: Abby Caldwell Photography / Videographer: Birdhouse Productions / Planner: Stefanie Hansen of BlueShoe Events / Ceremony Venue: Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption / Reception Venue: Private residence / Florist: Rose Bredl / Cupcakes: KC Cupcakes (Cousin of the Bride) / Pies: Linda Canfield (Aunt of the Bride) / Caterer: Frank Lane (Owner of Lane Farm and Uncle of the Bride) and Creative Cuisine / Band: Alex White & Friends / Custom Ties and Pocket Squares: Fox & Brie / Bride’s Gown: “Nadine” by Amsale / Paper Products: Designed by the Bride and Groom / Printing: Paper Source / Hair Stylist: Carrie D Creamer / Makeup Artist: Michael Phillip Zamora / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade / Groom’s Attire: Hickey Freeman / Dance Floor and Table Rentals: McGuffey Tents / Chairs: D & R Rental Service / Portable Restrooms: ABC Restroom / Transportation: Creative Coach Company (Fun Bus)

marissa Written with love by Marissa
3 Comments
  1. avatar Nicole reply

    I LOVE that they used the dress Blaine wore on their first date throughout the wedding! What a sweet way to work in precious memories :)

  2. avatar Abby Caldwell reply

    This is amazing. I love it. More than you know, this has made my day so special! Not only is SW a fav of mine, but I am such a hometown girl. Seeing MY town on this blog. Wow. And to top it off, I love seeing the smiling face of a happy childhood friend.

  3. avatar Southern Weddings Weekly Round-Up – Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] Blaine and Brian (literally) wove sentimental details into their West Virginia farm wedding. We love the sweet nod to the groom’s Hawaiian heritage in Jenny and Justin‘s South Carolina wedding. Katie and Michael‘s New Orleans wedding was inspired by their beautiful French Quarter venue. Have a wonderful weekend, and big congratulations to anyone getting married this weekend, including Southern Bride Blogger Kellie, Emily‘s sister-in-law, Natalie! […]

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By the time Sarah Jane and Brad’s wedding rolled into my inbox as a submission, it was almost like seeing the photos from a friend or cousin’s wedding. After all, anyone who read SJ’s Southern Bride of the Month interview probably felt like they had gained a new best friend — she’s just that chatty and warm! I’d venture to say her and Brad’s wedding turned out even more beautifully than she imagined; it was so fun to see ideas she discussed in her interview come to life, like the glowing cocktail tables! Huge hugs to Vue Photography for capturing the joy of this Florida beach wedding.

P.S. Want to be a Southern Bride of the Month, too? We’re looking for you! Take a peek at this page for application instructions and to see all of our past interviews!

Brad is a diehard UK Wildcat fan, and I bleed Volunteer Orange! The UK/UT football game always takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and when it’s a home game for Kentucky, our tradition is to go to the game together. He patiently takes relentless punishment from his friends for walking into the stadium with me, as I wear so much orange that you can probably see me from space! I also sing every verse of Rocky Top whenever the appropriate occasion arises (Brad would say that is never). 2011 was the magic year for the Wildcats, and they won the matchup with Tennessee for the first time in 27 years. He proposed that weekend, and I’m still trying to decide whether he wanted to commemorate their historic win, or balance what he knew would be a tough loss for me with a wonderful memory! I’m choosing to go with the latter.

My dear friend Andrea has a line of children’s clothing, and she agreed to custom design our flower girls’ dresses. I didn’t give her any specific requests–I just showed her samples of my dress, the bridesmaid dresses, and an overall feel for the wedding design. She eclipsed every single expectation I could have ever had! She incorporated the most beautiful fabrics and wonderful details. She put each girl’s monogram on the swiss dot skirt under the lace overlay, and there were so many pleats! She also used lace she’d been saving, which was handmade by nuns over 100 years ago!

Daddy was absolutely amazing in a three-piece blue seersucker suit. He wore a bow tie from Vineyard Vines that is inspired by jockey silks as a nod to Kentucky. When I saw him in his wedding day apparel for the first time, I just squealed because he looked so amazing! I’m a Daddy’s girl, and we had so many sweet moments before, during, and after the ceremony and reception. Brad and I decided not to see each other before the ceremony, so I asked our photographer and videographer to be there for a “first look” with Daddy. It was the most incredible, emotional moment for us both. I will carry that sweet memory with me forever.

Tell us about finding your wedding dress. What was your favorite thing about it? The day we went shopping for my wedding gown was one of the most special days of my life! Mama, Brad’s mom, and all three of my bridesmaids joined me for a trip to Atlanta to make the selection. We had high tea at the St. Regis across from the bridal salon, and my darling sister (MOH) had the most beautiful bouquet of pink peonies made up for me to carry for the day. I had a very specific vision of what I wanted for my dress, because a couple of years prior, I had pulled a photo of a Monique Lhuillier design that I just knew would be perfect. It was lace, cut close to the body, and just beautiful. When we got to the salon, they still had the dress for me to try! I loved it, and was inches away from choosing it for the big day, when my sister, who had been perusing the other Lhuillier dresses on the racks, pulled one out and said, “You have to try this one, her name is Peony!!!” I tried it on for giggles, just because of the name, but as soon as I came out of the fitting room, I heard a collective gasp. I remained torn between the two for a bit, but there was really no competition in the end. I loved every minute of wearing that gown, and I didn’t want to take it off!

Monogrammed ring bearer bow ties — so fabulous!

We buried a bottle of Woodford upside down at the ceremony site, and the boys dug it up just before the ceremony. They toasted the occasion with the bourbon they had just retrieved–the bottle ended up empty, so I’m glad I didn’t bury a bigger bottle! New to this Southern tradition? Read our post on it here!

The first thing Brad said to me when we started planning the wedding was that he’d like to have sand in his toes while we said our vows. We chose the beaches of the Emerald Coast, because it’s about an hour south of where my sweet mama grew up. I have always known that I’d have to get married in May because that’s the month when peonies (my very, very favorite flower) are plentiful! We invited our families and friends to meet us down at the beach for the week before the wedding. We had the most amazing time with everyone, and the majority of our guests got to know each other prior to the wedding, so when the day arrived, we felt like one big happy family! The big day’s palette and theme were inspired by the way the beach looks just before sunset–the pearly beiges, pale pinks, and watery blues and greens.

Make sure you look closely at Sarah Jane’s program — her wording is so clever! More on having an unplugged wedding here.

Tell us a bit about the wedding ceremony. What part was most special to you? Did you include any special readings? One thing we did for the ceremony that was a little different is that we included a statement of support from the guests with the idea of including them in the vow ceremony. The officiant asked them to affirm their continued prayers and support for Brad and I in our new life together. It was one of the most inspiring moments of our ceremony.
Who participated in your ceremony? My uncle came all the way from California just to perform the ceremony. The evening before the wedding, he also baptized my niece in the ocean. It was such an amazing and inspiring time for my entire family!
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? Brad and I elected to use traditional vows for our ceremony; there’s something so meaningful about making our promises to each other using the same words that couples have used for centuries.
Did you try anything new? I have always loved the song “Nella Fantasia,” sung by Sarah Brightman. I know it’s a bit of an untraditional bridal processional, but I knew from the way it made me feel every time I heard it that it had to be the one. I had so many guests tell me that they had both goosebumps and tears when they heard that incredible voice and melody while I was coming down the aisle to Brad. It’s the one decision I had the most trepidation about, and was the one thing that I’m so glad I did!

The funniest moment for me was during the ring ceremony, when Brad couldn’t get my wedding band on my finger. He actually had to lick my finger to get it on!

We held our reception at the Carillon Beach Meeting House. It has the most charming high ceilings, exposed beams, and everywhere you look is white! I also loved the transitional space from indoor to outdoor, as the doors on either side can be opened to the patio space on the left and right. We set the feature table on one patio, and the dance floor and lounge area on the other.

We had several dozen distressed lanterns of assorted sizes that we used to accent the space. We also used six tufted slipper chairs covered in the most beautiful pale pink linen in the lounge area. One of my very favorite details was the distressed cane back chairs we used for the feature table. Our event designer took my breath away with how she styled the interior of the Meeting House. I was so afraid that the décor would be very busy, and take away from the simple splendor of the venue. When I walked in to see the tables done in white linens with tall vases and candles, I couldn’t believe how gorgeous it looked.

What kind of food did you serve? I have to say, the food at our reception was just incredible! We had passed appetizers at the cocktail hour, including the most wonderful cheese-stuffed deep fried olives–yes, they were just as amazing as they sound! We wanted to highlight fresh local ingredients, so we chose things like grouper sliders, fresh fruit, and platters of grilled vegetables. We also had fried green tomato sliders made from the recipe they use at the Greenbrier (my favorite!) and we substituted fried okra for croutons on the salad.

We used Mama and Daddy’s cake topper from their reception on our cake, as well as their cake knife. My sister had used both of them at her wedding as well. We had our names and wedding dates engraved on the knife blade so that my nieces or anyone else who uses it in the future will know the history!

I tasked a dear friend of mine with putting something together for the children to do, and she surpassed every expectation I had! She made the most charming activity book for them, complete with caricatures of Brad and I, bride/groom trivia, and a scavenger hunt. She also included a blank card for them to write and/or draw on and give to us. We had the most fun opening them up the next day–they were so precious!

My favorite moment of the night was during the last dance at our reception. Brad and I had danced to every song up to that point, but at the last second, we flopped down on one of the lounge chairs at the edge of the dance floor, just to soak in every sight, sound, and sensation. Watching all of our dear ones laughing, dancing, and celebrating in the glow of the lights strung over the dance floor was so magical!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. We met at one of our favorite local restaurants, which was hosting a benefit for autism that night. I had a girlfriend visiting from Southern California, and Brad was there with one of his buddies, who I’ve known for years because we work in the same industry. Jason stopped by our table to say hello, and immediately hit it off with my friend! As a result, Brad and I were thrown together for the remainder of the weekend, and by the time it was over, we had fallen hook line and sinker! We’ve been blissfully together ever since, and still marvel over the fact that we never met before that night, since Lexington is such a small town and we know so many of the same people. God’s timing is such perfection!
What was the weather like on your big day? The weather could not have been more perfect! The sky was a little overcast, enough cover to keep the weather cool and comfortable, and to provide the ideal light for amazing photographs.
How many guests attended your wedding? We shared the day with 50 of our dearest family members and closest friends.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while planning your wedding? The most difficult thing during the planning process was editing! I adored such an array of details and elements that it was really challenging to make sure that I chose wisely and kept everything cohesive. In the end, I made the decision to use only the ideas that I couldn’t live without!
What did the groomsmen wear? The groomsmen each chose a light-colored suit that they loved, and wore green pocket squares with their monograms. We wanted them to have a very relaxed feel, so we asked them to wear their shirts open collar, with no tie. The ring bearers wore khaki linen pants/shorts, and had linen bow ties with their monograms. Brad’s nephew also had a seersucker cap.
Bride’s bouquet: My bouquet was made of lovely, fringed white peonies, white lisanthus, lamb’s ear, and cotton. It smelled just like heaven!
Bridesmaids’ bouquets: The girls carried sweet nosegays of all shades of pink peonies, accented with ranunculus and lamb’s ear.
What was the design inspiration for your reception? I’ve always been a huge fan of contrasts in texture and formality. We wanted our reception to feel comfortable and warm, but also to elevate some of the details to make it a special event.
Did you have a cocktail hour? If so, what was it like? Brad and I missed the first few minutes of our cocktail hour because we were still taking a few photographs on the beach. I’ll never forget how everything looked as we were driving up to the reception site. Everyone was laughing, talking, and enjoying the food, beverages and décor. The moment we entered, we were immediately enveloped with their excitement and true delight for us as a couple.
What were some of the highlights of the reception? Because our guest list was so small, we got to celebrate some special milestones with a few of our guests. We sang happy birthday to four guests who had birthdays on or just before our wedding day. My friend who designed the flower girl dresses and her husband celebrated their anniversary, so we were able to highlight that by playing their first dance song at the reception.
What was Southern about your wedding? We included cotton in my bouquet, as well as the boutonnieres. My family believes that food is love, and so many things that are innately Southern are also things to eat! We thought the menu would be the perfect place to incorporate our love of all things below the Mason Dixon Line. We also scattered cushions around the feature table and lounge areas with Southern phrases on them.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? Our wedding day surpassed every dream we had for it, but as incredible as it was, it’s really only a wonderful starting point for our lives together. We relive those memories all the time, but they simply can’t compete with the mundane fun of sharing our daily lives together. We can’t wait to see what God has in store for us as a couple!

Photographer: Genya Garrett of Vue Photography / Videographer: Joanna and Robert Banks-Morgan of Sixpence Productions / Planner: Avis Glenister and Victoria Volpone of Carillon Weddings / Florist and Designer: Christina Springfield of Events by Nouveau Flowers / Ceremony Venue: Carillon Beach, Walkover #7 / Reception Venue: The Meeting House at Carillon Beach / Catering and Linens: David and Donna Townsend of Townsend Catering / Bride’s Gown: “Peony” by Monique Lhuillier / Bridal Salon: Joan Pillow Bridal Salon / Bride’s Shoes and Clutch: Kate Spade / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale, assorted styles in Blush / Hair Stylist: Melia Schmidt, sister of the bride / Makeup Artist: Jamie Gummere of Paint Me Pretty / Groom’s Attire: Kenneth Cole / Groom’s Bow Tie: Vineyard Vines Lucky Julep in green / Groomsmen’s Pocket Squares: High Cotton Ties, Monograms by Sew Nice (Lexington KY) / Paper Goods: Miss Pickles Press / Rentals: Events by Nouveau Flowers and Townsend Catering / Flower Girl Dresses and Ring Bearer’s Monogrammed Bow Ties: Custom by Pippy Frances Clothing / DJ: Paul Kirker of Gulf Talent Services / Children’s Activity Books: Emily Carlson

emily Written with love by Emily
11 Comments
  1. avatar Lindsay {Everistta} reply

    Where do I begin with all the stunning details?! I love her MOH’s dress. Gorgeous! Love the table linens on the cocktail tables. I had similar linens in silver. They add a pop of movement. Love it!

  2. avatar Lisa reply

    Sarah Jane is a girl after my own heart–love that she chose her wedding date based on peony season, considering I did the same! :) Their unplugged ceremony wording is so graceful, and the cake remains one of my favorites from V6. I’m glad she went with her instincts in choosing it!

  3. avatar Wedding Rental Supplies {Apex Tent and Party } reply

    Lovely wedding! The wedding venue is simply gorgeous and also the details done. The wedding chuppah is simply gorgeous and so is the reception area decor.

  4. avatar Caitlyn reply

    Just looking through these gorgeous photos, you can feel the overflow of love at this wedding! A beautiful and memorable day all around. :)

  5. avatar Sharon Gray reply

    Just wondering where the little white flower girl dress is from and also the tablecloth? I am looking for ideas for my daughters wedding. many thanks Sharon

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  9. avatar Sarah reply

    I think this is one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever seen! Came here from Pinterest as I adored the petal tablecloths with lights underneath them. I’m so glad I did, as looking through the photos made my heart sing. Just Gorgeous! I hope they’re still incredibly happy today. Sarah

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