Southern Weddings

Confession: I definitely found myself wishing I could have attended Sarah Beth and Ryan’s wedding–and not just because of that delicious looking cake buffet! These two have such a sweet, joyful relationship, and they chose their wedding details with great purpose, always focused on things that would best welcome their guests and share how much their families mean to them. A few of my favorites? Sarah Beth’s dad officiated the ceremony (so special!), the cakes were displayed on a table handmade by her late grandfather, and the favors were a tasty jam that was whipped up from Grandma’s recipe!

Thanks so much to Emily Ann Hughes for sharing this lovely day with us!

Tell us about finding your wedding dress. I knew exactly what I didn’t want, so the hunt took awhile (and it was absolutely a hunt). I went to five different stores before trekking into Neiman Marcus in Dallas with my best friend. I knew I had found a designer that kept working for me, so I went straight to Reem Acra when we got there. Those dresses were so dreamy, and the experience was so fun! I loved when I finally said yes to the dress.

Did you decide to do a first look? Why or why not? Yes, my husband and I are both very emotional people. We wanted those special emotions to be experienced between the two of us before we shared our evening with loved ones. I was so nervous, and knew I would be able to enjoy the time before our ceremony more if I got to see his face.

Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? Yes, we did. One of our favorite lines was, “I wish I could quantify the joy you bring. Your charisma is overflowing, and my life is filled with laughter because of you.”

We wanted a venue that provided beauty all on its own. I had an ethereal aesthetic in mind, complete with natural and beautiful elements, so it only made sense to settle on the Rose Garden and Conservatory.

Describe your wedding flowers. Oh my word, so dreamy! We used shades of blues, greys, and magnolia leaves to complement the copper and green. They were full of texture and shapes!

We used a table handmade by my late grandpa for my sister’s wedding to display our cakes on. We had eight or nine cakes in all different shapes, sizes, and flavors. They were so tasty–Cuppies & Joe knocked it out of the park!

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. Unknowingly, I was his “gym girlfriend” from afar. We had a few mutual friends who facilitated our setup, but we must give credit to divine intervention. God directed each step toward each other along the way. After spending some time exchanging glances at the gym, he finally asked me on a date, which I declined; however, he was persistent and asked me on a second date. We were inseparable from our first date!
Tell us all about the proposal! Our first summer together, we spent almost every day at the lake! Our first kiss happened right there among the peaceful surroundings on the swim deck. The following summer, he invited all of our friends onto the boat for a normal afternoon on the lake, or so I thought. After ignoring my friends’ suggestions to maybe pick another swimsuit or possibly fix my hair, I found myself on the swim deck of our boat with my charming, now-husband, on his knee. I was in shock and had to contain my urge to jump on him for fear that my ring might fall into the lake! It was the best day of the year until we actually became one.
When did y’all get married? November 14, 2015
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 200
What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? We had a traditional Christian ceremony that was officiated by my dad. At our reception, Ryan’s fraternity brothers went to the center and did their dance number. Other than that, I felt it was pretty traditional all the way around–great food, great drinks, and great people!
How did you plan for your marriage while planning your wedding? We read “Love & Respect” and went through marriage counseling with my father. We also read “The Meaning of Marriage” and went through counseling with my former pastor. We were very intentional about preparing our hearts and minds for the covenant we were entering into.
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? $25,000-$50,000
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? I love stationery, but was realistic about where invitations ultimately end up, so we kept our paper goods simple. We also chose two beers and two wines as opposed to an open bar. I felt like both of those areas saved us quite a bit of money.
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? When my dad announced us as Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Campbell!
What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together? We enjoyed our honeymoon, and now have twins on the way! We are looking forward to our first home together and bringing two beautiful lives into the world.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your wedding? It was a blast, but being his wife is so much better!

Photographer: Emily Ann Hughes Photography | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Planner and Florist: XO Events & Design | Ceremony Venue: The Will Rogers Rose Garden | Reception Venue: Ed Lycan Conservatory | Cake Baker: Cuppies & Joe | Caterer: Cafe 7 | Rentals: Conventions and More and Mood Party Rentals | Band: String & Sound | Paper Goods: The Sign Shop | Bride’s Gown: Reem Acra | Bride’s Accessories: BHLDN | Hair Stylist: Hannah Miller | Makeup Artist: Lovewell Boutique Salon and Blush for Days | Bride’s Shoes: ASOS | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nouvelle Amsale and Joanna August | Bridesmaid Dress Salon: Prim Bridesmaid Boutique | Groom’s Attire: Tom James Clothier | Groomsmen Attire: JC Penney | Bouquet Ribbon: Silk and Willow

Written with love by Lisa