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I spent Christmas and New Year’s in my home state of Texas, and I must admit, I miss it already! Thankfully, I have Lauryl and Langdon’s lovely Pilot Point wedding to admire from afar and give me a little dose of the Lone Star State in North Carolina today. This sweet couple was inspired by the natural beauty of their venue (White Oaks Ranch, which you may recognize from this V7 editorial!), and with the help of their planner, After Yes Weddings, and florist, Coco Fleur, they celebrated their marriage with a wedding that struck the loveliest balance between rustic and elegant.

Thank you so much to Apryl Ann for sharing this beautiful wedding with us!

My something borrowed was the beautiful long veil I wore, loaned to me by my matron of honor. Putting the veil on for the first time was one of my most emotional moments of the day. My something old was my ring, which had belonged to Lang’s grandmother, who passed away before we met.

Describe your wedding flowers. White Oaks is so lush and green, so I really wanted to keep the flowers minimal and let the natural greenery be the star. Our invitations incorporated ferns, so I asked our florist to do the same, which she did beautifully.

I loved the altar covered with ferns. Our florist left empty vases on it for each of our mothers to put their bouquets in. We then combined their bouquets with mine during the ceremony to create a unity bouquet!

The ceremony featured acoustic guitar renditions of some favorite songs, including “Here Comes the Sun” by George Harrison for our parents, “Best Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes for the wedding party, “Rise” by Eddie Vedder for my walk down the aisle, and “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz for the recessional.

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? I’ve spent a lot of time in Pilot Point with my parents, riding their horses on the local trails, so I already loved the area. I wanted a casual outdoor ranch wedding, and Lang wanted a more traditional, formal wedding. The outdoor pavilion at White Oaks was the perfect mix of traditional elegance and a very natural, outdoor setting. I also loved the 100-year-old tree where we held the ceremony.

Describe your wedding cake or dessert. We had a toasted meringue-covered Quatros Leches Cake from La Duni. We love La Duni, and I loved the simplicity and color of the meringue.

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? We both wore our cowboy boots and encouraged our wedding party, family, and guests to do the same with their black tie attire. We also had the band play lots of classic George Jones and Don Williams!

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. We met at a karaoke dive bar in Dallas with a large group of mutual friends. A friend wanted to introduce us because we had the same last name. Lang sang several songs that night, the highlight being Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore,” which became the song he would always sing to me at karaoke bars.
Tell us all about the proposal! We were on vacation with my family at Lake Tahoe over Christmas. Lang had asked my dad for his blessing before the trip, so everyone knew his plans except for me. After a day on the slopes at Squaw Valley, Lang sat down next to me at the top of the mountain as I was putting on my snowboard and proposed. He’d bravely kept the ring in his pocket all day while skiing!
When did y’all get married? May 3, 2014
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 125
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. Our first dance was to our favorite slow song, Keith Whitley’s classic “When You Say Nothing at All.” We ended the night with all the guests swaying arm-in-arm in a big circle to Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore.”
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? I have graphic resources through my work, so I opted to purchase artwork files from the invitation designer and then sourced a local letterpresser to do the printing, formatting, and assembling of everything. I also recruited the help of crafty friends and family for the frames, signs, and table numbers.
What is the one detail or vendor that you were so happy to have as a part of your wedding? Our band, The Revolvers. We received so many compliments on them from our guests, and they learned countless new songs for us. They really made the night special for us!
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? If you can hire planners, even for just the day or month of, it’s well worth it. I could not have imagined a more stress-free wedding week or weekend. Amanda Connolly with After Yes was wonderful to work with through every step of the planning process.

Photographer: Apryl Ann / Planner: After Yes Weddings / Venue: White Oaks Ranch / Florist: Coco Fleur / Wedding Cake: La Duni / Caterer: Gil’s Elegant Catering/ Rentals: Ducky Bobs / Lighting: Absolute Lighting / Band: The Revolvers / Invitation Design: Antiquaria / Invitation Letterpress Printing: Elefant Press / Bride’s Gown: Allure / Hair Stylist: Rachel Andonian / Makeup Artist: Rachel Andonian and Rebecca Longmire / Bride’s Shoes: Lucchese / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J. Crew / Photo Booth: Photobooth Love Notes

lisa Written with love by Lisa
7 Comments
  1. avatar Anastasia reply

    I adore her paper goods! The ferns in the envelope are gorgeous, as is her dress! Love!

  2. avatar Dana reply

    pretty cowgirl boots!!!

  3. avatar Caitlin Sullivan reply

    Every detail in this wedding is absolutely stunning! And it looks like it all starts with the venue and the lace dress!!

  4. avatar Stacy {Woodsy Weddings} reply

    Look at all the beautiful greenery and florals. The greens are so rich, it really compliments her the white flowers.

  5. avatar Wedding Cake Wednesday – Toasted Cakes Edition reply

    […]  Cake – La Duni // Florist – Coco Fleur // Planner – After Yes Weddings // Photography – Apryl Ann via Southern Weddings […]

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    […] 1 – LEFT: Image: Apryl Ann, Florist: Coco Fleur, Found on: Southern Weddings // RIGHT: Image + Florals: @runningwildflorals Instagram // Row 2: Image: Tec Petaja Wedding […]

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Y’all already know I love plantation weddings, and it’s safe to say that Celeste and Michael’s wedding takes said planation love up a notch! Nottoway Planation was the perfect combination of classic Southern charm and relaxed elegance that these two were looking for. Since Celeste grew up on a sugar plantation in Louisiana, the cane fields reminded her of her home and her roots, making this place extra special. With the help of their planner, Leslie Campbell, these two created a Louisiana wedding I wish I’d been able to attend, if just for the spread! A beignet bar? You’d know where to find me! To top it off, I’m not sure a more Southern phrase has been written in our interviews than “with a New Orleans-style medley playing as we walked out to the front of the plantation, facing the Mississippi River, and watched an amazing firework display over the levee.” Truly magical, indeed!

Thanks to Dark Roux for sharing such a sweetly Southern day with us!

My bridal bouquet was a cluster of white tulips. I’ve always loved the romantic, cascading element of the tulip, and February was the perfect time of year for them. My bouquet was perfectly executed by my florist and exactly what I had envisioned in my head. My bridesmaid bouquets were clusters of beautiful white flowers, including tulips, hydrangeas, and leafy greenery. I wanted them to look organic and cascading–not too structured or perfect. The table arrangements were tall vases with white french tulips and curly willow with hanging votives.

Did you decide to do a “first look”? Why or why not? No! We are traditionalists. I wanted his first sight of me to be walking down the aisle of the beautiful church.

What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? As the ceremony ended and we finished the recessional, Michael leaned over and kissed my hand. We had our family, friends, and this beautiful celebration behind us, and we were finally able to share in the special moment for ourselves. The photographers happened to capture the beauty of the moment and it’s our absolute favorite picture!

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? I chose Nottoway because of its beauty and Southern charm. I grew up on a sugar plantation in Houma, Louisiana, and the cane fields reminded me of home and my roots. I wanted the day to be full of Southern elegance, and to have a relaxed and casual feel.

I made a lot of the special details myself. My mom is an incredible seamstress, so she and I created custom monogrammed linen pillows with a “V” crest gilded on them. We placed them on all of the lounge furniture arranged throughout the tent. It really helped cozy up the venue and added a very personal touch. I also made the cake topper, and brought a lot of decorative items from home, including the candelabras and picture frames to decorate the tent and lounge seating areas. Guests joked that I brought my living room to Nottoway!

Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. We chose our first dance and song based on the style of our band, which we picked even before the venue. It was a cover of Audra Mae’s cover of “Crazy Love.” Michael arranged for dance lessons specific for our band’s version of the song. We already love to dance together, but to have choreographed moves together made for such a transcendental moment. Our band, Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue, had authentic soul and passion that truly helped define the event.

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. I was going to church regularly with a friend of mine who had just met this “good Catholic boy.” He set us up in a very casual manner, but didn’t tell either of us about it! He met both of us at a local hot spot, made the introduction, and then disappeared. Michael and I came by deep conversation easily and three hours flew by. Very quickly into our conversation, I wanted Michael to ask for my number, but he never did! I took it as disinterest, but if you ask him, he’ll tell you he REALLY wanted it, but couldn’t work up the nerve! At the end of the night, we walked out together, and right outside the entrance, Michael asked to walk me to my car. Without thinking about it, I said, “Not necessary, I parked right over there.” Walking away, I realized the opportunity I had just missed. The next day, I asked my friend more about Michael, and he responded, “Are you kidding? You kicked him to the curb, I thought? He was pretty dejected.” I didn’t delay–I asked for his number and, against my upbringing, made the first move. We had dinner, and our love story began.
Tell us all about the proposal! It was our second anniversary, and Michael had everything planned out. He started by playing the game, “let’s see how much I can frustrate Celeste before I propose” – of course unbeknownst to me. He had me at the absolute breaking point by first “forgetting what day it was,” then not reacting appropriately and making dinner plans after he was “reminded,” and then, the coup de grâce was that he wasn’t dressed when I got to his house, even when he had insisted I drive! This was all very out of character for him, and he had never treated an occasion this way. After he eventually got ready for the evening and I was boiling mad, he led me outside to his patio. As it turned out, Michael had written detailed accounts of the best dates we had experienced in our first year together, and he recreated some element from each of them in a wonderful candlelit setting in his backyard. Much to my surprise, everything was in place and he then walked me through each of the date memories. As I began to tear up, he got down on one knee and told me this was just the beginning of our lives together. Of course, I said yes!
When did y’all get married? February 15, 2014, our three-year anniversary
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 275
What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? There was a cocktail hour serving mint juleps on the veranda of the plantation. Some Southern treats served at dinner included a beignet bar, which included traditional, red velvet, and a savory option topped with crawfish etouffee; a grits bar with toppings of shrimp Creole and traditional grillades; and boudin-stuffed chicken. We did a traditional second line. The band unplugged and performed a New Orleans-style medley as we walked out to the front of the plantation, facing the Mississippi River, and watched an amazing firework display over the levee. To top it off, there was a full moon that appeared as the lights and smoke faded. It was truly magical.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? The guest list. We both have large families and Michael makes friends with everyone he meets! We wanted the day to be intimate, but still wanted to celebrate with everyone who is special in our lives. We finally gave in and the numbers just kept growing.
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? $75,000-$100,000
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Trust your instincts and do what you love. Be true to your style and don’t do things purely because you think it’s what “should” be done at a wedding. It’s your day and should reflect your style and your relationship. Focus on the important aspects, like celebrating with your love and your family and friends. In the end, that’s all that really matters.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? We want our love and commitment to grow stronger each day as we ready our lives to brace for the increasing soft sound of little feet in the house. Ten little feet, to be exact!

Photographer: Dark Roux Photography / Videographer: JCW Productions / Planner: Leslie Campbell Weddings / Ceremony Venue: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church / Reception Venue, Catering, and Rentals: Nottoway Plantation / Florist: The Plantation Florist LLC / Cake Baker: The Ambrosia Bakery / Band: Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue / Paper Products: The Keeping Room / Bride’s Gown: “Style 432” by Martina Liana / Veil: Bustle / Hair Stylist: Bliss Hair Salon / Makeup Artist: Olga Longoria / Bride’s Shoes: David Tutera / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: “Style 771” in Latte by Bill Levkoff / Men’s Attire: Ralph Lauren

Dark Roux is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

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

    Such a simple and stunning bouquet. I also adore the shot of Celeste outside the church!

  2. avatar Cassidy reply

    10 little feet?

  3. avatar Brianna reply

    Hi there- where are these mauve dresses from? I love !

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