Southern Weddings

As you may know, Kristin and I are virtual BFFs. While we don’t live in the same city, we maintain quite a close bond (we even have our own hashtag!), and I’m pretty sure Kristi would fit right in with us. While we love being modern ladies, all three of us are undeniably traditional Southern brides! After choosing her gorgeous gown, Kristi knew she wanted to throw what she had originally pictured for her wedding out the window, and instead, plan a sweet Southern soirée that reflected her Georgia roots and showed Peter’s family the classic and elegant side of the deep South. Of course, The Georgian Terrace fit the bill perfectly–the final manuscript of Gone with the Wind was finished in the hotel, after all!

Gracious, we’re glad Amy Arrington was hand to capture this lovely day!

I originally pictured myself in something very modern and form-fitting. Although my dress was not the style that I originally thought I would choose, the instant I put the dress on, it took me back to being a little girl. All of a sudden, I realized I couldn’t fight being that traditional Southern bride–it’s who I am! Every detail I originally pictured for my wedding went out the window, all because of the dress. My dress was elegant and made a statement, but was not over the top. I fell in love with the beaded details, the scalloped lace at the bottom, and the sweetheart neckline. It was the third dress I tried on and I knew it was the one.

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? Peter’s family is from Philadelphia, and many hadn’t been to Georgia before, so I wanted a wedding that would be the definition of a Southern belle’s wedding. Most people think barns and mason jars when they hear “Southern,” but I wanted to show the classic, historical, elegant side of the South, and The Georgian Terrace was just that. It’s a stunning building with amazing history–all of the stars and the director of Gone With the Wind stayed at the Georgian Terrace, and the final manuscript was finished in the hotel. I also have family history at the Georgia Terrace Ballroom. When my grandmother was in her twenties, she competed in twist dancing competitions in the ballroom where our reception was held. Once I decided that the Georgian Terrace was our venue, my mom was over the moon. For months, all she had been talking about was how I had to see Peachtree Christian Church. She went there as a little girl and it is only one mile from the Georgian. The church took my breath away–it is on the National Registry of Historic Places and houses the United States’ largest collection of British stained glass.

Did you decide to do a first look? Why or why not? We did not do a first look. Out of all the wedding festivities, we were most looking forward to the first time we would see each other. I wanted him to see me for the first time walking down the aisle as his bride. It’s a magical moment and we wanted to experience all of those emotions in front of our loved ones.
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? Peter and I wrote our own vows, but did not read them at the ceremony. We exchanged them in private.
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. For the ceremony, we chose traditional and classic music. “The Lord’s Prayer” was played while our family was being seated. Peter’s family is Catholic, so we had “Ave Maria” sung while they were seated. “Canon in D” played as the bridesmaids entered. “Bridal Chorus” was played during the bridal processional and “Wedding March” was played as Pete and I left.

I think everything about our wedding was Southern! Some of the Southern details and traditions of our wedding weekend were our historical venues and the trolley transportation for our guests and wedding party. My grandfather said the blessing before dinner, which was so special to Peter and I. I gave my bridesmaids pearl jewelry and monogrammed pjs! Our cuisine was also quite Southern, as we incorporated fried green tomatoes and other Southern hors d’oeuvres at cocktail hour.

Describe your wedding flowers. I really wanted peonies, but they were out of season. My florist did a wonderful job of finding similar flowers with the same feel. My all-white bouquet consisted of a variety of roses, ranunculus, lisianthus, astilbe, astrantia, and more. The table arrangements and bridesmaids’ bouquets were elegant and romantic, filled with soft pinks and whites with touches of flowering greenery and magnolia leaves. I loved using greenery in the arrangements to add an almost garden-like feel. We used a combination of the mercury glass vases and tall silver candlesticks for decoration.

Our first dance was to John Legend’s “All of Me.” Peter picked this song out, and we felt it described our relationship perfectly. My father and I danced to Celine Dion’s “Because you Loved Me.” The man who raised me, my dad, is technically my stepdad. He has loved me, guided me, and raised me since the age of four and has done a better job than any dad I could have ever asked for. I chose this song because he has impacted my life in countless ways by loving me and my mom unconditionally.

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. We met at a college football game in September 2010 when my alma mater, the University of Alabama, hosted a game against Pete’s alma mater, Pennsylvania State University. We were both visiting Tuscaloosa for annual trips with friends. The two schools only play each other every twenty years, so it was fate that we met! We crossed paths on the Friday night before the game when Pete’s brave friend (and future best man) dared him to strike up a conversation with the six Southern blondes at Gallettes, the hangout where I spent many of my college days. Pete and I were inseparable for the rest of the weekend, before we said our goodbyes and traveled to opposite sides of the East Coast. A month later, we took a secret getaway to New York City and realized that we were meant to be! After a year of long-distance dating, we moved to Santa Monica, California together and lived there for four years. After our September 2013 engagement, Pete was offered a new job in Philadelphia. We moved to the Society Hill neighborhood of Philly in summer 2014, and frequently flew back to the Peach State to plan our Atlanta wedding.
Tell us all about the proposal! Pete surprised me with a weekend trip to the quaint Catalina Island off of the California coast. The island is tiny–only 22 miles long and eight miles across! We spent the day exploring the island, and while we were getting ready for dinner, I noticed a small box in Pete’s suitcase. “What’s this?” I asked. The proposal was supposed to be on the rooftop overlooking the ocean at sunset, but my finding the ring box sent Pete into a panicked frenzy. After attempting to “hide” the box under the bed, Pete realized there was no turning back. He grabbed my hand and nearly dragged me up to the roof deck. Pete was so shaken up that he forgot to get on one knee. We both cried, hugged, and I asked, “You did ask my dad for permission, right?” Once I heard that the answer was yes, I said “Of course!” The proposal happened about an hour earlier than planned, but it was a perfect and very “us” proposal! We had to push back our dinner reservation three times because we spent the next two hours calling loved ones, drinking champagne, and celebrating. It was an evening I will never forget!
When did y’all get married? July 26, 2014
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 175
How did you plan for your marriage while planning your wedding? Peter and I did pre-martial counseling through Peachtree Christian Church. Part of this process was to take a very detailed and extensive questionnaires about ourselves and our relationship. It was very interesting, and we learned a lot about each other and ourselves together. The church counselor helped us point out the strongest qualities in our relationship and noted areas where Peter and I are opposite. He gave us tips and encouragement on how to strengthen those areas.
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? $50,000-$75,000
What is the one detail or vendor that you were so happy to have as a part of your wedding? Everything was wonderful, but I will say that I was most happy with our videographer. Hiring a videographer was a last-minute decision, but the best decision we made. You are so filled with emotion on your wedding day that you miss so many of the details. I still cry when I watch it, and it is something I will cherish forever!
What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together? We are just enjoying married life. We just added a mini golden doodle, Bella, to our family. We are looking forward to traveling together to Costa Rica in a couple weeks and to Africa next summer. We look forward to many more happy years together as Mr. and Mrs. Roman!

Photographer: Amy Arrington Photography / Planner: Event Perfect / Ceremony Venue: Peachtree Christian Church / Reception Venue and Caterer: The Georgian Terrace Hotel / Florist: Mollie Cushing / Wedding Cake Baker: Frosted Pumpkin / DJ: Cashmere of East Coast Entertainment / Paper Products: Wedding Paper Divas / Bridal Salon and Veil: Carrie’s Bridal Collection / Bride’s Clutch: Clara Kasavina / Bride’s Hair Accessory: Nina ‘Caleigh’ Swarovski Crystal Comb / Hair Stylist: Mandi Yaptengco of Crush by 124 / Makeup Artist: Paula Xiong / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: “227” in Petal by Bari Jay / Menswear: Vera Wang / Videographer: Ryan Lindsay of Imagine Video Productions / Calligrapher: Faith Miller of Calligraphy Atlanta / Transportation: The Peachtree Trolley Co. / Table Numbers and Place Cards: Place Cards / Bridal Gown Alterations: Dora Baker

Written with love by Marissa