Southern Weddings

I am so pleased to introduce today’s wedding, Megan + Steven, to you! Both Megan, the bride, and Nancy, the photographer, are sweet NC friends of mine. Megan, in fact, was the first person to recognize me in real life from seeing my photo on SW! (We met at church!) There are so many neat things I want to tell you about her wedding: first, she got married at the height of peony season — LOVE those bouquets by Dogwood Tree Floral! Her wedding to Steven took place at the Meredith College Chapel, where Megan and most of her bridesmaids went to school. I also would be remiss not to mention Megan’s gorgeous ensemble — dress by Casablanca, shoes by Paris Hilton via My Glass Slipper. Her bridesmaids and honorary bridesmaids shined in pink and aqua dresses from J. Crew, accessorized with vintage handkerchiefs Megan collected over several months (I even helped on one weekend shopping trip!). Check back soon for more pink, blue, and Southern loveliness from Nancy Ray!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. Steven and I met on April 18, 2009 at Tobacco Road in downtown Raleigh. Friends set us up and, after a couple weeks of phone conversations and messaging, Steven finally asked me out to dinner and trivia. There was an instant connection. My friends even spied on us to see how the date would unfold. I was clueless that they were even there! (From the groom) Cut to several dates, concerts, and adventures following, we became inseparable. Leading up to our one-year anniversary, I approached Megan with the grand idea of traveling to the biggest city of each state each year…for the next 50 years. At this point, I think she started to understand my intentions and we were both excited because we knew where things were heading. But she still didn’t pick up on the big hint in her birthday card a few weeks before I proposed when I hinted that this would be the best year of her life yet!
Describe the proposal. Steven and I had been in Charleston for the wedding of Steven’s college roommate. On the last day of the trip, Steven suggested one last walk around Battery Park. Near the gazebo, Steven pulled me aside by an old tree. At that point, I was suspicious of something going on because he grabbed my hands and took off his sunglasses. With an attempt to get down on one knee (and right back up again because of a pine cone!), Steven popped the question and pulled out the most amazing ring. So excited and so happy, I said “YES!” I had no expectation that we would be getting engaged any time soon, but what an amazing surprise! What made it even more special was that this was the 29th anniversary of my parents’ wedding.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Sweet, fun, personable.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: Oh gosh…I think I’m going to have to go with our biscuit bar! I had seen one before in Southern Weddings V3, but we wanted our guests to take them as they left. Steven’s mother handmade all our burlap to-go baggies and she also made some of the jellies! They were a perfect snack the next day on our flight to Mexico!
What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? We had several Southern details and traditions! First would be our ceremony location. We got married at Jones Chapel at Meredith College. Being married in a chapel was very important to us, and since it took place at my alma mater, I included all twelve of my girlfriends from college and childhood in my bridal party! We served true Southern cuisine, replicating our lunch on our engagement day. With the mac’ n’ cheese bar, fried chicken, succotash, and sweet potatoes, our guests had a feast! I also arranged for “Elvis” to surprise Steven for our first dance. Being a Meredith girl, nothing would be complete without something monogrammed. In addition to our cake monogram, my reception dress featured my new initials front and center. It was handmade by my dear friend and honorary bridesmaid Joslyn.

Written with love by Emily