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On this Memorial Day, I can’t imagine a more wonderful wedding to share with y’all! Stefanie and Kevin are as all-American as a couple can be, and their Tennessee wedding was the perfect expression of their love for each other, for their families and friends, and for their country. Military families are no stranger to hardship (Stefanie planned the wedding while Kevin was deployed abroad), but the tough times these two have endured together made their wedding day all the more joyful!

Thank you from the bottom of hearts to Kevin and Stefanie, all of the military men and women and their families who serve our great country, and to our Blue Ribbon Vendor Bamber Photography for sharing this special day with us!

Instead of having a flower girl, my matron of honor’s little girl carried our family Bible that was given to my grandmother in 1954. Every woman in my family has used the Bible in their weddings. We each chose someone in our life that had been a spiritual mentor to us, and we let them choose the scripture they read during the ceremony. They chose Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and Proverbs 3:5-9. Becca stood with the bridesmaids, and as each reader came to the front of the church to read, Becca handed them the family Bible to read from.

I’m very fortunate to have a dear friend who owns Ever After Bridal in Cleveland, Tennessee, and I’m so thankful I got to experience finding my dress with her. I had found one dress in her shop that I really liked, but it didn’t give me that feeling that everyone talks about having! I had convinced myself that I was just numb to dresses because I had worn so many beautiful gowns during my time as Miss Tennessee. My mother and future mother-in-law went with me to order the dress, and when we walked into her shop, I perused the racks of beautiful gowns one last time. Since Kevin’s mom was with us, I decided to try on a few more so she could enjoy the experience with me. I randomly pulled a Maggie Sottero fit and flare, beaded lace gown with a sweetheart neckline off of the rack. Kendra helped me into the dress (that was the opposite of what I thought I was looking for), I walked out to the mirror, and I finally had THE MOMENT! I had tried to find a dress that just wasn’t my style, and I never found it. When I finally just chose something that was ME, it happened!

Our favorite detail of the wedding was: People got dressed up and had a good time! Kevin and I both love to dress up, and my mother has always told me that its better to be overdressed than underdressed! I feel like weddings are getting more and more casual, and casual just isn’t in my vocabulary! In keeping with the classic military traditions of an evening wedding, and the fact that we wanted our guests to look and feel fabulous, we requested that our guests wear formal attire. Our guests looked so beautiful, and everyone said that they loved the excuse to pull out that dress they hadn’t gotten to wear in a while, or the excuse to buy something new! Because our guests felt good, they stayed, danced, and enjoyed drinks until the very end!

Describe your wedding flowers. Since we had a classic military wedding, where the men were in their uniforms and classic tuxedos and my bridesmaids wore beautiful nude gowns, we chose to go with flowers in all shades of white and ivory. They were arranged by Flowers By Gil & Curt. Flowers in the bouquets and reception centerpieces included roses, peonies, ranunculus, hydrangeas, and calla lilies.

We considered getting married at West Point in the Protestant Cadet Chapel. It’s a beautiful Gothic-style chapel with a cathedral ceiling and a gorgeous pipe organ. After thinking it through, we decided it would be too difficult to plan a wedding in New York, and it would be tough for all of our family and friends to make it. We set out to find a similar style church nearby, and discovered First Cumberland Presbyterian! It is SO similar in style to the Cadet Chapel, and it was in our hometown of Chattanooga. Before I left for Las Vegas to compete in the 2010 Miss America Pageant, my hometown and family gave me lovely going away reception at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club. The venue is historic and beautiful, and the staff was so wonderful to work with, so we decided it would be the perfect spot for our wedding reception as well.

I always remember my parents telling me how their wedding day was such a blur, so I was bound and determined to soak in every detail of our wedding–I didn’t want to miss a thing! I’m sure there are some things I missed, but I certainly remember the big parts. I remember how I felt when I woke up that morning, I remember the look on my mother and daddy’s faces when they saw me in my gown for the first time, I remember the sweet smile on Kevin’s face when he turned around and we walked toward each other during our first look, I remember the facial expressions of each guest that I looked at as I walked down the aisle, I remember the beautiful words of the prayers that were said during the ceremony, I remember saying our vows, and I remember how amazing it felt to walk arm in arm under the Arch of Sabers with my new husband! I also remember the traditional pop on my booty as one of the saber guard members welcomed me into the United States Army! It was the perfect day, and I’m so thankful that we were able to share it with the ones we love the most.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? Kevin being deployed the entire year our families and I were wedding planning was challenging. It allowed me to stay busy, but it was hard because I wanted him to be a part of the decision making process in person. We made it work though! Thanks to technology, he was able to be a part of many decisions via text, FaceTime, and email. Even a world away, an eight-hour time difference, and the 200 soldiers he was responsible for, he still managed to help me so much! He’s a good man.

We wanted to make sure that not only were our cakes beautiful, they were also tasty! Breanne Hager of B’s Sweet in Chattanooga has the best cakes in town! I wanted something fairly simply, but accented with sparkle. We decided to go with a five-tiered Italian cream cake with buttercream icing. At the base of each layer were graduating strands of crystals, and on the top of the cake sat my Miss Tennessee crown with white roses tucked underneath its base. In keeping with military tradition, Kevin and I cut our cakes with his Officer saber.

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? Aside from the loads of hairspray that filled the bridal parlor while we were getting ready (we sure love our hairspray in the South), the main thing that stands out was the Southern music. When I won Miss Tennessee, I had sang Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” The song is about loving someone enough to let them go. The song fit my relationship with my parents perfectly, and it was a reminder of a very beautiful time we all experienced together when I won the title. They’re so happy that the time in my life has come for me to start my own family and be with the love of my life, even though it means letting go of a part of life that is very difficult to part with. Family is so important to Kevin and me, and being able to have such sentimental moments with them was the best part of our wedding.

Kevin’s groom’s cake was an edible replica of a Walther PPK handgun, which laid on top of a gun case made of chocolate cake. Kevin is a gun collector and the Walther PPK is James Bond’s gun of choice in all of the Bond films. Kevin has a rather collection, but he did not have the Walther. When it was time to do the garter toss, Kevin reached under my dress, and in my garter, he found his very own Walther PPK gun! It was his wedding gift from me. His reaction was priceless, as he had no idea his new bride was packing heat! I had sneaked out right before the toss and secured the gun in my garter, and the surprise went off without a hitch!

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. As cliché as it sounds, we were high school sweethearts! I was a cheerleader and Kevin was a football player. Kevin’s dream was to serve his country, so after months of applying, interviewing, and going on recruiting trips during his senior year, he received his appointment from Tennessee Congressman Zach Wamp to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, and we decided we would give long-distance a try. Four years and thousands of frequent flyer miles later, we made it through his time at the Academy. After he graduated, he was commissioned as an officer into the United States Army. During this time, I was in college and living out a few dreams of my own. In 2009 I was crowned Miss Tennessee. It was the honor of a lifetime, and a time that I will cherish forever! On January 10, 2010 I headed to Las Vegas to compete in the Miss America Pageant, and on that same day, Kevin left the country for his first year-long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As I stood on the Miss America stage, my heart was full, yet heavy, knowing that he was defending the freedom that allowed me to live out my lifelong dream. I finished as second runner-up to Miss America, and a year later, Kevin made a safe return home! I spent the next few years working and finishing my business degree at Belhaven University with the scholarships I had earned through the Miss America organization. Just when we thought that he was home for a while, another deployment was on the horizon. Once we knew the exact time he was going to be returning, we set our wedding date. He was the battery commander to 200 soldiers spread throughout three different countries, and I began planning our wedding! We are so proud that we maintained a close relationship, even though, at times, we were a world apart from each other. It makes our time together now so incredibly special, and we certainly do not take that time for granted.
Tell us all about the proposal! Because we are proud Americans to the core, and its our favorite holiday, Kevin proposed on the 4th of July. Under the fireworks, where it was just the two of us with a pizza and a bottle of wine, he popped the question with a gorgeous custom-designed Henri Daussi cushion cut diamond ring from our family jeweler, Rone Regency Jewelers of Chattanoooga. Kevin is private, and I love that about him. He wanted the proposal to be a special moment between the two of us, and he planned it just perfectly.
When did y’all get married? April 11, 2015
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 175
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? We chose to speak traditional vows during our ceremony. My grandfather was a Southern Baptist minister for 49 years, and he married my parents in 1983, so we used the same vows that they used in their wedding. Both of our parents have had long, beautiful marriages, so if traditional vows were good enough for them, they’re good enough for us!
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? $25,000-$50,000
What is the one detail or vendor that you were so happy to have as a part of your wedding? Documentation! Investing in a good photographer and videographer was the best advice I was given during planning, and it’s the best decision we made. John and Lindsey Bamber of Bamber Photography were indescribable! From the initial meeting, to the engagement shoot, to the sweet cards we received in the mail just saying they were thinking about us and praying for us along the way, they were such a blessing during our special day and in the months leading up to it. We were so comfortable with them, and they literally captured everything! Each time a guest came up to Kevin and me during the reception, either John or Lindsey was right there to capture a picture with that guest. It’s wonderful being able to send our guests that professional, beautiful picture! They truly are the best at their craft, and they’re just the best people you’ll ever meet.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Take your time if you truly want to enjoy the process. I did not hire a wedding planner because I wanted to have my hand on every detail and experience that time with my mother. Also, include your future in-laws! Kevin’s parents really enjoyed the process as much as we did, and they loved hearing all of the updates as the months progressed closer to April. I understand that not all in-laws are the easiest to deal with, (just being honest), but I am very blessed with some good ones! And they’re Yankees! We won’t hold that against them too much ;)
What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together? As I type this, I’m surrounded by boxes, because we are making the move from North Carolina to Kentucky! Kevin has been posted here at Fort Bragg for the past three years as a Battery Commander, and now its time for him to take a new position at Fort Knox. We couldn’t be more excited–new marriage, new town, new jobs, new adventures, and we’re four hours closer to our family and friends in Chattanooga! And thank the Lord we’re still in the South! He’s excited to be in bourbon country, and I’m already planning my wardrobe for the Kentucky Derby next year!

Photographer: Bamber Photgraphy / Videographer: Tim Curry / Day-Of Coordinators: Kendra Collins and Trinity Pearson / Ceremony Venue: First Cumberland Presbyterian Church / Reception Venue and Catering: Chattanooga Golf and Country Club / Florist: Flowers By Gil and Curt / Cake Baker: B’s Sweets / Rentals: The Meeting Company / DJ: Ted Gocke / Paper Products: David’s Bridal / Bride’s Gown: “Marianne” by Maggie Sottero / Bridal Salon and Bridesmaid Dress Salon: Ever After Bridal / Bride’s Tiara: Symphony Bridal / Hair Stylist: Gordon Robison of Gordon & Co. Salon / Makeup Artist: Angela Folmar of Luminous Beauty Boutique / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: “Style 19931” in Nude by LaFemme / Tuxedos: Southern Charm Clothing

Bamber Photography is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

lisa Written with love by Lisa
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There’s something innately dramatic about the classic bridal white and tuxedo black pairing, and though most weddings have a hint of that palette in the stars of the show, I love when something so simple and sophisticated gets extended across an entire celebration. That’s why we’re so happy to have the ladies of Atrendy Wedding here today with some gorgeous B&W Southern details for us to swoon over!

To begin with, isn’t that polka dot pocket square dapper?

The lovely bride’s gown is “Mika” by Modern Trousseau, and all of her accessories, except the necklace, are from Erin Cole, while that gorgeous statement piece is by Desla Couture. Everything was picked out and sourced by Hitched!

Wouldn’t this idea be so fun in a reception powder room? I think a huge part of wedding details is creating little surprises and delights for your guests throughout the day, and this lipstick and pearls station would definitely qualify!

Not to be outdone, the gents have their own station, complete with bow ties for those who might be lacking and a few reminders on gentlemanly behavior.

I love this idea so much. Weddings are all about celebrating family, and while I always enjoy a good photo display at any celebration I attend, I often wish I knew a little bit more about the people in the photos! Little signs (try place card holders for the stands) would clear things up in style.

A few more sweet details to finish us off, beautiful captured by Nessa K Photography:

Check back later this week, because we’ll be sharing a Texas real wedding that seems inspired by this very shoot!

Atrendy Wedding is a fabulous member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

emily Written with love by Emily
10 Comments
  1. avatar Sherry Donnelly reply

    Love to see a black and white wedding done in gorgeous style….hope this inspires many!

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Holy Moly purple and pink love! Can we all agree that Brittany + Keith’s wedding is bright, bold gorgeousness? Brittany looks radiant dressed in Sottero and Midgely and flanked by her bridesmaids in Alfred Angelo. Not to be too outdone, Keith and his groomsmen rocked sleek grey suits and indigo ties and Air Jordans. That’s right, y’all — those are some stylish gents! The bride’s favorite detail of the night was their wedding cake. I must admit, the tiers of draping, banding and monogramming (yes!) are very impressive. Big thanks to Ivy Weddings for sharing this beauty!

Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I searched everywhere for the perfect dress. One day, I was in my hometown for a visit and my mom drove by a new wedding shop that had the most beautiful dress in the store window. I went inside and the owner told me it had just arrived. I tried it on and fell in love. I called all my family to the store and we all agreed it was the one.
Describe your wedding flowers: Our flowers were simply bold and beautiful. We incorporated eggplant and fuchsia roses, orchids, and calla lilies into the most stunning table arrangements. The deep eggplant and fuchsia colors offset the light Mediterranean look of the venue and it created a beautiful atmosphere for our guest to enjoy.

What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? At the end of the night when it was time for our exit to the car, I remember feeling so fulfilled and happy. Like, “Yes, we finally did it!” The lights flashing, petals in the air, love of my life by my side – the scene felt like it was right out of a movie. It was the end of the wedding but the beginning of so much more and the feeling was priceless.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Start early and do NOT procrastinate. But most of all, enjoy every minute because it goes by fast and you’re only going to do it once!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. We met through Keith’s mother. Our families share the same small town background and she was attending my uncle’s wedding, which I was a bridesmaid in. Later that week, Keith and his mom were looking through a magazine and Keith said he commented on how pretty this girl was in one of the ads. His mom said she had seen a girl last week that was prettier and asked if he wanted her to introduce him. He said yes and his mother made the phone call to my mother. It’s funny when I think back on it because my mom and I thought she was crazy! A woman calls and says she saw me in my uncle’s wedding and would like for me to meet her son! We laughed and I really didn’t think much else about it. That is, until I saw him for myself. We had our first face-to-face meeting in the small town of Kennard, Texas, at a relative’s house. From there, we exchanged information and arranged our first date. The rest is history. Thanks Mrs. Charlene!
Describe the proposal. (From the groom) I was supposed to propose after one of our games. It was a big game and I had arranged plans with the team to help me afterwards. The plan was to win the game and propose to Brittany in the stands afterwards. There were going to be pictures showing on the big screen and music playing in the gym, the whole nine. We ended up losing and, needless to say, the plan and the mood were completely busted. I just remember feeling that winning or losing a game does not dictate the fact that I want to marry Brittany. So I kept our restaurant reservations and told my friends that I made a small revision but the plan was still on. At the restaurant, we were finished with dinner and just talking with our friends when I excused myself from the table. I went to the bathroom, nervous and after standing there for a minute, did a little dance in the mirror, and then walked back out to our lounge area overlooking the city and got on one knee.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Beautiful, emotional, fun.
In what month did you get married? August
How many guests attended your wedding? 215
What range did your wedding budget fall into? $50,000-$75,000
Describe your wedding cake or dessert: Our wedding cake was my favorite detail of the night! The cake was a custom designed 5-tier stunner with alternating layers of vanilla and red velvet topped with fondant and buttercream icing. The cake was adorned with elegant scrolls and banded with strips of bling. Judy from Simon Lee Bakery did an excellent job at bringing my cake vision to life.
What is the one thing you are most happy you splurged on? Our photographers Matt and Ivy! They helped create the best pictures ever!
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? If it’s up to Keith, babies!! Because of Keith’s work schedule, we weren’t able to go on a honeymoon so we can’t wait for our much needed vacation!

Photographer: Ivy Weddings // Videographer: A&A productions // Planner: Nyoka Coleman // Venue: Villa Antonia // Florist: Prive Floral // Wedding Cake Baker: Simon Lee Bakery // Caterer: Creative Creations // Rentals: Marquee Events // Linens: Marquee Events // Lighting: Ilios Lighting // Bride’s Dress: Sottero and Midgely // Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Angelo

P.S. If you love this wedding, check out these past beauties:
Jennifer + Armand’s bold + glam Tennessee wedding (here + here)
Crystal + Heath’s sweet + glam North Carolina wedding (here + here)
Courtney + Chris’ rustic Georgia wedding with bold purple dresses (here + here)

nicoleyang Written with love by Nicole
10 Comments
  1. avatar desiree reply

    i love when couple’s aren’t afraid of color!!! Im diggin’ his purple kicks too

  2. avatar Kelli Taylor/Daniel Taylor Photography reply

    Love those bold colors! And OMG the cake!

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  10. avatar AmyWilliams reply

    We are looking at doing similar colors and are really wondering what so shoes those are

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

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