Southern Weddings

Em said to me yesterday as she was putting the images in for this post, “Nicole, you are going to love this wedding.” The bride called it a “turquoise and Southern backyard pizza party,” so I knew I was going to be a goner once I saw the photos! Y’all know I love me a fancy and formal wedding once in awhile, but I find that I relate much more closely to Angela + Tom’s personalities. For them, the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of married life was through a casual party in the backyard of their friend’s home and a creative spin on tradition. (Y’all make sure you read the story behind Angela’s adorable dress!)

We’re sending big hugs to Riverland Studios for sharing A + T’s big day with us!

Describe your wedding flowers: Beautiful and natural. We used white hydrangeas, creamy garden roses, lisianthus, white ranunculus, herbs and scented geranium.

Did you write your own vows? Our life coach, Keith Sudano wrote most of them and I edited and refined them. One of my favorite parts was, “Marriage is a commitment to God. It is an opportunity to feel the joy of taking care of someone who takes care of you, to be challenged towards growth yet gently nurtured, to love deeply and receive it in return. It is about trust, friendship and having a partner to share all life has to offer. It is a place to evolve; so that you can go out in the world and make a difference by spreading the joy and wisdom that you have found with each other. Together in this marriage, you shall contribute more fully, for you both shall be more full.”

I had always loved my mother’s wedding gown but it was a little too ‘70s for me and the entire top was stained yellow due to age. Not to mention, my Mama was a size 2 and they had to take it in! I thought it would never fit in it but then I met with Caroline Baker of Maude Couture and she sent several drawings over. After a few meetings and some amazing design work on her part, I got a shortened, very BHLDN-esque version of my mother’s dress and an awesome (envision Carrie Bradshaw) skirt made from the bottom part of my Mother’s dress. It was one of my FAVORITE parts of the wedding and I’ll wearing both the dress and skirt 100 times over! It’s not just a wedding dress look.

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. We had both recently moved back to Charleston, SC and we’re modeling in Charleston Fashion Week. I was backstage talking to a group of people and Tom walked up to introduce himself. We saw each other thereafter at gatherings because we had mutual friends. Tom was always such a Southern gentleman…polite, courteous, well-mannered, and just plain sweet. We were friends and I enjoyed seeing him out in circles. We talked about yoga, books we were reading, fashion and life. Sooner rather than later, we had our first date, which was sushi at his house. Previously, I had been talking to one of our mutual friends and Tom about wanting a vintage pair of black cowgirl boots. That night, our first date gift, he gave me a vintage pair of black cowgirl boots that fit perfectly! I knew he was a keeper!!

Our favorite detail of the wedding was: Everything! There were so many intricate details, but I guess the theme of our “turquoise and Southern backyard pizza party” is our favorite detail.

Describe your wedding cake or dessert: It was a vanilla cake with salted caramel and dulce de leche creme from Wildflour.

Describe the proposal. It was on a weekend getaway to Cashiers, NC. We had just come back from canoeing and were having some snacks. Tom asked if I wanted some candy. I said, “No, I’m good.” Then he said, “Angela, just open the bag!” and there was the ring!
In what month did you get married? November
How many guests attended your wedding? 50
Did you decide to do a “first look”? No, we didn’t. However, at the last minute, standing in my turquoise corduroys and Ugg boots directing friends and vendors of our wedding day, Tom saw me. But he never saw me in my dress until I walked down the aisle.
What readings, if any, did you have at your ceremony? We did the Hands Ceremony and read Numbers 6:24.
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding. Our friend played Spanish acoustic music on his guitar.
What range did your wedding budget fall into? Less than $10,000
What is the one thing you are most happy you splurged on? Photography!!
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? The vows and talking to family and friends right after.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Listen to your family and friends but ultimately do what makes your heart flutter. I knew I wanted brick-oven pizza and searched high and low for a vendor. Everyone was worried about transit from another city, but it worked out! I also knew I wanted to get married in a short dress and wear boots at the reception. My dad never liked the idea of a short dress, but the idea grew on him and ultimately, I was happy with my decision.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? I see surfing in a tropical place in our future! We are hoping to honeymoon this year but right now we are just enjoying life together. John’s Island is where we call home and we love it!

Ooh! Events is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

Written with love by Nicole