Southern Weddings

Y’all! This might have been the hardest post for me to work on… ever! As many of you know, I am already married (to the love of my life) and had my own Southern wedding. When I planned my own wedding (almost three years ago) I knew exactly what I wanted: classic Southern style, light pink accents and, for BDK’s contribution, men in tails + bow ties! Needless to say, I nixed the top hats and white batting gloves.

My taste hasn’t changed much since then. I still love classic Southern style and light pink, however, looking at gorgeous Southern weddings everyday doesn’t help my decision making skills! Poor Emily took a billion inspiration images (fifteen of which were dresses) and turned them into the great boards you’ll see below – thanks, Em!

Image credit from left to right and top to bottom: Emily Ley Paper, Studio Cabrelli via SMP, Christine Farah, Corbin Gurkin, A Bryan Photo, Tec Petaja, via Style Me Pretty and Yan Photography.

Tell us the basics. Where do you want to get married and when? How many people would you invite? Well, let’s just start by saying this is my dream vow renewal (I wouldn’t want to give BDK the wrong signal, now would I?)! I would love to renew my vows at the amazing Cathedral in Downtown Mobile where I grew up, however I am IN LOVE with the amazing outdoor cathedral from this Tec Petaja wedding. Since I need to plan around baseball season, I’d go with a lovely winter wedding with a small group of our closest family and friends.

What’s your design inspiration and color palette? I am completely obsessed with the image of the Bible and pearls from A Bryan Photo. It’s actually the background on my computer! I love the soft, feminine feel and the meaning behind it. I’m also inspired by classic Southern style with a bit of ballet shoe-colored accents. Think Grace Kelly/Audrey Hepburn with a slow Southern drawl.

What details and traditions would you include in your ceremony? Since this would be my vow renewal, I’ve always loved when the bride and groom meet half way down the aisle and walk to the altar together. Such a powerful message in just a few short steps. I would also be sure that the Bible verses that were read at our wedding were read at our renewal.

What dress would you wear? Um, herein lies quite a problem! I love SO many dresses that I absolutely cannot pick just one! Since this is my dream wedding, and in my dream I can wear as many dresses as I want, I would wear (in no particular order!): Amsale Coco, Amsale Dahlia, Justin Alexander 8483, Watters Escalante and then a gorgeous custom Chaviano Couture mini-dress for the getaway. I do have to add that IF I had to choose just one, I would say the Justin Alexander would win!

Image credit from left to right and top to bottom: First two images and last two images A Bryan Photo, plate with cameo and monogram napkin images Martha Stewart Weddings, cake by Amy Cakes and photo by Amy Rae (see more from this shoot here!), Kristin Vining and The Nichols.

What would your flowers look like? Like Nicole, I love giant, fully bloomed peonies. For my vow renewal, I’m leaning toward a fluffy all white bouquet, even though I do also adore that light pink color palette! I do know that I die for long and clean estate tables with low and fluffy arrangements with LOADS of tea light candles. Who doesn’t look stunning in candlelight?!

What details and traditions would you include in your reception? I absolutely love the idea of displaying generations of family bridal portraits, it’s just so sweet and personal. I would have large estate tables below bands of string lights enveloping family and friends while they dined on mixed vintage china (preferably heirloom!). Dancing and more dancing! Have you ever sung at the top of your lungs along to Journey at a wedding? It’s pretty fab, I’m not going to lie! Oh, and I’d monogram everything!

What food would you serve? I’m a big fan of good Southern comfort food. I’d love to serve macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, mini pot pies, grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken & biscuits. My reception would say we’re formal, but like to have fun!

Where would you honeymoon? In a private bungalow in Bora Bora! They have see-through glass floors, y’all!

What’s most important to you about weddings? God and love. Weddings, as gorgeous as they may be, are truly about two people being joined together as one to share, grow and love for the rest of their lives. Weddings are just the beginning of a crazy wonderful adventure!

What do you think, ladies? Should we begin planning a vow renewal for Miss Marissa? :)

P.S. In case you missed a post…
Nicole’s Dream Southern Wedding

Written with love by Marissa