Southern Weddings

Meghan + Michael’s wedding is after my own heart. An outdoor ceremony under a giant tree AND guests were greeted with hot apple cider? If that’s not Southern hospitality, then what is? After some sweet vows were exchanged, the newlyweds and their friends and family settled down for a reception on the lawn of Glenview Mansion, planned by SW favorite Atrendy Wedding. We are a teensy bit jealous that we weren’t able to play corn hole and nibble on s’mores on a stick and mini creme brulee, but these photos by Kate Headley absolutely make up for it. I adore Meghan + Michael’s casual-but-cute getaway outfits and ribbon streamers. They look marvelous in the afternoon light!

Could these bouquets by Holly Chapple Flowers be any more perfect for a fall wedding?

Describe the proposal. I was living in Florida at the time and Michael was living back home in Maryland. I knew he was planning to fly down and visit me over my birthday, but instead, he surprised me by flying down a few days earlier and popping the question! He proposed at night by the pond near my house, surrounded by candlelight. Afterward, my closest friends surprised me with an engagement party and showered us with love and excitement.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Shabby chic, sweet and detailed
In what month did you get married? October
How many guests attended your wedding? 145
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: There were so many to choose from, but I loved the ceremony site. We had so many beautiful flowers all around and guests were greeted with beautiful music and hot apple cider as they arrived.
What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? We had our wedding and reception outside at a beautiful vintage mansion in Maryland. Guests enjoyed lawn games during the cocktail hour. Our reception we held under a beautiful open tent.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I had tried on several dresses but nothing was wowing me. I saw an image of a gorgeous lace dress at a bridal store but they didn’t carry the dress. I went online and searched for the gown and found a bridal shop that had it in store! As soon as I put it on, I knew it was the perfect dress and that it would fit my outdoor, shabby chic wedding.
Describe your wedding flowers: Color, color, color. I wanted to incorporate all the beautiful colors of autumn. My bouquet had purple, orange, red, yellow and green flowers. Each of my bridesmaids bouquets were made up of one type of flower from my bouquet.
Describe your wedding cake or dessert: Our wedding cake was three-tiered red velvet cake with chocolate ganache and spiced apple with cinnamon icing. It had fresh flowers cascading down one side.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? The biggest challenge we faced was accommodating all of our family member’s wishes. There were some conflicting ideas that were difficult to work through.
What is the one thing you are most happy you splurged on? The wedding planner. She was so helpful throughout the entire process. She saved me so much time and stress and it was a huge blessing not to have to worry about anything the day of the wedding.
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? Walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time. It was a special moment that neither one of us will ever forget.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? We currently work together for a non-profit organization and we will be relocating to Washington, D.C. We are hoping that in the future our jobs will take us overseas full-time and that we will begin a family there.

Photographer: Kate Headley // Planner: Pam Barefoot from A Trendy Wedding // Ceremony venue: Glenview Mansion // Reception venue: Glenview Mansion // Florist: Holly Chapple //Wedding Cake or Dessert Baker: Fluffy Thoughts Cake // Caterer: Windows Catering Company // Rentals: Sugar Plum Tent Rentals // Linens: Windows // Lighting: Windows // Paper Products: invitations done by Heather Bianchi // Bride’s Dress: Allure Bridals // Bride’s Hair Accessories/Veil/Jewelry: Hairpiece and earrings from Etsy, veil and garters handmade by the mother of the bride // Bride’s Shoes: Nine West // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jasmine Bridal

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

Want to see similar lovely weddings?
Claire + Brian’s intimate fall garden wedding here and here
Sara + Bill’s rustic Virginia wedding here and here

Written with love by Nicole