Southern Weddings

So much of the time, there is beauty in simplicity, no? Such is the case with Ashley + Ross’s lovely morning wedding. Not wanting to break the bank, these two chose a few details to focus on — sentimental milk glass favors, arrangements assembled by the bridal party, kraft paper signage — and didn’t worry about the rest. We are loving Ashley’s David’s Bridal dress (which she bought secondhand, resulting in an even more impressive steal!) and Elisa B’s photographs from the day. Check back soon for part two!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. I had finished up college in Texas and opted to do the Trinity Fellows Program in Charlottesville, Virginia the fall after graduation. Lo and behold, Ross, who went to college in Virginia, decided to stick around and was in the Fellows Program, too! We were attracted from the get-go, but attributed it to friendship until the spring. One day, we went to a vineyard, opened a bottle, and talked it out – we liked each other and it was official! We didn’t rush it, we took our sweet time and every day of dating was wonderful! We had dated just shy of two years when we got engaged. It was perfect timing to make for a short engagement and a summer wedding!
Describe the proposal. Ross is in law school, so the school-year is quite busy for him, to say the least. Over his winter break, we talked more openly about when we might get engaged. After admitting that my ring was taking a little longer than expected to make, Ross suggested that we start planning the wedding a bit since he was more available and we could make the big decisions together. I was on board and we started scouting for a venue. The day that we went to our venue to sign a contract, I had tunnel-vision set on the money and details. Literally two minutes after signing some paperwork and making a deposit, Ross and I were invited downstairs to see some final display items for our consideration. I walked into a room, looked at the plates on the table and thought “those aren’t the dishes they described to us for our wedding,” then turned around to find Ross down on one knee! He proposed and I said yes! The room was the venue’s beautiful wine cellar and the table was set for two. We enjoyed the rest of our evening sharing a bottle of wine and a private dinner. I was so surprised, it was so very special, and we didn’t have a care in the world – our date was set and our venue was already booked!
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Sentimental, simple and elegant.
What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? Some of my accessories were vintage. My pearl purse was found by my mother at a yard sale in our hometown of in Texas. My handkerchief was a gift from my great grandparents when I was born, saved and treasured for my wedding day. And the abundance of milk glass, oh my! My mother started collecting milk glass when I was a child – her affinity rubbed off on me and I had always known in my heart that I’d use those special pieces at my wedding! A couple of years ago, milk glass emerged in the wedding industry as a trend, but I knew I’d still use it, not because it’s popular, but because it’s meaningful. My mom had so much milk glass that we were able to share the love – our centerpieces doubled as favors for guests to take home!
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I had gone shopping for my dress a few times and though I had learned what silhouettes I liked best, I wasn’t finding something at my price point. One day, I spotted a dress that was only available online! I found it second-hand, but still new! It was a few sizes too big, but I took a risk and ordered it anyways. It turns out that it was a risk worth taking. My seamstress did wonders to make it fit and the dress was perfect for our summer morning wedding!
Describe your wedding flowers: White, white, white! And lots of hydrangeas! Our florist prepared the corsages and boutonnieres, but the rest were bulk flowers for us to tend to. The day before the wedding, my bridesmaids and I had a bouquet-making session in the morning and an arrangement-making session in the evening. The layers of white hydrangea, stock, alstroemeria and rose with touches of hypericum berries and waxflower, made with love by me and my dear friends, had me over-the-moon happy!

Photographer: Elisa B Photography // Venue: Collina Farm at Clifton Inn // Florist: Floral Designs by Jacquelyn // Wedding Cake and Cupcake Baker: Charlottesville Cupcake // Cinnamon Rolls and Gluten-Free Cupcakes: Hungarian Bakery // Caterer: Clifton Inn // Paper Products: Delphine Press // Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal via OnceWed // Bride’s Hair Accessories/Veil: ARoyalWedding // Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden // Bride’s jewelry: TZTUDIO // Flower Girl Dresses: Crewcuts from J.Crew // Ring Bearer Shirts: Crewcuts from J.Crew // Groom & Groomsmen’s Ties: Jos.A.Bank // Hair and Makeup: Lora Elaine Cornhole // Rentals: CornChucker // Classical Guitarist: Rafael Scarfullery // Guestbook: Parkside Harmony

Written with love by Emily