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Bride Hannah shares her romantic wedding at The Farm at Old Edwards Inn!

Please say ‘hey’ to today’s bride Hannah! Her wedding at The Farm at Old Edwards Inn to Nathan has me dreaming of perfect summer days and musing on the importance of blending families…

We often talk about incorporating family traditions, heirlooms, and even family members into your wedding day, but as y’all know, preparing for your marriage and blending your families starts long before your wedding day. I love how for Hannah and Nathan, not only was their wedding day a celebration of two families coming together, but so was their engagement! Hannah said, “As Nathan and I started our way back to the rooftop [after he proposed] we were greeted (tackled) by my family. The ten of us embraced into the biggest, happiest hug.” I imagine that moment was not only joy-filled for Hannah and Nathan, but their families, as well. Keep reading for more tender moments from these two!

Big SW hugs to Landon Jacob for sharing!

My mom and I did the wedding dress shopping together and made the time together so special. The very first wedding dress store that I ventured into put me into a dressing room labeled “Bella.” My mother, for as long as I can remember, has used the nickname Bella for me. We teared up when we noticed this, and felt overwhelmingly thankful to be together during the exciting time.

What was your favorite thing about wedding planning? It was just so much fun!! My favorite part of the planning were the weekends we spent up in Highlands planning. Every time we had to drive to the venue location (for the florist, walk throughs, cake testing, food tasting, etc.) we made a weekend out of it. These trips helped us make memories that will last forever!

What advice would you give to someone currently planning a wedding? When you walk down the aisle, make eye contact with your husband the whole way down. It is so easy to become side tracked by all your loved ones watching you, but then you will miss out on one of the most amazing moments of your special day. Also, plan a moment in your reception to step back with your husband and take it all in. Look at all your friends and family who came to love you, support you, and celebrate you. Take that moment it and never forget what it looked or felt like.

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? We knew that we were going to get married in the summer and in the South, where we are both from. I only had one request — I wanted the ceremony outside. Nathan only had one request — he did not want to be hot and sweaty. Uh oh! Instead of having to compromise, we thankfully heard about an adorable mountain town called Highlands, NC where the summer months reach an average of 73 degrees — the perfect temperature for an outdoor wedding. Aside from the weather, we fell in love with the aesthetic features of the venue. It had so much raw beauty that left us in awe every time we visited. The final deciding factor of our venue was the staff at Old Edwards Inn. We absolutely fell in love with the events coordinator, Shayna Bigazzi. She was so kind, hard working, and made our entire journey SO much fun and easy. I never felt stressed planning the wedding because she took care of all the stressful aspects.

What were some of the most meaningful or special parts of your ceremony? The moment immediately following our ceremony when we got a few moments to ourselves was the first moment we had alone as a married couple. I remember Nathan wrapping his arms around me, and I just stared up at my new husband with the biggest smile. We kept looking at each other’s tear-filled eyes and giddily squealed, “we are married! We really are married!” over and over.

Did you decide to do a first look? Why or why not? No first look for us. Nathan and I both wanted that moment to be special. We knew that the first look was something we wanted to save for the aisle. And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions we ever made. That moment — that look on his face — will FOREVER be etched into my memory.

What was your favorite detail from your wedding? My favorite detail from the wedding was when I had the father-daughter dance with my Daddy. I was never the little girl who dreamed crazy dreams for her wedding. I never imagined what my dress would look like, what my cake would taste like, or what type of shoes I was going to wear. I did, however, dream about the day I would get to dance with my Daddy on the greatest day of my life. He (and Jesus) are the reason I found such a beautiful man to marry. My father’s love and example lead me to the man I got to marry. My dad rewrote the Jack Johnson Song, ” Angel” with lyrics for us. He asked my brother, who is an incredible musician, to play and sing it. The song was a surprise for me. Dancing to these lyrics in my father’s arms to the sound of my brother’s voice made this moment bigger than any dream.

Tell us all about the proposal! We were on a family vacation with my family in Aruba. Although Nathan had planned to propose in the middle of the week, he just couldn’t wait. He, along with his side kicks (my dad, brother, and brother-in-law), scoped out the island on day one to find the perfect spot to propose. Nathan decided to pop the question at sunset on the most adorable dock jetting out into the ocean. That night, we planned to have drinks at a rooftop bar that faced the ocean followed by dinner at my favorite restaurant on the island. Halfway through happy hour and minutes before a spectacular sunset, Nathan asked me if I wanted to go adventure out onto the dock that our rooftop bar was looking out on. Excitedly, I agreed to check it out and walked hand in hand out to the edge of the dock. He hugged me, spun me around, and fell to his knee, asking me the most important question of my life. Completely overwhelmed with joy and shock, I fell into his arms sobbing the happiest of tears. The second most special part of that moment was the cheers I heard from the rooftop in the distance. Realizing that my entire family was there to witness the best day of my life filled my heart with immense gratitude. As Nathan and I started our way back to the rooftop we were greeted (tackled) by my family. The ten of us embraced into the biggest, happiest hug.
When did y’all get married? July 8 2016
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 230
What did you serve for your wedding cake or dessert? We had a simple, three-tier wedding cake. I loved the look of a traditional, white wedding cake.
What was Southern about your wedding? The best way that I can describe my wedding as “Southern” comes down to the people. Everyone who joined in the celebration felt like a part of my family.
What was the hardest part about planning your wedding? The financial aspect was by far the hardest part for us. We had so many dreams for our big day and we wanted SO many of our friends and family to join in that it inevitably became more expensive.
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? We had our wedding on a Friday. Our venue cut the cost on so many things for us just for holding it on that day of the week.

Photographer: Landon Jacob | Videographer: Neil Peterson | Planner: Shelley Legg for Chancey Charm Atlanta | Venue and caterer: The Farm at Old Edwards Inn | Florist: Floressence Flowers | DJ: Lethal Rhythms | Bride’s gown, bride’s accessories, and bridesmaid dresses: Bridals By Lori | Hair stylist and makeup artist: Beauty Asylum | Groom and groomsmen attire: Perno’s

marissa Written with love by Marissa
3 Comments
  1. avatar Geoff reply

    What an awesome location. Bravo to the photographer too. These pics really show the day and how it unfolded.

  2. avatar craig williams reply

    Oh My that venue!!!

  3. avatar Luke Hayden reply

    Such wonderful photography!

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The Old Edwards Inn was one of the first destinations I had the pleasure of traveling to after I moved to the South seven years ago, and it made a BIG impression on me. Now that I’ve added many, many dreamy venues in every corner of the South to my resume, I know that it wasn’t just naivety that made the OEI seem magical – it truly is! (Of course, the many weddings we’ve featured over the years at Old Edwards, like this stunner, helped, too.)

With its Old World, European charm; impeccable service; stunning surroundings; and friendly Southern hospitality, I can think of few better destinations to bring your guests to for a wedding. And whether you’re picturing an intimate celebration with just your closest family members or a blow-out bash, they’ve got a venue for you. Let’s take a tour of this North Carolina gem, shall we?

The Farm, Old Edwards’ largest venue, can accommodate 275 guests. Like all of OEI’s venues, it’s a rustic-inspired but fashionable setting!

The Old Edwards Club is next on the list, with a guest count clocking in at 150. Those views! Each venue takes advantage of its setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains in a different way, but all of them make for a flawless, joyful backdrop for celebrating.

The Piermont Cottage can also accommodate 150 guests. I LOVE that if you chose this venue, you’d get all of the coziness and gracious hospitality of an at-home wedding without the logistical challenges and parking snafus that typically come along with them!

A more petite venue, the Rockwood Lodge can host 100 guests. Like at the rest of the Old Edwards portfolio, your guests will be treated to menus made of farm-to-table cuisine highlighting seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and crafted to complement your theme and vision. Again, those views!!

Finally, the Hutchinson House, which can accommodate up to 50 guests for an intimate party. In addition to smaller weddings, it would be perfect for rehearsal dinners and brunches! I can just imagine sitting around that outdoor fireplace the day after the wedding, rehashing all of the best moments and toasting s’mores :)

It also has to be noted that a trip to the Old Edwards Inn, in addition to being fantastic for a destination wedding, would be a superb option for a honeymoon (in any season!). For more about this Southern gem, head to their website!

This post is brought to you by the Old Edwards Inn. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Southern Weddings possible!

emily Written with love by Emily
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Based on details alone, it’s clear that Olivia and Scott threw a Southern soirée, but amidst the bow ties, pearls, and bourbon lemonade lies much more. Olivia imagined a day that felt like an effortlessly elegant Southern dinner party, so with the help of their planner, Blue Ribbon Vendor Leigh Pearce, they planned a wedding day that focused on serving their guests well as gracious hosts and honoring the traditions of their families. While lots of newlyweds struggle to fill their new homes with thoughtful pieces, I love the way Leigh encouraged Olivia and Scott to look for decor that could be easily reused after their wedding in their home. I bet those same pieces will go on to become heirlooms for future generations to cherish!

Big hugs to Anna Paschal Photography for sharing this dreamy day with us!

My experience finding a dress was one of epic fairy tale proportion. Along with my mom and sister, I traveled to Hayden Olivia in uptown Charlotte. The consultant encouraged me to pick at least one or two gowns that I had not pictured myself in–something outside my comfort zone. I began making my selection and was lured in by the youthful, uber feminine designs of Hayley Paige. I especially loved the cascading striped silk organza of the Guindon gown, and knew it had to be my wild card pick. After a few gowns, the consultant decided it was time I tried on my “just for fun” pick. The feeling I felt as I wore the gown was transformative–I felt more myself than I had ever been. Needless to say, Guindon became a pivotal inspiration piece for the entire wedding!

Did you decide to do a first look? Why or why not? Yes, Scott and I did decide to do a first look. At first, we were a little unsure if a first look would be right for us, but after talking with Leigh Pearce, Anna Paschal, and our rabbi, we decided it would be perfect fit. We wanted to spend as much time as possible with our friends, family, and loved ones after the ceremony. The first look also gave Scott and I an opportunity to create and share a special moment alone together prior to the ceremony.

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? I had always dreamed of an outdoor wedding. As we began looking for wedding venues, Scott and I wanted to find a place that felt refined, yet organic. We immediately fell in love with the expansive and stately oak trees found at one of the ceremony sites at Summerfield Farm.

I looked through various issues of Southern Weddings and selected a few of my favorite phrases to create my vows. My favorite lines were: “I, Olivia, take you, Scott, as you are this day, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become. I promise to listen to you and learn from you, to support you and accept your support. I will celebrate your triumphs and mourn your losses as though they are my own. I will love you and have faith in your love for me through all that life may bring. May my heart be your shelter and my arms be your home. With these words, and all the words of my heart, I marry you and bind my life to yours.”

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? Do bow ties, pearls, and bourbon lemonade count? The whole design of our wedding was Southern. Southern design, to me, is understated elegance and effortless tradition. It is as if you went out into the backyard, gathered some flowers from your garden, went into the dining room and brought out the pressed linens and the Sunday china, grabbed the heirloom silver, whipped up a deliciously fresh meal, and lit a few candles, all while say to your guests, “Really, it was nothing. Glad you could make it”. The focus on our guests and our efforts to be gracious hosts were the most Southern parts of our wedding.

We chose a selection of small round layer cakes to accompany our main three-tiered round layer cake. The cakes ranged in flavors from strawberry buttercream, to raspberry lady cake, to chocolate mocha cake. The cakes’ decorations were very simple–we used white frosting with a beaded border around the bottom, adorned with real blooms.

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. Scott and I met in college in August 2008. We both remember the very first moment we laid eyes on each other, standing in the hallway of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house. Scott was a sophomore and I was a freshman. We instantly connected over whatever music was playing at the time and continued to connect over various topics in the weeks to come. However, it took Scott almost three years and a sort of happenstance meeting to officially ask me out on our first date. Our first date will forever be one of best memories, besides our wedding, of course. On both occasions, we danced and sang the entire night away.
Tell us all about the proposal! I can honestly say the proposal was a COMPLETE surprise and that it happened months before I thought it might! I grew up on a farm and have ridden and owned horses since the tender age of five. In third grade, as I started to grow not only in size, but in skill, as an equestrian, my parents gifted me with an American Quarter Horse named Sundance. I loved him from the moment I met him! In late fall 2013, as Sundance began to age and reach “old man” status (30 years old), I mentioned to Scott and my family how very much I would love to have my picture taken with Sundance as a sort of memento. On December 1 of that year, while Scott and I were visiting my parents for Thanksgiving, they surprised me with a professional photography session with Sundance. As Sundance and I neared the end of our photo shoot, the photographer suggested I turn the horse around and position Scott into one of the last frames. I turned Sundance around and came to spot Scott kneeling on the ground. I immediately asked him what he was doing, reminding him it was not safe to be on the ground around horses. Well…he pulled out a little box and a gorgeous diamond ring! He nervously uttered lots of sweet and meaningful words and I said “Yes!” The whole proposal was caught on camera.
When did y’all get married? May 24, 2015
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 125
How did you plan for your marriage while planning your wedding? Scott and I planned for our marriage by meeting with our rabbi once a month during a large portion of our engagement. We have really come to cherish those monthly meetings, and they are one of the reasons we were able to create such a deeply meaningful ceremony.
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? Having a custom invitation suite and calligraphed envelopes was really important to me. The invitation is the first tangible piece of the big day guests will encounter. I always look at invitations as a suggestion of all the beauty yet to come. In order to stay within my budget for invitations and paper, I decided to forgo paper items like individual menus and programs. I also decided learn the art of modern calligraphy so I could address the invitations, create the place cards, and hand-paint the table numbers and signage myself. I walked away from my wedding day with the man of my dreams and a new skill to boot!
What is the one detail or vendor that you were so happy to have as a part of your wedding? Leigh Pearce, my planner, and Anna Paschal, my photographer, obviously! Those ladies were such a blessing and I felt so fortunate to have found them. I am really glad that I listened to every piece of their advice, especially, when Leigh advised me to look for decor items that I could also use in my home after the wedding. Many of the pieces we used during our wedding have now become heirloom-quality decor in our home.
What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together? Beyond working to build a life together, I would have to say travel and adventure. On our honeymoon, Scott and I decided that each year for our anniversary, we would plan a special trip for the two of us. We are very excited to celebrate our first anniversary in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands–we have made arrangements to stay in an eco-tent resort for the first leg of our trip. For the first time ever, we will be traveling with just a backpack filled with the bare necessities, and we simply can’t wait to see what exciting revelations come when traveling ultralight!

Photographer: Anna Pachal Photography | Planner: Leigh Pearce Weddings | Venue: Summerfield Farm | Florist: The Farmers Wife | Cake Baker: Maxie B’s | Caterer: Fresh. Local. Good. Food Group | Rentals: Party Makers Event Rentals | Lighting and DJ: K2 Productions | Paper Products: Four Things Paper | Bride’s Gown: “Guindon” by Hayley Paige | Bride’s Earrings: Haute Bride | Bride’s Custom Sash: Davie & Chiyo | Bride’s English Net Veil: Tessa Kim | Hair and Makeup: Carla White | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: “D468” by Alfred Sung | Groom’s Attire: Brooks Brothers and Canali | Bow Ties: The Tie Bar | Groomsmen Attire: Brooks Brothers and Michael Kors

marissa Written with love by Marissa
5 Comments
  1. avatar Laura reply

    Love her description of the reception as a Southern dinner party. Now it makes me want to throw a dinner party of my own!

  2. avatar Brooke Paris reply

    This story is SO similar to my own; it is my own Hayley Paige dress is serving as inspiration for the general look and intimate details of the reception we are planning- my groom just doesn’t know that everything comes together so well quite yet ;)!

    I have been searching for swiss dot details EVERYWHERE- do you know where those fabrics are from?

  3. avatar Leigh Pearce reply

    Thanks for the feature SW!! I just loved working with Olivia and Scott. A pair of true sweethearts!

    Brooke, email me at [email protected] and I will see if I can hunt down that fabric source for you. Olivia’s mom sourced and created the chuppah draping. It was one of my favorite details!! xoxo

  4. avatar Greg Coltman reply

    Lovely detail! Great shots

  5. avatar Doting on Dots, Part Two: People & Parties – The Dandelion PatchThe Dandelion Patch reply

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