Southern Weddings

What is it about ceremonies under giant trees that are so romantic? Ansley + Carlton decorated with a simple streamer backdrop and we think it’s all they need to create a lovely space. The couple looked mighty sharp with the bride in an Essence of Australia dress and the groom in a slim fitting tux, but a late night wardrobe change added a punch of fun to the getaway. We’re dishing out hugs to The Reason who shared this wedding with us!

For a bridal party that looked so sharp in the end, it was a rocky road to sartorial splendor: Two days before the wedding we went to pick up the groomsmens’ tuxedos only to find out that the tuxedo shop had gone completely out of business. We were not notified by anyone, the lights were off, and (literally) one pair of shoes and a sewing machine were all that was left behind! Luckily, after a lot of stress, a logistics miracle, and a team effort by our families (with a special “shout out” to the mother of the groom!), everyone had a tux on wedding day.

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? Our wedding was on a pecan farm in middle Georgia. The ceremony was held in the midst of the orchard. We enjoyed our first meal on the candle lit back porch of an old Georgia home originally built in 1804. We added some Southern fun into the cocktail hour with corn hole, bocce ball, and bourbon-based Manhattans. Our guests chowed down at the grits bar, on pork tenderloin sliders on sweet potato biscuits, and on braised beef brisket with Coca Cola gravy.

From the groom: Our first dance was amazing, and a little bit surreal. We took a few lessons at Firefly Studios in Decatur and our first song was “I’m Your Man” by Michael Buble. It felt as if we were floating in time… there were several big dips and, fortunately, I didn’t drop her!

We adore these next photos because they seem to represent the best of the South, and, really, the goal of most weddings: enjoying time with the ones you love (bonus points for involving a porch and rocking chairs!). And the late night snacks of PB&J, milk shooters, and a nacho bar? THAT is gooder than grits.

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. We bumped into each other at Georgia Tech our freshman year of college and met again later that year through a mutual friend. We instantly became friends and were just that for three years. Gradually, our feelings grew for one another. Nights out with big groups turned into long talks, lunches, and romantic dates by ourselves. It was almost strange when we realized how much time we were spending thinking about one another and that our relationship had become more than “just friends”.
Describe the proposal: Carlton proposed in black tie, in the middle of the night while I was sleeping, in complete darkness…the only glow coming from the flashlight aimed at the ring! We then left immediately and spent the next three days in different locations throughout Georgia: The Mansion on Peachtree in Atlanta, Barnsley Gardens in Adairsville, and Cedar House Inn & Yurts in Dahlonega, where our immediate family members joined us for two days in North Georgia wine country.
In what month did you get married? October
How many guests attended your wedding? 220
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: (From the groom) The lighting from the hanging lanterns and string lights to the lamps at the bar. (From the bride) The dessert area with the antique doors, suitcases, and lace doilies followed by a really close second: our late night snack of a nacho bar with all the toppings imaginable, and Carlton’s PB&J with milk shooters.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I never would have tried on my wedding dress had my mom not insisted. After trying on what felt like hundreds, I put it on and actually used the word “love.” I changed the crystal beading in the flowers on the dress to a matte black to give it a little more personality. Knowing that I wanted to be able to let loose and dance, I had to have a short dress for the reception and was able to find the perfect one at Urban Outfitters.
Describe your wedding flowers: I don’t know a lot about flowers, but the one thing I did know was that I wanted something bright and wild flower-esque. Technically we didn’t have “colors” for our wedding so this was our way of adding a bright pop. They turned out even better than we could have imagined.
Describe your wedding cake or dessert: Neither one of us felt like we had to have a wedding cake, so we decided to go with cupcakes. We had red velvet, Guinness, vanilla, and carrot cake. They were out of this world!
What range did your wedding budget fall into? $50,000-$75,000
What is the one thing you are most happy you splurged on? For Carlton, it was the band. For me, the photography and videography.
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? (From the bride) I had about 15 minutes alone, sitting on the back porch of the house drinking a beer. I was watching all the guests walk down the path into the field to be seated for the ceremony and I could almost see Carlton standing at the front. It was the one moment of calm where I was really able to take it all in.
Did you decide to do a “first look”? Why or why not? We decided to do a “first look” or as we liked to call it, “the Big Peek.” We thought this would calm our nerves a bit pre-ceremony and would give us time to spend together before the wedding. The biggest reason of all, though, was so that we could take pictures beforehand and start the celebration right after the ceremony.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? There is a significant amount of small details that add up quickly as the wedding approaches. Plan as much as possible as early as possible! Also, having a wedding planner, if for nothing other than the day of the wedding, will allow you to relax and live in the moment while she/he handles the many inevitable crises, large or small.

Photographer: The Reason // Videographer: The Reason // Planner: Simply Charming Socials // Design/Décor: Simply Charming Socials and Ashley Pepitone Design // Venue: Specht Farm // Florist: Birch Blooms // Wedding Cake or Dessert Baker: The Little Cake Bakery // Caterer: Endive // Rentals: Don’s Special Event Rentals // Linens: Endive // Lighting: Don’s Rentals and Simply Charming Socials // Bride’s Ceremony Dress: Essence of Australia // Bride’s Reception Dress: Urban Outfitters // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Their own

Simply Charming Socials is a fabulous member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

We love these weddings, too!
Meg + Josh’s colorful barn wedding here and here.
Laurie Anne + Taylor’s intimate ceremony and string lights reception here and here.
Meghan + Michael’s outdoor afternoon wedding here.

Written with love by Nicole