Southern Weddings

If there’s anything that could make us dry our eyes after Whitney’s news, it would be this gem of a wedding from Justin DeMutiis. Can you believe that today’s bride, Jessica thought her dress was “too fancy?” We are so glad that she was encouraged to try the Maggie Sottero beauty on because she rocks it! I love that Jessica was searching for a future family heirloom when she went shopping, and think she found a lovely one. There are so many sweetly Southern details in these photos, the bride’s dress being just one. Among my favorites are the seersucker-suited ring bearers, the baby’s breath centerpieces and the colorful poms hanging off of Jessica + Derek’s snazzy blue getaway convertible!

Let’s hear a little more about that dress, shall we? Finding my dress was like a search for a future family heirloom. It was a feeling I was searching for. Having all of my bridesmaids, my mom, and my sister there was so special. I’ll never forget the memories we created, laughing and having so much fun. The owner of the salon actually was the one to encourage me to try on the dress. Upon first glance, I thought it looked too “fancy.” As soon as my sister finished zipping it and I turned to look in the mirror, though, the search was over. My family heirloom was found. I would be married in this dress. My future children may be baptized in its fabric or wear a piece of it at their wedding. It is the most beautiful, unexpected and perfect dress I’ve ever seen.

I love that Jessica and Derek’s favorite detail of the wedding was taking a moment at the beginning of their ceremony to honor their mothers – they presented them each with vintage handkerchiefs embroidered with their first initial!

A little bit about this gorgeous confection to finish us off: The design was a simple four-tiered all white cake. Down the front were delicate gum paste flower petals. The inside layers of buttercream were tinted a very light blue to add a subtle detail. Our wedding cake was driven 60 miles to Tampa! Favor Bakery makes the most delicious cake and buttercream frosting in the world!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. We met at Derek’s brother’s house in Tampa, Florida, in September of 2006. He was visiting from Columbus, Ohio, and I knew his brother through a friend from work. We had an instant connection. I’ll never forget seeing him for the first time, and it was all instant butterflies and batting of eyelashes. He went back to Ohio and I went on about my work and life in Tampa. Little did we know that we would see each other again in four months. It was New Year’s Eve; Derek was in Tampa again visiting his brother for the holidays. Unplanned and out of the blue, there we were at the same New Year’s Eve party! When we saw each other again, it was as if we had known each other forever. We’ve been together since.
Describe the proposal. In May of 2009 we went to Ohio to visit his Mom for Mother’s Day. Upon landing in Ohio, Derek told me we were going to dinner at Lindey’s, where we had our first “official” date. Getting ready, getting in the car and driving to the restaurant, there was a cloud of happiness, joy and love around us. As we were seated, I realized it was the same table as our first date. When we were done eating, he got down on his knee and proposed. I was speechless – I’ve never been speechless in my life! He took my breath away. I finally eeked out “yes” and the restaurant and staff erupted in applause and cheers!
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Love, beauty, and joy.
In what month did you get married? March
How many guests attended your wedding? 130
Describe your wedding flowers: Our ceremony was held in a garden overlooking Harbor Island and downtown Tampa. The views were so beautiful I wanted the flowers to be subdued and simple. For the ceremony, we used only baby’s breath. Our moms and grandmothers wore a single Sarah Bernhardt peony. My bouquet was made of Sarah Bernhardt peonies and a few salal leaves. The bridesmaids’ bouquets were made of pink garden roses, baby’s breath, white hydrangea, green hypericum berries and salal. The gentlemen wore boutonnieres made of white ranunculus, white lisianthus, and green hypericum berries.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? We are happy being a married couple, spending time with our family and friends, working hard at our careers, decorating our “first home,” and planning for our family when the day comes.

Photographer: Justin DeMutiis // Week of Coordinator: Jennifer Burkle, Burkle Events // Venue: Davis Islands Garden Club // Florist: Scott Darhower, Apple Blossoms Floral Designs // Wedding Cake or Dessert Baker: Favor Bakery // Caterer: Kevin Lacassin, GoodFood Catering Company // Paper Products: Wedding Paper Divas and Betsywhite // Bride’s Dress: “Holly” by Maggie Sottero // Bride’s Hair Accessories/Veil/Jewelry: Veil by Priscilla of Boston, Earrings by Maria Elena // Bride’s Shoes: Vera Wang // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Priscilla of Boston

Justin DeMutiis is a member of our fabulous Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

Are you smitten with this wedding? Take a look at these:
Katie + Charlie’s Florida beach wedding here and here
Our post all about veils, in honor of Jessica’s stunning one!

Written with love by Nicole