Southern Weddings

We’re extra excited to share today’s gorgeous wedding, because Juliet and David have both been on Southern Weddings before, but as vendors! You can find Juliet’s lettering here and David’s photography here. Knowing how talented this couple is, we were not surprised at all that their North Carolina wedding was so lovely and ethereal. Their wedding planner, Laura of Ashton Events, is not only one of our delightful BRV members, she is also a friend of the bride and groom, and she played an instrumental role in David’s proposal!

Hugs to Alicia Swedenborg for sharing Juliet and David’s wedding with us!

Tell us all about the proposal! Long story short, I was heading down to Florida (where David lived) for a visit. A wedding planner friend, Laura Helm, asked me to assist her on a styled shoot that Friday in Lakeland. I arrived at the most beautiful ranch, ready to help set up. The shoot was beautiful–it included a handmade sailboat, a sweetheart table set for two, cafe lights strung from tree to tree, cute love notes spread throughout, and fresh flowers everywhere. Shortly after the videographers and photographers arrived, Laura sent me on a trip to the store for a few last minute things she forgot. After returning, the “Mr.” and “Mrs.” signs on the backs of the chairs had been switched out to say “Mr. David Lapham” and “Mrs. Juliet Lapham.” On the table was a note addressed to “Juliet Grace Jones.” It was a love note from David with words leading me to look up, where he popped out from behind a tree. After a few sweet words, David got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. Afterwards, we ate cheesecake, sipped on sparkling white grape juice and danced the night away!

I have been in love with Claire Pettibone’s dresses for years. I always knew I would wear one of her beautiful creations. There are not many stores in North Carolina that offer her dresses, but J. Majors in Charlotte does, so that was the first place I went. When I saw my dress, I knew it would be mine. I’ve never had a dress fully represent me as well as this dress did. The femininity, the lace, the ribbons–I could go on and on! It was perfect!

Describe your wedding flowers. Call me crazy, but our flowers were picked out literally two days before the wedding! We were on a tight budget and actually found our florist at the farmer’s market in Charlotte. She put together all of the bouquets and David’s boutonniere. Our wedding planner, Laura, arranged all of the centerpieces the day-of. I was so in love with my flowers! They did a great job!

My most memorable moment would have to be just before the ceremony began. We originally planned on an outdoor ceremony. Just about five minutes before the ceremony began, all you could hear were loud thunder rumbles and lightning strikes. Clearly, the outdoor ceremony I initially wanted was not happening. The groomsmen met me at the cottage where I was getting ready with umbrellas in hand. Everything was chaotic and everyone was scurrying to get inside. But looking back, it was SO much fun! All you could do was laugh at the situation. When it came down to it, despite the rain and everything getting washed out, it made the ceremony that much more memorable. It was far more intimate and perfect inside–I am actually glad it rained!

Our wedding took place on an equestrian farm in Mooresville, North Carolina. It represented the South in the best way possible. From the plantation-style home on the property to the horse stables, it was the South at its finest!

Our favorite detail of the wedding was: How can you just choose one?! One detail that sticks out to me would have to be the favors. David’s mom worked so hard to make maple syrup on their family farm, so it was a sweet touch to our wedding.

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. David and I met at Southeastern University through a mutual friend. We were just friends for about a year. I even recall giving David dating advice here and there. Little did I know, this boy was trying to steal my own heart. And he did just that! David surprised me and took me to Disney World on Valentine’s Day for our first official date. I mean… Disney World? On Valentine’s? Talk about an incredible start to a relationship. We dated for two years before getting engaged.
When did y’all get married? August 10, 2013
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 80
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. The songs we choose for our ceremony really set the tone for our wedding. I have always been in love with the movie Father of the Bride, so we chose our favorite songs from that movie for most of the music. For example, the bride’s processional was “Snow Scene” from Father of the Bride, which makes me cry every time I listen to it! Our communion song was “Come Thou Fount,” sung by David’s best man, Corey Voss. The recessional was to “A Soulful Hallelujah” by Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir. Our first dance was to “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra, and the father/daughter and mother/son dance was to “Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.
Describe your wedding cake or dessert. We kept things simple with a classic white cake with lavender on top. We also had a family friend make individual mixed berry pies, which were delicious!
Did you decide to do a “first look”? Why or why not? As practical as it is, we decided against the “first look” idea. Ever since I was a little girl, I always looked forward to walking down the aisle towards my groom and that being the moment he saw me for the first time on our wedding day. THAT moment was my favorite moment of the day, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? We kept things simple and chose to say traditional vows.
Did you have something borrowed, blue, old, and new? If so, do tell! My something borrowed was a handkerchief David’s mom gave me to carry on my wedding day. It had belonged to her mom, who passed away shortly after David and I started dating. It was so sentimental to me. My something new was so many things, but definitely my dress. Something old was my earrings. Something blue…am I allowed to say my groom’s tie? :)
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? There were a few challenges: planning a wedding states away, having a small budget, and changing our venue two weeks before the big day (yep, you heard right)!
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? Less than $10,000
What is the one detail or vendor that you were so happy to have as a part of your wedding? We were so honored to have Laura Helm of Ashton Events by our side on our wedding day. She flew up to North Carolina the weekend-of and helped bring everything together! I do not know what we would have done without her! We were also super thankful for our photographer, Alicia Swedenborg. We entered a contest when we first got engaged for a photography giveaway and Alicia chose us! We were so blessed by her being there and capturing our day.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Make sure you focus on what really matters – you and your love becoming one! Do not spend time stressing or worrying about the details of your wedding. It will all come together, and if it doesn’t – who cares?! You’re married and that’s all that matters! I know you’ve heard it before, but the reason why you heard it many times is because it’s the truth!
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? We are just so excited to have this time enjoying the newlywed life! We are hoping to travel and share as many adventures together as possible. We would love to start a family in the next couple of years as well.

Photographer: Alicia Swedenborg / Planner: Ashton Events / Venue: Johnson Carriage House and Meadows / Florist: Herr’s Fresh Flowers / Cake Baker: Sarah Coleman / Pie Baker: Diana Spradley / Caterer: Family Catering / Rentals: Wish Vintage Rentals / Paper Products and Signage: Juliet Grace / Bride’s Gown: “Queen Anne’s Lace” by Claire Pettibone / Hair and Makeup: Jennifer Abercrombie / Bride’s Shoes: Cici Hot / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Pim + Larkin / Groom’s Attire: J. Crew / Groomsmen Attire: Zara

Ashton Events is a delightful member of the Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

Written with love by Lisa