Southern Weddings

Y’all know that when it comes to Southern Saturdays in the fall, college football rules! Not many brides with SEC roots plan their wedding without checking the schedule (something we included in our manifesto!), and though this may sound quite strange to our northern counterparts, I can vouch for its truth: yes, I consulted that trusty schedule before picking my wedding date. Better that than no-show family members, including my then soon-to-be MIL! Yes, gameday alliances run deep here in the South, y’all!

Since we’re in the thick of football season, we figured it was high time to celebrate the sweet spot where the sport we love so much intersects with another of our favorite topics – weddings! From groom’s cakes to garters and shakers to socks, I couldn’t be more excited to share this SEC wedding round-up. And we’re even starting with my personal favorite – the University of Alabama! Roll Tide! (I’m convinced Emily put Bama first because she knows how much I love them, not because we’re doing the schools in alphabetical order.)

Top to bottom: The Photography Shoppe via M. Elizabeth Events, next two Spindle Photography via Southern Weddings, unknown, Rob Ingram Photography via M. Elizabeth Events, Spindle Photography via Southern Weddings

University of Alabama
Nickname: The Crimson Tide
Mascot: Big Al, an elephant
Colors: Crimson and white
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Joined the SEC: Original member (1932)

Any talk of Bama leads right into a discussion of rivalries. I know y’all have seen those “house divided” license plates around, but if alliances run deep here in the South, then rivalries run straight through to China! We love a little friendly competition weaved into wedding day decor.

Stephen DeVries via Southern Weddings and Chelsea Patricia Photography

Next up? Auburn!

Chelsea Patricia Photography, Finch Photography, and Ann Wade Parrish via M. Elizabeth Events

Auburn University
Nickname: The Tigers
Mascot: Aubie the Tiger. Since 1930, Auburn has also kept an actual eagle (whoa!) as a live, flying mascot at athletic events. War Eagle VII, a golden eagle named Nova, along with Spirit, a bald eagle, perform the “War Eagle Flight” before all Auburn home games at Jordan Hare Stadium!
Colors: Burnt orange and navy
Location: Auburn, Alabama
Joined SEC: Original member

Let’s head down to Florida!

Chris Martin via Desiree Dawn Events, Maile Lani via Southern Weddings, Stephen DeVries via Southern Weddings, Anna Kirby via Southern Weddings, Stephen DeVries via Southern Weddings, Daniel Taylor Photography via M. Elizabeth Events

University of Florida
Nickname: The Gators
Mascot: Albert and Alberta (alligators, of course)
Colors: Orange and blue
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Joined the SEC: Original member

Next, slightly north to Georgia!

Scott Hopkins Photography and Melissa Schollaert Photography via Southern Weddings

University of Georgia
Nickname: The Bulldogs
Mascot: Hairy Dawg, a bulldog
Colors: Black and red
Location: Athens, Georgia
Joined the SEC: Original member

Up to Kentucky!

Kristin Vanzant

University of Kentucky
Nickname: The Wildcats
Mascot: The Wildcat, a wildcat, and Scratch, a more child-friendly wildcat :)
Colors: Kentucky blue and white
Location: Lexington, KY
Joined the SEC: Original member

Moving down to LSU!

Ivy Weddings

Lousiana State University
Nickname: The Tigers
Mascot: Mike the Tiger
Colors: Gold and purple
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Joined SEC: Original member

Next up: Ole Miss!

By Shea Photography via M. Elizabeth Events and D Jones Photography

University of Mississippi
Nickname: The Rebels
Mascot: Rebel the black bear
Colors: Crimson and blue
Location: Oxford, Mississippi
Joined SEC: Original member

Next, the University of Tennessee!

KLP Photography, Soli Photography, KLP Photography, JoPhoto, KLP Photography

University of Tennessee
Nickname: The Vols, or Volunteers
Mascot: Smokey IX, a hound (The current Smokey is the ninth since live mascots were adopted in 1953! He is cared for by two student trainers.)
Colors: White and orange
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Joined the SEC: Original member

Fun fact: UT students will recognize “The Rock,” above, from their campus. Thousands of coats of paint have been thrown on its surface since the 1960’s, and we love that this couple used it for their save the date message!

Last but certainly not least, one of the newest SEC members – Texas A&M!

Ivy Weddings

Texas A&M
Nickname: The Aggies
Mascot: Reveille, a collie
Colors: Maroon and white
Location: College Station, Texas
Joined SEC: July 1, 2012

Fun fact: The photos above are from a wedding where the couple handed out “12th man” towels for their getaway! In 1922, the Texas A&M team was so depleted by injuries in the first half of the Dixie Classic that the coach called a reserve, E. King Gill, out of the stands and onto the sidelines. He donned an injured player’s jersey, and though he was not called into the game, he was the only player left standing on the sidelines at the end of the game — hence the 12th man. Current Texas A&M students still call themselves the 12th Man, and to symbolize their “readiness, desire, and enthusiasm,” the entire student body stands throughout the game, usually waving white 12th Man Towels. Texas A&M trademarked the term 12th man in 1990!

Tell me: Where does your alliance lie? Have you been to or will you be representing your alma mater at your wedding? We’ll be covering the ACC next week, so be sure to send in any good photos you might have to share!

M. Elizabeth Events, Spindle Photography, Ivy Weddings, Desiree Dawn Events, Anna Kirby, Scott Hopkins, Melissa Schollaert, and KLP Photography are fabulous members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

Written with love by Marissa