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Hiya! Welcome back to my wedding planning posts :) Today, I would LOVE to introduce you to our photographer — can you tell I’m excited??

Let me begin by saying that I know everyone has different priorities when it comes to planning a wedding, and I know that photography is not at the top of everyone’s list — but it definitely was for us. There are a few reasons for this — most importantly, that the photos are what we will cherish long after almost everything else has been eaten, sold, thrown out, packed up, or forgotten (kind of sad, but true). But the photos? The really good ones? Those will bring us back to that day years and years in the future.

Oh yes, and wedding photography is also my job. I stare at it all day long. Unsurprisingly, I have both strong opinions about it and high standards for it.

With that being said, there were a few things we were looking for in our photographer. They were, in no particular order:

1. Someone who shoots film.
2. Someone who has a great personality.
3. Someone who effortlessly directs their subjects and has a knack for natural posing.

I love SO many photographers, and there wasn’t just one that I HAD to have (there are certainly many who fit the above criteria). I would have been ecstatic to work with a number of photographers, and before I introduce you to our final pick, I wanted to spend a minute on these others, in the hopes that one of them might be right for one of you.

I adore Joey + Jessica. I really, really do. Having worked with them through Southern Weddings, I know that they are so fun and easy going. Plus, I love the ease with which they direct their subjects (probably from all of their commercial experience).

I haven’t met Jonathan Canlas in person, but I would really like to — he seems like such a fun person to be around, and I know his enthusiasm would be infectious on a wedding day. Plus, he turns out some of the most amazing family and large-group portraits I’ve ever seen.

I adore Lisa Lefkowitz’s work. I think her color images have the most beautiful quality to them, and everything she produces reflects such a high level of taste and a classic aesthetic. She also seems like she would be a warm, calming process on the day of a wedding.

Believe me, I could go on, and on, and on, but I think I’ll leave it at that for today!

Now, John and I actually made our choice a few weeks ago, and a few days after that, I asked y’all to guess on Twitter who we chose. The only hint I gave was that our photographer was a female. I had the best time looking through all of your guesses! In no particular order, you guessed: Jasmine Star, Kate Headley, Rae Leytham, Jen Huang, Nancy Ray, Elizabeth Messina, Meredith Perdue, Melissa Schollaert, Jenna Cole, Amy Rae, Katie Stoops, Meg Perotti, Kellie Kano, and Millie Holloman. What a WONDERFUL group of ladies and photographers!

In the end, though, no one guessed our choice. I am so pleased and excited to say that none other than Tanja Lippert will be photographing our wedding!! I have loved Tanja’s work for a loooooong time — ever since I saw this wedding in 2008, in fact. From what I’ve seen, she does an amazing job effortlessly posing single subjects and large groups. She also seems like she’ll be a blast to be around on our wedding day — just check out this video for evidence :) She has a strong commercial background, which gives her a matchless editorial eye. She has a huge heart, which is evident in how much love and emotion comes through in her images. And, of course, she shoots film, which gives her work the most beautiful color and quality.

But enough words from me! I’ll let Tanja’s images do the talking:

Elegant, fun, emotional, light-hearted, editorial, candid, classic, joyful — her photographs really run the gamut, don’t they?

Seeing all of those images together makes me even more excited, but you know what the best part about hiring Tanja has been? She is SO EXCITED about shooting our wedding. And while I know she just loves her job in general, and gets excited about every wedding she shoots, I think it also helps that she knows that I am SO EXCITED she’ll be shooting our wedding. It’s been my experience that vendors can tell when you love what they do and are thrilled to get to work with them — and those seem to be the conditions under which they produce their finest work. Something to keep in mind when interacting with the people who will be a part of your big day!

So tell me: What do you think? Do you love Tanja as much as I do? :) Who will be photographing your wedding?

P.S. In case you missed a post:
The main characters
Where we’re getting married
Something for the bride to wear

emily Written with love by Emily
25 Comments
  1. avatar Calle reply

    Emily! When I first read your three top qualities you wanted in a photographer I immediately thought Tanja Lippert!! She is my all time favorite as well!! I look at her blog daily hoping she has posted new photos!! I cant wait to see the magical pictures she takes on you day! When the day comes for me to get married she will be my photographer as well! I may have a Tanja Lippert savings account!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Calle! I’m so glad you are an uber Tanja fan as well!! Also, your Tanja Lippert savings account cracks me up… I may have not named mine so explicitly, but one of the reasons I started saving for my wedding EARLY was because I knew I was going to want an amazing photographer!!

  2. avatar Meredith Perdue reply

    I love Tanja’s work! There’s a very good chance I might have discovered her through Peach & Pearl, actually! I’m so happy that you found someone who makes you giddy with excitement!

  3. avatar Laura reply

    GREAT choice! I was introduced to Tanja’s work through her guest appearance on [Framed] Show, and she seems to be a person who is every bit as amazing as the work she produces!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Thank you so much, Laura! We had actually already decided to go with Tanja before I saw her episode of [Framed], but I got even more excited after I watched it. It was so cool to see, in a true wedding situation, how she interacts with her couples!

  4. avatar Brittany R reply

    Yay! Booking a great photographer was high on my list–in importance and things to do first. We are SO so excited to have booked the fabulous Nancy Ray as of yesterday! My head is swimming with ideas, and I know she will do a wonderful job. Congrats on choosing your photog!

    • avatar Emily reply

      How exciting, Brittany!! Nancy is one of my bestest friends in NC, and I know you will love working with her!

  5. avatar Courtney K reply

    Her work is beautiful! What a perfect choice. You two will treasure her work for years to come! Enjoy all of the planning!!

  6. avatar Andrew reply

    Hi Emily! Congrats! I saw Tanja facebook about this and i came over to see your post. So happy you chose tanja! She’s a good friend and i know she will do an amazing job for you! Do you remember this post from 2008? You guys featured Tanja and me way back when; this was the first time i worked with Tanja!
    http://iloveswmag.com/page/3/?s=vintage+cowboy+bride+part+i

    congrats again!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Andrew! Those posts were actually before my time at SW, but I loved going back and revisiting them! :) Thanks so much for chiming in!

  7. avatar Maria Hibbs reply

    She would be my choice as well :)

  8. avatar Emily Anderson reply

    SUCH a good choice!! She shot our wedding in 2009 (http://tanjalippertphotography.blogspot.com/2009/03/emily-and-patricks-wedding-walnut-creek.html) and did a PERFECT job! We treasure our photos so much. She and Tia are hilarious and really help you relax and look your best. So excited for you guys!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Emily! SO glad to hear you loved working with Tanja! And I couldn’t help but check out your wedding — so beautiful!!

  9. avatar Carly reply

    I’ve attending two of Tanja & Tia’s workshops and they are amazing. Congratulations, brilliant choice!

  10. avatar Ashley reply

    Best choice ever! It feels like tanja is a part of the family…she shot my wedding in June and mY brother’s wedding in may 2010. I just wish I had more siblings getting married. We also booked Tia for makeup and Luke goodman for video. The three together are fantastic! Oooh I can’t wait to see your photos!

  11. avatar THANK YOU!! V4 Twitter Madness + Blog Love! « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] Lippert is one of our beyond-fabulous V4 Real Wedding photographers (and yes, I may be a little biased :) Save Facebook it Tweet […]

  12. avatar Southern Style :: Veils 101 « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] Johnson (see the wedding featuring my favorite bridesmaid’s dresses here) and Tanja Lippert (read why Emily chose her to photograph her own wedding). What length veil will you or did you wear? […]

  13. avatar Victoria reply

    Do you know where I can go to find other film photographers? I love the ones you’ve posted, but I’d always love to see more!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Victoria! I would be happy to help you out! You can find a number of amazing film photographers in our Blue Ribbon Vendor section, including Elisa B (VA), Katie Stoops (VA), and KT Merry (FL). I’m going to shoot you an email to see where you’re located to tailor my suggestions a bit more!

  14. avatar Southern Spotting: Surprise Breakfast « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] the benefits of taking portraits before the ceremony so we can get the most out of our time with Tanja! I’m sure I’ll write about this more in a future post, but tell me: Are you and your […]

  15. avatar Bridal Stylist: The Distinct Dapper Dude! – Everthine Bridal Boutique – a bridal shop serving Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Boston, and Beyond reply

    […] by A Bryan Photo via Snippet & Ink 24. Bride and groom in car image by Tanja Lippert via Southern Weddings 25. Teal classic car image by 2Rings Trouwfotografie & Feestsudio via Zank You Weddings 26. […]

  16. avatar Emily Plans a Wedding: The Ceremony, Part II – Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] a post… The main characters | Where we’re getting married | I go dress shopping | We choose a photographer | I ponder bridesmaid style | Mini food! | The music | We’re renting a tent! | We discuss […]

  17. avatar Emily Plans a Wedding: Hair and Makeup! – Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] in from California for my big day, let me explain. Tia just so happens to be best buddies with our amazing photographer, Tanja Lippert, and the two work together all the time. Tia started out in the industry as a […]

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Wait, what’s that?

Squeee!! Okay, carry on with the actual post…

Hello, ladies! Yep, we’re talking bridal fashion today, but don’t get too excited yet: I haven’t actually bought a wedding dress. I have, however, been shopping a few times, and I thought it might be fun to share my experience so far!

Let’s start with the inspiration photos I printed out to bring to salons. Hold tight, there are a bunch of them!

First row: Christos “Arabella” and “Brisa”, second row: Christos “Julianna” and “Maribel”, third row: Liancarlo, with added sleeves (photo by A Bryan Photo), fourth row: Watters “Sydney” and Jewel by Priscilla of Boston No. 307, fifth row: Reem Acra and Pronovias, last row: Oscar de la Renta (photo by Meg Smith) and Watters “Carins”

Whew! Y’all still with me? To summarize, I think it’s safe to say I liked natural waists; soft, full skirts; soft and flowing fabrics like silk gazar, tulle, and organza; bows; sweetheart necklines; tiny or gauzy sleeves; point d’esprit or swiss dot fabrics; matte fabrics; and draped bodices.

Can I tell you something? After loving dresses like the “Maribel” for so long, I was really worried that I would try on a few dresses and realize the style I thought I liked was actually completely wrong for me. I’m sure I would have made it through if that was the case, but happily, it was not! From the first dresses I tried on, my style hunch was confirmed.

So let’s revisit that first dress shopping trip, shall we? While on vacation in Charleston in August, I went with my fiance’s family (Mom and two sisters, one of whom is getting married two months before me!) to try on dresses at Maddison Row. We had a great time! Lindsey and the ladies were super sweet and patient, and I loved that they let us take pictures and that they were happy to share the designer, name, and price of any dress (I think it’s so annoying when stores try to keep the style or designer a secret!!). Plus, their salon is adorable!

I tried on several dresses that were lovely, but not right for me. (Pardon the cut-off heads… I was sporting a range of ridiculous expressions, and thought I’d spare you!)

The top two shots are of Romona Keveza Legends L251, and then beneath them are Monique Lhuillier “Bellflower” and Legends L257.

There wasn’t one clear winner from our trip to Maddison Row, but I did narrow it down to two.

The first was Monique Lhuillier’s “Bailey,” and the second was Vera Wang’s “Emmeline”. I LOVED the top of Bailey, but wasn’t completely sold on the skirt. Interestingly, I LOVED the skirt of Emmeline, as well as the sleeves, but wasn’t wild about the corset-y top (hard to see in photos).

Having not made a decision in Charleston, I took an appointment at The White Dress by the Shore in Clinton, CT while I was home a few weeks ago. My Mom and two sisters came with me, and we again had a wonderful time! The White Dress’s shop was also adorable. Here are a few dresses I tried on that weren’t quite right for me:

My apologies! I didn’t write down info for these lovelies, though I do believe the top left gown is by Anne Barge and the top right is the “Lauren” by Amsale

As at Maddison Row, I had two favorites from the day:

The top dress is by Augusta Jones, and the bottom is the “Melina” by Amsale. I don’t think either is “the one,” but they are awfully pretty, aren’t they?

Now with two shopping trips under my belt, my Mom is coming down to North Carolina for what will hopefully be a final weekend of dress shopping. We’re hoping to visit Nitsa’s in Winston-Salem (so I can try on my beloved Christos gowns!), as well as somewhere we can see Watters gowns. I also want to make sure we visit David’s Bridal (there’s one Oleg Cassini I think could be beautiful).

So what do you think at this point, my friends? Do you have a favorite from the dresses I tried on? I would love to hear from you in the comments!

Up next: I think it is time to talk about our PHOTOGRAPHER!

P.S. In case you missed a post:
The main characters
Where we’re getting married

emily Written with love by Emily
43 Comments
  1. avatar shelby reply

    I’m dying over the top of Bailey too! But, I agree about the skirt! Can’t wait to hear about which photographer you chose!!!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hey Shelby! That top seriously is so beautiful. And I love that you can wear it multiple ways — they folded down the more embellished side for me, but you can wear it with straps/sleeves on both sides, too (one more gauzy, one more embellished), or without the gauzy side and just the embellished side!

    • avatar Feyi reply

      Hi Emily ..you have such an amazing frame that EVERYTHING looks amazing on you. I am actually an emmeline bride myself. what color is the one you tried on? I ordered ivory but am considering ordering white instead. Thanks !!!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Feyi! Lucky, lucky girl! I actually am not sure which color it was, but if I had to guess, I would say ivory. I’m sure you’ll look amazing in it whichever you choose!!

  2. avatar Angela reply

    I’m completely in love with the Reem Acra at the top, I can’t tell you how many times I have looked at this dress and wished I could afford it! I know you said you’re not wild about the top but I LOVE the Vera Wang on you, it’s absolutely flawless looking to me. A gorgeous, timeless dress in my opinion! Honestly, you look awesome in all of them :) I’m also a fan of the Christos “Julianna”. Can’t wait to see what you decide!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Angela! You are very sweet! I have to agree, the Vera miiiight be my favorite. Dang it, why do all of her dresses have to be so gorgeous?? :)

  3. avatar Melissa Schollaert reply

    Emily, I have a clear vision of you walking down the aisle in the Christos Maribel gown. It seems like it is your style and fits so perfectly with your wedding location, etc. Of course, I’m a little partial to that gown! :) But also loved the Amsale you tried on. Lovely. Loved the Vera (she’s my personal favorite), but agree on the corset-y top. The rest is beautiful and loved the sheer straps – so different!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hey Melissa! That’s too funny! And yes, I LOVE the straps on the Vera! My favorite part, I think.

  4. avatar Hailey reply

    These dresses are beautiful. My dress is Christos and I am in LOVE with it. You will not be disappointed at Nitsa’s. That is where I got mine but in Charlotte:). Good luck!!!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Hailey! I have only heard wonderful things about Nitsa’s, so I’m excited to visit! Which Christos gown did you end up choosing? They’re all so gorgeous!!

  5. avatar Jennifer reply

    Hand’s down: Vera Wang’s “Emmeline”. Emily, that dress was made for you! Don’t let the corset scare you away- it wasn’t too eyebrow-raising at all! That dress has an ethereal elegance to it, but still has a youthful charm. If Titania from A Midsummer Night’s Dream were to get married today, this would be the dress she wore :D

  6. avatar Kathryn reply

    Hi Emily!!! Those are so beautiful! I am from Raleigh and live in Charleston now so had a plethera (sp?) of dress stores to choose from for my wedding last fall. I was SHOCKED to find my dress at Bridal Mart in Burlington. If you are headed to Winston, it might be worth your while to atleast stop in a see what they have since its on the way! Best of luck, you look so beautiful!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hey Kathryn! At least one of my friends has found her dress at Bridal Mart, and I know they carry Watters, so we just might make a stop there!

  7. avatar Kathryn reply

    ps, check out Erin Mccoy Photography–did our wedding and a ton of other friends! Phenomonal (again sp?)!

  8. avatar Whitney reply

    I got my dress at The White Dress by The Shore. I love it there! Vera Wang’s Emmeline looks beautiful on you! I can’t wait to see what you choose!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Whitney! I’m so glad to hear it! I loved my trip to the White Dress, even though I didn’t find “the one” there!

  9. avatar Natalia reply

    I don’t think it’s ethereal enough to be “the one”, but the Amsale Lauren gown looks amazing on you. Of course, you look fantastic in everything! Can’t wait to see which dress you end up wearing down the aisle!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Natalia! You’re one to talk — your wedding dress was amazing! :) Thank you so much for your kind words!

  10. avatar Bri @ Posh Purpose reply

    I absolutely love Reem Acra dresses, especially the inspiration picture you have. We have very similar tastes – flowing skirts, natural waistlines, oh so pretty! My cousin and I are both going through wedding dress shopping, as well. Good luck!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Bri! I have to say, one of my favorite things about wedding planning has been doing it alongside John’s sister! I hope it’s been an equally fun experience for you!

  11. avatar Amanda reply

    i choose the Amsale Lauren at Nitsa’s in Winston! So exciting that you tried it on! It’s beautiful and you have an awesome figure for so many dresses!!! It is definitely tough finding the one, and it is so astonishing to me when girls find the one after trying on only one!! Good luck!!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Amanda! You are too sweet! I have to say, I didn’t think I would really be the type to try on lots of dresses, but my count is getting up there. We’ll see how much longer it takes!!

  12. avatar Jeannine @ Small & Chic in Cville reply

    Eek! I love Maddison Row. Lindsey is the best!

    That being said, I love the Romona Keveza with the beaded belt and the Amsale at the end. They’re lovely!

    All of the dresses are beautiful, though!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Jeannine! The “Lauren” seems to be pretty popular! I have to say, I love it as well, but I don’t necessarily think it’s “me.” I think part of the reason I like it is because it reminds me of Katharine’s dress, and she looked so stunning at her wedding!

  13. avatar Heather reply

    Hi Emily! First off, you are going to be such a gorgeous bride! (Sorry, just had to get that out of the way first!). Your picture board looks exactly like the one I have done! So just a suggestion, you might like Vera Wang’s Genevieve, Freida, or Esther. I think the Monique Lhuillier and Vera Wang you already tried on look so beautiful on you!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Heather! Okay, Genevieve, Freida, and Esther — noted! Thanks so much for the suggestions!

  14. avatar Laura reply

    Hi! You look amazing in those gowns! Can I add a word of advice as a wedding photographer? You tiny frame will look even tinier with tiny straps at the top. It keeps the arms, shoulders, chest, and neck from being one large expansive space into several smaller spaces. It doesn’t take much. You probably don’t want a large strap since you are so tiny. And having a tiny strap will keep you from needing to tug upwards all day and night -which doesn’t photograph well. Best wishes with everything. You look amazing!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Laura! Thank you so much for chiming in! If I’m understanding you, you’re in support of some sort of strap. If that’s true, then we’re in agreement! I think if I ended up with a strapless number, I would work with a seamstress to add some sort of minor sleeve embellishment. I agree — I don’t want to be tugging anything up all day!

  15. avatar Katie reply

    Hi Emily,
    I think all the dresses look very pretty on you! I found my dress, (it’s a Mikaella) at Maggi Bridal on Glenwood in Raleigh. The girls at Maggi Bridal are great to work with.

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Katie! Thank you so much for the tip — I’ll be sure to check them out!

  16. avatar Brandy reply

    Emily,

    I know the perfect dress for you. It was my dream dress until I got all greedy and wanted a ceremony dress and reception dress and couldn’t afford to do 2 dresses with this as my ceremony. But try Pronovais “Pomelo” a bit pricey ($2750) but totally worth it if you can swing it!

    Brandy

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Brandy! I just checked out that dress, and what a beauty! I’ll have to see if there is a Pronovias store near me!

  17. avatar Laurien reply

    Hi Emily, I have to say I think the Emmeline looks amazing, although I agree with you, the top is a bit corset-y. So… I know altering a Vera is considered sacrilege, but any way they could maybe add beading or lace (or preferrably just a bit of fabric) to make it less like a corset? Just throwing it out there. Ha ha. Either way, whatever you pick you will look so beautiful, and John’s sure gonna shed a tear when he claps his eyes on his gorgeous bride! Good luck with the hunt!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Laurien! Sacrilege though it may be, I would definitely not be opposed to altering a Vera, if it came to that. I think you’re right — just a little bit of fabric would do the trick!

  18. avatar Meredith reply

    You look beautiful in all the dresses! I know it’s not what you had in mind from your inspiration photos, but I can just see you walking down the aisle of the CGA Chapel in the Amsale “Melina”! It just seems “regal” enough for the space and the fabric reminds me of sailcloth. I also think it would work with your desire to add (spaghetti) straps at the tips of the ‘triangles’ in the front. Just a thought! Can’t wait to see what you decide, good luck!

  19. avatar Tanja Lippert reply

    I am floored by Monique’s Bailey…..wow…..stunning!!!! Getting even more excited :0)

  20. avatar Emily Plans a Wedding: Bridesmaid Style « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] there! Welcome back to Emily Plans a Wedding! We’ve already discussed what my dress might look like, so now it’s time to turn to the ladies who will be standing next to me. Save Facebook it […]

  21. avatar Elaine reply

    Hi Emily,
    I just purchased my dress on Saturday (Monique Bailey!) and found your blog today when I was looking for a picture of my dress!! I tried on almost all of the dresses you did!! We have really similiar style! I loved Christos, Amsale, Vera and Monique – and also found a fab dress in Birbaum & Bullock. I removed the flower sleeve from Bailey too and just got two plain straps. All of the dresses looks great on you!! Best of luck with the rest of your shopping!
    Elaine

  22. avatar Susannah Stone reply

    Emily! You should look at the Watter’s “Lasara” dress. Seems in-line with what you’re looking for! Might not be formal enough for your taste though.

  23. avatar Emily Plans a Wedding: Big Rentals « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] the dates! In case you missed a post… The main characters Where we’re getting married I go dress shopping We choose a photographer I ponder bridesmaid style Mini food! The music xo Emily January 4, 2012 […]

  24. avatar Southern Expert: Wedding Dress Shopping – Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] Two of the dresses I tried on in my search — see more here! […]

  25. avatar Emily Plans a Wedding: The Ceremony, Part I – Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] know! In case you missed a post… The main characters | Where we’re getting married | I go dress shopping | We choose a photographer | I ponder bridesmaid style | Mini food! | The music | We’re […]

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Love Southern wedding traditions and want to include them in your wedding? We wrote our e-book just for you!

Today we have a really fun tradition to share with y’all! You see, my Southern wedding tradition knowledge only goes so far, so when Emily sent me this adorable image from Meredith Melody I knew just who to turn to. Miss Sierra is not only our super adorable and talented assistant art director, she’s quite the sorority girl! Since her sorority does not have a “sorority sing,” she did what any good Southern girl would do… she asked her mama!

On a bride’s wedding day, sisters of many sororities show their love through different traditions. Mrs. Piland says that the tradition of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, is to give their gift to the bride and her new husband right before the guests send them off on their honeymoon. Often done at the reception if there is not a traditional sendoff, the sisters present the bride with a red rose (the sorority’s flower) and serenade the bride with a song that they had sung together many-a-time.

Photo by Amanda Pair

The tradition is always carried through, whether with a full chorus, a shaky duet, or just a single rose and a hug as the bride makes her getaway. Sierra’s mama says that “the gift to the bride was not the rose or the song, but for her to remember that she would always belong to her sisters, and they would always belong to her.” Seriously, how sweet is that?! Can I please get an “aww”?

Photo by Jenny DeMarco

Does your sorority have a sing or a tradition for weddings? Are you planning something special for your sister’s big day? Are you looking forward to a sing on your own big day? Let us know in the comments!

P.S. Learn more about our crazy Southern traditions in these posts:
Bridal Portraits
Cake Pulls
Groom’s Cake

marissa Written with love by Marissa
33 Comments
  1. avatar Abby reply

    My sorority (Phi Mu- a very southern sorority!) does sing and I’ve been in many weddings where we sing a song “Never say goodbye” after the toasts! I love it and will definitely have it sung at my wedding too!

  2. avatar Southern Bride reply

    I will NOT being having any rituals related to my sorority at my wedding. I recently went to a wedding where almost every female in the room was in the same sorority. Those of us who weren’t were basically removed from the room during a few rituals. I felt like an unwelcome trespasser in the room. I didn’t want to be there. I vowed not to exclude my guests in a similar way at my wedding.

    • avatar Emily reply

      Aww, I’m sorry to hear that, Southern Bride! We love traditions when the focus is on inclusion, not exclusion. Happily, everyone has the option to choose what to include and what not to include at her own wedding, based on her feelings and guest list!

  3. avatar Meghan reply

    My sorority (Kappa Kappa Gamma) actually sings more than one song. I know different chapters choose different songs, but most of them have one in common and it involves more than just singing- slapping the floor, snapping, etc. I had it at my wedding and wouldn’t take it back! It’s always such a memorable time during one’s reception.

  4. avatar Ashley reply

    I was a Phi Mu @ Alabama and we have a sing that we did at the house when someone was pinned or engaged that we serenade the bride & groom with. We also sing “I Will Be Here.”

  5. avatar Lauren reply

    I am a Delta Gamma and at my wedding, the sisters in attendance sang our Dream Girl song. I don’t think it is an official tradition, but we have done it at all the recent weddings in our close circle of sisters.

    • avatar sadie reply

      Lauren:

      Our DG chapter has always sung Dream Girl at every sister’s wedding… even if it was just one poor girl singing alone!

    • avatar Alli reply

      sadie: I’ve heard of DG chapters singing Dream Girls but our chapter does not. Which song is it? We sing Watershed by Indigo Girls often. But I don’t think at weddings (but I might at mine)

  6. avatar Kelly reply

    Eeee!!!! This is one of the parts I’m most looking forward to at my future wedding. I am a sister of Alpha Sigma Tau, and we serenade brides at their receptions with our fraternity hymn. I’m also incorporating my sorority’s flower (the yellow rose!) into my wedding bouquet + florals. Love love love!

    • avatar Marissa reply

      What a great idea, Kelly! I love that you’re incorporating your sorority flower into your florals! I’m sure that will be gorgeous! xo, Marissa

  7. avatar Marialeen reply

    I am also an Alpha Gam at the University of Alabama at Birmingham! The song that we sing at weddings is our “sweetheart song” – it’s the same one we sing when a sister get’s engaged. It is such a sweet and touching moment between everyone, especially for the bride! I am so excited to be in one of my sisters weddings this coming spring, who is also our chapter president and cannot wait to continue on this beautiful tradition!

  8. avatar Kate reply

    I am looking forward to doing the Pi Beta Phi “ring ching” at my wedding, since a number of my sorority sisters will be there. It’s a nice way to acknowledge and include girls who are special to you beyond those in your bridal party.

  9. avatar Tammy reply

    I went to college in Memphis, TN and was part of Zeta Tau Alpha. After moving to NYC, i found out the alumnae group that the other chapters throughout the US also sang the same song for special occasions, which brought a sense of connection. I hope when i get married, I will have loved ones from my past and present there to wish me well in such a meaningful manner.

  10. avatar Kay reply

    In my sorority, we don’t have an official song nationally, but our chapter sings ( and dances) to the same two popular songs we do at all our functions. It’s a great way to include the sorority but not make it feel exclusive.

  11. avatar Sierra reply

    I might just have to start this tradition among my friends, Marissa! Thanks for the fun post. Like some of y’all others have mentioned, my sorority has a special candlelight for engagements… my fingers are crossed for at least one this year!

  12. avatar Stephanie reply

    My Alpha Kappa Alpha sorors will definitely sing to me! It’s silly but it’s one of the things to which I’m most looking forward at my reception.

  13. avatar Kristen reply

    Having my sorority sisters sing to me at my wedding reception is one of the things I’m looking forward to the most! I’m sure I will have a mixture of emotions of tears, smiling and laughing like the rest of my sisters. Going to a Kappa Delta (my sorority) wedding is one of my favorite things to do with my sisters. Our chapter tradition is that we wear all black to the wedding. It signifies the sadness of losing a sister (even though we know it isn’t true- but we still do it). We definitely stand out from the rest of the guest. I couldn’t imagine my special day without my sisters. I mean most of my bridesmaids are my sorority sisters!

  14. avatar Caitlin reply

    I am an alumni of Chi Omega at UF and we have a special wedding song! It is also the song we sing during our candlelight ceremonies for Lavalieres and engagements! It’s our way of wishing the bride well on her next journey. It was one of the most special parts of my wedding reception this summer when they all surrounded me to sing. It made me truly appreciate all the special friendships I made during college and I’ll have for a lifetime :)

  15. avatar Southern Weddings Mini-Feature » Little Rock Wedding Photographer reply

    […] a screenshot of the post and I’ve included a link here, […]

  16. avatar Cindy reply

    I think this goes just for my chapter but we have 2 special songs we sing at weddings. At the reception right before the groom takes the bride’s garter off, we have a special song that is a bit risque and is a funny wedding night send off. It is sang only to the bride so that no one else can hear, and we all have a lot of fun with it. Then just before the bride and groom leave the reception we sing her “Never Alone”. It is our chapter’s signature song and is really special to all of us.

  17. avatar Southern Wedding Tradition: White Bible « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] yet? Send it my way! P.S. Here are a few of my faves: Burying the Bourbon A Moment of Prayer The Sorority Sing xo Marissa January 10, 2012 | view Marissa's blog 0 viewcomments hidecomments What […]

  18. avatar Cassandra Lackey reply

    I am in alpha gamma delta so i assume when the time comes for me to get married that my sister will do this for me. I know one of my sisters is getting married soon so i assume when i go to her wedding i will be doing the same for her.

  19. avatar Gold Ranch Wedding by Josh McCullock – Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] know we love a good sorority sing, and this one looks like it was a complete […]

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