Southern Weddings

As a Charlotte native, Izzy + Lane’s wedding is extra special to me. Their museum reception took place at one of the most notable landmarks in the city and although I may be biased, I think these images from The Schultzes accurately depict how the couple transformed the Mint Museum from a beautiful building into a space brimming with Southern hospitality and family heirlooms. After all, only the most thoughtful of hosts will provide nourishing donuts and milk to late-night partiers.

My three sisters, sister in law, mom and I all went to NY Bride in Groom in Charlotte to look for dresses. We each pulled a few dresses that we thought I should try. The dress my mom picked out was the first one I tried on. It was “Adela” by Pronovias. I went to a few other shops to try on more dresses but I couldn’t help thinking back on Adela. It was really special that I fell in love with the dress that my mom chose. It had cap sleeves and lots of lace. I couldn’t wait to wear it!

Did you decide to do a “first look”? Why or why not? We did! This was something we had experienced as guests at other weddings and we knew we wanted to do it so that we could get our photos taken before the ceremony. We are so happy we made this decision. The photos are some of our favorite from the entire day. It was such a special time for us to be only with each other and to exchange gifts. Even though he saw me before the ceremony, it was still great seeing him while I walked down the aisle too — so emotional!

Choosing the music was one of our favorite parts! For the processional, all 15 bridesmaids and 11 groomsmen walked down to “Cannot Hide my Love” by Enter the Worship Circle. At the climax of the song, the doors opened and I walked down, too. It was sung by some really special friends from college. The recessional was amazing. My twin sister and a gospel ensemble from University of South Carolina sang “Many the Miles” by Sara Bareilles as the entire bridal party exited. We stood in the back of the church dancing and singing until they were finished. It made everything feel so joyful.

Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? We didn’t write our own vows, but our pastor was great about integrating our thoughts into the ceremony. We wanted her to make it clear to all of our guests that we are who we are because of them. Without us becoming who we are today, we would not have never fallen in love with each other and been able to start this journey in life together. We are so grateful for our family and friends.

I + L took a new spin on honoring their parents marriages. We are blown away by the display of their mothers’ wedding gown in their reception foyer. It was the newlyweds’ favorite detail and one that we’ll always remember, too.

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? All of the food at the reception had a Southern flair. We had pimento cheese, BBQ sliders, shrimp and grits and a grilled cheese bar. When the bridal party entered the reception, we changed into cowboy boots so we could bust a move on the dance floor. We also gave out Krispy Kreme Donuts and cartons of milk as guests were leaving the reception.

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. Lane and I met at Furman University where we went to college in South Carolina. He was on my “brother hall” and I was one of his freshman advisors. We were friends for three years in college but it didn’t spark into a romance until my first year in graduate school. We spent the next three years driving hours to be together!
Describe the proposal. Lane had recently moved to Mississippi and came back to visit Charlotte, where I was living, for the weekend. We decided to go to his family’s lake house, which has been a really special place throughout our relationship. Sitting out on his back porch overlooking the lake, he got on one knee and popped the question! We then went to my family’s house in Charlotte to celebrate with our family and friends.
In what month did you get married? March
How many guests attended your wedding? 300
Describe your wedding flowers: I realize I’m biased, but Lynette from the Bloom Room went so above and beyond anything we could have ever imagined. My bouquet was filled with garden roses, hellebores, ranunculus, dusty miller and astibe. It completely matched the colors and feel we wanted for the wedding. The reception had several long tables and Lynette did a perfect job filling the tables with beautiful flowers including herbs and succulents. They were displayed in great pieces of pottery and glass. The flowers made the wedding.
Describe your wedding cake or dessert: Having worked at Edible Art of Charlotte during high school, we knew we were going to want a cake from them. We got almond and coconut flavors and the cake was rough iced with buttercream. Our florist added some fresh flowers to the outside. It was perfectly simple and delicious!
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? During the entire wedding planning process, Lane and I were living in Mississippi while my family was in Charlotte, where our wedding would be, busy working on the details. Without my twin sister as our wedding planner, we may not have had a wedding! It was definitely difficult not being there to help stuff envelopes, make runners, and meet with vendors, but we were constantly in communication. Thank goodness for picture messaging and unlimited minutes on the cell phone!
What range did your wedding budget fall into? $25,000-$50,000
What is the one thing you are most happy you splurged on? Having put so much time, money and energy into the wedding, we are so glad we splurged on our photographers and videographers. Both the Schultzes and Caravan did an amazing job capturing our day. The wedding only lasted a day but now we will have these memories forever!
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? The first look!
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? Lane and I are currently living in Cleveland, Mississippi working in jobs that we love. We are looking forward to enjoying our first year of marriage with the newest member of our family, a rescue dog named Rye.

Written with love by Nicole