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Tag: vintage veil

When it comes to our darling brides, these gals are not only gorgeous, they are also filled with a love for the South, their beaus, and their families. And as good Southern girls, they also tend to have a love for pearls, monograms, and cowboy boots. It goes without saying that these lovely accessories are made even more special if our grandmothers or great grandmothers wore them! While this post would have been a mile long if I’d been given the daunting task of narrowing down the best accessories of the year, I couldn’t agree more with Mrs. Thomas’ perfectly curated collection of stylish goodness!

Vintage veil | Chanda + David | Lexia Frank

Floral crown | Celie + Shane | Sweet Tea Photography

Puff veil | Paige + Brian | Loft Photographie

Statement necklace | Janet + Colin | Julia Wade

Monogram dress patch | Morgan + Matthew | Amy Arrington

Vintage ring | Fay + Jon | Katherine Miles Jones

Wire crown | Juliet + Dave | Alicia Swedenborg

Vow-embroidered boots, dangly earrings, lace-edged veil | Savannah + Robbie | Andi Mans

Gardenia hair flower | Caroline + Ben | Meg Baisden

Vintage clutch and handkerchief | Laura + Shannon | Paul Johnson

Sweet Tea Photography, Loft Photographie, Julia Wade, Amy Arrington, and Andi Mans are delightful members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

marissa Written with love by Marissa
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Just this morning, Lisa and I were discussing how we both cry while reading Real Wedding interviews, and I was telling her how the images can make me cry as well! And let me tell y’all, Jessica + Burton’s wedding was no different! Between the images of Jessica’s mama in the same gown she wore down the aisle to the series of incredible expressions as they saw her for the first time, these Dixie Pixel photos have both Lisa and I reaching for our monogrammed tissue boxes (a new office requirement!).

We just had to include all three of these precious faces! Talk about priceless moments, y’all!

I knew I didn’t want to go the standard route, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted either. So, I found a local bridal boutique that only made custom dresses and restored vintage ones. That sounded good and different to me. Right after I made my appointment, I remembered that my mom might still have her dress in the attic in the “dress-up/costume” box for the grandkids. I called my mom, rushed out there, and got the dress to take to my appointment the next day. It fit! No alterations were needed, just a good cleaning and a few minor replacements of the zipper and a button. My mom had her headpiece and veil, too. It was all perfect. I tried on one dress and was done.

Describe your wedding flowers. My florist was amazing. She did took my skeleton of an idea and made it gorgeous. The colors were soft–pale pinks, yellows, greens and some white. We used a bunch of gorgeous roses from Burton’s step-dad’s rose garden. I wanted to keep it loose and light for our casual, outdoor affair. The lake was already a great setting; I didn’t want to overdo it. Oh, and, she surprised me big time! Just before I walked out, she hit pause on everything and sprinkled white rose petals all the way down the sidewalk aisle and all over the boat dock. I had no idea. It was one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me.

See, y’all! I can’t even look at Burton’s face in this photo without tearing up!

Did you decide to do a “first look”? Why or why not? No, we didn’t do a first look. My wedding planner suggested it was a good idea, especially to get rid of some of the jitters, but I liked the element of surprise. We shared everything at that point, and not many things were a surprise regarding the wedding. Burton didn’t know I was wearing my mom’s dress, and I wanted to see his face, among other family members, as I walked down the aisle. It was also such a small wedding that we knew we’d have plenty of time for pictures, etc., after the ceremony.
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? We did not write our own vows. Our minister did a simple, traditional service.

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? First and foremost, it was just family! Also, the food reflected an intimate, relaxed backyard elegance. At least, that’s how my caterer described it! She really set the Southern tone. We had tiny biscuits filled with chipotle pimento cheese and topped with crispy bacon as one of the delicious appetizers, fresh corn off the cob and cherry tomato relish, vanilla bean lemonade, and mason jar pies…to name a few. All family-style. I wore my mom’s dress–she was married at a church down the way in 1968 (45 years ago, this year!), and Burton wore a bow-tie.

We incorporated local flowers in my bouquet, including the roses from Burton’s step-father’s garden. And, the wedding was outside on Fort Loudon Lake formed by the Holston, French Broad and Tennessee Rivers.

Describe your wedding cake or dessert. For something summery, we had a lemon cake filled with blueberry buttercream, drizzled in honey glaze, topped with fresh cream and fresh blueberries. The rest of the dessert table was spectacular: basil-peach mason jar pies, classic Petit Fours, assorted French macarons, vanilla bean Whoopie pies filled with coconut ice cream, and orange-scented chocolate cake pops. Yum!

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? Bugs love me. A couple of weeks before the wedding, I either got too many bug bites or some poison ivy on my leg. This is par for the course, but my dress was short! So, I worried about that, and then, I realized I was having an outdoor wedding by the water! Not sure what I was thinking. After being overly cautious with lawn treatments etc., it was a miracle that I didn’t get one (additional) bite. Thanks, Dad!

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. Burton is from Baton Rouge and moved to Knoxville in 8th grade. We had some mutual friends growing up in high school and college. I became good friends with his sister, Sarah, at UT Knoxville, and more so after both of us spent time living overseas. Several mutual friends mentioned over the years that Burton and I should get together. Burton likes to say I gave him the “Heisman” (think of the pose) for about 5+ years. Finally, we went on a date. The rest is history!
Tell us all about the proposal! After about two years of dating, we talked about getting engaged, but when it happened, I really had no idea it was coming. He got me! We were visiting his aunt in France. While we were touring around Paris, I gave him a hard time at every spot that looked romantic enough for a proposal…so, everywhere. I was kidding! Then we took a day trip to the Palace of Versailles. In the gardens, while trying to decide if we should rent a little row boat, I proceeded to give him the daily, “Well, this would be great place to propose…just sayin’.” We got the boat, it was hot, and I then began to tease him, rowing me around. I felt pretty guilty afterwards! Anyways, I didn’t understand why he was paddling longer than the fifteen minutes we’d paid for. He ignored me and asked me to look at something on the map in my purse, and when I looked up…voila!
When did y’all get married? June 8, 2013
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? About 25 family members
What readings, if any, did you have at your ceremony? Since we didn’t have any bridesmaids or groomsmen, I thought about having our sisters do a reading to include them as a special part of the ceremony. But, there was a 2-year old involved, and we just weren’t sure about how he’d do on the dock. My sister might have had to wrangle him at any moment, and we didn’t want just one of the three sisters missing, so we didn’t end up doing any readings.
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. We had a jazz pianist and his wife, who sang, and they were absolutely perfect for the setting. Great, relaxed background music. Our first dance was to a Frank Sinatra classic, “Fly Me to the Moon.” It was lovely, but I kept insisting that Burton be more “playful” with me, and Tara got a pretty good pic of my attempt. I think he felt the camera on him! My father-daughter dance was especially meaningful. At some point, during those tough high school years, my dad gave us all (three sisters) the Lee Ann Womack single, “I Hope You Dance.” I’ve never seen my mom cry so hard. They couldn’t believe I’d remembered.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: Wearing my mom’s dress and having the ceremony on my parents’ dock! I couldn’t imagine wearing anything else or doing it any other way.
Did you have something borrowed, blue, old, and new? If so, do tell! Everything but blue. Something borrowed (and old) was my mom’s dress and veil. Something old (and borrowed) was a sixpence, from my mother-in-law’s friend, for my shoe. I had two pairs of shoes that I could not decide between: some 1960s shoes from a local, vintage clothing shop, and some new shoes. I wore both.
What is the one detail or vendor that you were so happy to have as a part of your wedding? Seriously, all of them! Everyone was so easy to work with and “got me,” even when I couldn’t fully describe what I wanted. Tara at Dixie Pixel made me feel so comfortable and captured the day perfectly. And, I am SO thankful for Colleen at White Orchid Bridal and that she gave me the opportunity to wear my mother’s dress! So special!!
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? Walking down the aisle of rose petals and standing there for the ceremony on the dock. Burton says, “The first time I saw you in your dress!!!” Also, dancing to a special song with my dad (and seeing my mom cry)…it was so sweet.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? To each their own. Big or small. Do it the way you want. Surround yourself with family and friends who “get you.” And use vendors who are your speed! If you find a vendor you like, you should check out their recommendations for other vendors. I found one and everything else fell into place.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? We are excited to try to start a family. That’s not for everyone right away, but we both waited a little while to get married…code: we’re (getting) old. I’m most looking forward to having a partner in life, through it all.

Photographer: Tara Kneiser at Dixie Pixel Photography | Planner: Peggy Love at Plan it with Love | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Bride’s Parents’ House | Florist: Pat Felts at Clay Pots Floral Events | Cake Baker: Bettina Hamblin at The Sweetery | Caterer: Bettina Hamblin at Luxe Catering | Rentals: Bettina Hamblin at Restoration Rentals | Jazz Pianist: Keith Brown | Bride’s Gown and Veil: Mother of the Bride’s 1960s Priscilla of Boston gown and veil, restored by Colleen Moore at White Orchid Bridal | Hair Stylist: Mandy at Prive | Makeup Artist: Claire Balest | Bride’s Shoes: Vintage Kate Spade | Groom’s Attire: Brooks Brothers and Jos. A. Bank

marissa Written with love by Marissa
7 Comments
  1. avatar Lisa reply

    Seriously, everyone’s expressions are so priceless!! We need a rush order on those monogrammed tissue boxes with wedding pictures as sweet as these!

  2. avatar burton & jessica | Dixie Pixel Photography reply

    […] to Burton & Jessica! Be sure to check out their wedding featured on Southern Weddings today! Click HERE to see their feature. Venue: Jessica's Parents' home, Knoxville, Tn Dress: Jessica's mother's, […]

  3. avatar Caitlyn | The Aerialist Press reply

    I love the idea of getting married on a lake! So gorgeous!

  4. avatar Bridget reply

    Best mother of the bride photo ever! And there is nothing like a vintage Priscilla gown – so special that the bride got to wear her mom’s wedding dress.

  5. avatar Bethany Davidson-Widby reply

    My beautiful friend Jessica…these pictures brought tears to my eyes. You are beautiful both inside and out.

  6. avatar Rose { Rose and Ruby Paper Co. } reply

    Love this! The dress and veil look so cute! Wow. And all the details, so personal.
    x

  7. avatar Canopy Rental reply

    Beautiful location. Each and every part of decoration is done so thoughtfully. Inspiring!

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

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The divine lace details and soft pink palette definitely stuck out to me when I first laid eyes on Chanda + David’s wedding — I’m a sucker for feminine classic Southern style, and C + D’s wedding fits the bill perfectly! But, the loveliness gave way to meaning when I read about Chanda’s exquisite veil — it was her late mother’s, and, to quote the bride, wearing it was “a feeling I just can’t describe.” Now I can’t help but get a little choked up every time I look at Lexia Frank’s portraits of Chanda. Isn’t she radiant?

From day one I envisioned a strapless lace gown, simple and elegant without any extra this or that. I found it at the second shop we visited, Brides by Demetrios. Even though it was exactly what I envisioned, after trying it on I still wasn’t sure. I kept waiting for that feeling that everyone kept telling me about. I went on to the next shop and again, was still waiting for that feeling.

Finally, I decided that I would make a trip to visit my grandmother and pick up my late mother’s veil. I returned to Brides by Demetrios to try on the dress again with my mother’s veil and that is the moment I knew that it was the one.

I adore the photo of Chanda’s grandmother looking on over the hustle and bustle of the gals getting ready! Chanda said the day was also not complete without a retelling by her grandmother of a favorite story — the Christmas Chanda received her first string of pearls, and her grandmother remarked that now, as a Southern girl, she could work on her sterling silver!

Absolutely stunning, y’all! Pass those tissues!

I had my heart set on pink and white peonies for my bouquet and the bridesmaids’ bouquets. I was so disappointed when Alta, our florist, told us peonies weren’t in season in February. She suggested ranunculus, garden roses and spray roses, and they turned out to be romantic and absolutely beautiful wrapped in burlap and lace!

When we visited Cross Creek Ranch, I fell in love with the idea of getting married under the Oak tree simply for the symbolism. I can only hope that the love David and I share will last a lifetime through strength and courage.

What a stunning spot for a wedding ceremony!

Did you decide to do a “first look”? Neither of us wanted to do a first look. We both were looking forward to that moment we saw each other as I walked down the aisle.
Did you write your own vows?
 We had every intention of exchanging our own vows, but after I saw how nervous David was at our rehearsal, I thought the traditional vows would be a little less nerve-wracking. Our pastor’s vows were traditional but modern and perfect. We wrote down our own vows in a letter and exchanged them before the ceremony. It was very special to us.

What was Southern about your wedding? We were married on a ranch! I don’t think you can get more Southern than that! Our reception was held in the rustic old barn, and everything was wrapped in burlap and lace. We used mason jars for decoration, and our Southern lemonade was spiked with Jack Daniels. Chicken and waffles were passed during our cocktail hour. Guests made s’mores by the bonfire and played horseshoes. I also gave personalized handkerchiefs as gifts to my grandmother, my mother in-law and father in-law right before the ceremony.

I love the bows sprinkled throughout Chanda + David’s celebration!

We chose pink and white arrangements of garden roses, rananculus and white hydrangeas for the centerpieces. Silk white hydrangeas hung in mason jars wrapped with burlap and lace on our ceremony chairs. A wine barrel filled with silk white hydrangeas sat beautifully, greeting guests as they entered the barn for the reception. The silk flowers were more beautiful than I had imagined.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? 
Our venue, Cross Creek Ranch was there for us every step of the way. They provided the designer, the vendors and the coordinator. I don’t think they could have made it any easier! I did take on a few DIY projects. I wrapped our invitations with burlap and lace, and stuffed them into envelopes I assembled from lace doilies. I also printed our escort cards and tied each and every one to our plantable skeleton keys. The biggest challenge to overcome while completing these projects was a very active toddler. Thanks to David, I was able to complete them. I also cannot forget tying raffia to all our mason jars and printing and assembling drink flags the day before the wedding (with a big help from my mother in-law and father in-law)!

We had a gorgeous three-tier buttercream ruffle cake accented with gum paste roses. It was vanilla and chocolate, our favorites. It was the best cake I’ve ever eaten!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. 
David and I met through mutual friends at a concert. I heard Ben Harper for the first time while driving home from the beach with my girlfriend. Several weeks later, I saw Ben Harper was coming to town. I immediately contacted my girlfriend Faye and told her we should get tickets to the concert. David was not a fan of the artist, but was tagging along with his friend Paul. To this day, David swears we had a moment during the concert when our eyes met. It breaks my heart to admit, but he had the better viewing spot, and I kept looking over to him thinking that if he were a gentleman, he would offer me his spot. Which he did. After the concert, I wanted nothing more than to go home and go to bed, but Dave and my girlfriend were going to have a couple of drinks at the local brewery. As I turned to go home, I thought maybe I should stick around. After all, I thought Dave was hysterically funny, charming and devilishly handsome. Truth be told, I didn’t want my girlfriend to see what I had seen. The night came to an end and we parted ways. Several days later, we ran into each other again amongst friends. It was Cinco De Mayo. After several minutes of casual conversation, out of nowhere Dave asked me out on a date. In complete shock, my immediate response was NO! As he walked away defeated, I knew that was the last time I ever wanted him to walk out of my life. I spent the next several weeks chasing him, and with help from our mutual friends Cristi and Darren, I finally got a second chance for a first date. Very early on in our relationship, I knew he was the one and I told my dearest friend Robyn, “You know when you know, and I know.”
Describe the proposal.
 I can remember several weeks leading up to the proposal, David kept asking me to go on a trip. Every other night he would try and sell me on a destination. It was hot and we were expecting a beautiful baby boy in the upcoming months — he couldn’t get me to go anywhere. On a Monday, David told me to come straight home from work because he was making us dinner. As I walked in our living room, it was filled with roses and balloons. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Then we danced. It was perfect. I then asked him if my grandma knew, and unbeknownst to me, he had visited her days before to ask for my hand in marriage. Later that evening we celebrated at our one of our favorite restaurants.
In what month did you get married?
 February
How many guests attended your wedding?
 100
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding. We spent a lot of time picking the perfect music. We wanted it to represent who we are. The groom and groomsmen walked in to the instrumental version of “Hallelujah,” one of Dave’s favorites. I walked down the aisle to the instrumental version of “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin, one of my favorite bands of all time. We walked back up the aisle to Al Green’s, “Love and Happiness.” David played it the night he proposed. We danced to Ray LaMontagne’s song, “You Are The Best Thing.” It reminded me of when we first met and we would listen to him and dance in the kitchen. Our last dance was Van Morrison’s, “Crazy Love.” It is a great love song, selected by the groom. We exited to Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” Who doesn’t love Johnny Cash?
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: There are so many to choose from! First, the venue. The veil was another favorite. I wore my late mother’s antique lace, cathedral length wedding veil. It’s a feeling I just can’t describe. I also wore an estate piece of jewelry over 150 years old from my late great grandfather’s jewelry store. Our food was another great detail. David is from the Philadelphia area, so during cocktail hour mini cheesesteaks were passed. We also loved our favors. We purchased plantable skeleton keys to attach to our escort cards from Recycled Ideas on Etsy. I hope that as the flowers bloom, people are reminded that love will continue to blossom over time.
What range did your wedding budget fall into? $25,000-$50,000
What is the one thing you are most happy you splurged on? I would have to say the photographer, Lexia Frank — she is just amazing and incredibly talented. Everything she captures is beautiful. We also splurged on the videographer. The day goes by so fast — it is very surreal. I am so happy we decided (literally the week before) to have it documented. I am looking forward to having the video to watch for years to come. Lastly, we splurged on the food. Our caterer Puff n’ Stuff did a phenomenal job.
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? The groom and I agree that the most memorable moment was when I walked down the aisle and our eyes met. It’s a feeling I will not soon forget. Our ceremony was beautiful.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding?
 If you can budget for one, hire a wedding designer/coordinator. It’s worth every dime! Throughout the day, take a moment to take it all in, because it goes by so fast! Don’t forget to excuse yourselves from guests and go dance with your groom!
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? Traveling with our little family, including our two dogs, in an RV throughout the United States.

marissa Written with love by Marissa
12 Comments
  1. avatar Emily reply

    Oh my, that veil really is divine. And I love the bow on the bridge!

  2. avatar robyn reply

    Simply divine photography! No other words…speechless.

  3. avatar Lexia reply

    thank you Southern Weddings for such a beautiful feature! we love that you love these guys as much as we do. xoxo!

  4. avatar Inspired by This Blog reply

    Loving this gorgeous ranch wedding! Her veil is such a special touch. And those chandeliers…amazing! :]

  5. avatar Cross Creek Ranch Wedding – featured on Southern Weddings! « lexia frank photography // tampa wedding, lifestyle, boudoir, birth photography reply

    […] happy to be featured today on Southern Weddings! I loved this wedding, and so happy the ladies over at SW loved it […]

  6. avatar Cheri {Woodsy Weddings} reply

    Wow…that veil is breathtaking! And I can’t think of a more romantic place to get married than under that giant oak tree dripping with Spanish moss! Just lovely.

  7. avatar Joyce Cunningham reply

    i was so thrilled to see a Juliet cap with the veil! !st one I have seen worn by a bride since my sister wore one July of 1971. Such a flattering shape and so lovely with the beautiful veil. maybe we will be so lucky as to see it used by a whole summer of brides! Romance is alive!!!

  8. avatar kaity @ IC reply

    love the barn reception! and the details on her bouquet are beautiful – love wrapping it in burlap and lace.

  9. avatar Rustic Italian Wedding Ideas reply

    […] A+Q via Belle & Chic (2), Cinzia Bruschini via Elizabeth Ann Designs (3), Lexia Frank via Southern Weddings (4), Rylee Hitchner […]

  10. avatar Casey reply

    What a beautiful wedding! Loving every detail of this. We are looking into the venue as well. Wondering what accommodations the bride used for her out of town guests?

  11. avatar Spanish Lace | Christina Leigh Events reply

    […] Board :: Lisa Vorce :: Martha Stewart :: Southern Weddings :: Tara […]

  12. avatar Best of 2013: Photography – Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] wearing her grandmother’s veil as her grandmother looks on | Chanda + David | Lexia […]

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

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