Google+ white dinner jacket Archives - Page 2 of 5 - Southern Weddings

Southern Weddings

Tag: white dinner jacket

Mare and Jake met in Oxford while attending Ole Miss, so for these college sweethearts, their alma mater’s campus proved to be the perfect spot for Mare’s dream wedding. To help bring the wedding she had always pictured–an outdoor celebration complete with a white tent and chandeliers–to life, Jake gifted her with a wedding planner after their engagement! While this was a sweet gesture of his love for her, it was also a way for them to serve their future marriage, since it gave them time to tend to their relationship amidst their wedding plans.

Big hugs to Brian Flint for sending along this fun day!

Tell us about finding your wedding dress. One afternoon, my mom and I stopped in The Bridal Path in Jackson so I could try on dresses, and as soon as I walked in, I fell in love with a dress on the mannequin. My mom started crying when I tried it on, so I knew it was the one!

I wanted the flowers to be very elegant and classic, but with a Southern twist. My favorite flowers are hydrangeas, so I wanted all of the bridesmaids to carry full white hydrangea bouquets. Large arrangements with hydrangeas, white lilies, cabbage roses, and bell of Ireland were elevated on each guest table at the reception. My bouquet was made up of green hydrangeas, roses, and lilies.

Did you have something borrowed, blue, old, and new? If so, do tell! My something old was a gift from my father–he created a diamond necklace with his mother’s engagement diamond. My something blue was my garter, my dress was new, and I borrowed my lipstick from my fabulous makeup artist!

The ceremony music was so special to my family. A family friend, who had also sang at my parents’ wedding, sang “The Lord’s Prayer.” My sister, who was my matron of honor, sang “Surely the Presence” during the lighting of the unity candle. She and I have always loved that song.

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? Our hotel gift boxes included Mississippi cheese straws and we served fried chicken at our reception. We also chose Southern signature cocktails, hired a Memphis soul band, and left our ceremony in a New Orleans-style trolley double decker bus!

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always dreamed of having an outdoor wedding with a white tent and chandeliers. Since we both went to Ole Miss and met in Oxford, we decided that the Ole Miss campus was the perfect place for our outdoor reception.

Our favorite detail of the wedding was: We loved the candy bar filled with gold and white gum balls, pink and white lollipops, strawberry cheesecake jelly beans, gold-wrapped gummy candy, gummy grapefruit, Reese’s, and sweet taffy.

How did you plan for your marriage while planning your wedding? We were able to focus on our upcoming marriage by hiring a wedding planner. This was a gift from my husband right after our engagement! As he says, “This is the best investment I have ever made.” While we both have busy schedules, we were able to enjoy time with each other when we were off of work, instead of spending that time worrying about our wedding. Pre-marital counseling also had a huge impact on planning for our marriage.

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. We met through mutual friends while at Ole Miss. My good friend had gone out with Jake and his best friend, and she told Jake he needed to meet me. A few nights later, she talked me into going out with her so she could introduce us. I did not want anything to do with Jake for the first month, and declined when he asked me out. Finally, my roommate convinced me to go on one date with him to the University Club, and after that, it was history.
Tell us all about the proposal! Jake proposed on May 4, his birthday! I had made reservations to go to Season 52 for his birthday dinner, and then we were planning to head to a friend’s house. We went to dinner, and on the way home, Jake told me that we had to stop by the house so he could get something. When we pulled up to the house, I waited in the car. Jake told me to get out because he had a surprise for me. He said it was “something small that could get bigger.” I was convinced he had gotten a dog, so I was a little aggravated, but then, he came out of the bedroom and proposed. After asking him five times if he was serious, I said yes.
When did y’all get married? May 2, 2015
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? Over 300
Describe your wedding cake or dessert. We chose a three-tiered cake with homemade almond flavored icing. The cake was accented with sugar tulips trimmed in gold.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? I had to realize that my husband was not going to make any wedding planning decisions! He wanted me to have the wedding I dreamed of.
What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together? We are excited to begin renovating our home that we purchased before the wedding. We are looking forward to traveling back to our honeymoon location once a year, having a family, and growing old together.

Photographer: B. Flint Photography / Videographer: Frameblender Films / Planner: Claire Kiamie of One Fine Day Event / Ceremony Venue: Oxford United Methodist Church / Reception Venue: Ole Miss / Florist: Oxford Floral / Cake Baker: Sweet Things by Janet Smith / Caterer: My Michelle’s LLC / Rentals and Lighting: Magnolia Rental & Sales / Band: DMP Band with Ram Entertainment / Paper Products: Nest Paper Studio / Bride’s Gown: “LZ3415” by Lazaro / Bride’s Veil: Meringue Veil / Hair Stylist: Bloom Salon & Spa / Makeup Artist: Jessica Mathias / Bride’s Shoes: Antonio Melani from Dillard’s / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: “Ball Gown” by Two Birds / Bridesmaid Dress Salon: Bella Bridesmaids Memphis / Menswear: Thomas Brothers

marissa Written with love by Marissa
4 Comments
  1. avatar Mare & Jake | An Oxford Mississippi Wedding | b.flint photography | mississippi wedding photographer reply

    […] photography: b.flint photographyevent planning: one fine daycatering: my michelle’sMUAH: bloomreception venue: Ole Miss Campusceremony venue: Oxford-University United Methodist Churchrentals: magnolia rentalreception band: DMPfloral: oxford floralcake: sweet things by janet smithcinematographer: frameblender filmswedding dress: lazaroshoes: antonio melaniphoto booth: the hardin housePUBLISHED IN SOUTHERN WEDDINGS […]

  2. avatar betty simmons reply

    I attended the wedding, and it was simply lovely!! We even brought our children and 4 grandchildren. One said I met a real princess!

  3. avatar Antonio Gual reply

    Stunning wedding– Best wishes!

  4. avatar Mare & Jake Gibbs – One Fine Day reply

    […] Ole Miss Wedding by B. Flint Photography […]

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!

Reply to:
close

It takes a very special couple to commit to a relationship across the pond shortly after meeting for the first time, but after Hunter’s stepsister played matchmaker, Hunter and Heather knew they wanted to give it a shot! Many long distance phone calls and international flights later, followed by a year together in Chicago, Hunter proposed in their soon-to-be home. Even though Heather is from above the Mason-Dixon Line, I daresay her focus on creating a meaningful wedding day, her sweet perspective on what matters most, and her love for monograms make her a Southern belle at heart!

Thank you so much to Nate Henderson for sharing this lovely wedding with us!

Tell us about finding your wedding dress. Ah, the dress! I found it on the first day I went dress shopping. My mom lives about four hours away from Chicago, and it was just the two of us. During the third and final appointment of the day, I saw the dress hanging in the back of the store. It looked different than anything I had seen and I thought it could go either way–be really great or really wrong. I put it on and said, “Va va voom!” My mom cried, and then I cried, and we knew it was the one! One funny little mishap is that the alterations team mistakenly hung the dress by the straps when they packed it for my travel. The straps stretched from it hanging incorrectly, so when I put it on on the big day, the top was huge, and it was a wrinkled mess. My sister steamed the wrinkles and my maid of honor pinned it with safety pins! No one could tell and in those moments, girls, you just have to take a deep breath and say, “C’est la vie!”

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? The church we were married in was the church Hunter attended growing up in Savannah. We wanted to bring our friends and family down South, as there really is nothing else like it! The oak trees covered with Spanish moss remind me of The Notebook, and created such romance and mystique.

It was really important to both of us that we did not see each other beforehand–we are traditional in that regard. I will never forget walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing the expression on Hunter’s face. Having that time, while the beautiful music played in the church, to soak in the emotion in front of our family and friends who traveled to be a part of our special day, is a priceless moment we will never forget.

Did you have something borrowed, blue, old, and new? If so, do tell! My bridesmaid generously let me borrow the gorgeous earrings she wore at her wedding. My dress was new. My mother wore a royal blue lace dress and looked beautiful, so she was my blue! For old, I pinned a necklace to my bouquet which had belonged to my Grandmother, who passed away six months earlier. In that way, she was with us!

I am a firm believer that a wedding should be welcoming to your guests and should represent the two of you! My favorite details were H&H carnival lights that we ordered from Etsy, which our wedding coordinator attached to the front of the bar. We also had a beautiful monogram designed that we used on the napkins, cups, and pillows for the couches in our seating area. These pillows are now on our sofa, and we will use the monogram for the rest of our lives!

Describe your wedding flowers. The setting of the reception was already beautiful, so I wanted the flowers to enhance the natural beauty. I chose a lush white, ivory, and green palette, which I think is so elegant. We repurposed two large arrangements (hydrangeas, roses, snap dragons, bells of ireland, french tulips that loosely cascaded), hydrangea wreaths, and boxwood garland from the church to the reception. We did halos for the flower girls with willow eucalyptus and white spray roses, which could not have been any sweeter. I also added a sprig of heather to Hunter’s boutonniere!

Our first dance was to “You are the Best Thing” by Ray Lamontagne. It is less traditional than our ceremony choices, but the lyrics suited us. We took dance lessons beforehand, but in the end, we just winged it–except for one awesome, Dirty Dancing-esque dip at the beginning!

Describe your wedding cake or dessert. I absolutely love wedding cake and always make a point to have at least a bite at weddings I attend for good luck! I had an entire Pinterest board of stunning cakes, and in the end, I couldn’t decide between two designs, so I let our cake designer surprise me. She loved the idea and said it was a designer’s dream! It was beautiful, and it tasted as good as it looked, with vanilla bean cake filled with raspberry and white chocolate mousse.

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. I was living in London and my friend, Mary Allen, told me I had to meet her stepbrother, Hunter. “The two of you would be perfect together!” she told me. Hunter was living in Chicago, and when I was home visiting friends, she arranged our first date. Hunter was not feeling well and tried to hide it during the evening. I thought he was handsome, but very quiet, and I was surprised when he asked to see me again. We got to know each other more, met each other’s friends, and had a great time! He drove me to the airport at the end of my visit, and we continued to see each other every six weeks. After many trips across the pond, phone calls, and bbm messages exchanged, I moved to Chicago just over a year later. I’m not exactly sure what it was that Mary Allen saw in both of us, but she was right, and we will forever be grateful to her!
Tell us all about the proposal! From Hunter: Heather and I were planning to move in together in mid-May 2013. I decided that I’d pull the trigger on Friday, April 26, specifically because I knew Heather likes the number 26, and the anniversary of when we first met was April 27, two years prior! I talked our soon-to-be landlord into giving me access to our empty future apartment, and then had our close friend, who was also our real estate agent, call Heather “on behalf of the landlord” to go over to the apartment and meet the “repair man.” I was “in a work meeting” during that exact window of time when Heather tried calling me to see if I could meet her there. I arrived to the apartment an hour early and began arranging it the best I could with rose petals and lit candles. Upon Heather’s entry, she called for the “repair man” to see if he was there yet, then turned toward the opposite side of the apartment, for what seemed to me like ten minutes! Finally, she came down the hallway toward me, saw the rose petals, and stopped in disbelief. I then took a knee and read a note that I had prepared, which I specifically wanted to write so that she could always look back and remember what I told her that day. She said “YES!” I capped off the proposal by revealing one red rose behind my back and asking Heather if she would “accept my final rose?”–a humorous nod to our favorite TV show. We were happily married exactly one year later!
When did y’all get married? April 26, 2014
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 160
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? No, we said traditional vows, and our minister, Edwin Chase, delivered a beautiful message. In our meetings before the wedding, he also taught us about the Five Love Languages, which I highly recommend for all couples!
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. Both the bridal party and I walked down the aisle to Canon in D. We had violins playing it, and when I came down the aisle, the organ played softly to intensify the song a little more. I have always loved Canon in D and wanted it to play as long as possible. The recessional was the traditional Wedding March, which felt like a celebration!
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? Negotiate where you can and take time to price compare between vendors. Some vendors will charge you extra fees that you can eliminate, or you can negotiate an extra service to be included in your quote. The best advice I received at the onset of planning was to make sure your vendor is committed and excited to work with you. If you don’t feel that way, chose another vendor who is appreciative of your business.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? We had an amazing honeymoon in the Maldives and then settled into our new married life, but we haven’t slowed down. Hunter opened his own business and we are expecting a baby boy in May!

Photographer: Nate Henderson Photo / Ceremony Venue: Wesley Monumental UMC / Reception Venue: Oldfield Club / Florist: Harvey Designs / Cake Baker: Minette Rushing Custom Cakes / Rentals: Snyder Events / Lighting: JLK Events / Band: Sol Fusion / Paper Products: Elizabeth Grace / Save the Dates: Studio R / Bride’s Gown: Elizabeth Fillmore / Bridal Salon and Veil: Belle Vie Bridal Couture / Hair Stylist: JW Salon & Spa / Makeup Artist: SKINZIN / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: JLM Couture / Groom’s Attire: Trunk Club / Wedding Coordinator: Posh, Petals & Pearls / Favors: Maison de Macarons / Monogram: Alison R. Banks Designs / Linens: La Tavola Linen and Marianne’s Rentals

Posh Petals & Pearls is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

lisa Written with love by Lisa
1 Comment
  1. avatar Emily reply

    I know what you mean about your dress, Heather, but it is unmistakably gorgeous on! Love it!

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!

Reply to:
close

With the help of their planner, Courtney Kappus of Moore & Co. Events, Laura and Neil transformed the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club into a fabulous venue that was completely unique, and totally their own! I love how they used colorful blooms to complement their black, white, and gold decor, and how fun is that marquee above the band? As they celebrated while dancing under a beautiful tent dressed with glittering lights, surrounded by rolling hills and running horses, Laura and Neil always kept their focus on why they were celebrating in the first place.

We’re so happy Jeff Frandsen of Brooke Courtney Photography was on hand to capture this lovely day!

We met at the pool of our apartment building. I was one of the first people at the pool that day and I saw him walk in. I remember everything about that moment. I willed him in my direction and he sat right next to me. I obviously said nothing, too bashful to even look up from my book. About 30 minutes passed before my friend arrived, and I asked if she wanted a glass of wine. The cute guy next to me, my back now to him, announced “I would love a glass.” Done and done. We introduced ourselves, talked till the sun set, and have been inseparable since that moment.

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? We wanted something different–a place where our guests had never attended a wedding before. We wanted a location that reflected the season and the beauty that is the Maryland countryside. The fox hunting club had understated elegance, and the fact that it was not a venue at all allowed us to play up a unique theme with just a few whimsical details

We wanted elegant and classic music for the ceremony that was a bit more interesting than the standard choices. We had “Stranger in Paradise” and “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera played for the prelude, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach for the seating of the families,”Rondeau” by Mouret for the processional, and “Te Deum” by Charpentier for my walk down the aisle. The recessional was to “Water Music” by Handel. Having a trumpet play seemed quite fitting given the steeplechase and fox hunt surroundings.

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? The whole feeling of the night was Southern–we danced under a beautiful tent dressed with glittering lights, surrounded by rolling hills and running horses. We also really like chicken and waffles and ham biscuits, so naturally, we needed to have them served at cocktail hour!

Our favorite detail of the wedding was: The lanterns hanging from the trees and above the dance floor made our reception so magical. I also loved the boxwood around the dance floor, the marquee sign that hung behind the band, the Rifle Paper Co. notecards we made into table numbers, the signature cocktail we named after our sweet labrador, Mya, and the overall color scheme of the day.

I borrowed a white coral beaded bracelet that belonged to my grandmother. My mother and my aunt had both worn it on their wedding days, too. For my something old and blue, I carried a handkerchief that Neil’s twin sister made for her own wedding two years ago out of their late mother’s wedding dress. It was embroidered in blue with their initials, and she gave it to me at my bridal shower. My something new was my sparkly gold glitter shoes.

Don’t miss Laura and Neil’s video from Wise Films!

Tell us all about the proposal! I hurried through the door of our home hoping to make it to a friend’s party on time when I heard “our” song playing. I turned the corner to find Neil on bended knee, in a tuxedo, with champagne, holding a ring box, sweating bullets. He told me how much he loved me and finally asked, “Laura Jane, will you marry me?”
When did y’all get married? June 7, 2014
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 155
Tell us about finding your wedding dress. I had visited four shops and found a few dresses I liked, but I ended up going with something completely different than what I had envisioned. I walked out of the fitting room and felt like a movie star. The dress was simple, but elegant, and I liked being able to add my own touches with my lace-trimmed veil and sparkly beaded sash.
Did you decide to do a “first look”? Why or why not? We wanted our own special moment to connect before the chaos of the day, so I am so glad we chose to do a first look. It helped ease a lot of nerves so that we were really able to enjoy the day of our marriage.
Describe your wedding cake or dessert. Our cake was super simple because Neil and I really wanted individual strawberry shortcakes–the real kind, with a shortbread biscuit, fresh strawberries, and lemon crème fraiche.
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? $50,000-$75,000
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? We prioritized what was important to us and I did a TON of research. I recommend hiring a planner, as they can save you money through the relationships they have.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Don’t drive yourself crazy striving for perfection. Don’t worry about what other people might think of your wedding details. Remember why you are celebrating in the first place, and always remain gracious.

Photographer: Jeff Frandsen of Brooke Courtney Photography / Videographer: Wise Films / Planner: Courtney Kappus of Moore & Co Events / Venue: Elkridge Harford Hunt Club / Florist: Petal and Print / Cake Baker: Mary Elliott / Caterer: Laurrapin / Rentals: Party Party and Loane Brothers / Lighting: Davinci / Band: Spectrum / Special Details: XOXO Vintage / Paper Products: The Pleasure of Your Company / Bride’s Gown: “Dakota” by Nicole Miller / Bridal Salon: Garnish Boutique / Bride’s Earrings: Kate Spade / Bride’s Veil: Sara Gabriel / Bride’s Sash: Untamed Petals / Hair Stylist: Devon Baltimore / Makeup Artist: Blend Makeup Artistry / Bride’s Shoes: J. Crew / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Assorted styles in Vanilla, Guava, Blush, and Opal by Amsale / Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse / Ties: The Tie Bar / Draping: 27 Studios / Boxwoods: Plants Alive / Linens: Linen Hero / Farm Tables: Vintage Affairs

marissa Written with love by Marissa
3 Comments
  1. avatar Wedding Video Wednesday XXVI » Borrowed and Blue Occasions reply

    […] Wedding Video is off of Southern Weddings and is so […]

  2. avatar Jennifer Quillen reply

    Beautiful wedding! I love the picture frame seating chart. Can you tell me where you got the picture frames?

  3. avatar Chris reply

    I really like the His/Hers framed drink idea. Can I find out if you all used a particular template?
    Thanks!

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!

Reply to:
close
Top