Natalie + David {South Carolina Wedding}

Natalie + David translated their love for vintage European and Southern tradition into a beautiful Lowcountry wedding at the romantic Roseville Plantation in Florence, South Carolina.  The couple enlisted a team of talented vendors to create their special day including the sought after duo of MCG Photography.  Our blushing bride, Natalie, gave us an inside look into her once-in-a-lifetime afternoon...

 

Tell us about the proposal...  

We both specialized in post-1660 British literature and enjoy old-fashioned charm and beautiful settings. Thus we love Jane Austen novels, and we’re members of the Middleton Place Foundation which helps to support the Middleton Place Plantation in Charleston. At Middleton Place we have an oak tree where we like to sit and spend time on the plantation grounds. We consider it “our tree,” if you will.  It was while we were sitting under this tree that David proposed to me. He was actually so thoughtful about it that he proposed in both a traditional American way and in a nineteenth-century British way.  He asked “Will you marry me,” and “Would you do me the honor of making me the happiest of men” while on bended knee.  I was absolutely ecstatic and exclaimed, in between light yet passionate kisses, “Yes, yes, always, and forever and ever yes”!! We were engaged for exactly one year and celebrated our engagement anniversary and first day as spouses the day after our wedding under “our tree” at Middleton Place Plantation.

 

 

Out of the entire day, what was the most memorable moment? 

It might sound trite, but in all honesty, the most memorable moment of the day was when we exchanged vows. We both kept crying tears of the deepest kind of joy.

What’s your favorite picture from your wedding?

Corrie and James of MCG Photography are such amazing photographers, it’s difficult to choose just one favorite.  One that certainly is at the very top of our list, however, is the one of our first kiss as wife and husband. It really was such a magical moment. 

 

Why did you choose to have A Lowcountry Wedding? 

Since I grew up in the South, it’s easy to consider me a “southern belle,” and even though David is from Portland, Oregon, we both cherish the elegant, traditional, hospitable charm that the south has to offer.

 

 How did you choose your venue? 

We wanted to get married outside at a place that feels like it has southern and old-fashioned British charm, along with a sense of timelessness. We were thrilled when we found a plantation that met all criteria and even helped us to feel like we had stepped into the setting of nineteenth-century novel.

 

Tell us a little bit about your menu.  Did you add any Lowcountry elements? 

Since our wedding was in the afternoon, we just had heavy hors d’oeuvres in addition to the wedding cake, which had lace details and yellow roses, my favorite flower, to match my bouquet.  Since I’m a vegetarian, and some of our friends are too, we served a variety of meat and vegetarian options. Favorites among the guests included the bacon-wrapped scallops and tea cookies cut in the shape of our initials, which both have Lowcountry flair.  Seafood is popular in the Lowcountry, and tea cookies reflect the way that the south, especially areas like Charleston, continue to incorporate our British heritage while also celebrating particularly American twists.  In the South, for instance, we drink a lot of tea, but instead of often serving it hot like the British, we usually serve it iced instead.  Not surprisingly, we had plenty of both sweet and unsweet iced tea for guests to enjoy at the reception.

 

Your wedding was filled with gorgeous details.  Did any have special meaning? What was your favorite?  

Since we both specialized in post-1660 British literature, we wanted elements that reminded us of both the Romantic and Victorian Periods. Because of this we incorporated details such as cap sleeves and lace. My dress was mostly lace instead of satin and had cap sleeves. The Maids of Honor, too, had dresses with these elements. We also used lace to drape many of the tables, embellish the guest book, flower girl baskets, and ring bearer pillows, and wrap around the birdseed that guests tossed at us during our “grand exit.” Incorporating these kinds of details made the wedding excitingly feel “very us,” and carefully cutting piece after piece of lace with my mom is a part of the planning that I’ll always fondly remember.

 
Looking back on your engagement and wedding, is there any advice you would give to brides in the planning process? 

Absolutely- It’s so easy to get caught up in what can seem like the million and a half details. With so many elements to choose and try to perfect, it’s really no wonder that there are countless programs, books, and magazines dedicated to planning a wedding. When planning gets stressful, it’s important to remind yourself what the day is really about. It’s not details like your shoes, the table drapes, and the design on the napkins that matter most, but the love that you and your fiancé share and are there to celebrate. The day is about that celebration and your devotion to one another, not how elaborately you can throw a party to please the guests.  What you, and even your guests, will remember most are the moments that help express just how much you and your fiancé love each other.  Keeping these thoughts in mind can help immensely when you and your fiancé are working your way through the stress of planning and after the wedding as well.  No one, I imagine, wants to look back on her wedding day and remember it as the most stressful day of her life, but instead one of the happiest. Keep your focus on the love and happiness you and your fiancé share, and your wedding day will be one of the happiest days of your life, regardless of how any of the details unfold. 

Vendors

Photographer: MCG Photography  /  Ceremony and Reception Venue: Roseville Plantation  /  Videography: Heart Stone Films  /  Designer/Planner: We did most all of the planning, but we had assistance from Theresa Mann of As Southern As Possible Events  /  Invitations: The American Wedding  (and programs were by Laura Ashley)  /  Cake: Freeman’s Bakery  /  Flowers: Flowers by Starks  /  Favors: The American Wedding  /  Gown: David’s Bridal  /  Bridesmaids Dresses: Southern Brides  /  Tuxedos: Jos. A. Banks  /  Hair & Makeup: Stuart Laurence Salon  /  Caterer: The Catering Connection

Bethany + Jay {Nashville Wedding}

It's time for the weekend!  To all of our Charleston wedding vendors and gorgeous Lowcountry Brides, we wish you all a perfect wedding weekend...and we can't wait to see the pictures!

To wrap up this chilly Fall week, we're sharing a personal favorite of mine.  This Nashville wedding comes to us from the talented Evin Photography and has some truly classic Southern elements.  Bride Bethany stuns in her one-of-a-kind strapless gown while her maids look fab in knee length pewter dresses.  I am absolutely in love with her bouquet, that amazing cake and the adorable ring bearer :) 

Thanks to Bethany for sharing her story...

 

Tell us a little bit about how you two met...

My husband and I met through his aunt and uncle.  We had both previously been in previous relationships and in the same places at the same time but never met until a few years later.  Both of our relationships had ended and they introduced us, somewhat jokingly, and we both had our first “blind date” – the rest is history.  Our first date was at my favorite restaurant and it’s a running joke amongst my friends that I don’t share my macaroni & cheese.  When I came back from the date and reported that I had shared my mac & cheese, everyone knew this was it!

Tell us about how he proposed... 

After telling me that there was a surprise date planned, we went to dinner at a nice restaurant. I  had been contemplating all week if perhaps this could be it, but decided it was far too obvious (all part of Jay's plan)! Through out dinner, nothing seemed to be amiss so I decided this was definitely not the night and settled for a wonderful dessert. After dinner, Jay took me driving through downtown Franklin and we looked at all of the historic houses. He decided to park and asked that they walk around - in 90 degree muggy humid weather. Thinking that this was not the surprise but that they were wasting time because they were going to go DO something, I was getting more than a little frustrated at all of the walking and sweating they were doing and was wondering why we couldn't waste time doing something else. Eventually, we made their way to a beautiful neighborhood of the Brownstones. The gate to the courtyard was unlocked and there was a gorgeously lit fountain surrounded by benches, oil lamps and landscaping. Jay couldn't wait much longer and dropped to his knee. We were engaged for right at a year.

Out of the entire day, what was the most memorable moment?

There were two moments that really stand out to both my husband and myself when we look back.  We did a first look and were then able to do pictures prior to the ceremony.  After seemingly a million pictures, it was our turn to sit down for a minute while our photographer worked just with the wedding party.  While we sat in a pew, everything seemed to fade around us and we were able to really just relax into each other and take it in.  It was a sweet moment and one I’m thankful to have.  The other is when we were leaving.  We had a vintage Bentley and chauffer and as we drove away, he took the back road to the interstate.  The road was dark, there was no traffic we drove down in what was many places a tree lined road.  It honestly felt like something out of a movie.  We were exhausted, excited and able to breathe for what seemed like the first time all day.  The driver was going slow and it seemed like in those ten minutes or so, time stood still.

How did you choose your venue? What elements drew you to it?

We chose the chapel we were married in because we fell in love with it the first time we saw it and it was also part of the church we are members at.  Our reception venue appealed because it was in an old historic factory and we loved the exposed brick and old window panes hanging at the entrance.

Your wedding was filled with gorgeous details.  Did any have special meaning? What was your favorite?

My grandmother’s wedding ring was attached to my bouquet and my mom made the Mr. & Mrs. Signs that were on our seats.  I loved everything and was really happy with how it all turned out – one of my favorite things was the wedding cake.  I had seen a picture online and fell in love.  I sent it to my fabulous baker and she was able to recreate it perfectly – I love how the ruffles tied in with my dress.  My husband is a huge University of Tennessee fan and his grooms cake was a replica of Neyland Stadium – I think it’s safe to say that was one of his favorites as well!

Tell us a little bit about your menu...

We decided to have delicious food catered by the restaurant of a family friend.  All of the recipes are from “Mamaw”, the original owner, and she helped to oversee that everything turned out beautifully.  We had parmesan crusted chicken, green been bundles, herb roasted potatoes, frozen strawberry salad, fresh rolls.  We also had our special macaroni and cheese brought in!

Looking back on your engagement and wedding, is there any advice you would give to brides in the planning process?

I would give the same advice that was often given to me.  Take a moment for the two of you.  I didn’t realize how very important it was until I look back and am so thankful that we did that.    But it all is such a blur and goes by so quickly; the two moments that I can remember with complete and utter clarity just as if I am looking at a picture are the two moments mentioned above.  I would also say that, yes it is a beautiful day and it is a momentous occasion, but remember that there is life after the wedding as well.  Prepare yourselves and your hearts for your marriage, not just the wedding.  At the end of the day, most people will barely notice the small details.  They really matter to you, which is fine, but in the course of everything, you won’t notice and it won’t matter that the “I Spy” game wasn’t handed out to the children.  What matters is the life that you have started together and memories you have made with your loved ones.

Vendors

photographer: evin photography  /  floral designer:  beth's bouquets  /  reception venue:  building 8 at the factory  /  cinema and video:  focal point cinematic  / cake designer: the french confection

 

Becky + Tyler {Tennessee Engagement Session}

Since it's all rainy outside, I thought everybody need a little extra dose of inspiration so, we're doubling it up today with some engagement session loveliness! First up, we've got Becky + Tyler's sweet Southern session from the amazing husband and wife team behind Colby Wheeler Photography.  The couple spent a perfect Tennessee afternoon getting cozy on the farm!

This is my favorite shot...how sweet!

Michelle + Sam {Auburn Engagement Session}

I really love college football season. 

 I love the atmosphere, tailgating, cornhole, finding the perfect gameday dress, bloody marys,

waking up to ESPN's Gameday and....Kirk Herbstreit :)  This past week the entire state of 

South Carolina's been a-buzz with both Carolina and Clemson ranking in the top 25 AND sporting

 4-0 records.  Well tomorrow, the Gamecocks are hoping for a win as they take on the defending National Champions Auburn Tigers in front of the home crowd. In honor of the big game, we're featuring a classic Auburn engagement session from Scobey Photography that is sure to give you a healthy dose of SEC football...well, until tomorrow that is!  The couple, Michelle + Sam, spent the day on their Alma Mater's campus making sure they hit all the hotspots.  With the Auburn band as their backdrop and dressed from head-to-toe in their school colors, the wrapped up the day preparing to cheer on the Tigers with the rest of the spirited crowd! 

WAR EAGLE!

 

 

  

  

Oh, hey Cam Newton!

  

Maureen + Brian: Palm City, Florida

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the ladies of Stay Forever Photography based out of Palm Beach, Florida.  They consistently produce classically vivid images.   They're experts in getting all the detail shots and what I REALLY love about them is their ability to capture all the special moments.  The ladies recently shot Maureen + Brian's  Palm City, Florida and, once again, it did not disappoint.  The couple was engaged for a little over a year before tying the knot in a beautiful church ceremony that was followed the perfect coastal reception.  

I asked Maureen to join us today to tell us their love story...

Tell us a little bit about how you met your husband.  How long have you known each other?  Where did you meet?

Brian and I met under a very serendipitous occasion.  Neither of us had lived in Florida very long, and had only moved here to relax and get away for a bit.  There was a new restaurant starting up in town, and we had both secured kitchen positions.  Hundreds of people applied to work at this new restaurant, and we both made it.  As soon as I met him, I knew there was something special about it.  I went home and told my mom about him, and he went and told his sister about me!  We met a few days before Valentine’s Day, and starting dating April fool’s day.  He proposed to me a year later!

How did he propose?  How long were you engaged?

Our first official date was a walk on the beach after a rain storm had just passed.  The waves were huge that day, and jellyfish were strewn all over the beach.  We sat on the sand and just talked.  Nearly a year later, we took a walk on the beach- on our anniversary.  He said that he liked making memories with me- and I agreed.  And then he asked me if I wanted to make memories for the rest of our lives together, and he pulled out a beautiful ring.  And I simply said yes.  It was very intimate and special.  We were engaged for 14 months. 

Out of the entire day, what was the most memorable moment?

There are almost too many wonderful moments when I see the slideshow in my head of that day!!   I can remember my excited anxiousness as we arrived at the church.  I remember walking down the aisle with my dad, and feeling like a superhero, knowing that I was marrying the best person in the world.  I loved our Church ceremony- it was so beautiful, so soft, and just lovely.  If I have to pick one moment as my most memorable, I remember having our first dance, and looking into each other’s eyes and singing the lyrics softly just enough so that we were the only ones that could hear it.  Just wonderful! 

This is my favorite shot.  Maureen, first off, you are absolutely adorable and I love your expression in this image.  Secondly, I love how Brian is looking at her.  You can just see the love :)

What’s your favorite picture from your wedding?

I love this picture because it shows how wonderfully sweet Brian is.  He is so tender and loving in everything he does and it shows in my eyes how much I trust him.

 

How did you choose your venue?  What elements drew you to it?

We had first chosen and put a deposit down on a venue that is gorgeous.  But, the more I thought about it, and the logistics of everything, I became highly stressed out.  We started looking for other venues.  My parents live in a neighborhood with a golf course and yacht house.  It just made sense to go there instead.  It is located on a river, with gorgeous boats floating at the dock, the foliage around the building just boasts of south Florida charm, and the nautical touches inside made it masculine but not overpowering.   It was perfect. 

  

Your wedding was filled with gorgeous details.  Did any have special meaning?  What was your favorite?

Everything about the day had real sentiment to it.  All of my grandparents have passed away, so we tried to honor and remember them with certain things.  The earrings that I wore were from a ring that my grandmother had, and my mom had the diamonds constructed on a silver chain. Brian carried my grandfather’s blue handkerchief that was wrapped up with a necklace that his grandmother had.  Our wedding flutes were given to me by my sister that had come from Ireland- where my grandmother was from.  I wore a ring, borrowed that day from my Aunt, as a replica of my Nanna’s onyx and diamond ring.  Everything that was incorporated into our wedding had meaning for us.  The list could go on.  It is nearly impossible to pick a favorite because everything was so so special. 

Tell us a little about your menu. 

We were intent on having a wedding where people loved the food and would be talking about it for years.  We enlisted Chef John Carlino and his team to create a masterpiece of a day for us!  Our cocktail hour- which was two hours- was filled with Southern style food; mini BBQ pork sliders, Caribbean jerked shrimp, Red Strip soaked chicken skewers, Florida fresh ceviche, and, my favorite- a fruit bar.  Freshly cut fruit topped with coconut or soaked in alcohol atop an ice bed with palm frawns frozen into it.  Dinner ran the gamut from lamb chops to filet mignon, from Caribbean quinoa with fruit to freshly made pasta purses with goat cheese and pears.  To conclude the dining portion of the night, my wonderful friend, Alexandra Mudry created our cake in Washington, DC and transported it on the plane with her.  She constructed it while in Florida!!  It was AMAZING!!

Looking back on your engagement and wedding, is there any advice you would give to brides in the planning process?

No matter what, things will always arise that you do not expect to happen.  That happened for us, on more than one occasion throughout our year plus of organizing.  You just have to go with the flow, don’t freak out, and realize that it might be better for you/ the day anyway in the long run.  Come up with 2^nd and 3^rd plans.  That way you are never shocked, and can move on easily from it without stressing.  AND have fun at the wedding- it only lasts for one day- so soak it all up!!!

 

Vendors

photography:  stay forever photography  /  reception venue: palm cove golf and yacht club  /  dress designer: san patrick  /  dj: dj lynn mozena  /  shoes: badgley mischka