Y’all, if there is just one thing we could have you take away from months (or years!) of reading this blog, it would be this: the marriage is always, always more important than the wedding. Yep, we LOVE pretty details. We do, we can’t help it! And we know you probably do, too!

What we’re trying to say is, no matter how much inspiration we provide for the gorgeous centerpiece, the exquisite wedding gown, or the picture-perfect favor, what we do to help you plan a meaningful wedding day that honors the right things and lays an unshakeable foundation for your marriage will always be infinitely more important. And that’s why we’ve created the Sweet Tea Society, to remind us all what’s truly important in weddings. This is what we believe:

We don’t do this perfectly all the time — no, ma’am! But we try harder every day to make this who we are and where our heart is, and we would be honored if you’d join us! Feel free to snag a badge if you’d like to become a member of the Sweet Tea Society, and keep an eye out for a few new blog features we’ve got in the works!

Won’t you join us?

P.S. Kudos to Brooke from Curious & Company, who designed and illustrated our badges and the top of our manifesto! Nicole did an amazing job laying the rest of it out!

It’s a season of change in the Southern Weddings office, as it is for many of you! Like many changes, these ones are bittersweet, but overall so good, and so exciting for everyone!

As many of you know, Lara, Marissa, and I were bursting with pride last week as Sierra, Nicole, and our two interns from this semester, Anna and Caitlin, all graduated from the University of North Carolina’s journalism school. We even held a little Tarheel blue graduation party in their honor :)

Graduation means they’re ready for new adventures, of course! We are super proud of Anna, who is heading South to Charleston to work at Charleston Weddings for the summer. We are OVERJOYED that Nicole will be in the Southern Weddings office full time from now on, continuing to bring you the best wedding goodness the South has to offer!

Finally, we are incredibly proud of Sierra, who is moving to one of her favorite Southern cities – Nashville! She’ll be starting a new job as a bonafide graphic designer, and we just can’t wait to see where it takes her! (We’re also placing bets on how soon her first Taylor Swift sighting will be.) We asked her to write up a little something about her time at Southern Weddings, and this is what she said:

My conclusion after writing this post was simply this — golly, I am SUCH a lucky gal!! In just two years, I gained more experience than I EVER thought possible in one job. I was able to travel – for photo shoots, to work at weddings, and to review a Honey List destination. I was able to be involved in a brand that is SO me and SO fun! (80% of my clothes are even SW colors!) I was able to learn about a smaller company, one who values their readers immensely. I designed hundreds of graphics and image boards, wrote posts, shipped hundreds (perhaps thousands) of magazines, and was so involved with the making of V4, a fabulous publication that I still pick up every few weeks and reread.

From our Paper, Cotton, and Flour photo shoot

Besides the professional experience I’ve gained, being a part of the SW family was something I’ll always take with me. I remember when I first started working at SW, I would be shaking at the weekly office meetings I was so nervous, but all along I was encouraged to be myself, contribute my opinions fully, and be a confident, strong woman. And boy, did we have fun over the last few years! From tying bow ties and steaming wedding gowns with Nicole, to chocolate tasting contests, throwing poms and paper airplanes and watching The Bachelor/Bachelorette with Emily, to running around DC and having Lara and Marissa do my makeup for our SW staff shoot, to memories of working with Katharine and Whitney, I have had SO many good times! I want to thank Lara, Emily, Nicole and Marissa for being the best coworkers imaginable, to Lara for making it a possibility to even work at SW and to Nicole for being literally my “twin” and good, good friend throughout college. While I am sad to be leaving such a fabulous magazine, and I will miss you all tremendously, I know this not a real goodbye, and I am excited to be living up more Southern goodness over yonder in Nashville! As we like to say around here, may your tea always be sweet!

We love that Sierra, yes indeed we do. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to write her a few notes ourselves, interspersed with photos from her goodbye party earlier this week.

Sierra,

Biggest congratulations on graduating!! It’s been amazing to know you over the past two years and to see you work tirelessly on countless projects. I look up to you so much! I’ll always remember the first time we met, the awkward conversations we had when were first getting to know each other, and the long drives to photo shoots and weddings when you schooled me on country music. I know that the future is going to be incredibly rewarding for you and I can’t wait to hear about it!

xoxo, Nic

Dear sweet Sierra,

You are so incredibly talented, and I am so excited for you! I wish you all the best on your adventure in Nashville, but I am going to miss not being able to hear you on our calls, and your fabulous style! I know that you have amazing things ahead of you, and I cannot wait to come visit you in Nashvegas!

So much love,
Marissa

Sierra! I am SO excited for you to take over Nashville! Everyone you meet will be so blessed by your humor and heart and dedication. Over the last years, you have truly blown us all away and helped us take things to the next level in a million ways. We wouldn’t be where we are without you! Personally, I will also miss your kindness and thoughtful conversation. You are a treasure, Sierra. Things won’t be the same around here without you. But, the great thing is that I know your sweet parents will expect lots of visits… and we will too! Don’t be a stranger. You will always be a part of the SW family! Love, Lara

Dear Sierra,

I will always be thankful to you for introducing me to country music! And I know that as long as the Bachelor/Bachelorette is on air, we will have a reason to get together and discuss :) I know you’re going to do amazing things in Nashville and beyond, and I can’t wait to watch!

Much love,
Emily

You can see more from our yummy goodbye party right here! We would love for you to leave well wishes for all of our ladies in the comment section, as well as Nashville tips for Sierra! :)

Welcome to the next installment of our Southern Hospitality feature! Each month, we pick a Southern city and an expert host. Our host shares their favorite items custom to that city that would be perfect packed into a welcome bag for family and friends at a weekend wedding. There’s nothing like Southern hospitality, especially at a destination wedding!

I couldn’t have picked a better city for my last Southern Hospitality post than Savannah, Georgia (don’t fret, the other gals will keep the SH posts coming!). This beautiful city attracts millions of visitors each year due to its Southern history and timeless charm. I’ve actually visited several times, since my aunt used to live there, but I was too young to remember the trips clearly. A post-graduation trip is in order, don’t you think?

When we decided to put together a Savannah tote, we knew exactly who to call for our expert… our friend, Melissa of Scott Hopkins Photography! I know you’ll enjoy her picks! Having a wedding in Savannah? Let us know in the comments below!

A. Savannah Bee Company Honey. Savannah Bee Company is a small company based in Savannah who produce the finest, most natural honey products available. ($9.00 for gift pouch with honey and lip balm)

B. Low Country Luxe Candles. Their Signature Scents Soy Candle Collection features scents like Spanish Moss, Savannah and Living in High Cotton. ($35.00 for an 8oz candle)

C. Bath Fizzies. Homemade and handcrafted natural bath products in downtown Savannah! ($3.00 per fizzie)

D. Green Cardigan. This green cardigan with pearl buttons would be a wonderful gift for the members of your bridal party, especially if the wedding takes place around St. Patrick’s Day, as Savannah has one of the largest parades in the United States! (Cardigan can be purchased at BleuBelle Boutique)

E. Paula Deen’s Southern Cooking Bible. A staple for any Southern kitchen. ($29.99 for a signed copy at the Paula Deen Store)

F. Pecan Pralines. Delicious pralines from Savannah Candy Kitchen. (around $17.95 a lb)

G. Gift Certificate to Leopold’s Ice Cream. The best ice cream in Savannah – a perfect snack for a hot summer day! (Price varies)

H. Key lime Coolers. Byrd Cookie Company has been a Savannah tradition since 1924, providing tasty Southern-style treats for every occasion. ($9.95 per tin)

I. Savannah Note Cards. This card set features some original pen and ink drawings of the fountains at Forsyth Park, Lafayette Square, Columbia square and Bonvaventure Cemetery. ($12.00 set of 8 cards and envelopes)

J. Girl Scout Cookies. Savannah is the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girls Scouts of the USA. Each year, about 65,000 visitors travel to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah. (Price varies)

K. Visit Savannah Visitor Guide. This guide provides great information on attractions, restaurants and activities for visitors. (Free, and available to view online)

L. Trolley Tour of Savannah. Taking a trolley tour of Savannah is a wonderful way to be able to see the sights and learn about this historic city. You should also take a night-time ghost tour to hear some of the stories behind America’s Most Haunted City. ($51.00 for deluxe package which includes regular tour, haunted tour and Davenport Museum Ticket)

M. A copy of “The Book”. Based in Savannah, the successful NY Times Bestselling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil has brought hundreds of thousands of tourists to the area to in order to visit the sights made famous by this book. ($15.00 soft back)

We paired our expert’s picks with this classic design from Emily of emma j design. Want a tote of your own? Simply download the PDF here and take it to your local screenprinter. Thanks, Emily!

From the Savannah area and have additional suggestions to add to our tote? What did you love about Savannah if you’ve visited before? Have a city in mind for future posts? Comment below and let us know!

Check out past totes:
Nashville
Atlanta
Austin
Richmond
Emerald Coast
Charleston
Chapel Hill
Asheville

Scott Hopkins Photography is a fabulous member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

When Annie + Jimmy planned their wedding, they simply wanted a design that would reflect their “deep-seated Tennessee Southern roots.” From homemade elements like numerous family quilts and pillows to the late night snack of Krystal burgers, there ain’t nothin’ more Southern than what the newlyweds put together. (Y’all just read about their getaway truck, Earl!) Of the numerous details, some of my favorites include the hanging kites and wildflower arrangements. Scroll down and you’ll see a gorgeous quilted chair back that will make you want to break out your sewing kit. Even better is the adorable ring bearer trying to make his getaway, but I won’t give it all away. These images from Jonathan Canlas will do just the trick.

For Annie, her best advice to brides is to “make it yours.” I can’t tell you how special it was to have meaning in absolutely everything.

We used all types of flowers for the wedding. I wanted it to look like we had gone out and picked our favorite flowers. We used tons of wildflowers as well as peonies, hydrangeas and sunflowers. We used all different types of containers for the flowers – from mason jars to vintage Cracker Jack tins.

The wedding cake was made to look like a quilt. It was square with three tiers. Each square was made to look like it was quilted and had various quilt square patterns going around it. The cake topper was composed of two handmade fabric birds made to look like us. The groom had Jimmy’s exact plaid pocket square, tie and linen suit (in miniature, of course!), and the bride was made using the actual lace from my wedding dress. It was a strawberry cake with buttercream icing, and it was delicious! I didn’t want a traditional cake with fondant icing. Jimmy’s groom’s cake was a surprise. It was made to look like a stack of his favorite books: “All the Pretty Horses” by Cormac McCarthy, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain, and “All the King’s Men” by Robert Penn Warren.

We left the ceremony in Jimmy’s green ‘52 Ford pickup truck, affectionately known as “Earl.” It was an engagement gift from my dad to Jimmy, and they plan to restore it over the next few years together. Before the wedding, they managed to cut and build mahogany rails for the bed. My mom stitched the phrase “Just Hitched” onto a burlap banner attached to the tailgate, which was also lined with ribbon streamers strung with yarn pompons. Our guests tossed—or in some cases, hurled—birdseed that was tied up in squares of old floral flour sacks and kitchen twine. My aunt is making us a Double Wedding Ring quilt as our wedding gift using the flour sack fabric from the birdseed toss—something we will cherish forever.

What was the funniest moment? What was the scariest? The cake cutting was one of the funniest moments, I think. I had already warned Jimmy that I was going to smash the cake in his face, but I wasn’t expecting him to strike first! He served the slice delicately toward my mouth, then smeared it straight up my face. While I stood there in shock, he drew war paint on my cheeks with the icing, and grinned wickedly. I was breathing strawberries and butter cream the rest of the night! But I got him back with a great forehand to his face. We kissed and made up, coated in icing. The scariest moment for me was being in front of everyone at the ceremony. I am very shy! It was likewise for Jimmy, but mainly because he felt a little overheated in his suit and had to stand at the altar during the full processional of bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearer before my entrance. He was very excited to grasp my hand and stand beside me!
Were there any family traditions you included in the reception? I used pictures of my grandmother and my mom on their wedding days, as well as lots of family antiques and quilted elements – which are part of my family heritage. My family owns a Krystal franchise. It’s a Southern-specific burger chain that has been a big part of the South since 1932. As a surprise, we served Krystals as the late night snack in custom made Krystal boxes Jimmy and I had designed months earlier.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? I’m looking forward to being home as a married couple and using the different objects from the wedding to make a home for us. I am very excited to start our life together here in Chattanooga! We hope to learn something new about each other every day, and we are certain that whatever the future holds, we can enjoy its blessings and endure its hardships as long as we stand by each other.
Best advice or most memorable comment someone made to you during the wedding celebration. One of Jimmy’s fraternity brothers shared some advice that he was told at his own wedding, and Jimmy found it really moving: “Marriage isn’t about keeping score, because you already owe the other person everything.”

Annie + Jimmy’s V4 wedding is one that I keep finding new details in. Their Tennessee nuptials bound their love of the South and all things vintage with a dedication to tradition and family. Their ceremony was packed with nods to Jimmy’s love of literature and the couple’s relationship, with a reading of William Butler Yeats’ poem, “He Wishes For the Cloths of Heaven.” The reading was extra special since it was the poem that Jimmy included in his first love letter to Annie (aww!). Just looking at these images from Jonathan Canlas makes our hearts melt.

I found my wedding dress at a little boutique in Nashville called B. Hughes Bridal. I was set on having a Vera Wang dress, and B. Hughes had the best selection. They were also incredibly nice and made the whole experience so much fun! My best friend and mom went with me to help – along with my dog for some of my fittings! My dress looks like a mixture of vintage lace and couture fashion. Fashion is my other weakness – so it fit the bill perfectly! I knew it was my dress, because it was the one that best made me feel like a bride. Surprisingly, the style was opposite of what I always thought I would have, but I absolutely love it! I felt so beautiful in it.

For the groom, the vintage handkerchiefs in the wedding program held extra importance. In just the seven months prior to our wedding, I’d lost the two most influential men in my life. Without Annie sticking by me, I would have fallen beyond salvation. Our wedding was thus shadowed by, and saturated with, their presence. We acknowledged their loss in our programs: I wrote a brief message thanking our guests for supporting us through the loss of my best friend in the fall, and then my dad in the winter. I quoted my father’s speaking points for his engagement toast—one he was unable to deliver, and in our program message, I wrote: “We cherish his words, and have smiled through our tears at the legacy of love left to us. Along with our gratitude, please accept these handkerchiefs: though they may aptly wipe away tears of sorrow, we pray they may only catch tears of joy today.”

We had a spring wedding on May 28. The ceremony was at 5:30pm on Signal Mountain, TN. Signal Mountain is where Jimmy grew up, and the church is where I have wanted to get married for years. It’s affectionately referred to as The Little Brown Church by locals, and for obvious reason. It’s a quaint old church surrounded by pine trees that was built in 1908. Our reception was at Lindsay Street Hall in downtown Chattanooga. It used to be an old church built in the early 1900s that has been restored into a beautiful event hall. Both of these venues seemed like the perfect spots for our vintage wedding! Our rehearsal dinner was at the River Inn, also known as The Old Catfish House, situated on the Tennessee River with a sunset view of the River Gorge. We thought it had a perfect laid back Southern atmosphere with a view to match!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. We met through close mutual friends. Jimmy is an old friend of my best friend’s husband. She and her husband schemed to get us together, thinking we would be perfect for each other. Once we were acquainted, a friendship slowly grew into a relationship that neither of us expected. We seemed so different, but had all the important common interests (faith, family, hair metal and country music, and plaid). In the end, our friends really knew what was best for us!
Describe the proposal: We had planned to go for a short vacation to my family’s beach condo in Clearwater, Florida. I have been going there since birth; it feels like a second home to me. Jimmy had schemed to propose while on this getaway. He hid the ring in his carry-on bag and sweated his way through security. Unfortunately, we arrived to a heavy rainstorm, so we decided to nap after unpacking. Later, after showering for dinner, Jimmy saw the skies beginning to lighten and suggested we take a walk on the beach before eating. He sent up a little prayer for the rain to stop, and the Big Man upstairs was listening! The rain cleared just in time for a beautiful sunset. There was hardly anyone on the beach due to the weather, which was perfect! We walked down the beach a little ways until Jimmy was too nervous to wait any longer and got down on one knee. Of course, I said, “Yes!” We then went to eat dinner at a beachside restaurant that used to be the hotel where my family stayed for years. Jimmy had a table waiting with champagne, and we called our family and friends to share the good news!
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Vintage, warm, loving
How many guests attended your wedding? I think we had just over 200 guests attending.
Bride’s favorite detail of the wedding: There were too many details I loved to choose just one. I loved that we had bluegrass music rather than standard classical music, and each song in our processional was meaningful. We didn’t chose standard wedding songs. My favorites were the Tennessee Waltz for the groomsmen processional and the song for the mothers’ processional. I chose the song “May The Lord” which is to the tune of Edelweiss. It was the lullaby my mother used to rock me to sleep to every night when I was little.
What was your favorite design detail: The programs were one of my favorite aspects of the ceremony. We used handmade and craft paper for the various paper announcements, so we carried the theme over with the programs. I wanted to use an old wax seal on all of our various invites, so we had a seal made that looked like the drawing of the pine tree from the hymnal of The Little Brown Church. The lady who made all of our paper goods also added our initials at the base of the pine tree to personalize it. We used a similar pine tree for the front of the program. Jimmy loves literature, so I wanted the programs to look like a book for him. We made a thick cover out of craft paper backed in an old floral print we used throughout the paper goods. The pages were made from handmade paper we used for our various invitations, and we bound the book with boucle linen thread. We tucked a vintage hanky that my mom and I had collected in each program and tied it with an aged-looking silk ribbon. They were so special and beautiful. My family and friends helped me assemble them all a few days before the wedding.