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January « 2013 « Southern Weddings Magazine
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Southern Weddings Weekly Round-Up

January 25, 2013 by Nicole in Main | 0 comments

I don’t know about you guys, but my weekend plans include snuggling under multiple blankets until I figure out how to turn on my fireplace. It’s cold in North Carolina, y’all. I’m advocating for an office field trip farther South, say Key West?

We try to keep things quite cozy on the blog, however, especially since we wanted to welcome our newest Blue Ribbon Vendors on Monday! Say hello right here.

Y’all know we can’t get enough of Plum Pretty Sugar. We wish we could win this amazing giveaway of theirs! Enter here.

We’re smitten with our real weddings!

Jessica + Troy’s wedding boasted the best of elegant barn soirees and gorgeous portraits. See it here.

Savannah + Robbie’s wedding was at once rustic and romantic. We love their sweet style and line dance moves! See it here.

Okay, y’all. We have been waiting for Mrs. Emily Thomas’s wedding for quite some time! Though we’ve seen her wedding in print, we are still swooning over the beautiful portraits and sweet details. See it here and here.

Adis + Victor’s celebration wasn’t a wedding, but a vow renewal on their thirtieth anniversary. We are blown away by the amount of love that shine through in the photos and by their beautiful family.

Hooray for a winner round-up!

Oh boy, we’re just full of giveaways. We’re happy to announce that the winner of our V5 Launch Party Tote is Amanda! The winners of our Family Heirlooms giveaway are Lindsay Rebecca, who won the yellow and white quilt, Luke, who won the red and white quilt, Laura A, who won the multicolored quilt and Lorraine, who won the baby bow tie.

Our Something Old, Something New and My Kentucky Rose giveaways have many hopeful family heirlooms in it, too. Congratulations to Lauren K, who won the cake pull set, Kelly, who won the locket and Amelia, who won the lace headband. More congratulations go out to Ashley, who won the dangle earrings, Jennifer, who won the cushion cut earrings, and Kelsey B, who won the Nina earrings!

Happy news for the weekend!

If you’re in the thick of planning the details and decor for your wedding, hop on over to Origin Crafts. They’re offering 15% off paper lanterns purchases in sets of four.

Let’s give a hug congratulations to Melissa + Stephen, who were married on December 1! Melissa was one of our Southern Brides of the Month and we couldn’t be happier for her. Click over to Landon Jacob Photography’s blog for more from their dreamy day.

If you’re looking for a darling engagement session to feast your eyes on, head over to Facebook Friday, where Cyn Kain is treating us.

Happy weekend to all you belles and beaus!


xo Nicole January 25, 2013 | view Nicole's blog
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 sweet thoughts!
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Sponsored Post: Top 20 Weddings Songs From The Music Bed

January 25, 2013 by Emily in Sponsor Love | 0 comments

Hey, y’all! Happy Friday! We have kind of an interesting post to share with you today. It comes with lots of goodies, so make sure you listen up!

One of the many reasons why I fell in love with our wedding videographers was their impeccable taste in music. Philip has a knack for choosing the perfect song for each film, one that sets the scene and helps the couple’s story come to life. This couldn’t be more important, because even with the best footage in the world, an “off” song can discolor an entire film in no time.

This is just one reason why I love The Music Bed, an awesome tool and source of inspiration. By making it easy and legal for videographers to affordably license music people like you and I actually want to listen to, The Music Bed makes it easier for videographers to create something we’ll fall in love with. Plus, it helps support the (often newer or smaller) musical artists, and allows the wedding artists to create more creative pieces, since they no longer have to use on the same ten songs as everyone else.

The Music Bed can also be a source of inspiration for couples planning their weddings, as its curated library is filled with thousands of handpicked songs just ripe for their ceremony or reception debut. I certainly believe in the power of personal music — that’s why we agonized for so long over our ceremony choices! — so anything that can help me think out of the box is a winner in my book.

So what are those goodies for y’all that I mentioned up top? Mary Kate from The Music Bed, who just so happens to be a recently-engaged Southern bride herself (fun!), has handpicked a selection of 20 songs from their library. Just click here to give it a listen! We hope it gets your wheels turning for creative ceremony and reception options!

And finally, for an additional treat, we have three spectacular wedding films to share, all created with music licensed through The Music Bed. Definitely set aside some time to watch them! First up is Lindsey + Andrew’s Texas wedding by Joe Simon, using “London” by Benjamin Dunn.

Next we have Rachel + Sam’s Oregon wedding by Moetic Wedding Films, using “Alas We Aspire” by Amy Stroup.

Last but not least we have Mara + Elo’s Philippines same day edit by Jason Magbanua, using “Our Love” by Seryn.

Be sure to check out the entire library here. Happy listening, belles!


xo Emily January 25, 2013 | view Emily's blog
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Southern Bride of the Month: Sarah Jane

Hello, ladies! I am SO excited to introduce you to our first Southern Bride of the Month for 2013! I know after reading just a few sentences of her interview you will fall as in love with spunky, sassy, and oh so Southern Sarah Jane as I have. In fact, she reminds me a bit of our dear Marissa — just sub in the Kentucky references for Alabama ones :) Please enjoy!

Hi! What’s your name?
Sarah Jane Boyson

What’s your fiance’s name?
Brad Calvert, or Emmett Bradford when he’s in trouble :)

Vue Photography

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story.
We met at one of our favorite local restaurants which was hosting a benefit for autism. I had a girlfriend visiting from Southern California, and Brad was there with one of his buddies who I’ve known for years because we work in the same industry. Jason stopped by our table to say hello, and immediately hit it off with my friend! As a result, we were thrown together for the remainder of the weekend, and by the time it was over, Brad and I had fallen hook line and sinker! We’ve been blissfully together ever since, and still marvel that we never met before that night, as Lexington is such a small town, and we know so many of the same people. God’s timing is such perfection!

Vue Photography

Now tell us alllll about the proposal.
Brad is a die-hard UK Wildcat fan, and I bleed Volunteer Orange! The UK/UT football game always takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and when it’s a home game for Kentucky, our tradition is to go to the game together. He patiently takes relentless punishment from his friends for walking into the stadium with me, as I wear so much orange that you could probably see me from space! I also can and do sing every verse of Rocky Top whenever the appropriate occasion arises (Brad would say that is never). 2011 was the magic year for the Wildcats, and they won the matchup with Tennessee for the first time in 27 years. He proposed that weekend – I’m still trying to decide whether he wanted to commemorate their historic win, or balance what he knew would be a tough loss for me with a wonderful memory! I’m choosing to go with the latter :)

Vue Photography

When’s the big day?
May 19, 2013!!! I seriously am incapable of typing that date without multiple exclamation points, I am so excited. Even though we got engaged in November of 2011, a May wedding date was utterly non-negotiable. Peonies are my favorite flower/obsession, and I was willing to wait any amount of time to have the Big Day when they’re plentiful. I felt a little squeamish about pulling off the wedding in just 6 months, so we elected to pull the trigger for 2013. Actually, it’s been one of the decisions that I’ve been most grateful for, as we’ve been able to take the planning process in bite sized pieces and really enjoy just being engaged.

Ohhh peonies… from top to bottom, photos by Gabe Aceves via Southern Weddings, Adam Barnes via Southern Weddings, Charlotte Jenks Lewis via 100 Layer Cake, Jonathan Canlas via Southern Weddings, Cyn Kain via Southern Weddings, Corbin Gurkin via Style Me Pretty, and 13:13 Photography via Southern Weddings

Where might you two be tying the knot?
The first thing Brad said when we started talking “wedding”, was that he’d like to say his vows with sand in his toes. Weather permitting, the ceremony will take place on the sugar white sands of Carillon Beach, just off 30A in the Florida Panhandle. One of the things I love most about this venue is that it requires so little in the form of decoration. Because the sand and water are so spectacular, additional decor becomes merely gilding the lily. White benches and crepe myrtle branches for an alter are all it will take. The wonderful thing is that frees up additional budget to use elsewhere! Just don’t ask my Daddy how he feels about going barefoot, he is appalled. Mama has already activated the prayer chain for perfect weather, so I have no worries on that score… I swear, that woman has a direct line!!

Paul Johnson Photography from an SW Carillon wedding

How did you pick your ceremony and reception venues? What do you love most about each space?
I knew we would pick one of the communities on 30A for the ceremony and reception, but Carillon was the runaway pick! Mama, Brad’s mom Vi, my sister/best friend/matron of honor, and two of our close friends made the trip to Florida to find the perfect place. All it took was just one look at the Carillon Meeting House, with it’s whitewashed feel, exposed beams, and indoor merged with outdoor space and we were goners! I don’t think you could easily get the six of us to agree on what to put on a pizza, but Carillon was unanimous. The inclusion of darling Avis Glenister as wedding planner was the ultimate cherry on the sundae!! There isn’t much I haven’t relied on her to do, including sneaking out to the ceremony site on April 19 to bury the bourbon! Girls, she is a trooper!

The Carillon beach walkover (photo by Rae Leytham)

Tell us a little bit about the wedding you’re planning: style, theme, feel, colors?
From the beginning, we wanted our day to be very intimate, fun, and memorable. We want it to reflect who we are as a couple, but also be the kind of classic affair that will stand the test of time. The colors are inspired by the “Emerald Coast” in the minutes just before sunset, the pale blues and greens of the water, the shimmer and taupes of the sand, and the faint pinks and washed out fuchsias of the pre-sunset sky. The bridesmaids will be in long Amsale chiffon dresses in the palest blush color, and the guys will rock khaki suits. The palette will be carried throughout the reception, with a mix of modern vintage, mercury glass, and distressed/driftwood elements. I love contrasts in both texture and formality, so there will be plenty of that. One of the things I’m most excited about are the cocktail tables next to the outdoor dance floor with petal covered linens that will be lit from underneath, giving them an ethereal glow as the sun sets (thank you, Pinterest!)

Sarah Jane’s cocktail table inspiration, via Brides of Oklahoma (photo by Chris Humphrey)

How have you involved your “community” in the wedding planning process?
I honestly had no idea how many unbelievably gifted women I have in my life until I started planning the wedding! It came as no surprise that my sister Melia would be the number one resource for ideas and inspiration, she is known far and wide for her impeccable taste and talent for all things aesthetic. My friend Kristy Yowell is the graphic designer for Cardinal & Straw fine paper goods, and she has put together a paper suite for us that is nothing short of stunning! Mama has perfected the use of the phrases “that sounds wonderful” and “let’s do it”. I don’t know what I would do without her in my cheering section!

Sarah Jane and Brad’s pretty in pink save the date by Cardinal & Straw

Which part of your wedding have you been most intentional about planning?
From moment one, photography was my number one priority! Brad and I had visited 30A for vacation the year before we were engaged, and I came across an absolutely gorgeous photo taken by Genya Garrett of Vue Photography while we were there. When I got home, I googled her, and stumbled upon her blog. Adjectives fail me when I try to talk about her images, they are just indescribably beautiful!!! Knowing that no other would do, I got in touch with her the day after I got the ring! Seriously, I would have scheduled our wedding for a Tuesday, if that were the only day she was available. From her first exuberant e-mail, I was convinced that we would be fast friends.

Tell us about the one that got away. Is there one dream thing or vendor you wish you could have fit into your budget?
We are both crazy about fireworks and would have loved to have a display at the conclusion of the reception, but we soon realized that due to the zoning restrictions at our venue we would have to have them set up in some sort of raft out in the ocean! Needless to say, that one didn’t make the cut!

Have you picked your dress yet? How’d that go? What will you be wearing on the big day?
Omigosh, I LOVE LOVE my wedding gown! On our way down to Florida to select the venue, we stopped in at Joan Pillow in Atlanta to do a little browsing. For a couple of years now, I’ve been crushing on Monique Lhuillier’s incredible confections, and I fell equally in love with two of her gowns that day! Not only two different dresses, but two which could not have been more different in fabric, silhouette, and vibe!! Susan, the world’s best consultant, told me to go on down and select the venue, and I’d immediately know which one to choose. We went on our way, nailed down venue etc., and I was still completely torn between them! I waited as long as I could to schedule a return visit, just hoping time would help me make up my mind, but had made no progress by the order deadline so we packed up and headed back to the ATL. Mama, Brad’s mom, and my sister/MOH piled into the car, and both of my sweet bridesmaids made the trip (one of them flew down from NYC and back in the same day, just to be there for me!) Y’know what’s funny? When I finally got both dresses back on my body, it wasn’t even close! As soon as I saw “the one” hanging in the fitting room, I got giddy!

Amsale bridesmaid dresses by Divine Light Photography, including the exact designs Sarah Jane’s ‘maids chose!

What do you love most about Southern weddings?
Pretty much everything! As a rule, I adore everything remotely Southern, and will forever hold the opinion that nobody does weddings and parties better than the South! We can’t wait to incorporate some of our favorite Southern details into our day… We’re topping the salad with fried okra instead of croutons. We’ve also decided to bury a bottle of bourbon (a tradition that I first read about on Southern Weddings) and we’re adding touches of cotton to the arrangements and bouquets. Because we’re choosing to tie the knot outside of our “old Kentucky home” state, we’ve really worked to add a few details that remind us of where we come from. We’re doing a Kentucky-themed cocktail hour, with mini hot browns, cheese straws, benedictine and, of course, bourbon! Vineyard Vines has perfect ties for the guys and dads – they have both horseshoes and mint julep cups! Of course, the opportunity to take the next big step in our lives with God’s blessing, surrounded by our nearest and dearest amid all their love and affection is truly the ultimate Southern tradition!

Do you have a favorite Etsy or independent store you’d love to tell us about?
I’ve got to take the opportunity here to make a shameless plug for one of my incredibly talented friends! I just happen to be lucky enough to have met the owner/designer/creative genius behind the children’s clothing line a La Modish. All of her designs are based on vintage children’s clothing patterns from the 50s and 60s, which she then pairs with wonderful, unexpected fabric combinations. She has somehow agreed (it might be because of all the begging) to custom design dresses for my flower girls. She has just begun to design a line of the most adorable infant peep toe slingbacks – I kid you not, I die!

An a la Modish design! (Photo by Erin Roth)

Tell us about planning with your fiance.
Brad is an absolute gem to deal with… he DOES have his opinions, but generally tells me to choose exactly what I would like. I have a feeling he goes this route because it saves him the lengthy sales pitch that he would inevitably get, and end up capitulating anyway. He did draw the line at wearing seersucker, and I know when to pick my battles! Fortunately, Daddy stepped up to be the seersucker standard bearer, as I’m not at all sure we qualify as a Southern wedding with it absent!

What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
I’m looking forward to every single solitary second! This sounds kind of cheeseball, but even though I’m neck deep in all the specifics and details of the day, what gives me the most happiness and serenity is that we’ll begin our lives together on that day. We hope to throw a really great party that our friends and family will enjoy; but even if nearly everything goes wrong, I’ll still be Brad’s wife at the end and that’s the very best part!

Vue Photography

Any advice you’d like to pass along to fellow brides?
I’m pretty much the last of my friends to get married, and all of them told me at the beginning that I should keep an open mind when shopping for the dress. Every single one of them told me that I’d likely end up with the exact opposite of what I thought I would choose. THIS IS GREAT ADVICE! If I hadn’t been open to trying on a dress that my sister, who knows me better than just about anyone on the planet, pulled off the rack – and met almost none of my criteria – I would have missed out on my sartorial soulmate!

Now it’s your turn to ask for advice – is there anything you’d like to poll the SW readers on?
Can I ask two? First off, we’ve been considering requesting an “unplugged” ceremony, indicated by a small, gently worded sign as guests enter the ceremony site. Both photographer and videographer have expressed the frustration that comes with nailing the “money shot”, only to have an iPad hoisted by a guest ruin it. With two photographers and a videographer on hand for the ceremony, I feel like they’re going to have enough of a challenge staying out of each other’s frame of reference without the additional obstacle course of phones, cameras, and iPads. What do y’all think? Is it rude to ask people to stow their devices just for the ceremony?

Second, does anyone have a super terrific recommendation for a waterproof mascara? I’ve never had good luck with the waterproof formulations, but I’m guaranteed to need one on the Big Day! I get teary at weddings where I don’t even know the folks getting married, so I’m pretty sure that my regular stuff will not survive the day intact! Thanks so much for any suggestions.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Sarah Jane! It has truly been a pleasure. Readers, if you’d like to apply to be a Southern Bride of the Month, check out this post for all the details! If you’ve already emailed me, you’re still in the running for future months!

Adam Barnes and Cyn Kain are delightful members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!


xo Emily January 24, 2013 | view Emily's blog
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Emily, January 24, 2013 1:15 pm   reply Congratulations Sarah Jane! What a wonderful day you're planning! I LOVE the idea of an unplugged wedding, my best friend is getting married (on the same day as you, actually!!) and she is doing the same for the ceremony and I intend to do so when my day comes. I think in the end, guests will appreciate the fact that they were fully focused on your ceremony, rather than on getting a great shot on their device.

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invitation consultants, January 24, 2013 1:36 pm   reply what a cute couple! love the SEC rivalry aspect to their engagement weekend :)

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Anna (Lover.ly), January 24, 2013 1:48 pm   reply I absolutely LOVE the table linens. And what a sweet proposal story! Go Vols!

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olivia, January 24, 2013 2:05 pm   reply I love the pink amsale bridesmaids dresses but I DIE for that wedding dress in the picture with it. It's perfect. Now if only i could figure out who makes it. Can you post a link directly to that wedding? I searched the photography blog for it but I couldn't find it. Thanks!

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Emily, January 24, 2013 2:35 pm   reply Hi Olivia! Here's the link: http://www.stylemepretty.com/florida-weddings/2012/09/24/palm-harbor-wedding-from-divine-light-photography/ It looks like it's a Kenneth Pool design!

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Lisa, January 24, 2013 3:54 pm   reply What a perfect Southern bride of the month--she is adorable! I love the pretty plans and the sweet Southern details they're incorporating!

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Holly Blackwelder Carpenter, January 24, 2013 4:57 pm   reply Sarah Jane-congrats! Haven't seen you in ages, but thrilled that you are getting married. I wanted to weigh in on unplugged--DO IT! Nope, not rude, the need to be doing something with technology 100% of the time is getting in the way of enjoying the moment and enjoying people. We have no tech on Sabbath, and now find ourselves pushing off the return to technology. Your guests might learn a valuable life lesson, and once they get over their withdrawal, they will enjoy the day more. Happy planning!

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Marissa, January 24, 2013 6:17 pm   reply Oh my! Yes, Sarah Jane is definitely a girl after my own heart! Feel like we're kindred spirits! And - a product junkie myself - I've got you covered on mascara! Try Benefit's BADgal Waterproof Mascara. I love it! http://www.sephora.com/badgal-waterproof-mascara-P229207 Can't wait to see how your wedding turns out and wish y'all the best! xx

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Sylvia DOWDY, January 24, 2013 8:14 pm   reply Sara Jane, WOW! So proud of you! We know how beautiful a Southern Lady is darling!! You will be a beautiful bride and we 'll all be smiling when you and Brad want on that beautiful beach! You got Melia, your parents and most your Southern Gal's to bring in the big day with you! I love you so much, Sylvia Enjoy the ride!!!!

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Parker, January 26, 2013 3:21 am   reply Oh my stars...this is for sure one of my FAVORITE Southern Bride posts!!!! I love her energy!

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Gary, January 27, 2013 8:17 pm   reply Fantastic wedding. I love the colours, very brave.

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Mike dundon, February 10, 2013 1:42 am   reply Very happy for you and Brad ! Great site too .very well done

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Brides to BE! » Vue Photography, February 26, 2013 10:58 am   reply [...] Check out not only January’s Bride of the Month, but February’s too!!!!  Both Sarah Jane and Jen Welch have been featured!!! Check out both of their interviews:)   So honored and excited [...]

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Avis {Carillon Weddings®}, March 27, 2013 2:15 am   reply Oh, Sarah Jane! I just absolutely adore you! I cannot wait for your big day. Your family is the absolute sweetest. Ladies, she really is this enthusiastic in person, and full of genuine love, charm and energy! Brad is one lucky man. Anyone who meets her, is instantly a part of her family. I'm honored to be a part of their wedding day! xoxo

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Rustic Vow Renewal by Diana Marie Photography

January 24, 2013 by Nicole in Inspirations,Main | 3 comments

We don’t share too many vow renewals with y’all, but we couldn’t resist this one. A wedding, after all, is about celebrating the life you live together and the life that lies ahead of you. For Adis + Victor, the family they created and the love they’ve shared for thirty years made crafting a vow renewal look effortless and full.

“Having our four children there to witness the love we share for one another was pretty amazing,” said Adis. She married Victor thirty years ago, after being introduced to him over the phone. Though they had never met in person, they talked every day for two years. As soon as they met, they instantly became boyfriend and girlfriend and were married just a year after. Their vow renewal, photographed by Diana Marie Photography brings to mind a dozen things I think we all hope for in our marriages, like joy, a youthful spirit, mutual admiration and a big, happy family.

I can’t get over how beautiful this family is! I love Adis’s summery white dress, too. The hints of lace are the perfect amount for an outdoor vow renewal, no?

Describe the proposal: It was at a restaurant and I was wearing a white dress, ironically. As he was nervously about to pop the question, he accidentally spilled his wine glass all over me. We both laughed it off and I immediately said yes.

What do you love most about each other? (From Adis) I love how he keeps me grounded and puts things into perspective; to not sweat the small stuff. (From Victor) I love how she has such a young spirit about her and a contagious laugh.

What have you learned over your years of marriage? Learning to compromise and choosing your battles. And learning to not have arguments but to have productive discussions.

Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I knew the type of dress I wanted: something comfortable and knee length. I had a family friend make the dress so it was exactly what I wanted.
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? Knowing that we were marrying the person we felt that we were meant to be with.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your renewal? The biggest challenge was staying in budget.
What is the one thing you are most happy you splurged on? We had 3 different musical acts that we splurged on. Music and dancing are very important to our family.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Learn to enjoy the planning along the way and try not to get over stressed. Remember why you are having a wedding in the first place.

Photographer: Diana Marie Photograpy / Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Teri Diersing / Favors: Teri Diersing / Cake Baker: Northgate Markets / Catering: Crowdpleasers Catering / Rentals: Baker Party Rentals / Linens: Baker Party Rentals / Paper Products: Green Kitchenware / Hairstylist: Pauline St. Paul / Makeup Artist: Pauline St. Paul / Bridesmaid Dresses: Elizabeth and James / Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss / Groomsmen Attire: Zara / Groomsmen Attire: John W Nordstrom

xo Nicole January 24, 2013 | view Nicole's blog
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Adrienne, January 24, 2013 6:39 pm   reply What a wonderful couple! It's so inspiring to see how happy they still are.

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Dee Shore, January 24, 2013 9:49 pm   reply Oh this is so beautiful! I adore her dress

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Kate Collison, January 25, 2013 12:21 pm   reply This is wonderful! What a joyous and official way to celebrate something so beautiful! Congratulations to the happy and long-lasting couple!

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Garden Party Wedding by Tanja Lippert, Part 2

Since we were not married in the South, and we are not Southern by birth, there were not a ton of obvious Southern details in our wedding. However, the love and community that rallied around our celebration, and the hospitality we took great pains to show to our guests, were definitely hallmarks of every true Southern wedding I’ve ever seen. Plus, we had BISCUITS! So happy to share a few more details about our cocktail hour and reception…

What was the funniest moment of your wedding? The funniest moment was actually during our portrait session. Tanja and Tia, her stylist, wanted to bring us down to the nearby beach for a few photos, so we settled into the backseat of their sedan for the trip. Philip, one of our videographers, concluded that there wasn’t enough room for him in the car (which was true, with my gown), and started to head back up to the reception. Tanja and Tia, however, convinced him to get into the trunk of the car, legs hanging over the edge, and then took off slightly faster than might be advised down a bumpy dirt road with “no trespassing” signs posted everywhere. Thankfully, he made it in one piece, and we were all able to take advantage of the last pieces of beautiful light and a gorgeous sunset over the ocean!

Pretty much anyone who knows me knows that I am obsessed with “mini food,” so serving a bite-size meal was a given. We didn’t have a full sit-down meal under the tent; instead, guests mingled around small rounds, high tops, and lounge areas, and wait staff circulated with pint-size courses over several hours. Some highlights from our caterer A Thyme to Cook included pigs in a blanket, tiny lobster rolls, a trio of fancy mac and cheeses, and composed plates of shepherd’s pie (with tiny slices of green bean on top!) and “Thanksgiving” during the reception.

Our cocktail hour included a table of “Southern favorites,” complete with mini pulled pork sandwiches, biscuits (with blackberry jam brought with us from North Carolina!), corn muffins, spicy deviled eggs, and Cheerwine! The Cheerwine was very confusing to our Northern guests — most thought it was alcoholic!

Did you have a cocktail hour? We did have a cocktail hour, and I’m sure it was awesome! However, we actually were not in attendance. Instead, we chose to have a picnic for two underneath a huge old tree down the hill from our tent. Our wonderful caterer packed us an actual picnic basket full of goodies from cocktail hour, and we thoroughly enjoyed the half hour we spent together relaxing, snacking, chatting about our ceremony, and marveling over the fact that we were married.

Favorite design element of your big day: It’s so hard to choose, when you’ve spent the last year carefully planning every detail! I absolutely adored our Sperry tent – those flags are so celebratory snapping in the breeze. I also love that we collected all the silver for the reception centerpieces. It was really a group effort – a good friend and I scoured our favorite flea market for months, my Mom enlisted all of her friends, we reused a pile of mint julep cups from John’s sister’s wedding, which took place just two months before ours, and my grandmother sent a few pieces from her collection.
Groom’s favorite detail of the wedding: John’s initial answer was that he doesn’t remember any of the details, only the people (mostly me). Upon further prodding, he revealed that he liked our picnic, the couches in our lounge areas, and “that thing Linda [our caterer] provided at the mac and cheese station” best. In case you’re wondering what “that thing” is, it was a vintage set of wooden drawers she set out to hold the forks! (And it was pretty cool.)
Describe some of the decorations or décor elements you used: I spent a larger portion of time than I probably should have in the weeks leading up to the wedding making an abundance of signage for our cocktail hour and reception. I bought some calligraphy supplies and went to town, learning as I went! I also produced party popper favors, our guest book, our “Quaker” marriage certificate and my signature drink stirrers, among other things.

I handmade the popper favors (filled with candy) for our guests to take home at the end of the night. (With, I’ll add, some assembly-line-style help from John, his mom, his sister, and her boyfriend a few days before the wedding!) We also decided to make a donation to the cat adoption agency where our kitties were from in honor of our guests — we love them oh so much, and couldn’t imagine our lives without them!

Two more projects! Our guest book was actually cards with question prompts like “What is your favorite memory of us?” and “Where should we go for our fifth anniversary?” I’m going to compile them into a book as soon as life slows down a bit. We also asked our guests to sign our own version of a Quaker marriage certificate as witnesses to our vows, which you can read more about here.

My sister and I actually made the wedding cake! We knew the majority of dessert was going to be small bites (to go along with our mini meals!), so we didn’t want to spend a lot on something that was only going to have two bites taken out of it. Sadly, I made a little garland cake topper that never made it onto the cake, but our florist stuck some flowers on it and it looked fine. The best part was our mini desserts – hot apple crisp, chocolate cake with raspberries, and mini fruit tarts (John’s favorite!) from our caterer. We also served each of our mom’s specialties – chocolate peanut butter balls from mine, and chocolate chunk gingerbread cookies from his.

I love dancing, but historically, it has not been John’s favorite activity. In the months leading up to the wedding, we often talked about taking some lessons, but never got around to it. To make matters worse, we were still deciding between two different first dance songs about two weeks out – “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz, and “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin. In the end, we chose “Beyond the Sea,” largely because it is a standard foxtrot rhythm and much easier to dance to than the Jason Mraz song, which is a very quick waltz. After deciding, we watched several YouTube instructional videos (oh yes we did), and practiced a few times in our living room. And then, armed with a few basic moves, we pretty much winged it! The hilarious part is that we received compliments on our performance for the rest of the night, with many guests assuming we had taken actual lessons! My theory about first dances is that it’s always better to look like you’re having fun (and actually have fun!) rather than be huffing and puffing and struggling to remember a series of moves. Perhaps our huge smiles distracted guests from our less than stellar feet?

Adore these two from our father daughter dance, so I included both :)

What was your reception like? It was awesome! The majority of our time was spent dancing to our band, Avenue A. They played the perfect mix of swing, big band, and rock and roll, and had everyone on the dance floor the entire night! In fact, one of my only planning regrets is that we didn’t rent a slightly larger dance floor!
What were some of the highlights? All three of our toasts were amazing. My Dad started things off by reminding guests of the months we spent apart during our first year of college, when John was in DC and I was in Massachusetts, and concluded that we are great on our own, but always better when we’re together. My sisters, who are both physical therapists and admittedly did not get the creative genes in the family, put together a hilarious toast with lessons pulled from their academic textbooks about bones and ligaments. Sounds like a stretch, but the band leader actually deemed it the best toast she had ever heard over the microphone! Our best man, who has been one of John’s best friends for at least fifteen years and mine for at least eleven, finished thinks up with a heartfelt toast that included just the right balance of embarrassing moments. I also very much enjoyed sharing our slideshow with our guests. John and I worked hard to collect photos, choose music, and put it all together, and it was so fun to see everyone’s reactions. Since so many of our guests have known us individually and as a couple for so long, we were able to include at least one shot of most of our guests, which made it extra fun for everyone.
Tell us about your grand exit. At the very end of the night, our bandleader invited everyone up to the driveway for a sparkler exit. (We had wanted to set off sky lanterns, but our town’s fire marshal nixed that idea immediately.) John and I stayed down in the garden, chatting with our caterer and waiting for the signal from our coordinator. However, we started to see smoke go up from the lit sparklers, and figured we had better make a run for it, since we still had to get across the garden, up the stairs, and out to the driveaway, and didn’t want them all to burn out before then! So that’s exactly what we did, and though the sparklers were definitely still lit as we ran through, I don’t think Tanja was quite ready for us! The photo editor in me feels a bit guilty about that!
What advice would you give to someone planning his or her wedding? Do what feels right for you. There were many times throughout our engagement that people thought we were crazy (wanting to serve only “mini food,” having a private picnic instead of attending cocktail hour, making our own cake, flying in a photographer from California and a videographer from North Carolina, etc., etc., etc.), but in the end, they were the right choices for us.

Thank you all again, SO much, for cheering us on throughout our engagement! It meant the world to me! If you’re a new reader and curious, this post links to most of the posts I wrote during our engagement. I’ll also be sharing more details about our wedding, including DIY project how-tos, our budget, and our rehearsal dinner, on my personal blog, Em for Marvelous, in February.

Last but certainly not least, make SURE you tune in on Saturday to see our wedding highlights film from Inkspot Crow!! I may be biased, but it’s pretty amazing :)

Inkspot Crow Films and Sperry Tents are delightful members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

Photographer: Tanja Lippert / Videographer: Inkspot Crow Films / Day-of Coordinator: Diana Chouinard of Jubilee Events / Ceremony Venue: The United States Coast Guard Memorial Chapel / Ceremony Officiant: Rev. Dr. R. Carl Frazier from FUMC-C / Reception Venue: The Sunken Garden at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center / Tent: Sperry Tents / Rentals: Liberty Rentals / Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Linens: La Tavola Linen / Linens: Liberty Rentals / Flowers: Blush Floral Design / Hair and Makeup: Tia Reagan / Catering: A Thyme to Cook / Band: Avenue A / Save the Dates: Minted / Invitations: Magpie Paper Works / Invitation and Monogram Calligraphy: MM Ink / Favors: Em for Marvelous / Ring Bearer Bowl: Paloma's Nest / Bride's Gown: "Brisa" by Christos / Bride’s Shoes: "Paladin" by Nina / Bride's Earrings: "Toulouse" by Nina / Bride's Necklace: Blue Nile / Bride's Veil: Chaviano Couture / Bride's Clutch: Davie & Chiyo / Bridesmaid Dresses: "2834" by Dessy / Groom's Tuxedo: Tommy Hilfiger from Macy's / Groom's Bow Tie: Bows 'N Ties / Groom's Suspenders: J.Crew / Groom's Cufflinks: Keys & Memories

xo Emily January 23, 2013 | view Emily's blog
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Nicole Saffron, January 23, 2013 11:52 am   reply Emily, I have really enjoyed following your planning posts! It's so wonderful to see and read all the details. Your day looked like a day full of love and sophistication! I love reading about how much thought and effort you and John both put in to all the planning. :) Congratulations to you both!

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Emily, January 23, 2013 11:59 am   reply Thank you so much, Nicole!!

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amanda, January 23, 2013 12:08 pm   reply I literally teared up looking at your photos... ugh that photo of John touching your face as you kiss.. HOLY COW! But oh my goodness... what a dream Tanja must have been to work with. Her photos are absolutely out of this world and all the detail shots are so so dreamy and the photos she's captured of you two.. I don't know how you'd ever choose!!! Gah. Makes me wish I had more film photos.. Sigh... The up close shots are just amazing. I love everything.. Really, you look heavenly and it's amazing!! LOVE love love love loveeeeeeeee!! Everything was perfect for you and I'm so happy for y'all!

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Emily, January 23, 2013 12:36 pm   reply Thank you, friend! And girl, don't forget you looked AMAZING on your wedding day and your photos are so, so gorgeous!!

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annabella charles, January 23, 2013 12:15 pm   reply OOOh so gorgeous Emily!!!!

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Emily, January 23, 2013 5:04 pm   reply Thank you, Annabella!!

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Katie, January 23, 2013 1:44 pm   reply Congratulations Emily! Your wedding was absolutely gorgeous, and I was SO excited to finally get to see some pictures!

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Emily, January 23, 2013 1:52 pm   reply I'm so glad you love it, Katie! Thank you!!

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Jenna, January 23, 2013 1:56 pm   reply Emily I love seeing these and hearing your thoughts on your wedding day! I'm so glad it was everything you hoped for. You two (and the rest of your family!) are so beautiful. xoxoxo

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Emily, January 23, 2013 3:07 pm   reply Thank you, Jenna! Your photos of our family from Kate's wedding are still some of our very, very favorites!

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Sarah, January 23, 2013 2:17 pm   reply Congrats Emily! Your wedding was absolutely beautiful, as are the photos! I loved following along with you during your planning process (and planning alongside you, since my wedding was a few weeks before yours, and we were also lucky enough to have Philip and MacKenzie work their amazing film magic on our day). I can totally see Philip's Tom's clad feet sticking out the back of a car trunk! Sounds like you and John are still floating on post-wedding could nine, as are we!

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Emily, January 23, 2013 3:33 pm   reply Thank you so much for such a sweet comment, Sarah! And let me tell you, I was SO happy to see that Tanja caught a photo of Philip in the trunk when we looked through our full CD!! :)

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Ashleigh, January 23, 2013 2:38 pm   reply I am so in love with your mini-desserts, Emily! They sound heavenly! We're in the same boat with not wanting a big cake that won't be eaten, but it's so hard to decide on which desserts to have! Yours were precious!

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Emily, January 29, 2013 10:24 am   reply Thank you so much, Ashleigh! They were a big hit with our guests! :)

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Kelly, January 23, 2013 2:43 pm   reply Oh my goodness, Em! It's stunning and gorgeous. I definitely gasped when I flipped (immediately upon opening) to your wedding coverage in V5. Everything was just an absolute dream! I can't wait to see the Inkspot Crow video, and I wish you & John the happiest life together!!!!!!

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cami, January 23, 2013 4:05 pm   reply That VEIL! My goodness, it took my breath away and that pleated ribbon, I am in love. Absolutely stunning. Your details are lovely in every way. Congratulations!!!

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Allyson, January 23, 2013 4:29 pm   reply Emily, I loved seeing your wedding in V5, but it was so fun to look at your posts today too! I followed along through some of the planning on your personal blog and just loved seeing it all put together! Gorgeous! Love that the two of you took time to have a little picnic, I'm definitely going to talk to my couples about doing something like that. I'm sure it was a very special part of the day. Congratulations!

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Anna (Lover.ly), January 23, 2013 6:15 pm   reply Those mini foods are absolutely adorable and delectable! I like the mini biscuits and corn muffins best, because those are often foods I indulge in!

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Kat, January 24, 2013 10:28 am   reply Emily I am oh so happy for you!! I have LOVED following your process both on here and on your blog... I've learned so much! Thank you for celebrating and sharing with all if us you've never even met! The images are STUNNING, your day was BEAUTIFUL and I love everything from your veil to the reception signage! :)

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Floral Friday + Weekend Links » La Tavola Fine Linen Blog, January 25, 2013 2:20 pm   reply [...] Southern Weddings: Garden Party Wedding [...]

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Heather @ Beyond the Aisle, January 26, 2013 9:28 pm   reply Emily, your dress is UH-MAY-ZING and you were a beautiful bride!

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Cameron Smith, January 29, 2013 12:25 am   reply Emily...ya'lls wedding. I die. So classic, so beautiful. Love! Thanks for sharing your process! It's been wonderful to read through your planning as I plan my own. So helpful!! I think it's wonderful you made your own wedding cake!! Such a neat memory! Hope ya'll are enjoying the never-ending slumber party with you best friend! What a blessing that is life :)

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