Yesterday I was having a conversation with a friend who is from Idaho. She asked me what a “buggy” was. I, of course, told her it was a shopping cart and much to her confusion, that was exactly what the kind man in the grocery store parking lot was offering her. It reminded me exactly of this post! When someone visits your home, it’s customary to offer them something to drink. Here in the South, we would ask, “Do you want a Coke?” If you replied with yes, we would ask, “what kind?” Here in the South, everything is a “Coke!” Not a “pop” or a “soda”, but a “Coke.” Maybe it’s a tribute to the roots of Coca Cola or maybe it’s just tradition.

Michelle March

The roots of Coca Cola run deep in the South, as the prototype for the Coca Cola recipe was originated in a drugstore in Columbus, Georgia. But it might appear that the drink’s roots trace all the way to Europe. In 1886, the prohibition legislation was passed in Georgia, so John Pemberton, Coke’s inventor responded by creating a non-alcoholic version of French Wine Coca.

On April 23, 1985, Coca-Cola, amid much publicity, attempted to change the formula of the drink with “New Coke.” Follow-up taste tests revealed that most consumers preferred the taste of New Coke to both Coke and Pepsi, but Coca-Cola management was unprepared for the public’s nostalgia for the old drink, leading to a backlash. The company gave in to protests and returned to a variation of the old formula, under the name Coca-Cola Classic on July 10, 1985. As for the that famous Coca-Cola logo, it was created by John Pemberton’s bookkeeper, Frank Mason Robinson, in 1885. Robinson came up with the name and chose the logo’s distinctive cursive script.

Top to bottom: 13:13 Photography via Southern Weddings, Melissa Schollaert via Southern Weddings, and Adam Barnes via Southern Weddings

A few fun facts about our beloved Coke:

- Due to the belief that carbonated water was good for the health, “Coke” was initially sold as a patent medicine for five cents.
- The company did not incorporate into the Coca Cola Company until 1888.
- Coca Cola was sold in those fabulous classic glass bottles for the first time on March 12, 1894.
- Coca Cola’s first outdoor wall advertisement was painted in 1894 in Cartersville, Georgia.

Erich McVey via Style Me Pretty and Sarah Ashley Peters Photography

As a former Diet Coke addict, I love seeing Coke at weddings! Whether it’s the classic Coke in a bottle or Coke floats, the nostalgia is still completely there. Not too mention it’s quite the refreshing treat!

We took an office poll to see which would win, Coke or Pepsi. Apparently we’re a mixed bag! Lara prefers her Smartwater, Emily is all over Coke Zero, Nicole is a Classic Coke gal (unless it’s up against Orange Soda — duh!), and I must admit I cannot resist a good ol’ ice cold Coke in a bottle!

Which do you prefer? Are you a Classic Coke gal or is Pepsi more your style?

Michelle March, Melissa Schollaert, and Adam Barnes are fabulous members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

Holy moly, this page looks yummy! Is it just me, or does each and every Southern Delicacy we feature look more and more delicious? Maybe I should stop working on these posts right around lunch time…

Like grits, deviled eggs are one of those love it or hate it foods. I think it’s the consistency that throws the dislikers off! I, myself, am quite fond of deviled eggs, and Emily’s told me she loves them, too. Deviled eggs, or eggs mimosas (I prefer this term!), are hard-boiled eggs cut in half and filled with the hard-boiled egg’s yolk mixed with all kinds of yummy seasoning and toppings. Deviled eggs are traditionally served cold as an appetizer, most commonly on holidays or at parties.

From top: deviled eggs by Cru Catering (photo by A Bryan Photo via Southern Weddings), deviled eggs with prosciutto (photo and recipe from Pixelated Crumb), lobster deviled eggs from Coastal Living (photo by Becky Luigart-Staynor), deviled eggs topped with bacon (photo by Cyn Kain)

A few interesting facts about deviled eggs: The term “deviled” dates back to the 19th century, when the term was coined to refer to particularly piquant (hot or spicy) spices in cooking. In Belgium, a variation known as “Russian eggs” is served. This version is where the eggs are filled with caviar and served in rémoulade sauce (not so sure about that one). In some parts of the South, the terms “salad eggs” or “dressed eggs” are used, particularly when the dish is served in connection with a church function.

We love the idea of serving deviled eggs at a wedding cocktail hour for a little down home flavor, especially when you dress up the classic with one of these creative ideas! The deviled egg topping bar below is particularly fun and interactive!

Clockwise from top left: deviled eggs with topping bar from My Recipes (photo by Jennifer Davick), pimento cheese deviled eggs from Southern Living (photo by Jennifer Davick), buffalo chicken deviled eggs (photo and recipe by Baked by Rachel), beet-pickled deviled eggs from The Kitchn (photo by Leela Cyd Ross)

Want to try your hand at deviling some eggs? Cool hard-boiled eggs, peel and half lengthwise. Remove the yolks, then mash and mix with your favorite ingredients, such as mayonnaise, mustard, tartar sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Then scoop the yolk mixture and place into the egg “cups.” Lastly, garnish with Old Bay, paprika, curry powder, chives, and/or dill!

Do you like deviled eggs? Will you be serving them at your wedding? Do you prefer the classic version, or would you try one of the bolder varieties in this post?

Please tell me y’all are having as much hair-envy from these photos as I am! The elusive “Southern Bump” is my favorite hair do ever, after all. Not familiar with the SB? Why, it’s the style with the perfect amount of sweet and classic mixed with just the right amount of pouf (to make it sassy!). When I got married, of course, I asked my hair dresser for the Bump, and to make me look like a vintage Bridget Bardot and not like Marge Simpson. And yes, it is a very fine line!

Credits, from top to bottom: clip from Tessa Kim, photo by Harwell Photography, unknown, Jasmine Star via Style Me Pretty, Adam Barnes via Southern Weddings

Achieving the perfect Southern Bump does not happen by chance – oh no. It takes practice and the right tools! On your wedding day, I would advise leaving it to the professionals, and bringing in lots of photos the show what you want. Also, be sure your hair is longer than you think you’ll need, because the teasing needed to get that perfect bump will eat up the length of your hair quickly.

If you’re brave enough to try the bump at home, I suggest investing in the right products. I am a HUGE fan of Big Sexy Hair’s What a Tease – this stuff really works. You flip over the dry hair you want to pouf, and spray this super sticky hairspray-like concoction on the underside. Let it dry, then flip the hair back over. Viola! Instant backcombing without the damage. If you want more bump or hold, I suggest teasing before spraying in the What a Tease. Also in the big hair arsenal? A teasing comb and good dry shampoo.

Credits, from top to bottom: Heather Kincaid, Crystal Genes via Southern Weddings, Justin & Mary, and The Youngrens via SMP

Once last tip that one of our dear readers shared with me: if you have fine hair, using big ol’ hot rollers instead of a curling iron helps create the initial volume needed for just the right amount of pouf.

Have you got the Southern Bump down to an art? Share your secrets with us in the comment section below! Please! I am always looking to learn how to better work this hair!

P.S. If you’re looking for a how to video for teasing, hop over to Katie’s blog (that I’m obsessed with) here for a quick tutorial! Happy teasin’, y’all!

Harwell Photography and Adam Barnes are fabulous members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

As y’all know, I normally talk about Southern wedding traditions – from the sweet to the kind of wacky! Well, today’s tradition is not necessarily associated with weddings, but it still features a lovely lady (ies) in a gorgeous white gown, so we thought y’all might be interested!

Photos by Beatrice de Gea for the New York Times

That’s right, today we’re discussing the Debutante Cotillion. Also known as the Deb Ball, this Southern tradition is a formal presentation of young ladies – debutantes – to society. During the ball, the young ladies are to be wearing white gowns with satin gloves. Each is formally introduced individually to the audience in standard way: her full name is announced, she is walked around the stage by her father for the official presentation, and then her younger male escort joins her and escorts her away.

Recognize that gorgeous redhead? That’s our Editor in Chief Ms. Lara Casey at her own Debutante Cotillion! Isn’t she stunning?

Back to business! A debutante is a young lady, traditionally from an aristocratic family, who has reached the age of maturity. Now that she is an adult, she is introduced to society at a formal “debut” presentation. Interesting to note, while doing my homework, I found that Wikipedia offers Southern Belle as the synonym for a debutante!  In another fun fact, the Christmas Cotillion in Savannah, Georgia, is the oldest debutante ball in the United States, beginning in 1817.

Photos by Beatrice de Gea for the New York Times

I’m a bit partial to cotillions, not because I was a debutante (I’m still sad I was never able to be an Azalea Trail Maid!), but because my sister in law’s debutante ball was my husband’s and my first official outing as a couple! And yes, my husband rocked a pink bow tie and cummerbund set!

Were you a debutante? Did you have a cotillion, or have you ever attended one? 

P.S. Looking for a laugh? Take a gander at what my beloved Azalea Trail Maids wear! Yes, they wear those to this day! SO awesome! :)

Sweet friends, y’all know sharing our readers’ excitement over their proposals is one of my favorite parts of my job! Seriously, you can’t beat that smile right after he pops the question – priceless emotion that you can’t bottle up, even if you tried!

Since we loved sharing the first and second rounds of readers so much, we figured we’d make it a regular thing around here! Help me give these lovely belles and beaus a big ol’ Southern Weddings congratulations!

Big hugs to these sweet gals! From top to bottom and left to right: Becca A., Brittany A., Julie S., Amanda B., Angelica B., and Loren.

Congrats to these belles! From left to right and top to bottom: Debbie P., Justine K., Erin Z., Carolyn L., and Danielle V.

Hugs to these dolls! From left to right and top to bottom: Emily B., Katie C., Julie S., Lisa E., and Meagan W.

Engaged? I want to hear from you! Send me an email with the subject “I’m engaged!” and a photo of you and your handsome beau after he popped the big Q!

P.S. Check out our previous post for my own personal proposal photo and Emily’s sweet-as-pie proposal video!