Sara + Dom knew they wanted to get married in Charleston and after seeing Lowndes Groves Plantation, they instantly felt that this venue would be perfect location for their big day. I tend to agree! With the help of Tara Guerard and her Soiree team, S + D worked to create an elegant wedding that is so effortlessly chic, I can’t get over it! Sara said, “We really wanted to maintain the Southern plantation feel, but to add modern touches, too.” Mission accomplished, doll!

Big hugs to the very talented Liz Banfield for sharing these gorgeous images with us.

Looking to make your own Charleston welcome tote? Check out our tips (and free download!) here!

Oh my beautiful paper! I’d like to lay this out on my coffee table and just stare at it all day!

Y’all! A monogrammed bouquet wrap, say what?! And did you spot the personalized boxes each bridesmaids’ bouquet arrived in?

My mom and sister came to NYC for the weekend for the search for my gown. We looked all weekend, and I tried on so many dresses at so many different boutiques.  I considered several dresses, but when I put on the strapless beaded gown by Amsale and saw my mom tear up, we all said that was it.  My favorite thing about it was the beading detail and scalloped bottom.  It really had everything that I was looking for.

For the bridesmaids, I knew that I wanted each girl to be able to pick her own style in the grey color I had chosen.  My sister and I tried on every single bridesmaid dress line out there, and felt that the Monique Lhullier line was light and airy and had enough styles for each girl to be happy.  Each girl’s dress ended up reflecting her own personal style.  I let my sister have a different dress as the maid of honor, and she had her dress designed and made in NYC.  I could not believe how perfectly her dress complemented the other bridesmaid dresses.

Briefly describe your wedding flowers:  They were fresh and spring-like. We had all whites with hints of grey and lots of texture. All of the bouquets were wrapped with ribbons that were custom monogrammed for each individual.

A mama’s girl myself, I’m especially smitten with this sweet way Sara honored her mother.

My mom, who helped with the entire wedding process from start to finish, walked me down the aisle, which was a very special moment of the day. 

Now that is a chuppah!

Tell me a bit about the wedding ceremony. We chose to have my uncle be our officiant.  In the weeks leading up to our wedding, he reached out to all the members of our wedding party and had them each share their favorite story about us.  He then weaved all of these stories into the ceremony, which gave it a very personal and intimate touch.  It was incredible.  I was so impressed.

What was the most memorable or touching moment about your wedding day? My husband giving a wonderful toast as dinner finished.  He gave a special thank you to each important member of our family and ended the toast with special words for me.  It was an incredible speech.

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story.  We met at a mutual friend’s birthday party.  We talked throughout the party, but then when Dom asked for my phone number, he got my name wrong! I soon learned he is terrible with names but on that night I was not sure I would hear from him again.  I was wrong. We started dating and we both knew early on we had something special.  We dated for three years before getting engaged.
Describe the proposal: We went to Jackson Hole for my birthday because we both love to ski and our first-ever trip together was to Vail, Colorado. Ski trips hold a special meaning for us.  We got there mid-day and got our ski stuff together so we would be ready early the next morning.  We got back to the room and there were flowers all over, which I thought were for my birthday.  I turned around and he was on one knee in front of the fireplace proposing! I could not have been happier.  My sister and other friends also joined us on the trip later that day and they had no idea Dom proposed.  When we saw them, we were able to share the news with them in person, which made the whole night even more special
Tell me all the basics of your wedding! Our wedding was in the spring in Charleston, SC at Lowndes Grove Plantation. We knew that Charleston was the most likely place we wanted to get married as I had been visiting there for years after my mom relocated there eleven years ago.  When we saw Lowndes Grove Plantation in person, we knew we had found the venue that could host the type of wedding we envisioned.  It wasn’t until we met the team at Soiree that we knew we had all the pieces to the puzzle. We knew that they would be able to create the vision we had for the entire event.  They surpassed anything we had even expected.
Three adjectives that describe the day are:  Spectacular, elegant, intimate.
What was the weather like on your big day? Cloudy but the sun broke through
How many guests attended your wedding? 136
What was the design inspiration for your wedding?  Why was this design special to you as a couple?   We really wanted to maintain the Southern plantation feel, but to add modern touches, too.  We saw photos of a wedding in Italy that was both formal and intimate at the same time and we felt that really went well with the vision we had for our wedding.
How did you spend the morning or afternoon before your big day?  I spent the morning getting ready with my mother, mother-in-law, sister and best friends. I had given my bridesmaids robes as part of their gift and we all lounged around in our robes and relaxed to having lunch and drink champagne while getting our hair and makeup done.  My sister had little surprises for me, like a pin to wear on my bouquet and a hanger with the wedding date that she had ordered for my wedding dress.  She thought of everything and I could not have gotten through the day without her.
Who participated in your ceremony? We also had a close friend Dom went to college with do a reading from the book Tuesdays with Morrie, which is a personal favorite of both of ours.
Did you write your own vows? We wanted the ceremony to be very personal, so we wrote the entire ceremony, including all of our vows.  The entire ceremony from start to finish was beautiful.
Were there any family traditions you included in the ceremony? Yes, in Jewish ceremonies you break the glass at the end of the ceremony to signify the frailty of life and to show that as the glass shatters, it is permanent – the same as our marriage.  Dom broke the glass at the end of the ceremony. 

Last week, I was having a highly-excited conversation with a friend of mine who is headed back to North Carolina (we’re both currently in Arizona). In addition to everything else she had to look forward to from her trip, I just knew hushpuppies had to be on the list — after all, we are both obsessed with the Cook-Out version! Y’all, I once drove all the way from Florida to North Carolina, and once I crossed the state line my first stop was Cook-Out, just for hushpuppies!

No surprise then, that today’s Southern Delicacy is one of my very favorite foods of all time. I actually judge the Southern-ness of restaurants on the quality of their hushpuppies (and fried pickles!).

Gourmet hushpuppies photo by Harwell Photography via Southern Weddings and hush puppy pie plate signage photo by Dave Lapham via Southern Weddings

A hushpuppy (or fried cornbread ball, for my Northern friends) is a savory treat made from cornmeal batter that is deep fried or baked in small ball shapes. Frequently served as a side dish, usually at seafood restaurants or barbecues, these yummy little bites supposedly originated in the 1800′s in Native American cooking. (Fun fact: Lots of food we consider traditional Southern fare, like grits, actually originated from Native American tribes!)

With a little more research, I also found that some say hushpuppies originated in the settlement of Nouvell Orleans (later called New Orleans) in the 1700′s, created by a group of Ursuline nuns from France. The nuns used cornmeal to create a delicious food they called croquettes de maise. These croquettes spread rapidly through the Southern states and eventually came to be known as hushpuppies!

Shrimp and okra hushpuppies, hoppin’ John hushpuppies, shrimp and okra hushpuppies, and crab cake hushpuppies

Beyond the delicious taste of these little guys, I love the story of their name. According to Southern folklore, the first recorded reference to the word “hush-puppy” dates to 1899. The name “hushpuppies” is attributed to hunters and fishermen, who would fry a basic cornmeal mixture and toss it to their dogs to “hush the puppies” during cook-outs or fish-fries.

Other hush puppy legends attribute the term “hushpuppies” to the Civil War, during which soldiers supposedly tossed fried cornbread to quell the barks of Confederate dogs!

Red velvet hushpuppies from Best Friends for Frosting and apple cider hushpuppies from The Cozy Apron

Aren’t these sweet varieties so fun? They look delicious!

No matter the origin, I just love the stories behind this delicacy! I think they would make a fun cocktail hour ‘pass,’ or I’d love to see a hushpuppy bar with all the different variations. Mmm, I’m thinking a Southern road trip is in order!

Where are your favorite hushpuppies from? I’d love to try a different version, so share your favorite hushpuppy-serving restaurants in the comments below!

Harwell Photography is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

Welcome back for more purple prettiness, y’all! Let’s dive right in!

Eddie said her favorite design element was either the dinner tables or candy station. While the candy station is divine, I’d have to go with the tables! Come on! Look at the ghost chairs plus that fantastic petal-adorned white linen! Major swoon! I also love how Eddie used feminine design details, like the lace runner and light lavender napkins, to compliment the industrial-ness of King Plow.

We’re so thankful Harwell Photography shared this lovely lavender day with us!

Oh my fun! What a great way to do the table numbers! Love the balloons!

That linen – oh my!

We stuck to the down home country/city feel that probably only makes sense in a place like Atlanta! It was hot, the kids were playing, guest were drinking and visiting, and overall, everyone had a great time! We followed that up with a post-wedding BBQ the next day at our house. It was the best time I’ve had spending time with friends and family.

How much fun does a post-wedding BBQ with all your friends and family sound?!

I remember Jordan being extremely nervous because he is not a dancer! I chose Freddie Jackson’s “You Are My Lady” because its one of his favorite songs and I thought it would relax him. He did well.

The cotton candy was like nothing I had ever tasted before! Coming from a town where the yearly fair was “must do,” you could probably guess that I have eaten lots of cotton candy!

Y’all may not know this, but our very own Kristin is an avid county fair fan! She hasn’t missed one in many many years!

What was your reception like?  Fun, easy, kid-friendly!
Did you have a cocktail hour?  Yes we did! The open bar kept all of our guests happy while the room was flipped.
What kind of food did you serve during the cocktail hour, dinner and dessert? Sliders, petite deserts and finger foods.
Favorite design element of your big day: I would have to say that it was probably the dinner tables and the candy “guest favors” station. The cotton candy was like nothing I had ever tasted before! Coming from a town where the yearly fair was “must do,” you could probably guess that I have eaten lots of cotton candy!
Describe your wedding cake: It was all white with white cake and had a large white garden rose that cascaded down the side.
What was the scariest? When I first walked out with my dad. I wasn’t sure if I was going to smile or cry! I made it with no tears and was surprisingly relaxed!
What was the biggest challenge you faced when planning your wedding? Trying to keep the budget down. We had to decide what was important to both of us for our special day. As a woman, you realize quickly that all of those wedding fantasies you’ve had in your head for all of these years really aren’t necessities, especially when you’re over budget!
What range did your budget fall into? $50,000-$75,000
Did you take a honeymoon? Yes! We went to the Amalfi coast of Italy!
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future?   We are raising our sons, working on one more addition to our family and working hard to maintain successful businesses in our community.
What advice would you give to someone planning his or her wedding?  Relax, try not to sweat the small things, and remember that if you don’t have it done by the week of, not to stress yourself out. Just let it go. Things will still turn out perfectly!

Harwell Photography is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

Today’s gorgeous bride described the couple’s Atlanta wedding as “unpretentious, fun-loving, and perfect!” Of all the adjectives that our darling brides have used to describe their weddings, Eddie’s three not only encompass her big day exactly, but they might be my favorite I’ve ever read. While tradition and formality are important to us as Southerners, we believe weddings are supposed to be personal, and a meaningful start to a long-lasting marriage. And for Eddie + Jordan, keeping their big day relaxed and enjoyable for everyone — kids and adults alike — was the ultimate representation of their personalities!

Based off the ear-to-ear grins on the faces of Eddie + Jordan and their guests, I’d have to say they achieved their goal. Special thanks to Harwell Photography for capturing the joy of their day!

Look at that stunner! My bouquet was an all-white delinquent handmade giant garden rose. The bridesmaids had a beautiful mix of gorgeous flowers with pops of purple, and the boutonnieres were unique and timeless, with just enough color.

I knew what style would look good on my body type, so I set out to find that immediately, and gave myself about 30 days to make a decision. I found my dress at the second boutique I went to, which was having a Vera Wang trunk show. How much easier can it get?

Ear-to-ear smile = pure radiant joy! You, Eddie, are gorgeous!

I love how Eddie and her planner used complimentary shades of purple and lots of white flowers to create the perfect pop of color!

One word for these handsome fellows: dapper! Love all of the pattern mixing going on!

I loved how handsome my two sons looked once they were dressed. Jordan’s suit definitely blew me away as well. He looked so handsome and perfect! To think, I didn’t even get anyone dressed — they did such a good job on their own!

Tell me a bit about the wedding ceremony.  The most special thing for us was the music selections. I had a group from our church come in and sing before and during the ceremony, which really set the tone. Since I wasn’t getting married at a church, I decided I better get some church to us! Jordan walked out to a song called “Thank You” by Johnny Gill and New Edition, and I walked out to “I Believe in You and Me” by Whitney Houston. With her passing away last year, it was important to me to make sure that I was able to honor her memory in some way. More importantly, that song really encompassed all that I wanted Jordan to know about how I was feeling and the degree of my commitment to our union. It was perfect!!

I agree with Eddie, the King Plow Arts Center is a divine location! She said “I just loved the idea of the old brick and concrete of this industrial setting meshing with all things pretty and new that the wedding would bring to the space. It was gorgeous!”

We’ll be back with more from the reception in just a bit!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story.  We met at a supper club back in 2006 that was the known spot for “social singles.” Jordan was sent to our table to chat us up. Long story short, after a year and never returning his calls, I did run into Jordan again. I didn’t remember him initially but he remembered me and vowed that day that he wouldn’t be shaken off so easily again! Needless to say, he had severely changed his tone and the rest is history.
Tell me all the basics of your wedding! We chose Memorial Day weekend because it was important to us both that our guest would be able to travel from far away and have an extra day to still enjoy the festivities of our wedding. With the holiday Monday built into that, it really made a beautiful weekend. We chose to have our wedding at a venue called The King Plow Arts Center. The wedding started at 5:30pm.
What was the weather like on your big day? It had to be about 85-90 degrees. HOT!!
How many guests attended your wedding? 125 guests
What was the design inspiration for your wedding?  Why was this design special to you as a couple? Our design inspiration was something that we were both very familiar and comfortable with. We both grew up in small towns with humble beginnings so that sense of easiness and things that feel familiar had to be incorporated into the space — old school candies, a high school-style DJ, simple but elegant décor. We wanted to convey to our guests that yes, this is our special day and things look so pretty, but we are going to have a stinking good time still! Neither of us like spaces where you feel like things are so posh that everyone tends to be uptight all night! NO BUENO! I like to think of it as a posh-yet-weathered setting with touches of nostalgia that created a sense comfort and intimacy.
Bride’s favorite detail of the wedding: I also thought that my planner was Jesus for about 10 minutes while I stuffed my face with the food she and her staff packed for me and Jordan to eat back at our room that night. That detail alone was a lifesaver because neither of us got a chance to eat at the wedding. Thank you for taking care of us, Michelle!
What did the groomsmen wear? They wore charcoal grey tuxedos with no tie to convey the relaxed feel of our event, with off-white shirts and off-white leather shoes. It worked in perfectly with our wedding, however I wouldn’t suggest that anyone wear that without at least three other guys that are dressed the same!!
Who participated in your ceremony? Six of my best girlfriends were my bridesmaids, and my two older sisters were my honorary bridesmaids. Jordan’s niece was our beautiful flower girl, and his groomsmen were made up of two of his brothers, one cousin and two of his best friends. My oldest son, Jackson and our son Myles were our ring bearers.
Who was one of the most special guests at your wedding? Jordan’s grandmother. I had not met her before that day and since both of my grandmothers are not with us any longer, I was so pleased and honored that she was able to make it!

Harwell Photography is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

The divine lace details and soft pink palette definitely stuck out to me when I first laid eyes on Chanda + David’s wedding — I’m a sucker for feminine classic Southern style, and C + D’s wedding fits the bill perfectly! But, the loveliness gave way to meaning when I read about Chanda’s exquisite veil — it was her late mother’s, and, to quote the bride, wearing it was “a feeling I just can’t describe.” Now I can’t help but get a little choked up every time I look at Lexia Frank’s portraits of Chanda. Isn’t she radiant?

From day one I envisioned a strapless lace gown, simple and elegant without any extra this or that. I found it at the second shop we visited, Brides by Demetrios. Even though it was exactly what I envisioned, after trying it on I still wasn’t sure. I kept waiting for that feeling that everyone kept telling me about. I went on to the next shop and again, was still waiting for that feeling.

Finally, I decided that I would make a trip to visit my grandmother and pick up my late mother’s veil. I returned to Brides by Demetrios to try on the dress again with my mother’s veil and that is the moment I knew that it was the one.

I adore the photo of Chanda’s grandmother looking on over the hustle and bustle of the gals getting ready! Chanda said the day was also not complete without a retelling by her grandmother of a favorite story — the Christmas Chanda received her first string of pearls, and her grandmother remarked that now, as a Southern girl, she could work on her sterling silver!

Absolutely stunning, y’all! Pass those tissues!

I had my heart set on pink and white peonies for my bouquet and the bridesmaids’ bouquets. I was so disappointed when Alta, our florist, told us peonies weren’t in season in February. She suggested ranunculus, garden roses and spray roses, and they turned out to be romantic and absolutely beautiful wrapped in burlap and lace!

When we visited Cross Creek Ranch, I fell in love with the idea of getting married under the Oak tree simply for the symbolism. I can only hope that the love David and I share will last a lifetime through strength and courage.

What a stunning spot for a wedding ceremony!

Did you decide to do a “first look”? Neither of us wanted to do a first look. We both were looking forward to that moment we saw each other as I walked down the aisle.
Did you write your own vows?
 We had every intention of exchanging our own vows, but after I saw how nervous David was at our rehearsal, I thought the traditional vows would be a little less nerve-wracking. Our pastor’s vows were traditional but modern and perfect. We wrote down our own vows in a letter and exchanged them before the ceremony. It was very special to us.

What was Southern about your wedding? We were married on a ranch! I don’t think you can get more Southern than that! Our reception was held in the rustic old barn, and everything was wrapped in burlap and lace. We used mason jars for decoration, and our Southern lemonade was spiked with Jack Daniels. Chicken and waffles were passed during our cocktail hour. Guests made s’mores by the bonfire and played horseshoes. I also gave personalized handkerchiefs as gifts to my grandmother, my mother in-law and father in-law right before the ceremony.

I love the bows sprinkled throughout Chanda + David’s celebration!

We chose pink and white arrangements of garden roses, rananculus and white hydrangeas for the centerpieces. Silk white hydrangeas hung in mason jars wrapped with burlap and lace on our ceremony chairs. A wine barrel filled with silk white hydrangeas sat beautifully, greeting guests as they entered the barn for the reception. The silk flowers were more beautiful than I had imagined.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? 
Our venue, Cross Creek Ranch was there for us every step of the way. They provided the designer, the vendors and the coordinator. I don’t think they could have made it any easier! I did take on a few DIY projects. I wrapped our invitations with burlap and lace, and stuffed them into envelopes I assembled from lace doilies. I also printed our escort cards and tied each and every one to our plantable skeleton keys. The biggest challenge to overcome while completing these projects was a very active toddler. Thanks to David, I was able to complete them. I also cannot forget tying raffia to all our mason jars and printing and assembling drink flags the day before the wedding (with a big help from my mother in-law and father in-law)!

We had a gorgeous three-tier buttercream ruffle cake accented with gum paste roses. It was vanilla and chocolate, our favorites. It was the best cake I’ve ever eaten!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. 
David and I met through mutual friends at a concert. I heard Ben Harper for the first time while driving home from the beach with my girlfriend. Several weeks later, I saw Ben Harper was coming to town. I immediately contacted my girlfriend Faye and told her we should get tickets to the concert. David was not a fan of the artist, but was tagging along with his friend Paul. To this day, David swears we had a moment during the concert when our eyes met. It breaks my heart to admit, but he had the better viewing spot, and I kept looking over to him thinking that if he were a gentleman, he would offer me his spot. Which he did. After the concert, I wanted nothing more than to go home and go to bed, but Dave and my girlfriend were going to have a couple of drinks at the local brewery. As I turned to go home, I thought maybe I should stick around. After all, I thought Dave was hysterically funny, charming and devilishly handsome. Truth be told, I didn’t want my girlfriend to see what I had seen. The night came to an end and we parted ways. Several days later, we ran into each other again amongst friends. It was Cinco De Mayo. After several minutes of casual conversation, out of nowhere Dave asked me out on a date. In complete shock, my immediate response was NO! As he walked away defeated, I knew that was the last time I ever wanted him to walk out of my life. I spent the next several weeks chasing him, and with help from our mutual friends Cristi and Darren, I finally got a second chance for a first date. Very early on in our relationship, I knew he was the one and I told my dearest friend Robyn, “You know when you know, and I know.”
Describe the proposal.
 I can remember several weeks leading up to the proposal, David kept asking me to go on a trip. Every other night he would try and sell me on a destination. It was hot and we were expecting a beautiful baby boy in the upcoming months — he couldn’t get me to go anywhere. On a Monday, David told me to come straight home from work because he was making us dinner. As I walked in our living room, it was filled with roses and balloons. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Then we danced. It was perfect. I then asked him if my grandma knew, and unbeknownst to me, he had visited her days before to ask for my hand in marriage. Later that evening we celebrated at our one of our favorite restaurants.
In what month did you get married?
 February
How many guests attended your wedding?
 100
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding. We spent a lot of time picking the perfect music. We wanted it to represent who we are. The groom and groomsmen walked in to the instrumental version of “Hallelujah,” one of Dave’s favorites. I walked down the aisle to the instrumental version of “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin, one of my favorite bands of all time. We walked back up the aisle to Al Green’s, “Love and Happiness.” David played it the night he proposed. We danced to Ray LaMontagne’s song, “You Are The Best Thing.” It reminded me of when we first met and we would listen to him and dance in the kitchen. Our last dance was Van Morrison’s, “Crazy Love.” It is a great love song, selected by the groom. We exited to Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” Who doesn’t love Johnny Cash?
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: There are so many to choose from! First, the venue. The veil was another favorite. I wore my late mother’s antique lace, cathedral length wedding veil. It’s a feeling I just can’t describe. I also wore an estate piece of jewelry over 150 years old from my late great grandfather’s jewelry store. Our food was another great detail. David is from the Philadelphia area, so during cocktail hour mini cheesesteaks were passed. We also loved our favors. We purchased plantable skeleton keys to attach to our escort cards from Recycled Ideas on Etsy. I hope that as the flowers bloom, people are reminded that love will continue to blossom over time.
What range did your wedding budget fall into? $25,000-$50,000
What is the one thing you are most happy you splurged on? I would have to say the photographer, Lexia Frank — she is just amazing and incredibly talented. Everything she captures is beautiful. We also splurged on the videographer. The day goes by so fast — it is very surreal. I am so happy we decided (literally the week before) to have it documented. I am looking forward to having the video to watch for years to come. Lastly, we splurged on the food. Our caterer Puff n’ Stuff did a phenomenal job.
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? The groom and I agree that the most memorable moment was when I walked down the aisle and our eyes met. It’s a feeling I will not soon forget. Our ceremony was beautiful.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding?
 If you can budget for one, hire a wedding designer/coordinator. It’s worth every dime! Throughout the day, take a moment to take it all in, because it goes by so fast! Don’t forget to excuse yourselves from guests and go dance with your groom!
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? Traveling with our little family, including our two dogs, in an RV throughout the United States.