Over three years ago, I walked through the doors of the Southern Weddings office for the very first time to start interning for the brand new magazine. Next week, I will walk out of the office doors after my last day of work to take on a brand new challenge. My darling boyfriend of two years, Scott, is moving up North for law school and I am uprooting myself as well to bring a bit of Southern charm to the Big Apple. I’ve made it my mission to Southern-ize the whole world, and what better way to start than by spreading some Southern sweetness to those Yankees up North? In my years with Southern Weddings, I’ve written dozens of posts, but none have been as difficult to write as this one.

I feel like my personal growth has paralleled Southern Wedding’s continued success. I have been blessed with seeing the entire process of launching this publication and how it has spread like kudzu. I have had the opportunity to build close friendships with the amazing women that work in this office and I have nothing but praise for all of the talented sponsors that I have had the opportunity to work with. While I am excited for the changes ahead, I can’t help but be sad that my time with Southern Weddings is coming to an end.

Some of my very happiest memories are intertwined with the gals at Southern Weddings and, believe me, we’ve had some crazy times! Let’s take a little stroll down memory lane and relive some of the highlights. In the past three years, we were hard at work creating this completely sold out issue…

…this stunning issue…

…this pretty issue (which also happens to be sold out)…

…and most recently, this beauty!

I had a blast preparing for all that print goodness at our editorial shoots. I particularly loved working with Emily, Marissa, Sierra, Nicole and intern Emily on the Paper, Cotton, Flour shoot for V4. It was a blazing hot summer day, but spirits could not be higher. We were all thrilled with how the shoot was coming along.

I swear, there is no better way to bond with co-workers than working a photo shoot!

Who could forget the office parties and our weekly office meetings? Sometimes, I can’t believe we got work done at all with so much fun mixed in! I don’t mean to make y’all jealous, but our weekly meetings always include some assortment of candy, cookies, sweet tea and Sun Drop. We even had a King Cake for Mardi Gras a few weeks ago!

I’ve had the joy of going to plenty of industry events and weddings during my time here. Confession: attending industry events might just be my favorite part of working in this great field. It’s not because I get to knock elbows with some of the best and brightest in the wedding industry (though that’s a plus!), my favorite part of any good industry party is the Smilebooth! I am completely, unabashedly addicted to these fun photobooths. Hand me a couple props and there is a large chance that I’ll be in the booth all night. What can I say? I’m a ham.

Marissa and I had the joy of covering Bridal Market (read: bridal fashion week) this year. Trent Bailey covered the fun and gave us these adorable photos. Marissa is and always will be my partner in crime and I can’t wait for her to come up to the city next year so we can relive our Bridal Market adventures!

Images by Trent Bailey

I’ve been busy as a bee working with our fabulous sponsors, planning giveaways and helping with photoshoots but I did manage to squeeze in enough time to graduate from UNC (GO HEELS!) and meet an amazing (and handsome) boy.

There are literally hundreds of photos and memories that I could put in this post (really, I could write a novel), but when you get down to it, the women that work in this office have really been the reason that my time with Southern Weddings has been so special.

Lara has given me the opportunity to have such a faaaantastic first job and every day I am grateful that she took a chance on me and decided to bring me on board after my internship many moons ago. She has had the insight to build such a brilliant team and I cannot wait to see Southern Weddings continue to flourish in the years to come. Emily, Nicole, Marissa and Sierra are some of the most talented and kind women in the world. I’m not kidding you. I dare you to find gals as friendly, professional and intelligent as the ladies here. It’s just not possible. Oh man, cue the sappy music. I’m all emotional now! It has been a huge privilege to work with this team and I will always be grateful that they have been part of my life.

Image by Millie Holloman

Last, but most certainly not least, thank you! Thank you for following along these past few years and thank you for making Southern Weddings the community that it is today. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. Three years ago when I started out here, Southern Weddings was a brand new blog (and one of the few wedding blogs in existence) and our first print edition had just hit the shelves. Today, Southern Weddings claims an international following, a strong community of readers, and some of the best Southern inspiration on the ‘net (though I may be biased). From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness and your enthusiasm. Of course, I will be following along and reading the blog every single day from my new pad in New York, and I am excited to stay a part of the Southern Weddings family as an avid reader. Thanks, y’all!

Lara may have already tied the knot to the man of her dreams, but that couldn’t stop me from dreaming up a romantic bridal shower for her and Ari. It is so much fun to plan out some bridal shower inspiration for each other and it may serve as inspiration to some of y’all as well! Also, a little bird mentioned that Ms. Casey is considering a vow renewal, so maybe a little party inspiration will be just what she needs…

Lara grew up on the Florida panhandle, so I couldn’t think of a better place for this bridal shower soiree than a white-washed beach house overlooking the ocean. We would mingle on the porch, eating scrumptious mini key lime tarts (perfect for a Florida celebration!) and chit-chatting away.

Image credits, clockwise from top left: porch photo by Erica George Dinas via Atlanta Homes Magazine; gold presents photo by KT Merry via Style Me Pretty (styling by Aisle Candy); key lime tarts photo by Jessica Lorren via Southern Weddings; teal invitation photo and design by Marta Harding via Inspired Bride; glass bottle centerpiece photo by Millie Holloman via Style Me Pretty (styling by Salt Harbor Designs); lemon and mint favors from Martha Stewart Weddings; bike photo by Veil and Bow via Southern Weddings; mint and gold outfit photo by Nicole Warne from Gary Pepper Vintage via Chictopia

Lara’s favorite color is a light and relaxing shade of teal, so I knew that we had to incorporate that lovely shade into the party. Comfortable teal pillows would line the porch swings and bottles of sea glass would line the tables.

Guests, dressed in their finest beach attire, would cheer to Lara and Ari’s continued happiness. Their dearest friends and family would give toasts to the couple.

Lara adores Luna Bars, and I momentarily considered setting up a Luna Bar dessert table, but I figured that light macaroons and zesty key lime desserts might be a bit more fitting. Guests would also enjoy refreshing mint juleps and champagne.

I’d love to have photos of Lara and Ari and their families and friends set up around the porch, and there would be plenty of candles to light the space after the sun went down. At the end of the evening, we would all hop on bicycles and peddle home along the beach after we said our farewells.

Get to know Lara here and here!

What do you think? Is this beach bridal shower your dream shower too? Let us know what your dream bridal shower would look like below!

P.S. For the next post in our shower series, Lara will dream up a bridal shower for Emily! Keep your eyes peeled!

KT Merry, Jessica Lorren, and Millie Holloman are all fabulous members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

As the last editor to share my dream Southern wedding, I’ve had a lot of time to think about exactly what kind of wedding I want (in my dreams, of course). I’ve been perusing the Southern Weddings Pinterest nonstop trying to find the perfect Southern inspiration for my own big day, and do you know what I’ve discovered? I truly and honestly believe that I have had an inspiration overload! There are so many fabulously Southern ideas out there, and I just want to incorporate them all into my dream wedding. What’s a Southern Weddings editor to do?

Step back and take a good long look at all of the images I had collected, that’s what. Were there any recurring themes popping up? Why, yes! The majority of the photos came from sunny daytime weddings, there were an awful lot of deep blues and spring green color schemes weaving their way through my inspiration folder, and oh, I have a major love affair with rustic barn weddings. Without further ado, I am happy to share with you my very own dream Southern wedding:

Image credits, clockwise from top left: Barn wedding by Jose Villa, beau bar by Chocolate Butter Bean (photo by Katie Stoops via Southern Weddings), cake by My Sweet and Saucy, barn decor photo by Abby Ross via Style Me Pretty, table decor photo from Martha Stewart Weddings via Domestic Ease

Tell us the basics. Where do you want to get married and when? How many people would you invite? The more the merrier! If money were no issue (and this is a dream wedding, right?), I would invite upwards of 200 guests and make it a real party. I would love to get married right here in the Ol’ North State in the early fall.

What’s your design inspiration and color palette? One of the main focuses of my design inspiration is the lighting. Nothing adds to a space like a hanging chandelier or a canopy of swinging lights over a dance floor. I also incorporated a lot of classic white details–the white bouquets and white cakes–which look so clean and fresh against the rustic barn backdrop.

What details and traditions would you include in your ceremony? I want to pay homage to my family’s Southern heritage by including many traditions based around family. I am looking forward to my strong, supportive dad walking me down the aisle. I want my Mom, a former makeup artist, and my aunt, a hairdresser, to gussy me up for my walk down the aisle. I am excited to shower my bridesmaids with monogrammed gifts to show how appreciative I am to have them in my life. I can’t wait to surprise my hubby-to-be with a fun groom’s cake. Most of all, I want to incorporate as many details that have significance to my husband and myself. I want my wedding to be a celebration of the memories that we have shared.

What dress would you wear? I have fallen head over heels for Monique Lhuillier’s Scarlet. The lace detailing is classic, while the open back gives it a modern edge. I’m still on the look-out for a getaway dress. I’m thinking short and sleek. Any suggestions?

Image credits, clockwise from top left: lace dress photo by Paul Johnson, white bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, striped bouquet wrap from Brides.com, navy bridesmaid dresses photo by Stephen Devries via Southern Weddings

What would your flowers look like? I love all white bouquets, full of ranunculus and big white hydrangeas. At the reception, I imagine low white and green arrangements decking each table.

What details and traditions would you include in your reception? Again, string lights and warm chandeliers are a must! In addition, I want a large live band that will really get the guests grooving. My goal is to have every man, woman and child on the dance floor having the time of their lives!

What food would you serve? Oh Lordy, I’m already excited about the food at my future wedding! Southerners sure do like their food! I adore all mini foods, so there would be an assortment of barbecue sliders and homemade macaroni served in white ramekins. The dessert spread would ideally stretch out for miles. In addition to the classic white cake, I’d love to see lots of cupcakes, banana pudding (a Southern favorite), and delicious creme brulee!

Where would you honeymoon? My hubby and I would explore Europe. I’m particularly keen on going skiing in the Swiss Alps!

What’s most important to you about weddings? Love is tangible at a wedding. Family and friends come together to celebrate a couple’s love. Weddings are about creating memories and sharing traditions. I love the feeling of community that surrounds weddings and I hope that my own wedding is full of wonderful memories and my friends, my family and my new husband and I will always cherish.

What do you think, ladies? Do we have anything in common? Let me know in the comments below and tell me all about your dream wedding.

P.S. Want to check out our past dream weddings?
Marissa
Nicole
Sierra

Katie Stoops and Stephen Devries are fabulous members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

Y’all have probably already fallen in love with the Southern Weddings Honey List at this point, and I can’t blame you. We are constantly abuzz here in the office about the fabulous honeymoon destinations we’ve already been to, and always dreaming up new spots to visit! It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it. Today, I’m thrilled to tell you more about my trip to Cabin Bluff Retreat!

I had the pleasure of driving down to Georgia to spend a few glorious days at Cabin Bluff Retreat with my boyfriend, Scott. Cabin Bluff is nestled on the Georgia/Florida border with a direct view of gorgeous Cumberland Island. The resort is situated on 24,000 acres of land (imagine 100 average-sized golf courses pushed together… it has even more space then that!) so it is about as private and peaceful as can be. As we drove down the gated two mile road to the resort, I could feel any tension from the real world melt away. Only 40 people may stay at the resort at any time, and we were lucky enough to share our time with only fourteen other wedding professionals!

Our luxury cabin was pure heaven, y’all! Each cabin has a grand fireplace, a kitchen (with a fridge already stocked with any beverage you could desire), and plush, comfortable beds. Fun fact: Cabin Bluff used to be President Coolidge’s favorite hunting retreat, and each room is fit for a presidential getaway. After checking into our gorgeous cabin, we went to an oyster roast where we had the opportunity to meet and mingle with the other guests. We were also invited to sign up for the next day’s activities, which included fishing trips and clay shooting excursions. Talk about fun! We signed up for a boat tour of the surrounding inter-coastal waterway as well as clay shooting.

The oyster roast was followed by a delicious supper underneath the stars. Yes, it was December! Yes, it was warm! Yep, those stars looked magical! I swear, it was one of the finest dinners I had ever had the pleasure of eating.

On our inter-coastal waterway boat trip the next morning, we were truly immersed in all of the fabulous wildlife that Georgia has to offer. We glimpsed a few wild ponies on Cumberland Island, and watched as dolphins played alongside our boat. After returning from our boat trip, we immediately set off to shoot clay pigeons. It was my first time shooting a shot gun, and I have to say, I’m not a bad shot, y’all! I highly suggest scheduling some clay shooting time. It was an absolute delight! And check me out:

Our time at Cabin Bluff sped by, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet so many talented wedding professionals, especially in such a beautiful setting. The whole way back to North Carolina, I kept wishing we could turn back and permanently settle into an idyllic life at Cabin Bluff.

Cabin Bluff’s excellent staff, the variety of amazing outdoor experiences underneath some stunning Spanish Moss trees, and the gorgeous rustic-meets-luxury setting makes it a prime Honeymoon destination. To read more about Cabin Bluff, be sure to hop on over to the Honey List here!

All photos except the last two are courtesy of Cabin Bluff. Thank you to the fantastic Cabin Bluff team for hosting Scott and I! We are lifelong Cabin Bluff fans!

P.S. Check out all of the other amazing Southern Weddings-approved Honeymoon destinations on our Honey List!

I hope y’all have had a chance to check out our brand spankin’ new Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory since its launch last week! We are so proud to have collected some of the best and brightest vendors throughout the South! Each and every vendor in the Directory comes with our seal of approval, and we hope that you will embrace the Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory as your newest wedding planning tool.

Today, I am happy to announce a very special addition to the Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory. Our videographer category is now LIVE, and we are so pleased to have two amazing vendors on board to kick off this addition!

First, I’d like to introduce you to Inkspot Crow, a husband and wife team based in North Carolina. We are so happy to have worked with MacKenzie and Philip this summer as we shot the Paper, Cotton and Flour shoot for Southern Weddings V4. Inkspot Crow also shot this amazing maternity video of our own Lara Casey and her new bundle of joy, Grace. Warning: have tissues ready, it’s a tear-jerker!

Our second videography team is Heart Stone Films, also out of North Carolina. Chris and Toni’s videos are chock-full of heart, and one of their gorgeous wedding films was featured in our Friday Round-Up in July. Hint: be sure to read Chris and Toni’s Behind the Brand tab on their website to get an inside look on why they have that adorable penguin logo!

Videographers! Want to join in on the Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory fun? Send an email to whitney at iloveswmag.com and I’ll get an application to you ASAP! We are still taking applicants for all categories, so don’t delay!

Inkspot Crow and Heart Stone Films are fabulous Southern Weddings sponsors!