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Real Weddings:

Beatriz and TJ’s wedding at Summerhour Studio

featuring Rustic White Photography

We can’t resist a good reveal and bride Beatriz’s epic skirt swap has us enchanted. The classic cap sleeve, lace top and white taffeta skirt lent itself perfectly to Beatriz and TJ’s traditional cathedral ceremony and the second skirt of layered, blue tulle lent itself perfectly to the romantic garden vibes their Summerour Studio reception. Planning and design was by Taylor Dawn with floral and catering by Bold  and paper goods by Lairsey Paper Co. Just so much beauty in blue and you can see it all is these gorgeous images by Rustic White Photography.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Our day turned out to be everything we wanted and we owe all of that to our fantastic vendors! We got married at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Buckhead and our reception was at Summerour Studio. We fell in love with Summerour Studio when we saw it because of the beautiful courtyard that makes you feel like you are in Europe and we loved the rustic look of the interior of the building. Everything was simple, elegant and with a pop of blue!

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

I tried everything! I didn’t go into the process with a vision, but I quickly became fond of the idea of separates and wanted a simple and elegant look. This worked well with my longtime dream of wearing blue at my wedding. My mom came down from NJ for a weekend and we went on a dress trying marathon (not even kidding!). At Kelly’s Closet in Atlanta, I quickly fell in love with the Lea Ann Belter separates – the detail on the lace top is amazing! On that same weekend, the Sentimentalist in Atlanta was having a Chantel Lauren trunk show with the blue Mae gown that I had always dreamed of trying on. Everything felt perfect once I had the blue skirt on and I knew it would pair perfectly with the Lea-Ann Belter lace top for the reception. It was a match that allowed me to have everything I wanted on my wedding day!

What was the most memorable part of the day?

My family is Spanish so we had our DJ play Spanish music before dinner as most of the wedding guests wouldn’t recognize the music and we wanted to play more recognizable songs after dinner. It started with all my family and some of our guests on the dance floor dancing to traditional Spanish music and next thing you know all of our friends and family joined!! It was so much fun and dance lessons were being given! Dinner had been served and everyone was still on the dance floor so the DJ asked if anyone planned on eating dinner and everyone laughed. That was a special moment for us and so much fun to see our family and friends coming together in support of Spanish traditions.

 

What was your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue?

My dress was my something new and a bracelet from my Mom was my something borrowed. And my something blue – well that was everything! I love blue and I can’t thank Taylor (my wedding planner / everything) enough for helping make my crazy blue dreams come true. There were blue accents throughout the day and of course the blue skirt that I paired with my Lea Ann Belter top for the reception!

 

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

In Hoboken, NJ on the waterfront with two of our best friends! I grew up in NJ and we met and lived in Hoboken for four years before moving to Atlanta, GA. It is actually quite the funny story. We were staying with our friends Brooke and Alex who I’ve known since 5th grade. Brooke actually introduced T.J. and I as she went to Penn State with him. T.J. called Brooke and Alex earlier that week so they strategized that we’d walk along the waterfront in Hoboken and then head to my favorite sushi spot for dinner. We were walking around the water and T.J. asked if Brooke and Alex could get a picture of us, my response: “Come on – we aren’t tourists! We lived here forever!” I finally gave in for one picture and immediately started walking away completely not realizing that T.J. was getting down on one knee to propose! It was an easy yes! Hoboken will always have a special place in our hearts and this moment solidified it.

 

Photographer: Rustic White Photography // Design + Planning: Taylor Dawn // Floral & Catering: Bold // Paper Goods: Lairsey Paper Co. // Venue: Summerour Studio // Hair and Makeup: Jennifer Nieman // Bridal Gown Ceremony: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal via Kelly’s Closet // Reception Skirt: Chantel Lauren Designs via The Sentimentalist // Groom’s Attire: Indochino // Bridesmaid’s Attire: Jenny Yoo via Bella Bridesmaids // Cake: Frosted Pumpkin // Custom Cookies: Pastry Shells // DJ: DJ Spontaneous // Draping: Event Drapery

 

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Real Weddings:

Colleen and Dean’s wedding at Middleton Place

photography by Allison Kuhn

What’s black, white and gorgeous all over? Colleen and Dean’s stunning Charleston nuptials—duh! You guys—this one is the epitome of southern romance with a strong undertone of modern style that’s perfectly accentuated by the pared-back black and white color palette. Event planner and designer AA Events Design‘s stunning vision came to life with the help of florist Sweet Root Village  and calligrapher Delighted Calligraphy. The dream team decked out the grounds of Middleton Place with dreamy details and a greenery filled white tented reception. Photographer, Allison Kuhn, was behind the lens capturing all the magic in these dreamy film images.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Our wedding was so special and unique because we had to completely build and design the reception space from scratch. We could truly do whatever we wanted! Alex (my wedding planner, sister-in-law, maid of honor, and best friend) and I worked really hard on coming up with a design that matched Dean’s and my personalities – the highlight being the massive custom square bar in the center of the tent! I was so lucky to have Alex by my side because I trusted her completely and knew she would be able to execute my dream wedding.  Also, Dean and I are HUGE animal lovers so it was super special to have Middleton’s sheep and horses greet guests as the arrived for the ceremony. Dean and I even got to feed the sheep!

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

The dress is a Sareh Nouri and we got it at Hayden Olivia Bridal in Charlotte, NC. I have always wanted a formal wedding but also really wanted it to be 100% outside; so the mission was to find a dress that fit that wedding vision. Something formal, classic and elegant but not too over the top so it didn’t look out of place in an outdoor garden setting. But most important was I wanted to feel comfortable and confident in it. When I tried my dress on for the first time I knew that it was the one! It checked all the boxes and I could just imagine walking down the floral run aisle in this dress!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Our sweet Labrador puppy, Aspen, was highlighted throughout the wedding including customized cookies in the welcome boxes, and the name of our signature drink.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The most memorable part of the day was of course marrying my best friend! But besides that, I think a memorable moment was once we finally were able to sit down for dinner and really take in the tent and overlook our guests; it was truly stunning. The band was playing in the background and guests were already up dancing while drink and food was being served. It was such a great moment to see everyone relaxed (myself included!) and having a good time!

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Our story began in college at Elon University where we were introduced through a mutual friend. We quickly formed a bond and began dating; however, it almost came to a quick end when Dean transferred to Texas A&M to finish his degree. Two years, many FaceTimes and multiple flights later, we decided to try our best at picking a city where we could both start our careers in consulting and finance. This task was much harder than we ever imagined as we were already in two different cities trying to find jobs in Charlotte, North Carolina. As we were beginning to think our long distance would never end, on one afternoon, Dean received an offer from a consulting company for a job in Dallas, TX, but there was a glimmer of hope. A student in Tennessee had received an offer in Charlotte and was willing to switch locations with Dean and further, that same day I received an offer for a banking job in Charlotte. Since then, we’ve lived in Charlotte for three years and absolutely love it!

We have been vacationing in Charleston, SC for years as my parents have a house on Isle of Palms. Charleston is such an easy trip from Charlotte, the two of us frequently drive down on Friday nights after work for the weekend. The proposal was quite a surprise. My family was supposedly gathering at the family beach house for my Dad’s 60th birthday; however, it was all really a set up to get the entire family together to witness the proposal. I have two brothers and none of the siblings live in the same area, so to have everyone together was very special! As we got engaged in Charleston, we decided to return to the beautiful city to have our wedding at Middleton Place!

Photographer: Allison Kuhn // Event Planner & Designer/ Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: AA Events Design // Florist: Sweet Root Village // Calligraphy & Paper Products: Delighted Calligraphy // Venue: Middleton Place // Videographer: Repeet Productions // Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal // Wedding Dress/Veil: Sareh Nouri // Dress/Veil Boutique: Hayden Olivia Bridal // Hair & Makeup: Ash and Co Bridal // Rentals: Snyder Events / Cottage Luxe // Tent: Skyline Tent Company // Lighting: Technical Event Company // Dessert Caravan: Sweet Lulus Bakery // Band: The Rivertown Band  // Ceremony Music: Bob Williams Duo // Get Away Car/Buses: Low Country Valet // Bride Shoes: Jimmy Choos // Grooms Tux: Alton Lane // Bridesmaid Dresses: Katie May Collection // Groomsmen Tux: J. Crew

 

Real Weddings:

Derek and Meredith’s wedding at Middleton Plantation

photography by Stephen Atohi

Meredith always dreamt of a small intimate wedding—one close to the water with homemade flowers and food. However, coming from a very large family, the couple quickly realized that would be impossible. With the help of Ooh! Events, they were able to create an intimate feel, but included all the important people they love. The celebration in dusty burgundy with abundant greenery took place at Middleton Plantation with florals by Ooh! Events and Out of the Garden and Stephen Atohi was on hand to capture it all.

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What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning?

I always wanted a small intimate wedding. A wedding close to the water with homemade flowers and food. However, coming from a very large family, I quickly realized that would be impossible. With the help of Erin Altman we were able to create an intimate feel, but included all the people that were important Derek and me.

What was your color palette and your style vision?

Our color palette consisted burgundy and navy with hints of mauve and light gray.

Derek and I wanted to get married at Middleton Plantation because that is where he proposed. We envisioned utilizing the farmhouse/industrial look of Middleton Plantation while incorporating elegant details.

What was your favorite moment? Favorite crafted detail?

Meredith: My favorite moment of the night was dancing! Our first dance, the father daughter dance, dancing with my grandparents, and dancing with my new in-laws was so incredibly special to me. I will never forget those moments. I had so many favorite details it is hard to choose. My top three were my mothers DIY lanterns that adorned the entrance to the pavilion. My mother- in- law’s beautifully decorated cake for the bride and groom. And Holly Stiles’ simple but elegant industrial chandelier and string lights.

Derek: My favorite moment was when I took a step back during the reception and saw how much fun all of our guests were having. It was such an enjoyable moment for my bride and I, but made even better to see the joy being shared with those closest to us!

Tell us about your flowers, your gown, your favors, your cake, etc.

Flowers: The three things I wanted in my bouquet were burgundy Calla Lillies, mauve Roses, and Succulents. Hints of greenery included Bay Laurel and Eucalyptus. Holly did a great job of composing cohesive flower arrangements throughout the venue.

The bird bath was special because it was a memorial for passed loved ones who we wished were able to be present with us. It consisted of Italian Rustus, mauve and ivory garden Roses, Dahlias, and Vermeer Calla Lillies, Bay Laurel and Eucalyptus.

My gown: My gown ended up being completely opposite of what I had originally envisioned. I strongly encourage brides to go try on a variety of stiles and fabrics, you may be pleasantly surprised with what you like! When trying on dresses, I had a hard time choosing between modern/edgy and classic styles. At Southern Protocol, I found the perfect mixture of the two. A classic style and fabric with modern neckline and waistline detailing.

Favors: Alison Bland of Boldfish Cookie Company made the cutest (and delicious!) bulldog cookies that resembled our two Bulldogs (Poe and Tater).

Cake: The cake was made by Carmella’s. Our cake was decorated, in part, by Derek’s mother Judi Morningstar (she is an amazing baker and cake decorator in Pennsylvania, but was unable to bake our cake due to traveling logistics).

What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?

My first piece of advice would be to remember why you are there. Do not worry about small details that are not going as planned; no one is going to notice that a table is in the wrong place, or that flowers are missing on a table. It is a rare moment to have all of your loved ones (especially parents and grandparents) in one place, and it may be the last time. Cherish this special opportunity, enjoy your day with your new husband, and make memories that will last you a lifetime.

Secondly, do not let fear preclude your dream wedding. I originally wanted a small wedding because I am intimidated by being in front of crowds and being the center of attention. However, it is a truly special moment when you get to commit yourself to the person you love, and have the support and attention of everyone who is important to you.

A little about the couple:

Derek and I met at Sullivans Island beach playing volleyball. Luckily we were both on the same team, because we are both fierce competitors and may not have gotten along if playing against each other. Ever since, our love has grown. I now love him more than Uber Eats and Ice cream, and he loves me more than Fantasy Football. I’d say we are doing pretty well!

Photography: Stephen Atohi // Planner: Ooh! Events // Flowers: Ooh! Events / Out of the Garden // Venue: Middleton Plantation // Dress & Bracelet: Southern Protocol/Maddison Row South
// Makeup: WeddinghairbyCharlotte // Bride’s Makeup and Hair: Stefanie Simpson // Entertainment: Other Brothers Entertainment // Ceremony Strings: Carolina Trio // Officiant: Pastor Mike Gaskins// Transportation: Uber // Rentals: Ooh! Events // Rings: Diamond Direct (wedding rings) / Blue Nile (engagement ring) // Bride’s Earrings: Etsy // Bride’s Necklace: Modern Bride // Shoes: Brides: Badgley Mischka // Groom: Johnston and Murphy // Suits: Joseph A Banks // Tent: Skyline Tents // Bar Service & Catering: Middleton Place // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box

 

Real Weddings:

Jordan and David’s Georgia Wedding

photography by Dana Cubbage Weddings

Jordan and David chose to celebrate their nuptials with a destination event in their college town where the couple first met- Athens, Georgia. The bride explains “it was really special being back where it all started and surrounded by the people who have been part of our relationship since the beginning.” It also made for fun planning trips with planner Keely Thorne Events who helped to create the part-preppy-part-romantic southern wedding in a palette of greens at The Foundry. Florals design was by Amy Osaba Design , custom stationery by Papellerie of Houston and cake by Classic City Confections. Check out all the delightful details in these images by Dana Cubbage Weddings.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

We decided to do a “destination wedding” and chose to get married in our college town where we first met – Athens, Georgia. It was really special being back where it all started and surrounded by the people who have been part of our relationship since the beginning. It also made for the best planning trips!

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

Finding the gown was almost too easy. I saw a picture of the dress on Joan Pillow’s store Instagram and after looking into it, saw there was going to be a trunk show with designer appearance at the Houston store the following day. I called the morning of and was able to get an appointment within the hour. My mom and I met at the dress shop, and as I was headed into the dressing room, the wonderful designer, Sareh Nouri, walked up and introduced herself. She then graciously offered to help us customize the design on the back of the dress and a custom train length. It was the best experience.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We worked with a local Houston printing company –  Papellerie – who did the most impressive job of making our invitations and signage really personal and unique to our whole wedding. It was a ton of fun being part of the process and getting to design the aspect that ultimately shaped the look and feel of our big day.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Surprisingly something we both feared the most – our first dance. We had no practice or lessons and were both certain we’d be all nerves, but when the time came, we sang and dance and enjoyed every minute of that moment listening to the song we chose together. It was really, really special.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We met my early into my freshman year/his sophomore year while out one night. He was with a friend who wanted to talk to a girl I was with. We ended up all taking a picture together that later some mutual friends tagged us in. Those same mutual friends ended up being the reason we connected around 3 years later in his hometown of LaGrange, Georgia. We moved to my hometown of Houston together in 2012, after graduation, and started our new jobs on the same day. On a random Wednesday night in October 2017, heading to what I thought was his work happy hour/dinner at Hotel ZaZa, David surprised me with a suite overlooking the first place we went on a date in Houston – Hermann Park. The room was full of pictures of all of our years together and the night was full of champagne and Facetimes with our loved ones.

Jordan + David | The Holle Teaser Film from Glacier Point Weddings on Vimeo.

Wedding Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings // Planning + Coordination: Keely Thorne Events // Floral Design: Amy Osaba Design // Stationery: Papellerie of Houston // Venue: The Foundry // Cake: Classic City Confections // Wedding Dress: Sareh Nouri From Joan Pillow Bridal Salon // Hair + Makeup: The Moore Agency // Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Bride’s Jewelry: Personal // Bridesmaids Dresses: Various Designers // Band: Big Swing And The Ballroom Blasters // Men’s Attire: Generation Tux // Catering: The Foundry // Rentals: Barron’s Rental // Videography: Glacier Point Weddings // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box

 

Real Weddings:

Tori and Adam’s wedding at Barnsley Resort

photography by Davy Whitener

MAJOR fall vibes in Tori and Adam’s gorgeous wedding day Barnsley Resort. The couple tied the knot on a chilly November day while guests snuggled under luxe throws at a ceremony in the round, under a clear top tent beside historic manor house ruins of the north Georgia venue. Designed by Molly McKinley Designs, the stunning details shine in a fall palette featuring peacock, slate, olive, and silver and include florals by Andy Beach & Co. and invitations and day-of paper by Foglio Press. Rain added even more style to an already-gorgeous day and it’s all captured here by our friend Davy Whitener.

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From the planner: Tori and Adam’s wedding weekend began with a color palette as fun and vibrant as this couple themselves, featuring peacock, slate, olive, and silver. The wedding suite by Foglio Press hinted many of the design textures and colors to come: an embossed herringbone border, duck blue envelopes, a peacock velvet ribbon, silver wreathed wax seal, textured grey liners, and a sketch of the historic Barnsley ruins.

When guests arrived on site at Barnsley, each was given a gift box with classic local food items from many cities significant to Tori and Adam. Tori’s bouquet featured calla lilies, which were in her mom’s bridal bouquet, in addition to peonies, dahlia, eucalyptus, white stock, and brunia berries.

Tori and Adam tied the knot on a chilly November day. Guests snuggled under luxe throws at a ceremony in the round, under a clear top tent beside historic Barnsley Resort manor house ruins. The natural square arbor of flowering branches surrounded the couple as they said their vows. Flower girls held floral hoops, a creative take on flower girl baskets, in addition to sparkling sneakers and custom jean jackets painted with their names.

Cocktail hour was held on the terrace and rotunda of the Georgian Hall. Tori and Adam wanted guests to get to know each other and understand how cherished they were to be present at their wedding weekend, so each person found their seat with an escort card featuring their photo, and signed a guest book that included an information page dedicated to each guest. The family Bible, old photo albums and framed wedding portraits, decorated cocktail hour tables.

After cocktail hour, the band initiated a parade to gather guests and lead them from cocktail hour into the reception space. As guests entered Savannah Hall, a large brick fireplace and towering greenery trees made a dramatic statement in the ballroom. Cane back chairs and oval farm tables brought an intimate dinner party feel, while lush greenery runners and grey velvet linens made the atmosphere luxe and warm. Custom wood bars and stage surround of herringbone pattern mirrored the herringbone brick pattern of Barnsley fireplace.

Sweet tooths, Tori and Adam, cut the pale blue wedding cake, in addition to several flavors of wedding pie, and a groom’s cake featuring Boston sports teams.

Later in the evening, Tori donned a painted denim jacket matching those gifted to the flower girls, scripted with her newly married name. The newlyweds ran through friends, waving LED lighted balloons, before hopping on a golf cart for their grand exit.

Photography: Davy Whitener // Planning + Design: Molly McKinley Designs // Florals + Rentals: Andy Beach & Co. // Invitations + Day of Stationery: Foglio Press  // Venue + Catering: Barnsley Resort // Videography: Oak & Willow // Hair + Makeup: Jennifer C. Nieman // Band: Perfect 10 // Wedding Cake: Lush Cakery // Pies + Groom’s Cake: Honeymoon Bakery // Wedding Painter: Maggie Smith Kuhn // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box