This darling bride makes me happy. And once you read her sweet description of the day, you will most definitely agree. Because even though the weather forecast was a solid 100% chance of rain (yes, 100%!), you would never have guessed it from her uber-bubbly, uber-smiley personality. And let’s face it, rainy day weddings are the best, anyway… don’t you agree? Twin Hearts Photography was on hand to capture every love-filled moment and it’s a gallery chock-full of sweet DIY details and a whole lot of pretty. Join me there for every ounce of lovely.
From the Bride… Navy is my favorite color and one of my many inspirations for the day! Believe it or not, I had a difficult time finding pictures of weddings that incorporated navy without feeling too “nautical.” I wanted an outdoor wedding that brought preppy to the table with a little rustic flair. Many of the details were thought of over glasses of wine with friends and of course, my best wedding planner of all, my mom!
Wade and I got engaged May of 2012 and I couldn’t wait to begin planning! The reception venue is the home of my parents’ very best friends and that was the first thing checked off the list! Next, I wanted to find a dress, because I felt that my dress would influence many of my decisions moving forward. I found the dress at White Dress by the shore (a fabulous boutique in Clinton, Connecticut with the most beautiful location and friendliest staff to wait on you hand and foot!).
The bridesmaids’ dresses were next on the list and while I absolutely love them, the designer (Emma Graham) went out of business this Spring.
So many of the details were projects I worked on over the course of the year or things I borrowed from friends and family. My sister crafted all of the chalkboards and I worked on custom wine labels that I would stick on our many bottles of Chardonnay. Since we were married on Kentucky Derby Day, the flowers were arranged in Mint Julep cups that I collected from friends! I also borrowed the classic Southern blue and white china vases from our friends in Marietta! The Jack Daniels barrels came from a friend’s farm in Nashville. Wade and I graduated from the University of Georgia and he insisted on having UGA as his cake! My grandmother also found a beautiful brooch from her mom that I was so excited to use as a part of my bouquet! The spirit of family and love could be felt throughout the evening!
Keeping in Southern tradition, the food cannot be overlooked! Epting Events truly outdid themselves with short ribs, mashed potatoes and spinach gratin. They put together two small plate stations- one with four different types of salads and the other, a pork tenderloin slider with grits and green beans. Shrimp cocktail, orzo salad with asparagus, tomato and mozzarella… just delicious!
But most of all, I wanted my wedding to feel like a party. Not stuffy or “over planned.” When we received the 100% chance of rain, I just went with it! We bought lots of flip flops so everyone could dance and not ruin their shoes. I had my sister design the chalkboard reminding everyone that it’s 100% going to rain, so just have fun! We went from an outdoor wedding to a clear tent wedding and it was just amazing. You could see the pouring rain hitting the tent and with the lights, it was simply magical. It turned out to be quite a memorable event and everyone stayed until the last song was played by the band! Oh, and the cops were called three times because we were having so much fun!
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Photography + Cinematography: Twin Hearts Photography | Ceremony Venue: The First Presbyterian Church of Marietta | Reception Venue: Private Residence | Floral Decor: Jeryl Johnson | Event Planning + Design + Catering: Epting Events | Invitations: Paper Affair | Groom’s Cake: Gabriel’s | Music Trio: Cobalt Strings | Band: The Grapevine | Wedding Dress: Amsale via The White Dress by the Shore | Shoes: Kate Spade