Secret Rose Photography {Oklahoma Bridals}

I still kick myself for not getting bridal portraits taken, especially after a stunning shoot like this shows up in my inbox.  Everything about this vintage Oklahoma bridal session from Secret Rose Photography will make you swoon (scouts honor!)  For starters, can we talk about the scenery? I mean, come on.  You can't beat those gorgeous sun-kissed plains...and how about her magnificently, whimsical gown?  I could romp around in that ALL. DAY. LONG. 

 I'm in heaven :)

Myrtle Beach Wedding {Amy + Brian}

Today's wedding is elegance meets the coast and you know that's right up our alley :)  Photographed by the fabulous Gillian Reinhardt of Carolina Studios, this stunner took place just up the road from Charleston at The Breakers Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The gorgeous couple, Amy + Brian, actually call Maryland home but since the groom's family resides in South Carolina they decided they couldn't resist a Lowcountry wedding (and let's be honest, who can blame them?).  The sounds of Pan Fusion's steel drum welcomed guests to the ceremony as the couple said 'I do' in front of a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.  Afterwards, the lighthearted duo and crew made their way down to the beach to capture some very frame-able pictures...seagulls and all!

Is this not beautiful?  The scenery is incredible.

How cool is this picture...

Myrtle Beach Wedding Vendors

photographer: carolina studios by gillian reinhardt  /  floral designer: kings florist  /  steel drums: pan fusion  /  reception venue: the breakers resort  /  dress store: david's bridal  /  dj: jeff benton, radio mobile dj

Lauren + Tom: Chapel Hill Engagement Session

The South is home to some of the most beautiful college campuses in the country.  With pristine lawns, historic buildings and a killer bar scene, I mean...first class academics, you can't beat the education and experience you get down South and UNC is at the top of that list.  Today's darling couple, Lauren + Tom, met at the prestigious University of North Carolina in beautiful Chapel Hill, North Carolina.   To celebrate their engagement, the Tarheel fans paraded around their old stompin' grounds with the ever-so-talented Joseph of Connections Photography.  As students, the duo regularly showed their school spirit by painting themselves in Tarheel Blue before basketball and football games.  So, they decided to paint themselves on more time and made for some super sweet photos.  Is Lauren not gorgeous?!

Southern Weddings {Kim + Chris}

I'm so glad I finally get to share this amazing rustic wedding with yall.    When Alex, of AlexM Photography, recently sent over these images, I couldn't get enough of all the character and awesome details the bride + groom incorporated.  The darling couple, Kim + Chris, wed this past June in Hooks, Texas on the grounds of Ramage Farms.  The picturesque North East Texas venue was the perfect backdrop for their ceremony and reception and made for gorgeous images.  Kim donned a vintage layered gown for her big day that she paired perfectly with silver and turquoise jewelry.  As she made her way down the aisle towards Chris, she carried a bright colored bouquet of calla lilies and roses made by the fabulous Twisted Vines.  Enjoy!

I told you it was awesome!

Vendors

photographer: alexm photography  /   florist: twisted vines downtown  / 

venue: ramage farm  /  band: ten miles deep  / 

Sarah + Patric: The Swamp

Story time!  I grew up outside of Atlanta and after graduation attended the University of Georgia.  One summer during college I moved to Charleston and met a studly Citadel cadet who hailed from the Sunshine State.  As our relationship blossomed, it quickly became very apparent we had a serious issue on our hands...he was a huge University of Florida fan (insert Gator Chomp here).  Uh-oh.

A few years ago, bets were made on the Georgia/Florida game (which, if you've never been it's a fantastic time) and I lost.  As punishment, I was suppose to sport orange and blue at the following year's game.  Well, being the poor sport (and Georgia grad) that I am...I pouted and didn't do it :)  Since I politely declined, my now-husband has decided I need to make up for it by attending a game at "The Swamp" and at this point we just haven't made it down.  So, I figured, until we're able to plan a fall weekend to Gainesville, I'll just live vicariously through  Sarah + Patric as the spend an afternoon trouncing around the UF stadium with the lovely ladies of Stay Forever Photography for a killer Engagement Session.

Does this not make you excited for football season or what?

Does this not make you excited for football season or what?

Part III: Lowcountry Wedding Plantations

You may remember that at the beginning of the summer we started our Lowcountry Plantations series (Check out Part I and Part II) to assist you ladies in finding your perfect wedding venue.  Well, today we're back with three more of our favorites that are capable of hosting both your ceremony and reception on-site...

Honey Horn Plantation

Situated on the Jarvis Creek, Honey Horn Plantation is 68-acre property full of Lowcountry allure.  (Check out Jennifer + Rob's Honey Horn Plantation Wedding.  Isn't it gorgeous?) It has both indoor and outdoor locations for private events.  So if you're looking for a Hilton Head venue with a lot of Spanish moss, salt marsh and a beautiful sunset, I'd push Honey Horn Plantation to the top of your list.

Image via Jenny Evelyn Photography

Image via Jenny Evelyn Photography

Image via Amelia + Dan Photography

Honey Horn Plantation

70 Honey Horn Drive 29925

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Robin Swift - VP of Marketing + Development

843.689.3033 ext 224

rswift@coastaldiscovery.com

Drayton Hall

If you're looking to incorporate the Old South into your wedding day, look no further than Drayton Hall.  It was once used as a staging ground by both Colonial and British forces, has withstood numerous hurricanes (and even an earthquake!) and still stands in much the same way it did in the 18th century.  Simply put, it's just fantastic.  The plantation home ranks as one of America's finest examples of Pre-Revolutionary War architecture and will provide a truly stunning backdrop for your Lowcountry Wedding.  Oh, and just wait til you see the inside.

Image via Martha Stewart Weddings

Image via Liz Banfield

Image via Liz Banfield

Image via Martha Stewart Weddings

Drayton Hall

3380 Ashley River Road

Charleston, South Carolina 29414

843.769.2600

Natalie Titcomb Baker - Marketing Coordinator & Special Events

Natalie_Titcomb@draytonhall.org

The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation

The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation is a gorgeous venue just north of Charleston in Awendaw, South Carollina.  The Pavilion itself can accommodate up to 300 guests but make sure you take into consideration the season because it is not air conditioned.   With breathtaking views, a spacious porch (4,000 square feet of outdoor covered space!) and a serene surrounding, the Pavilion is the perfect space for a Lowcountry Affair.

Image via Chris and Cami Photography

Image via The Schultzes

Image via Leigh Webber Photography

Image via The Schultzes

The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation

1145 Chandler Road

Awendaw, South Carolina 29429

843.737.1885

PepperPavilion@gmail.com

Christen + Brian: Grande Dunes Ocean Club

Today, we're sharing Christen + Brian's beautiful December Wedding from Brooke Christl Photography.  The couple were wed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where they treated guests to a cozy, romantic reception at Grande Dunes Ocean Club.  Christen stunned in a sweet Watters & Watters gown she selected from the Little White Dress while then men and bridesmaids donned blacked.  She chose a classic black palette complimented by white and pale pink flowers from Callas Florist.  Photographer Brooke Christl used the drizzly day to her advantage and captured some awesome images throughout the wedding (I can't get enough of those umbrella shots). 

This is my favorite shot....

 

Kinda makes you ready for some cooler weather...right?

Thanks so much for sharing, Brooke!

Vendors

photographer: brooke christl photography  /  floral designer: callas florist  /  reception venue: grande dunes ocean club  /  dress: from the little white dress  /  cake: priceless desserts  /  dj: coastal entertainers  /  transportation: carolina limos

Aubrey + Jeff: Cathedral of Junk

Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend.  I can't believe it's already Monday morning again :(  I swear these summer weekends just keep flying by.  I wanted to kick off this week with one of the coolest engagement sessions I've ever seen.  The gorgeous couple, Aubrey + Jeff, share a love of collecting random things (Jeff may jokingly refers to his bride-to-be as a hoarder) and they plan to incorporate many of the treasures they've acquired into their upcoming wedding.   Jeff compares Aubrey's hobby to their five-year relationship saying, "If you keep something around long enough, you end up never wanting to let it go."  So, it made perfect sense they chose the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, Texas as the backdrop for their eclectic engagement session.  From the natural light and beautiful couple to the mounds of vintage finds and mustaches, photographer Caryn Wood of Love Caryn Photography, did an AH-mazing job capturing these two in their element.  I still can't get over how Aubrey's dress pops in every picture? Love it.

Vendors

photographer: love caryn photography  /  dress: buffalo exchange  / 

mustaches:  lucy in disguise

Charleston Weddings {Lowcountry Inspiration Board}

Hi!  I'm Amanda from baci designer stationery + events, a custom stationery and event planning boutique located in Northeast Ohio.  A huge thank you to Erin for having me today :o)  My husband and I lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for three years and while we were there our love for the south grew greater with each year that passed.  We loved it so much that in 2006 we were engaged while visiting Isle of Palms near Charleston (hands down our favorite place on earth!!)!  While we were sad to leave, our need to be closer to our families prevailed and we moved back to the Midwest a few years ago.  Everyday we miss all the things we adored so much about the south - the perfect weather, the soft southern accents that accompanied some of the most wonderful people and of course, the food!!  So I thought there wasn't a more perfect audience to create a Lowcountry Inspiration Board for than you all!  I envision the warm, vintage palette at an outdoor wedding on the land of a local plantation followed by a fabulous black tie reception in the main house complete with a fresh-caught seafood dinner, finishing off the night with a fully stocked cigar bar.  Southern charm at its best!

{Source} 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

So beautiful!  Thanks for sharing, Amanda!

Wedding Keepsakes

My husband and I got married a little over a year ago and we were so touched that so many of our friends and family made the trip to Charleston for the weekend.  Since I grew up outside of Atlanta and my husband hails from Florida, even though we didn't consider our Lowcountry shindig a destination wedding many of our guests did.  Those travel expenses can add up pretty quickly!  So, needless to say, it meant a lot to us that, in addition to just attending the wedding, they also showered us with gifts.

While most guests stuck to our registries (which my kitchen very much appreciates!), some veered off and did their own thing...and not always in a good way.  Let's just say I still haven't acquired a liking for a few of the items.  I actually considered taking a picture of some of the "interesting" and cheesy gifts we received but figured that's pretty rude.  Like I said, I am more than thankful for any and ever gift we received, it just made me think that if guests choose to stray from the registry, it should be for something the bride and groom will treasure and not just toss to the side.

I guess you could say I'm a pretty sentimental person and I love any gift that has significant meaning, so I thought I'd round up some of my favorite wedding day gifts that are absent from your everyday registries.  I can promise you all of these keepsakes will be cherished for years to come.

"Remember the Day" Pillows

I may have a slight obsession with burlap which is why it's probably no surprise that Etsy dealer, Next Door to Heaven's, "Remember the Day" Pillows are one of my favorites.  These are the perfect day-to-day reminder of a couple's nuptials.

Venue Prints

Point DeVue is a Chicago based company that is a master of architectural artwork.   These unique sketches will add that personal touch to your gift.  What could be better than a constant reminder of the venue that was home to their magical evening.

Custom Heirloom Bowls

Located in Austin, Texas, Paloma's Nest specializes in all things heirloom.  They offer a large selection of handmade beauties that are intended to last for generations (just the way we like 'em!).  One of our favorites is the Large Custom Heirloom Bowls and it will look perfect displayed  in the bride and groom's home.

Sweetgrass Baskets

Ahhh, sweetgrass baskets.  The art of sweetgrass weaving is a Charleston staple that takes local palmetto strips and hand stitches them into intricate designs.  These sturdy keepsakes incorporate themselves nicely into any Lowcountry woman's serving ware collection.

Wedding Signs

I just love these.  Chocolate Butterbean makes the most beautiful wedding signs...don't you think?  They  are completely customizable and come in a range of sizes, mediums and the message is up to you.  The newlyweds will welcome this heartfelt addition to their humble abode!

Wedding Art Prints

I ran across Jenna Sue Designs on Sparkle & Hay last week and I've been smitten with it ever since.  This print is perfect for the sentimental bride and groom and can easily be reworked to include the couples own vows or the words their first dance.

Southern Weddings {Shannon}

 Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend!  Even though, I'm pretty excited about the idea of cooler weather (and football season), I can't believe the  summer is wrapping up.  One thing I love just love about Southern Weddings, and the South in general, is the vintage feel.  You know that a Southern bride is going to look classically beautiful.  She's not going to overdue it with too many accessories or crazy hair and make up.  It's more about her personal style then the current trends and fads.  She has a timeless appeal in every aspect of her wedding day, from her flower selection to the choice of music and the end result is always a stunning affair.   That's what I love about Shannon's Orchard House Bridal Shoot from our friends at Connections Photography.  I'm pretty sure I was gasping as scrolled through every image.

Her hair - perfect.  Earrings - love 'em.  Setting - Nailed it.  Go ahead...get your swoon on!

The last image is my favorite :)

   

Images by Connections Photography via Two Bright Lights

Southern Weddings {Shannon + Quincy}

Being a Georgia grad, I'm kind of a sucker for anything that has to do with the city of Athens. (Speaking of, did you hear the Georgia Theatre finally reopened?!)  Athens is just a charming Southern town.  It's got great people, an awesome music (and bar!) scene and obviously a fabulous football team :)  So, naturally when the talented Nick Branch sent over Shannon + Quincy's April wedding I couldn't wait to get it up on the blog.  Shannon was a knock-out in her David's Bridal gown while the men rocked tuxes from Men's Wearhouse.  She walked down the aisle of the Seney-Stovall Chapel (an Athens staple) carrying a beautiful bouquet of red rose.  After the ceremony, the crowd headed down the street to the Hardeman-Sams House where they enjoyed the rest of the evening.

vendor recap

photographer: nick branch photography  / dress designer: David's Bridal /  planner: shervoski moreland designs and events   /  florist: european floral design  /   cakes: cakes by southern belle /   ceremony location: seney stovall chapel  /  reception venue: hardeman-sams house  /  shoes: nine west  /  tuxedos: men's wearhouse

Southern Weddings {Anna + Patrick}

Whenever I talk to someone who is recently engaged and in the planning stage, (whether I know them or not), my first question is always, "Have you picked out your colors?!"   I love to see the color palette brides choose because it always says so much about their personality.  Today's Florida bride, Anna, picked a perfectly beach-y combo of orange and blue for her October nuptials which matches her and hubby Patrick's vivacious, laid back and classic style.  Anna is just radiant in her white Maggie Sottero gown which she paired with a few blue accessories (lovin' that necklace) that fit the mood of the day just right...don't you think?  The ladies of Stay Forever Photography, Jessica and Melissa, were on hand to capture all the loveliness (and boy did they do their job!).  With a beautiful backdrop of palm trees and a touch of the Florida sun, Anna + Patrick were wed at Fort Pierce Yacht Club.  They continued the evening with some serious dancing, delicious food and gorg flowers by Giordano's.

If I don't respond back to emails or phone calls today it's because this wedding makes me want to take off straight to the beach :)  Sullivans here I come!

To catch more of this beauty, check out Stay Forever's posts (Part I and Part II).

Thanks so much for sharing, ladies!

vendor recap

photographer: stay forever photography  / dress designer: maggie sottero /  planner: jade smith of island party rentals   /  florist: giordano's floral creations  /   shoes: paris hilton /   reception venue: fort pierce yacht club  /