Boone Hall Plantation Wedding {Kirsten + John}

If there's one thing we love, it's Charleston weddings and when Richard Bell Photography is behind the lens it just makes us love them even more!  Kirsten + John tied the knot this summer in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina at the now famous (thanks to Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds!) Boone Hall Plantation.  The couple met while both active in the military.  Even though the twosome were stationed in different states, the active  duty duo chose Charleston to host their destination affair.  We adore the rustic blue color palette they chose to complement the burlap details.  Thanks for sharing your darling Boone Hall Plantation wedding with us!

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer:  Richard Bell Photography  //  Reception Venue: Boone Hall Plantation

Whitney + Brian {Crystal Falls} Southern Wedding Vendors

It's been an exciting first week on our new site!  We love our new look and can't wait to show you what we've got in store!  Think even more gorgeous Southern wedding loveliness, wonderful southern vendors and inspiration for days.  Thanks to everyone for their kind words about our fabulous new design and all the love about this week's real weddings.  To get a jump start on the weekend, we're going to wrap things up with a lovely Southern wedding from Georgia photographer Liz Yeakle.  The couple, Whitney + Brian, tied the knot in laid back outdoor ceremony at Crystal Falls in Dawsonville, Georgia.  Their rustic yellow color palette was accented with lots of sunflowers and cowboy boots!

Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Liz Yeakle Photography  /  Ceremony and Reception Venue: Crystal Falls

Chelsea + Ryan {Florida Wedding}

I'm loving Chelsea + Ryan's classic Southern wedding at the rustic Lange Farm in Dade City, Florida.  Lange Farm is a 233 acre horse farm with beautiful open fields and stunning oak trees...all of which provide the perfect backdrop for a charming wedding with that laidback Florida ease.  After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their bridal party toured the farms as Scott Kelsey Photography captured some droolworthy images.  Don't you just love this natural setting?

Vendors

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Lange Farm  /  Photographer: Scott Kelsey Photography

Dusty + Travis {California Wedding} Michelle Johnson Photography

Oh, hey Friday! I've been waiting for you to get here all week!  With the unseasonably warm winter we've been having, I felt like today would be the perfect day to share a vibrant California wedding.  Dusty + Travis became man and wife this past June and their photographer, Michelle Johnson, shared a few sweet details...

" Dusty and Travis have the sweetest love. They adore the country and they put the sweetest details into their do it yourself wedding day. From the rustic signs, to the sweet love cake display, this wedding was magical. The bride Dusty entered the private estate on a horse drawn carriage. The vintage dresser at the end of the aisle was filled with family photos and candles. The hand made seating chart was absolutely adorable. This country wedding was just beautiful."

Alyson + Chris {Bentley's on the Bay Wedding}

Bentley's on the Bay is a beautiful waterfront venue situated on the picturesque Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.  Last May, Bentley's was the venue of choice to host Chris + Alyson's rustic Southern wedding.  Their wedding day was designed to a southern 'T' and I just know you guys are going to go crazy over these oh-so lowcountry wedding details and fabulous images from Dede Edwards Photography.  With the help of florist Cari DeGregorio, Alyson's achieved a gorgeous neutral color palette combined with our favorite classic southern elements: burlap, driftwood and cotton.  Basically, it's the perfect coastal wedding.

Southern Wedding Vendors

photographer: dede edwards photography  /  reception venue: bentley's on the bay  /  floral designer: cari degregorio flowers  / cake designer: sugar lily sweet shop

Rustic Winter Wedding Inspiration

Well, my holiday vacation officially started last night...which meant I had to sleep in this morning :)  So, sorry for the delayed post!  But, since we're in the Christmas 'home stretch', I just had to share this rustic winter wedding shoot from the talented twosome of McGowan Images and MegB Designs.  I know it's been unseasonable warm in our neck of the woods, but these images may just help put you in the holiday spirit! From the designer, Meagan Bechtel of MegB Designs:

"My idea for this shoot was really simple – I wanted to convey a beautiful winter wedding scene, without being overtly Christmas or using any holiday cliches. I tried to stick with a few basics – neutral colored china and linens, antiqued silver and mercury glass, various sizes of pinecones, and just a few touches of bright red. We were so lucky to be granted the use of a local Christmas tree farm, which was the perfect backdrop for this scene. When I’m designing, it’s helpful for me to think of what I what I already own, what I can probably borrow, and what I might be able to source cheap, or second-hand. That’s pretty much the basis for my philosophy: beg, borrow, or thrift. I guess my point is, you don’t need a lot of money to set up a fabulous-looking event, or table-scape. We did two table settings, a desert station, and styled a bride and groom, and did it for cheap - my final total for this shoot was less than a hundred bucks: $20 for the whoopie pies ingredients, $20 for the florals/materials, $15 for 5 yards of cotton muslin to recover the chairs cushions/cloth napkins, $10 for a few well-priced Goodwill finds, and about $20 for the candles, peppermints, cranberries, and rock salt. As I did on my own wedding day, I trusted McGowan Images to capture this shoot the way I imagined it. We talked about wanting it to feel wintery, but at the same time, warm and sun-drenched. That's the kind of Christmas you get in Central Texas. I think the images turned out even better than we were hoping for, and I hope they help inspire a cash-strapped bride to think outside the box for winter wedding design."

Don't you just love the bride and groom's accessories? That red jacket and scarf are just perfect.

Merry Christmas, yall!

 

Meghan + Jon {Charleston Wedding}

 This past Labor Day weekend, Meghan + Jon invited 60 of their closest friends and family to the Lowcountry to join them in a big celebration.  After much research, the destination couple selected Old Wide Awake Plantation to host their laid back Southern affair.  This stunning Antebellum plantation sits on the banks of the Stono River and offers a picturesque backdrop for a classic Charleston wedding.  Kristie of Say LULLOW Creative was on hand to capture all of the details and some emotional moments between the bride and groom.  Meghan's sister is the talent behind Local Root Wildflower and designed a gorgeous array of Fall flowers to compliment the bride's rustic color palette.

 Tell us a little bit about how you met your husband. How long have you known each other?  

Where did you meet? I met my husband, Jon, through a mutual friend. My girlfriend told me that she had this guy in my mind for me and he was going to be at this party that weekend. She had sent out a group email on the details for the upcoming party. There was some group banter going around and then he started just emailing me. We emailed each other back and forth over the next couple of days. When I first saw the tall green eyed, blonde hair boy – I was super nervous which I don’t normally get. Since we were in a group setting there wasn’t much alone time but we managed to get in some small talk. He was a little shy at first but, my outgoing personality helped break the ice and ever since then we’ve been attached at the hip. We’ve known each other for a little over two years.

What was your color palette: 

Purple, yellow, brown, green (I really didn’t have a set color palette; I let my flowers speak for my color palette and used more natural colors throughout the décor. I had burlap pieces on the table and they were also used as ties for the taller tables. Mason jars and old kraft wooden cheese boxes were used to hold the flower centerpieces. )

 

 How did he propose? How long were you engaged for? 

It kind of worked out for him because I did all the planning. Ha. I planned a winter weekend getaway in small town called, Hocking Hills. Once we got to the cabin, we went on hike and then decided to try out the hot tub. I was pulling clothes out of our suitcase and he sat me down on the bed and started to tell me how much he loved me. I had no clue what he was doing. I replied, “I love you too.” Jon dropped to one knee and I started freaking out. He popped the question and I screamed, “YES! YES!” We were engaged for 8 months before our big day.

Why did you choose to have A Lowcountry Wedding?  

I knew I wanted to get married in South Carolina but it was going to take some convincing with our parents. I knew that Charleston would get a great spot for family and friends to vacation and hopefully find a very southern venue.

 

 How did you choose your venue?

One of my sisters lives on Wadalmaw Island so she was able to do all the leg work in finding a venue. There were a couple of venues that she had visited for me but they didn’t leave a lasting impression. I was talking to a couple of vendors for the wedding and one had mentioned Old Wide Awake Plantation. Just from the photos on the website – I was sold. My sister went to visit the venue and she fell in love with the place. The venue had a great dance area, interesting bar area and just a beautiful backdrop for a wedding.

 

What’s your favorite picture from your wedding?

I have a ton of favorites. My photographer was amazing and caught some really great moments. One of my favorites is our first kiss as husband and wife and our bridal party celebrating us in the background. My other favorite would be us with the Thank you sign. I love the fact that we were both laughing (not sure at what) and it’s such a natural photo of us. 

 

Your wedding was filled with gorgeous details. Did any have special meaning? What was your favorite?  

One of my favorite details were the flowers – my sister, Erin, started her own flower business (Local Roots Wildflowers) and she grew the flowers herself. Erin and her boyfriend also made the guest book table which was AMAZING! I had one of my talented musician friends play the ceremony music. A neighbor created card holders for our food cards and photos that we were displayed throughout the tables. They were made out of wine corks and stained glass. They added just a bit more color to the simply center pieces. Last but not least, my dad had brought with him the cake topper that was used at his mom’s wedding. I could go on and on about the little touches. Throughout the planning process, I wanted to include family and friends with certain details of the wedding. I would have an idea and I would call on a family or friend to see if they would be able to create my vision. It worked out so organically.

 Tell us a little bit about your menu. Did you add any Lowcountry elements? 

The menu was heavy appetizers. I’m a vegetarian so I wanted to incorporate that into our menu but make sure that the meat-eaters weren’t starving. Some of the menu items were: tomato bruschetta

Out of the entire day, what was the most memorable moment? 

During the reception, Jon and I snuck off to take a breather. We just told each other how happy we were and how excited we were about spending the rest of our lives together. I will always remember that moment.

Looking back on your engagement and wedding, is there any advice you would give to brides in the planning process? 

If you aren’t going to be at the wedding venue getting ready – go and take 30 minutes in the morning to make sure everything is set. Also, make sure you give yourself enough time to take photos. Our transportation was late and we missed out on hour and half of taking photos which ate into our time for the reception.

 Vendors

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Old Wide Awake Plantation  /  Photographer: Say LULLOW Creative  /  Invitations: Tiny Prints  /  Cake: Three Little Birds  /  Flowers: Local Roots Wildflowers  /  Hair & Makeup: Urban Nirvana  /  DJ /Band : Other Brother Entertainment – DJ josh  /  

Caterer: Three Little Birds

Lena + David {Tennessee Wedding}

 Lena + David tied the knot this past summer in picture-perfect Viola, Tennessee where Jaime of Our Ampersand Photo was on hand to capture this beautiful barnyard affair!  The couple opted for a simple outdoor ceremony that offered their guests a stunning mountainous view.  All the maids were able to select their dresses in varying shades of blue while he gents left their jackets at home for this Southern summer wedding.  Lena looked amazing in her strapless gown and carried the most amazing bouquet of flowers down the aisle.

 

Vendors

photographer: our ampersand photo

Savannah + Derek {Georgia Wedding}

Hope everyone had a wonderful Lowcountry weekend and is gearing up for a big, hearty Southern Thanksgiving!  Today we're sharing Savannah + Derek's darling rustic wedding.  The couple were married at Eton Chapel in the bride's hometown of Chatsworth, Georgia.  The chapel had been in the family for years and was actually built by Savannah''s grandfather. The bride and groom had hoped to say their vows outdoors but inclement weather made them bring the party inside.  Kristen of Found Lovely was on hand to capture all the memories of Savannah + Derek's sweet Southern wedding...

Vendors

photographer: found lovely  /  ceremony location: eton chapel  /  

reception venue: community southern bank event hall  /  cake: creative cakes by lisa  / 

South Carolina Wedding {Rebecca + Philip}

Back In 2004, toady's bride, Rebecca, relocated to Nashville, Tennessee.  While still becoming acquainted with the Music City, friends introduced her to Jo Dee Messina band member, Philip. The duo had an instant bond and shortly thereafter had their first date...in Honolulu, Hawaii!  (Does that not sound like an episode of The Bachelor to you!?)  Seven years later Philip popped the question on July 12, 2010, Rebecca's birthday.  The couple had a gorgeous rustic wedding this Spring at Sans Souci Farms in Sumter, South Carolina.  The perfect weather,  picturesque Carolina scenery and the talented team from Ricki Ford Photographers combined for these beautiful timeless images.

loooove this last shot...

Vendors

photographer: ricki ford photographers  /  caterer: catering for all occasions  / 

reception venue: sans souci farms  /  florist: the daisy shop  / 

planner: brenda holmes  /  entertainment: tad graham

Allie + Mike: Ontario, Canada

To beat the Monday blues, we're kicking off the week with a charming Ontario affair from ilo photo that shows how a cloudy day can make for some lovely images.  Allie + Mike were married in an intimate ceremony in her parent's rose garden where they were encircled by their closest friends and family.  Afterwards, the bridal party took some time to capture some sweet (and entertaining!) group shots.  They ended the evening with a darling tented reception where Allie incorporate some rustic elements with pops of pink.

   

  

 

 Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

Vendors

photographer: ilo photo  /  caterer: normand piquette catering  / 

reception venue: millen rose garden

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  / 

Pepper Plantation Wedding {Peter + Nicole}

It's Thursday and I'm going on vacation tomorrow (sorry to rub it in!.  Hopefully, I'll be productive today...but I'm not making any promises.  I'm so excited I kinda can't stand it but I'm even more pumped to share today's real wedding with you all.  Yesterday we featured Peter + Nicole's rustic Cotton Dock Rehearsal Dinner and today we're following it up with their winter wedding that I'm pretty sure you're going to fall in love with.  Once again, Peter + Nicole enlisted the talents of The Daniels and Eventa Bella and, no surprise, they did not disappoint.  The couple hosted their guests for an evening of live music by Charleston favorite, Plane Jane, at the picturesque Pepper Plantation,.  It was the perfect backdrop for Nicole's rustic pewter color palette, cozy lighting and of course, some cowboy boots!

charleston wedding vendors

photographer: the daniels  /  event designer: sabrina with eventa bella  /  band: plane jane  /  reception venue: pavillion at pepper plantation