Ashleigh + Shane {Biltmore Estate Wedding}

I'm so thrilled I finally get to share Ashleigh + Shane's fabulous North Carolina nuptials with you!  After becoming engaged at The Biltmore Estate, it was no question that Asheville's one-of-a-kind venue would have to host their wedding, as well.  If you've never been, you really must plan a trip to this breathtaking home.  With over 250 rooms, this immaculate mansion is the largest privately owned home in the States.  The grounds feature perfectly manicured lawns and gorgeous pristine gardens.  With that being said, it's really no wonder it has collected numerous accolades as one of the top wedding venues on the East Coast.  It's absolutely magical...and Ashleigh + Shane's Southern affair was no different!  The couple selected the Estate's Deerpark Restaurant to host their outdoor ceremony and romantic reception.  Ashleigh enlisted the talents of Christi Falls Photography and Honey Darling Events to assist and execute her perfect Summer wedding which incorporated a gorgeous palette of pink, coral and green.

Vendors

photographer:christi falls photography  /  planner: honey darling events  /  

ceremony and reception venue: deerpark restaurant at the biltmore estate  /  dj: spintastic sounds

Kirsten + Travis {Tennessee Engagement}

I don't know about yall, but down South we've been experiencing some pretty fabulous (and unseasonable) weather.  We're talking it's suppose to hit 70 degrees by the end of the week.  It's like heaven, I hope Fall never ends. Best. December. Ever.  So, today I thought I would share one of my favorite Autumn Engagements from KLP Photography.  I'm absolutely obsessed with these perfectly timeless and Southern images.  Not only are Kirsten + Travis adorable but they took full advantage of their Eastern Tennessee surroundings.  What's not to love about gorgeous horses, rustic barns and breathtaking views?

I mean, is this for real!?

 

Aisle Decor {Wedding Details}

This week we're highlighting another one of our favorite wedding details...aisle decor!  Whether you're tying the knot in a church or planning for an outdoor ceremony, there are plenty of ways to spice up your stroll to the alter.  From a classically Southern arrangement of white hydrangeas to a romantic evening aisle lit by candles, we're sure our round-up will provide you just the ceremony inspiration that you've been waiting for...

 Images via Luna and Chloe Weddings and Aaron Delesie via Style Me Pretty

 Image by Charleston vendor Branch Design Studios via Juliet Elizabeth Photography

 Images via Style Me Pretty

Image by Charleston vendor, Jennifer Bearden

 Images via Ruffled and Kristin Vining Photography via Style Me Pretty

 Image by Jen Rodriquez via Style Me Pretty

 Images by Aaron Delesie Photography and Rachel Barker Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image via Tanja Lippert Photography

 Images by Charleston vendor, Jennifer Bearden Photography and Yvette Roman Photography via Style Me Pretty

 Image via Charleston photographer Leigh Webber Photography

 

Images via Kate Headley Photographyby Charleston florist, Branch Design Studios and Charleston photographer Leigh Webber

  

Jennifer + Sean {Nashville Wedding}

With the help of some of Nashville's most sought-after wedding vendors, Jennifer + Sean tied the knot this past Fall. The couple hosted fifty of their closest friends and family at one of Nashville's premier wedding venues, CJ's Off The Square.  Evin Photography was on hand to capture Jennifer's simple, yet modern wedding with the perfect jewel-toned color palette that was executed by CJ's on-site wedding planner, Amy Parman.   The bride looked stunning in her Casablanca gown from The White Room that was accessorized with a fabulous pair of pink heels.  The maids sported blue, knee-length Alfred Sung dresses from Arzelles that were paired with vibrant bouquets from the Carriage House.  The entire bridal party looked flawless thanks to talents of Amy Lynn Larwig (makeup) and Melissa Taylor (hair).  

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 at Kroger where I began working in 2005 . He was assigned to train me (set up by him and his manager) and we have been together ever since. It was our six and a half anniversary we when got married on October 9th.

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

In the summer of 2010, he took an internship in California for two months. He drove his car out there and I was flying out there to make to trip back to Tennessee with him. When I arrived in California, we had an entire day planned of sites to see since I had never been there.  We had been talking a lot about getting married and I even picked out my perfect engagement ring before he had left. I was REALLY hoping that he would propose to me at some point during our trip back home. We went to all the places we had planned to see and he said he wanted to take me to Venice beach. We got there and were walking along the beach when he stopped and gave me the longest hug ever. He then got on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was the PERFECT place to get engaged!

Jennifer's favorite image of the day...

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

I cannot say that there is one specific thing from my wedding that was perfect. I know that everyone says this, but I truly feel that every part of our wedding was perfect!

How did you choose your venue?

We wanted a small wedding with close family and friends. We knew that we wanted a venue that had a very intimate atmosphere and CJ's Off the Square in downtown was perfect! I also liked that at CJ's the ceremony and reception were at the same venue.

Color palette:  We chose a palette of jewel toned colors. There was blue, purple, and pink incorporated throughout the ceremony and reception site. We also used charcoal gray table clothes with white chairs and linens so that the rich colors in the table arrangements would stand out. We wanted a modern and simple atmosphere.

Tell us a little bit about your menu...

We wanted a menu that everyone could enjoy, so we chose to have eight heavy hors d'oeuvres.  I was afraid that if we went with a sit down dinner with only two options that some people would not like the food we had chosen.  Some hors d'oeuvres that we had were: spinach and artichoke dip, twice baked potatoes, meatballs, praline chicken tenders and fruit skewers.  Everyone seemed to love it and I think it was a good choice.

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

A special moment for me was seeing my grandfather at my wedding.  I honestly thought that his medical diagnosis would take him away before our October 9th nuptials.  It made me EXTREMELY happy to see him sitting there when I came down the stairs.  I was so thankful that he was physically able to be a part of our day!  I experienced a lot of memorable moments throughout our wedding.  I was excited to be marrying my best friend and the person that I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with!!

 

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

I would say ENJOY your engagement!  The wedding day goes by EXTREMELY fast and I feel like I let the stress of planning a wedding interfere with enjoying our engagement time.  I also would suggest to choose a photographer that you want to be around you for your entire wedding day.  Our photographer, Evin Krehbiel, was AMAZING!

Vendors

Photographer: Evin Photography  /  Ceremony and Reception Venue: CJs off the Square  /  Designer/Planner: Amy Parman  /  Caterer: A Catered Affair  /  Lighting:  Nashville Event Lighting  /  Cake: Jessica Dean  /  Flowers: The Carriage House  /  Gown: Casablanca. from The White Room  /  Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Sung. from Arzelles  /   Hair: Melissa Taylor  /  Makeup: Amy Lynn Larwig  /  Entertainment: Jason Middleton  /   Transportation: My dad's 1969 Camaro

Alicia + Wade {Pensacola Wedding}

Alicia + Wade tied the knot this past June on the shores of Pensacola, Florida.  The couple and their bridal party prepped for the big day at the Margaritaville Beach Hotel where the award-winning photographer team from Studio One Eleven Inc. caught some fabulous images!  Alicia dazzled in a strapless gown complimented by a stunning bouquet while her maids rocked dresses in varying shades of purple.  Wade and his men looked dapper in white.  After the perfect sunset ceremony, the couple and their guests headed to the Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Community Center to kick off the evening's festivities.  Alicia left the decor to the talented staff at Southern Floral Traditions, who completely transformed the venue.  What a beautiful (and fun) wedding!?!

 

 

 Vendors

photographer: studio eleven one inc.  /  hair stylist: studio 7 salon, trends salon  /  caterer:  becky's eatery  /  floral designer: southern floral traditions  /   reception venue: sanders beach-corinne jones community center  /  cake designer: confection perfection  /  dj:  everything and the wedding too  /  makeup artist: john dye  /  tuxedo and men's attire: men's wearhouse  /  officiant: pastor patrick waters  /  hotel: margaritaville beach hotel

Marsae + Matthew {Charleston Engagement}

Every girl hopes, wait...dreams, that when she's proposed to her husband-to-be will make sure it's a story worth re-telling, and that's exactly what Marsae's man Matthew did.  He made it an engagement any Lowcountry bride would revel in.  Marsae had her heart set on a Christmas engagement and when the holiday season passed without a proposal she had all but given up hope....which was the perfect opportunity for Matthew!  He contacted the talented Kelly Sauer in early January and revealed his plans to invite Marsae to join him for a "business trip" to Charleston.  The scheming twosome decided Kelly would hide out at Charleston's picturesque Waterfront Park to catch Matthew's emotional proposal and Marsae's priceless reaction.  After seeing these images, I think hiring a photographer should be a must for any guy planning an engagement...I mean, who wouldn't want to have this moment forever captured on film?

 

Say hi to Kelly!

Southern Weddings {Boutonnieres}

I consider myself a decent speller, but the word 'boutonniere' throws me every time...so, I usually just stick with the term 'bouts'.  A 'bout' is simple and cute (it comes from the French term 'buttonhole') and doesn't put my spelling ability to the test...problem solved!  You'll usually find them as a single bud, sometimes a gathering of 2-3, adorned with leaves or foliage and secured by a simple ribbon.  The color scheme of a bout ties in seamlessly with the rest of the wedding and tends to match the bride's bouquet.  We've collected Part II (see Part I here!) of our favorites that range from modern to vintage and simple to ornate.  Don't you just love how these little guys perfectly accessorize our Southern fellas.

Image via Once Wed

Image via Paige Winn 

 

Image via Ruffled and Style Me Pretty

Image via Inspired Bride

 

Image via Honey and Poppies 

Images via Ruffled and Style Me Pretty

Image via Style Me Pretty

Images via Desi Baytan Photography and Melissa Schollaert Photography

 

Image via Tara Guerard

 

Image via Anna Be Bridal Boutique

Images via Style Me Pretty

 

Image via The Knot

Image via Honey and Poppies 

 

Images via Style Me Pretty Boutonniere from Sara York Grimshaw via Leigh Webber 

 

Images by Jose Villa via Style Me Pretty

 

Lindsey + Adam {Florida Engagement}

Lindsey + Adam's Tallahassee Engagement Session is so awesome that it took two days to complete!  Dressed in their stylish vintages duds, the soon-to-be-newlyweds met up with Florida photographer, Shutter Pop Photo, for part one at the Train Station. Throughout the day, Adam kept the crew laughing and his darling bride smiling as they explored the tracks.  St. Mark's National Wildlife Refuge and lighthouse set the stage for the second portion of the session.  With their blanket and picnic basket in tow, Lindsey + Adam were able to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and gorgeous sunset.

A Lowcountry Wedding Blog featuring Charleston Weddings, Hilton Head Weddings, Myrtle Beach Weddings and Southern Weddings

Jess + Zach {Minnesota Wedding}

I'm in love with Jess + Zach's effortless Minnesota wedding from Shea Christine Photography.  The couple wed had perfect weather this past September as their recited their vows under a beautiful gazebo along the banks of the Mississippi River.  Afterwards, the newlyweds hosted their 100 guests in an intimate reception at Riedel Farm Estate in Fridley, Minnesota.  Their theme of simplicity ran throughout the wedding by using a mix of hydrangeas and burlap for decor.  Shea put it best when she said, "This wedding was simple & beautiful. It goes to show how the right venue & simplicity can go a long way."  

Wedding Vendors

photographer:shea christine photography /  ceremony and reception venue: riedel farm estate 

A Lowcountry Wedding Blog featuring Charleston Weddings, Southern Weddings, HIlton Head Weddings, Myrtle Beach Weddings

A Lowcountry Wedding Vendor Giveaway!

 We are so thrilled and thankful for the amazing brides and vendors who have been overly supportive of  A Lowcountry Wedding.  Your support has allowed us to grow tremendously this past year and we can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for us!  Over the past few months, we've been working hand-in-hand with the talented Sarah Kate Snyder of Studio Snyder to develop an amazing new site for A Lowcountry Wedding, that, fingers crossed, should be ready to go live in just a few weeks.  (Seriously, it's so awesome it tends to keep me up at night!)  So, as a way of saying thanks to all of our supportive vendors we're giving away blog tiles to {3} randomly selected Lowcountry Wedding Professionals!  The winners will be receive a free tile on ALW for 3 months.  How awesome is that!? 

 Image via Joe Hendricks Photography

To enter, simply leave us some love!  

Drop us a line either here on ALW, our Facebook page or tweet us at @alowcountrywed telling us you're entering the A Lowcountry Wedding Vendor Giveaway!  The giveaway is open to any Lowcountry area wedding vendor and ends Friday, December 16th at 5:00 pm.  We'll select {3} random winners that will be announced Monday, December 19th.  

Best of luck! 

Image via Monica Day Photography

...and Brides, don't worry, we haven't forgotten about you!  You're up next :)

Catherine + Michael {Savannah Wedding}

Before we get to today's Southern wedding, I just wanted to remind all of our Lowcountry vendors to check back later this afternoon for our big giveaway!  Catherine + Michael wed this past June at the charming Mackey House in the Savannah Lowcountry. Photographed by the talented Chris Isham, this effortless wedding boasted a classic Southern color palette of pink, green and white that the team at Kiwi Fleur translated perfectly into some stunning florals...just check out Catherine's bouquet!  Peonies and orchids? Yes, please!  Catherine looked timeless in her lace wedding gown with hair swept up.  In her shoe she carried a silver sixpence to complete the "Something Old, Something New..." poem.  The duo opted to see each other prior to the ceremony and the combination of the adorable pair and the picturesque backdrop made for some seriously frame-able images.  

Oh, and just in case you're wondering, that's Dave from Lady A, it's Michael's brother...

 

 

 

Lowcountry Wedding Vendors

photographer: chris isham photography  /  caterer: chef nick mueller & company  /   

florist: kiwi fleur  /  reception venue: the mackey house

A Lowcountry Wedding blog featuring Charleston Weddings, Hilton Head Weddings, Myrtle Beach Weddings, Southern Weddings

Amy + Casey {Texas Wedding}

For Round Two, we've got another beautiful Texas affair.  Amy + Casey's got married this past August in Palestine, Texas (just outside of Dallas) and one of our favorites, AlexM Photography, was their capture all the details.  Their wedding was held at the enchanting Elmwood Gardens and was planned to a T by Perfect Plans.  Their stunning outdoor ceremony had a Southern glam vibe that included some amazing draping and a gorgeous chandeliers.  While the bridal party rocked all black, Amy incorporated pops of purple and green throughout the evening.

 Southern Wedding Vendors

photographer: alexm photography  /  event planner: perfect plans  /  floral designer: la tee da  /  reception venue: elmwood gardens  /  cinema and video:  jmhpro  /  cake designer: desings by d'anne

A Lowcountry Wedding Blog featuring Charleston Weddings, Hilton Head Weddings, Myrtle Beach Weddings and Southern Weddings

Sarah + CJ {Fort Worth Wedding}

Just in case you haven't heard, tomorrow we've got an exciting giveaway for our favorite Lowcountry Wedding Vendors...so don't miss it!  Today's wedding was captured by David Lunt Photography at the Marty Leonard Chapel in Fort Worth, Texas.  In case you've never been, Fort Worth is a pretty awesome city.  It's got that Southern ease mixed with a Western Charm which is exactly why Sarah + CJ had to travel all the way from Kentucky just to tie the knot in this fabulous Texas city.  Since having a destination wedding meant that some of their guests would be unable to make the trip, Sarah asked they donate a broach to her which she then made into her beautiful bouquet.  Sarah + CJ let their personalities shine through in their retro chic wedding.  Sarah looked ah-mazing in her Marilyn Monroe-esque gown, fab red shoes and gorgeous birdcage veil while CJ stayed true to himself by sporting a pair of black Chuck Taylors.

Southern Wedding Vendors

ceremony and reception venue: marty leonard chapel  / 

photographer: david lunt photography

 

A Lowcountry Wedding Blog featuring Charleston Weddings, Hilton Head Weddings, Myrtle Beach Weddings and Southern Weddings

Southern Weddings {Favors}

 We've all departed a wedding with a sack of jordan almonds or a creepy keychain with the bride and grooms face smeared all over it (okay, maybe only I've gotten this!)...and what do we end up doing with these?  Toss them in the closest trash receptacle, of course.  Southern Wedding favors are the last impression your guests will have of your wedding and you don't want to send them off with something lame.  So, to get your creative juices flowing, we've compiled some of our favorite Lowcountry wedding favors that your Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach guests will be sure to love.

Image by MCG Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image via Koyal Wholesale and My Pansy Eyes

Image via Style Me Pretty

 

Image via BdG Photography and Style Me Pretty

 Images via Ruffled

Image by Ryan Ray via Ruffled

 

Image via Sarah Q Photography and Elizabeth Messina via Brides

Image by Jen Rodriquez Photography via Style Me Pretty

Images via One Fab Day and  Erin Hearts Court

Image via Style Me Pretty

Image via Tumblr and Design Sponge

Image via Event Jubilee

Savage Menagerie {Styled Shoot}

I just love these images from Alabama based GRITZ Photography.  Appropriately named Savage Menagerie, this shoot took place at a private residence in picturesque Magnolia Springs, Alabama.  Model Juliette looked stunning in a form fitting Jessica McClintock gown and Lucky Brand jewelry.  Even when Optimus, a rambunctious baby Caracal, and  Tron, a sweet Cougar cub, came out to play Juliette still managed to look gorgeous and comfortable.

  

 

Heather + Jeff {Alabama Anniversary}

Alabama couple Heather + Jeff are about to make a big move up North, but before crossing the Mason Dixon Line, they decided an Anniversary Session was in order to celebrate their Southern ways.  With the help of the talented Jacquelyn Jackson and their sweet puppy Brady, the crew incorporated crisp weather and pumpkins into their Fall-Inspired Session.  They started the day at the couple's first home and then headed down the street to a quintessential Southern cotton field.

 

Meagan + Shaun {Texas Engagement}

I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving!  Sorry we were MIA for a few days, between traveling, eating and shopping a quick vacay was necessary.  Today's bride Meagan is a small town Southern girl from Brady, Texas.  Not only is she stylish (she's a stylish for Stella & Dot) and beautiful (can I have her hair?) but she's also a foodie (she's the brains behind Zesty Bite) and a runner (marathoner, that is!)...so, it's no surprise Shaun is head over heels for her!   This past Spring, the couple met up with the talented Shuffield Photography in Meagan's hometown for their flawless engagement session.

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

Southern Weddings {Cakes}

It's no secret I'm a big fan of Pinterest and while most days it's my favorite way to procrastinate, I have to say it's the best tool for anyone planning a big ol' Lowcountry wedding.  It's the online version of ripping out pages from your favorite Southern wedding magazine and stowing them away in a binder...basically, it's wedding heaven.  So, every once in awhile I feel like I've compiled so many beautiful images that I just have to share.  My Pinterest is bursting at the seems! Well, today I'm sharing Part II of some of my favorite cakes (see Part I) that will be just perfect for any Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach or Charleston wedding.  Hope you enjoy!

Image via Salt Harbor

Image via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Image via Wedding Chicks 

 

Image via Brides

Image via Sweet and Saucy Shop

Image by Mark Joseph Cakes via Martha Stewart Weddings 

 

Image via Cynthia Martyn

Image via Style Unveiled

 

Images via Luxe Finds and Project Wedding

Image via  Kristen Marie Photography

Image via Once Wed

Image via Bridal Snob

Image by Kelly Cakes via Style Me Pretty

Image via M. Robin Cakes

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  /