Get ready to have your socks charmed right off, because this wedding by Shannon Michele Photography is so darling I want to grab it by its imaginary cheeks and give it a big smooch. Or, at the very least, reach through the computer screen to give the cute-as-can-be couple a big squeeze for pulling together a wedding that is just adorable with a capital A. It’s full of personality, charming details, cute pups and love, love, love – and if that’s doesn’t make you want to squeal with glee, I don’t know what will! See it all here!
From the Bride… My husband and I met and currently live in the Washington, DC area. However, I went to college in Charleston, South Carolina, and have always known that it would be where I would get married. As soon as I started planning my wedding, I knew I wanted to pay homage to the details of the wedding. I also knew I wanted it to feel completely like it was our wedding — no “cookie cutter” feeling. Because of that, I decided to have as many DIY projects as I could imagine and handle.
I knew I wanted a southern wedding, and I wanted the guests to feel at home and comfortable. At the ceremony, we used antique doors from a shop in Virginia and a rug at the altar. When guests arrived, they were greeted by a welcome table with hankies, handmade programs and lemonade or tea for the taking. I hand-rolled paper doilies and filled them with dried lilac petals for throwing post-ceremony. I also decorated the area with a handmade wreath with our initials and directional signs with phrases, including one inspired by Lord of the Rings (a favorite movie of my husband’s).
Following the ceremony, guests were taken by horse-drawn carriage to the reception site. At the reception, continuing with the “at-home” feeling, my husband made drawers and we bought unique handles/knobs for each drawer to use as the centerpieces. We surrounded the drawers and other tables with mason jars of all sizes that I collected and personally wrapped in lace and fabric. I made napkins in our wedding colors for each place setting and as favors, and my husband and I made strawberry champagne jam for the guests. I also made the escort cards out of kraft paper and doilies and had them calligraphed by a really sweet girl in Virginia. In place of a guest book, we had our guests tell us the secret to a happy marriage on a quilt square that my husband’s mother will sew into a quilt for us to enjoy forever.
Wedding Photography: Shannon Michele Photography / Ceremony: Palmer Home in Charleston, South Carolina / Reception: McCrady’s / Floral Design: Tiger Lily / Bridal Bouquet: Autumn and Grace Bridal / Maid’s Bouquets + Boutonnieres: Tall Cotton ‘n Peas / Wedding Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Calligraphy: Beflourish / Cupcakes: Cupcake / Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller / Bride’s Shoes: Bettye Muller / Bride’s Necklace: BHLDN / Men’s Attire: Express / Hair: Ash & Co.