We might be smack dab in the middle of summer, but for all of you brides out there planning your fall fête – get your bookmarks ready, because this wedding by Paperlily Photography is favorite-worthy. The flowers by Stylish Stems alone are enough to fill up your favorites’ folder, and when you add pretty as can be details and a pup in a bow tie, well – you have one lovely wedding and one fab full gallery!
From the Bride… Planning my wedding was truly one of the easiest tasks I’ve ever had to do. I owe so much of that to my husband, who shares my vision and understands my dreams — not to mention the fact that he agreed with everything I described to him. I also owe many “thank you’s” to my florist, Heather Oliver at Stylish Stems. At my first meeting with her, I bombarded her with my vision of “vintage rustic” and “non-traditional” ideas. The only words I could use to describe what image I had in my head was “rustic, vintage, nature, branches, moss, romantic, candles, glass, mason jars, wildflowers, coupled with a peacock feather.” With the various adjectives that I threw at her, she was able to create exactly the image I had in my head … and more.
Nick and I had our first date at Piedmont Park during sunset so it was undoubtedly where we wanted to get married. Magnolia Hall Lawn was the perfect place for Nick and I to say “I do” while the sun went to rest. Our close friend Kyle Gordon played a Spanish guitar, singing a variation of Bob Marley’s “Turn Your Lights Down Low” while I walked down the aisle. Nick and I shared our vows under a large oak tree which symbolized so much for us. Our officiant, Reverend Donna said it best, “Marriage creates from two committed spirits one beautiful tree of life. It’s roots are the trust and devotion that underlie each action, thought and motive. It’s branches are experience created, hopes realized, and dreams pursued. And it’s blossoms are the kisses, gentle words and tender sighs that decorate each day, and beautify the union of two loving hearts.” It was under this large oak tree, decorated with beautiful white lanterns, where I kissed my husband for the first time. That moment was magical.
The reception decor was just as perfect, with each table having an arrangement of flowers similar to my bouquet sitting in a water-filled mason jar, wrapped with twine, and surrounded by candles that flickered throughout the night. The estate table couldn’t have been better put together — a center runner of green sheet moss with interwoven grapevine going down the full length of the table. Ivory dendrobium orchids sat on the moss in various places. A moss-covered “N” and “J” hung by twine on each side of the mantle which was covered by 50 candles protected by glass votives and pillars. The decor and arrangements were better than I could have imagined — a dream come true. Although the flowers and decor pieces were perfect, I couldn’t have done any of it without the help of my day-of coordinator, Susan Roberson with Endive. Susan listened to all of my ideas and ensured that each one of them were executed flawlessly and without any worry to me. As the sole wedding planner, most of my inspiration came from Etsy, Style Me Pretty and my heart. My DIY projects and fun ideas included an interactive guestbook where our guests could take a Polaroid picture, sign it, and hang it on twine with a clothespin, a still slideshow that showcased our love-story, seed bombs so our guests could spread the love, luggage tags for our guests to write advice to hang on a tree, a photo booth and props (compliments of Paperlily Photography), our pup in a homemade tux (thanks to our dear friend Earnest Randall), a vintage suitcase filled with cards, and a table dedicated to our parent’s wedding day to always remember what true love is all about.
Wedding Photography: Brooke Drellos + Christy Gillam of Paperlily Photography / Ceremony + Reception Venue: Magnolia Hall at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia / Floral Design: Heather Oliver of Stylish Stems / Wedding Coordination + Catering: Susan Roberson of Endive / Wedding Cake: Publix / Reception Signs + Decor: DIY by the Bride + Friends / Guitar: Kyle Gordon (A Friend of the Couple) / Band: Kingsized / Wedding Dress: Vintage via Le Dress Boutique / Hair + Makeup: Cathi Chandler of Bridal Styles by Cathi / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Anthropologie