What better way to celebrate America’s independence than with a good ole fashioned southern, vintage style photo shoot by Berrytree Photography! The unbelievably charming table arrangements and elements of gingham with lace have all been so beautifully coordinated by Chancey Charm Weddings and I absolutely love the splashes of cotton that Gardenia Floral Design added in the mix. Feeling extra peachy? Me too! Wait until you see the entire gallery here!
From Molly McKinley of Chancey Charm Weddings… “Southern Peach” was the theme that Sarah of Berrytree Photography and I came up with after many hours of brainstorming. A styled wedding shoot inspired by the great Peach State… why hadn’t we thought of it yet?! Madison Oaks Inn was the perfect Southern bed and breakfast for the shoot to take place. Covered in giant oak trees and flowers of every kind, the grounds are an absolutely gorgeous place for a Southern affair. The home itself has a large porch with rocking chairs and giant columns that remind me of my grandmother’s. Of course, Coca-Cola (born in Atlanta, the South’s favorite drink) had to make a debut. We used vintage Coke bottles, along with vintage glassware, for the centerpieces. Each guest had their own glass bottle Coke. Place cards were real peaches with DIY pendant flags. As Southern girls, we often call ourselves “Georgia Peaches.” Peaches are one of the state’s best products and proud motifs! The fabrics incorporated by robintreelane were Southern as could be: gingham and florals, reminiscent of home. We used vintage doilies as “place mats” and rose-colored depression glass for the settings. Goodwin Rentals provided us with one of their farmhouse tables, along with stunning white chiavari chairs. Mismatched silverware, from different thrift stores, completed the look. The flowers, by Gardenia Floral Design, incorporated soft colored florals and cotton (another well-known Georgia product), with a pop of red to match our Coca-Cola bottles. The bouquet was tied with a vintage red polka dot scarf. Ashley Bardash, a Stella & Dot stylist and wedding planner, styled the jewelry for our Southern bride, who wore a vintage ruffled peach dress and a pearl bib necklace. What Southern girl doesn’t love ruffles and pearls? Invitations by Plainjane Designs were the perfect addition to the modern Georgia Peach’s wedding, with a watercolor background and bold fonts. Sugar Kneads Cakery designed a beautiful modern coral and peach cake, which complemented our colors so well! We loved the idea of having a custom cake flavor for both the bride and groom that reflected Georgia. Silver Lining Cupcake Company created two “special” cupcakes for our bride and groom: peach cobbler cupcakes for the bride, and cherry cola for the groom. Not only were they super cute, they were delicious too. Our models were a real Southern couple, both from Macon, Georgia, who just married this past March.
There are so many other ideas you could take from this shoot that we did not touch. Instead of a traditional guestbook, why not use a map of Georgia? Have guests sign by where they are from, where they were born, or their favorite place to visit in the Peach State. Treat your guests to boiled peanuts during cocktail hour! Have a sweet tea bar for your guests, where they can choose from different flavors and add fruit to their drink. Pimento cheese is always welcome at a Southern wedding. Pecan pie would be a yummy alternative to a groom’s cake! Dogwoods could be a fun addition to your flowers, and if you are on a budget, just fill thrift store baskets with peaches instead of using flowers for all of your centerpieces. Your bridesmaids could also carry baskets of peaches, with a few flowers tucked in. Be creative and have fun with planning. Take the time to think of what truly reflects you as a couple, and incorporate those ideas into your wedding. Southern girls, be inspired by your roots. You are part of a beautiful history!
Photography: Berrytree Photography / Photo Shoot Venue: Madison Oaks Inn & Gardens in Madison, Georgia / Styling + Planning: Molly McKinley of Chancey Charm Weddings / Floral Design: Gardenia Floral Design / Invitations + Paper Goods: Plainjane Designs / Wedding Cake: Sugar Kneads Cakery / Cupcakes: Silver Lining Cupcake Co. / Cake Stand Rental: Barron’s Rentals / Chiavari Chairs + Farm Table Rentals: Goodwin Event Rentals / Napkins, Runner + Ties: robintreelane / Wedding Dress: Vintage / Bride’s Makeup: Linda Brothers Purvis, Independent Mary Kay Consultant / Jewelry Styling: Ashley Bardash, Independent Stella & Dot Stylist