You know the saying, “Peonies are a girls best friend.” Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly how it goes, but after taking a peak at this beauty by Yellow Skinny Photos, I’m pretty positive you’ll agree with me. Between The Stone Chapel at Lanier Theological Library, the fantastic florals by SCF Events and the beautiful bridal party, I don’t know which will spark your senses the most! Take a peak at the full gallery for more!
Click here for the FULL wedding!
From The Bride… The Stone Chapel was a dream-come-true way to start our forever love story. I love history, and the chapel is a replica of a Turkish chapel built during the Byzantine era — right in the middle of the Texas suburbs near my parents’ home. Every part of our wedding day was like all the bridal dreams of my childhood coming to life. Not only was I marrying the man of my dreams, but every detail came together beautifully. Beautiful venues, perfect weather, antique chic details, lush coral and peach florals and a gray and navy wedding party. My bridesmaids and I spent the morning getting ready in a stone cottage adjacent to the chapel that is like something pulled right out of a Jane Austen novel. Jeremy and I opted not to see each other before the ceremony, but we met on either side of a door to pray and exchange letters. I’m so glad we left the reveal for the walk down the aisle, but the sweet time to talk beforehand was one of my favorite parts of the day.
The ceremony could not have gone more smoothly. It was officiated by our Nashville pastor, Mike Harder. It meant a lot to have someone who knew us both well performing the ceremony. Both of our parents handled the day with grace and love. We felt so blessed to be surrounded by people that truly support us and have walked with us through our relationship. The eight bridesmaids wore four different styles of navy dresses; each dress was worn by two girls. I hand-picked them to fit the girls’ styles and personalities. I loved the way that the coral peonies and white hydrangeas popped against the navy backdrop. The peony was our theme flower; even our stationery featured a hand painted coral peony created by my friend and designer Kate Allen. My mom and I worked hard to create an environment that combined vintage chic, antique charm and classic elegance. Each of the 22 centerpieces at the reception was custom-created with an antique statement piece that my mom and I picked out, a frame holding one of my favorite hymns and the table number, a gorgeous floral display by SCF Events and an antique doily. We served a simple southern meal along with an array of flavored teas and lemonades. My grandmothers each baked cakes and pies to make a delicious dessert display in addition to the traditional bride’s and groom’s cakes. We are blessed to have a history of long marriages in both of our families. We created a legacy table that featured photos of our grandparents and parents and highlighted the legacy of long-lasting love that they have given us.
We are both musicians living in Nashville, so we knew we wanted to incorporate our love of music somehow into the day. We had a jazz band playing during dinner and a DJ for the dancing portion of the night. Our wedding favor was a custom-made CD of love song covers that we recorded, featuring Jeremy and me on all of the instrumentation and vocals. Rather than a traditional guest book, we had each guest leave their best marriage advice on a postcard that matched our theme and stationery, as well as sign their name next to their favorite scripture verse in an antique Bible. Everything was picture perfect, but the love of people around us made all the beautiful details seem insignificant. We are so thankful for amazing friends and family and great vendors who made our wedding the perfect start to a lifetime of memories!
Wedding Photography: Yellow Skinny Photos / Ceremony: The Stone Chapel at Lanier Theological Library in Houston, Texas / Reception: Crystal Springs in Houston, Texas / Floral Design: SCF Events / Event Design + Planning: The Bride + Her Mother / Wedding Cinematography: Brent Johnson / Catering: All Star Catering / Wedding Cakes: The Bride’s Grandmothers + Victoria Bell, A Family Friend / Wedding Invitations + Stationery: Kate Allen of Uncommon Kate Designs, A Friend of the Bride / DJ: Selby Entertainment / Jazz Band: Jazzdish / Linens: Le Party Rental Zone / Transportation: Emerald Limousine / Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia / Bride’s Shoes: Nina / Hair: Chantelle O’Kelley of Shag Spa & Salon / Bridal Portraits: Sydney Rebeckah Roberts Photography / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew, Ann Tayor + ASOS / Groomsmen’s Suits: Calvin Klein