This wedding is pure magic. A laid-back meets glamorous type of magic that is making me want to pack up my bags and set up shop right under those majestic oak trees. It’s the kind of day that is innately beautiful, from the fabulous stylings of Belle of the Ball Events (they rock) to that beautiful bouquet from Virtu Floral and Event Design to the beyond breathtaking scenery. See it all captured by Jane Johnson right here in the full gallery.
From the Bride… Every girl dreams of her big day being perfect and just how she imagines, but it is only once in a lifetime that a bride has her day that is better than she could have ever hoped for. The morning of the wedding, I woke up thinking, “oh my goodness I am about to marry my high school sweetheart, my first and only true love, and my best friend!” After my moment of bliss, it hit me that everything had to be set up that day. I got a little bit nervous, and then I remembered that with the tremendous help of my girlfriends, my wonderful mother in-law, and my amazing planner, Eva, that I wouldn’t even need to lift a finger. I was spoiled that day! They were able to pull off everything in a matter of a few hours. The reception was under two beautiful Georgia Oak trees. To keep tradition, we didn’t see each other before the ceremony. However, guided by our maid of honor and best man, Tommy and I met up in the middle of the woods and read each other our vows… our backs touching so that he couldn’t see me. This was the perfect way to settle any nerves so that we were able to be as intimate as we wanted to be with the promises that were to last for a lifetime.
It came time for my daddy to walk me down the aisle, and as soon as the double doors opened, seeing Tommy stand under those trees, I was ready to RUN to him. He built the altar that was under the trees with his own handsome hands. It was his idea to have the alter serve as the guest book. Guests signed wooden chips that were inserted post-ceremony. The weather that day was beautiful, not too hot and just the right amount of breeze. Once we were pronounced husband and wife we were able to take pictures. The sun was setting and the atmosphere was perfectly romantic for our intimate moments.
The reception was filled with details that took my breath away! The dessert table was filled with different styles of treats and sweets all surrounding our Oreo cake. All the tables had candles and flowers all on top of burlap, which set the mood for the night. The entertainment included a poem from one of our dear friends, a song from my beautiful nieces, our song by Tommy’s brother and one of my bridesmaids, and the MOH and best man speeches. I loved that it was all very personal. The cake cutting part, consisted of Tommy and I stacking together a bunch of oreos and feeding them to each other, followed by a milk toast with teeth full of oreos!
My vision for my wedding was to have a personal setting that would be like a big family dinner, and that is exactly what it was. After the guests sent us off with a sparkling exit, we returned to the reception site for a private first dance. This was my favorite part, because I was able to have my dance with my husband and still keep tradition. Only our family, close friends, and the bridal party were there. Our song was a “Thousand Years, Part 2” which was exactly how we felt that day! Being a bride that loves personal touches, I loved that everything was put together by the people that love me dearly, and each of them were able to put their own spin on it. It was definitely a group effort and the result was phenomenal!
Photography: Jane Johnson Photography | Grooms Attire: Hugo Boss | Bride's Bouquet: Virtu Floral and Event Design | Bride's Gown: Justin Alexander | Camp Southern Ground: Camp Southern Ground | Event Furnishings: Crush Event Rentals | Planning: Eva Clark Events | Rentals: Unlimited Party Rentals