Before we send you off into the weekend, we’ve got a little something special. A pre-wedding affair filled to the gills with Southern charm and pops of coral. Designed by Catherine Davis and captured through the lens of Bamber Photography, it’s a perfect way to wrap up the week. Psssst: We’ve got winners, discounts and giveaway reminders waiting down below!
It was such an honor to be asked to plan the rehearsal dinner for Brad and Liz, even more so because I am the groom’s sister-in-law! I love working on all events, but the stakes were a little higher on this one and my fate in the family rested in the execution of a seamless and fun evening to kick off the wedding weekend. Though Brad and Liz grew up in Chattanooga and shared mutual friends, their paths didn’t cross until they were living in Atlanta many years later when they were introduced by a dear friend’s mother. Though the timing wasn’t right during their first courtship, their love story should give many romantics hope in second chances. When Brad and Liz were reunited several years later, they didn’t skip a beat and it was only a matter of months before they were happily engaged.
Their wedding was in their hometown of Chattanooga and the quest for a venue that could accommodate a large size for their rehearsal dinner and match the “Garden & Gun” inspired event that Brad was hoping for proved to be a little challenging. Luckily, we stumbled upon a beautiful, old church that had been repurposed for events and the bride, groom and groom’s family fell in love instantly with the exposed beams and brickwork. The Church on Main was the perfect backdrop for this southern chic soiree that incorporated yards of seersucker (a must for all southern affairs), antique silver and milk glass (which were family heirlooms or antiques I’ve collected over the years), khaki and pops of coral.
I’ve worked with the Written Word for over 8 years on everything from wedding invitations to baby announcements and they never disappoint in their creativity and attention to detail. When I approached them about the event, Marti and Paul immediately went to work and produced a beautiful letterpressed invitation from their presses in West Virginia and complimentary menu cards. Seersucker adorned all the paper products, down to hand tied “bow ties” on the escort cards and place cards.
The menu was a wonderful collaboration with the talented Michelle Huffman of Events with Taste. From the “Dixie Cup” signature cocktail using none other than Tennessee’s own bourbon whiskey to the prosciutto wrapped duck hors d’oeuvres (a homage to the groom’s hobby as a hunter) to the “Brown Shu-gha” Ice Cream imported from Jake’s Ice Cream in Atlanta- it all perfectly reflected Brad and Liz.
The entire event was a family affair, with the mother of the groom tying seersucker ribbons and the father of the groom de-thorning and trimming garden roses in their sunroom-turned-florist-shop as I busily completed two dozen arrangements for the dinner. We all had a great time working together in the days leading up to the dinner, but more importantly, we had a fabulous evening in honor of my sweet brother-in-law and his beautiful bride-to-be.
Photography: Bamber Photography | Invitations: The Paper Source | Lighting: Luma Designs | Transportation: Executive Valet and Limo | Caterer and Rentals: Events With Taste | Event Planner and Stylist, Floral Design and Calligraphy: Catherine Davis | Invitations and Menu Cards: The Written Word Studio | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Church On Main
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A few discounts from….
Love by Lynzie Weddings + Events
Mugshots Photography
PF Films
Toronto Bridal Style
Unique Visions Studio
The Georgia Club
Four Nineteen Weddings
Fourth Love
Lauren Michelle
Pear Tree Greetings
Postable
Smock Notebooks
Lookmatic
Shine Wedding Invitations
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Last chance giveaway + event reminders for…
$250 in bridal accessories to Ceremony
Bridal by the Bay Event at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
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And now what we’ve ALL been waiting for. This week’s winners!
Big hooray for Aly – the winner of a $250 gift card towards Wedding Paper Diva’s!
Another congrats goes to MVP 22 who’s won one a gorgeous headpiece from Island Bridal!
And last but not least, Linda S. is the lucky duck taking home $100 to Paper Source!
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Happy weekend, loves! XOXO