When planning out our editorial calendar for 2014, I knew I had to start with a big, beautiful wedding so it was a no-brainer to turn to Cedarwood Weddings and Kristyn Hogan. The duo is like pure wedded gold and today’s celebration is one of their bests. Cute as can be flower girls included.
From the stunning bride… I think what made our wedding so special were all the small details and personal touches we added into the wedding so that each person that attended could feel welcomed, like they were getting to know us even better, and like there was something everyone could enjoy, even the kiddos. I tried to keep everyone in mind when I was brainstorming ideas. For people who didn’t like cake there was a dessert bar, for the grandmas there was seating around the dance floor, for the ladies we invited them to kick off their shoes and throw on some flip flops, for the kids we set up a kid’s table with a lot of crafts and candy. The uniqueness of our wedding was all centered around Cedarwood. I have never been to a wedding at a place as magical as Cedarwood. With all of the features of Cedarwood, such as the meadow, the barn, the plantation home, the hidden lake, and that truck, it is truly a one of a kind unique wedding destination.
My absolute favorite moment was my Maid of Honor’s speech/song. Carlyle was my first friend when I moved to Richmond, Virginia, so it was a no-brainer to call upon her to be my Maid of Honor. She is gorgeous, hilarious, and oh-so witty, and her song just knocked it out of the park! I am glad we have it recorded and every time I watch it I cry with laughter! However, close seconds were being given to Joseph by my father and step-father and dancing our first dance together. During both of those moments I had time to reflect on the moment and take it all in. I felt very blessed in those moments to be marrying my best friend, on a gorgeous day, surrounded by our most favorite people.
Originally Joseph and I decided we wanted to get married in Nashville because he had taken me to Opryland on a Thanksgiving vacation and I fell in love with the hotel. It was a gorgeous place and my mind just ran wild with the possibilities. However, on our “venue trip” to Nashville we checked out Cedarwood and my eyes light up! At one point I remember Joseph turning to my mom and telling her, “Well I think this is it, look at Sarah’s face!” There was a perfect mix of a southern country rustic feel and elegant details, which is exactly what I was looking for. At the end of the day, I don’t think you could have planned a better wedding to suit my style. Cedarwood did an absolute perfect job getting to know me and providing exactly what I was looking for.
Although I didn’t actually make items, I did make sizable contributions to Etsy, LOL. I wanted to include lots of personal details throughout the celebration, from monogramed welcome bags and s’mores favors to monogramed hankies for our parents and grandparents. We love cute signs with personality, and (in addition to the hand lettered signs made by Cedarwood) got several from Etsy vendors, like the “Last Chance to Run” ceremony sign that had everyone laughing. Other personalized items included Koozies, water bottle labels, thank you notes, and napkins with assorted quotes. My favorite personal touch was the video game controller cuff links for the groom. We even dressed our dogs for the celebration from LAdog!
My diamond stud earrings were my something borrowed from my mother. My silver bracelet is actually a bracelet that holds my grandfather’s ashes on both ends with his birthstone (since his birthstone is blue, this was my something blue.) My pinky ring was my grandmother’s wedding ring from my grandfather. My veil was made by Joseph’s aunt.
All the bridesmaids purchased their own dresses, shoes and jewelry to fit their individual styles. The majority of the girls has purchased more than one dress and were extremely indecisive about what to wear. About three hours before the ceremony, I just laid everything out and mixed and matched until I had selected a good combination of styles and colors or each one. Some girls even ended up wearing someone else’s dresses! I was so happy with how it looked and so were they.
Photography: Kristyn Hogan | Event design: Cedarwood Weddings | Florist: Cedarwood Weddings | Cake: Patty Cakes | Ceremony: Cedarwood Weddings | Reception: Cedarwood Weddings | Catering: Chef Christopher | Hair and Makeup: Studio BBC Salon | Lighting: Uplight Events | Transportation: Matchless Limousines | Boots: Justin Boots | Bridal shop: Wedding Atelier | Bride's dress: Modern Trousseau | Ceremony Musicians (trio): Nashville Wedding Guitarist | Draping: Events Plus | Groom\'s Attire: Charles Tyrwhitt | Groom\'s Attire: Burberry | Groomsmen\'s Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Invitations and paper: Designs in Paper | Music: Jace Aaron Entertainment | Rentals: Liberty Party Rental | Wedding rings: Jared