Every now and then, I come across a wedding that is a complete, pretty package of love. A wedding like this one that combines my personal swoon-inducing bits into one: classic romance, a handsome groom in military garb, a stunning bride in a twirl-worthy Hayley Paige dress from JLM Couture, blooms bursting with beauty and so much more, snapped up by Rachel May Photography. See it all here!
From the beautiful Bride…Planning our wedding was such a fun, yet challenging experience. Since Max is a Marine we lived in Florida for his training, which left me the challenge of planning a wedding back in Virginia, our home state. Lucky for me, I had the best mother (and newfound job of wedding planner!) and three wonderful sisters to aid in planning our big day!
After searching for the perfect reception venue, my mom and I feel in love with the gorgeous Mill at Fine Creek, a historic mill surrounded by a granite creek and lush gardens. It was the perfect setting for our romantic, whimsical, with a touch of rustic, late August wedding. Plus it had all the southern charm that I had grown to love after living in the south. I could just picture me in my gown, and Max in his dress whites walking through the grounds as Mr. and Mrs.—The perfect fairytale!
Through all the details and DIY projects- our whimsical day full of southern hospitality fell into place. We used an array of white ceramic pitchers full of lush florals as the table centerpieces, and classic boxwood wreaths as pew markers at the church. Rustic touches were incorporated with distressed wooden signs and a directional sign made by my dad and I from salvaged wood and an old wheel. We used a rustic wagon to hold our DIY favors- beer bread mix in flour sacks, and wooden picture frames for our “selfie station”.
And of course you can’t have a southern wedding without great southern food! Lisa, the owner and chef at The Mill, helped create the perfect menu- from the Lemonade bar and hushpuppy bar, to the sweet potato ham biscuits, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and pulled pork station!
I think out of all the details and planning, being able to share the day with Max and our family and friends was what made our day special. Since Max and I live far from home, being able to celebrate our new life with each other and the ones we love was what we enjoyed the most. For those planning their own big days, my advice is to not try to create a wedding based on colors, flower types, cake flavors or décor, but to focus on creating a day full of joy, laughter, and meaning and the start of a loving marriage.
Photography: Rachel May Photography | Florist: M. Henry Designs | Cake: The Desserterie | Reception Venue: The Mill At Fine Creek | Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy Collection By Vivian Diamond | Hair & Makeup: Jennifer Saunders Bridal | Wedding Dress Designer: JLM Couture, Inc