Soft Outdoor Wedding with Southern Charm

When it gets right down to it, I’m a neutrals girl. Gray, taupe and a soft dusty blue are a few of my best friends and this Georgia affair ties them all in perfect form. Think “Southern elegance” without any of the stuffiness, and organic design moments brought together by Molly McKinley Designs and Acorn Garden & Home. More in the gallery from Julie Cate Photography!

Colors

From The Bride… Thomas and I knew each other’s names and faces years before we actually met, thanks to our two college friends that thought the both of us were destined for each other. After 3 years joking about the other person, we realized our friends were right: we met, began to exchange phone calls, made visits to each other’s schools, went on adventures, and fell in love.Thomas swept me off my stubborn feet and showed me excitement and depth that I didn’t know I could experience. I am so humbled that the Lord has given us each other to do life with!

Our wedding was beautiful! I knew I wanted to marry where I grew up and love that both our church and reception venue were historic properties in Marietta, places I’ve driven by my whole life. I wanted the event to feel whimsical, yet classic and southern—very natural, not stuffy. Molly McKinley, our planner, nailed my vision on the head. I gave up reception decor decisions to my mom and Molly, trusting their style and opinions. I walked in to the tent that night amazed. It was perfect! I loved the whimsical florals, twinkling cafe lights, the farm table for our wedding party and boxwood wreaths my mom created as centerpieces. People kept coming up to me saying, “This looks so much like you, Amanda Claire.” That made me so happy! Oh and people DANCED. The band took a break, but no one followed them. It was the most fun day!

I think what I loved most about our wedding day was watching so many people from our different walks of life celebrate together. It was so special to have them surround us, reminding us how loved we truly are. I also loved seeing a ring on my husband’s finger and the flowers in my hair… :)

Photography: Julie Cate Photography | Wedding Planning & Design: Molly McKinley Designs | Floral Design: Acorn Garden & Home | Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Eileen Carter Creations | Ceremony Venue: Marietta First Baptist Church | Reception Venue: Hilton Cleveland Downtown | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair & Makeup: Mirror Mirror Makeup | Lighting: Magnum Lighting | Band: Emerald Empire Band | Bowties: Robintreelane On Etsy | Drapery: Event Drapery | Envelope Calligraphy: Ragan House Lettering | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Groom And Groomsmen: Jos. A. Bank | Linens: I Do Linens | Paper Goods: Studio R | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Vintage Rentals: DIY Decor