How To Throw a Wedding with Sophisticated Southern Charm

If I had gotten married in the South, I would envision my day to look something like this… layered with elegance, charm, richness and intimacy. To me, that embodies everything a Southern wedding should be, and RMBO Collective, Petal and Pine and Julie Paisley nailed it with this slice of inspiration. What’s your favorite detail? Let us know in the comments below!

From RMBO CollectiveAs a Los Angeles-focused wedding planner and designer for the past 6 years (formerly the co-owner/creative director at GATHER Events), I have gotten to know my LA turf rather well. As I step into my exciting new solo event planning and design venture, RMBO Collective, I am focused on traveling outside my home base and partnering up with the greater special event community across the country. There is so much talent out there!

On a recent visit to Nashville, I was struck by the dynamic of this beautiful southern city—rich in history and tradition, but with a clear eye on modern sophistication. Half expecting to see a honky tonk on every corner, instead I found sleekly designed restaurants, gorgeous coffee houses and modern event venues that would rival any larger city.

Inspired by the contrast of the city, we created a modern, sophisticated take on southern charm. Julie Paisley Photography beautifully captured the aesthetic we were envisioning. With a focus on stark and sophisticated black and white, we added a hint of warm hues of blush and Potter’s Clay, one of Pantone’s hot colors for Fall. Metallic gold details were peppered throughout.

The Cordelle, built in the late 1800s, created the perfect backdrop for our shoot. Located in the heart of bustling Nashville, its exposed brick and 100 year old Hackberry trees tell the story of bygone days. 12th table’s eclectic modern furnishings bring the ceremony, dinner table and lounge spaces into an of-the-moment aesthetic.

Petal and Pine’s abundant textured arrangements feel fresh, organic and unfussy. The modern design and calligraphy of Hew + Co’s paper goods were punctuated with a curated collection of vintage stamps from Verde Studio.

Real-life couple Angela and Rico relived their wedding day as our models. Can’t you just feel the love between them? Our bride stunned in a beaded Bo and Luca gown provided by the incredible Nashville bridal boutique, The Dress Theory. Locks By Leslie created a natural but glamorous hair and makeup look. Rico dazzled in a sleek ensemble from The Black Tux.

Aperitif Events & Cocktails created gorgeous, colorful libations. This one (in the champagne coupe) is a recipe of light rum, lemon juice, rosewater thyme simple syrup, fig puree, muddled raspberry, cyan and egg whites. It’s a perfect fall color in the prettiest shade of pink. Cheers to Nashville!

From Julie Paisley It is always a joy when a planner contacts me to shoot an editorial, especially when it’s at one of my favorite venues in Nashville. I loved this shoot, being able to work with some of my favorite Nashville vendors and connecting with new ones is always a treat. I also loved working with our real couple, Angela and Rico they were amazing!

Photography: Julie Paisley Photography | Event Design: RMBO Collective | Floral Design: Petal and Pine | Wedding Dress: Bo & Luca | hair and makeup: Leslie Ellis Hair and Makeup | Wedding Venue: The Cordelle | Rentals: 12th Table | bride's earrings: Untamed Petals | cocktails: Apertif | groom’s attire: The Black Tux | models: Angela Allen | models: Rico Allen | paper goods and calligraphy: HEW + Co. | vintage stamps : Verde Studio | wedding dress boutique: The Dress Theory