Cotton Candy Colors in a Sea of Hydrangea at Alys Beach

Lauren Megerdichian
July 15, 2024
Categories: Real Weddings, Romantic, The Blog

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blue and white with pops of blush and coral throughout[/field]

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Gracie’s family oozes understated elegance. The wedding design was a perfect extension of them– purely fabulous, but makes you feel right at home. Using her blue and white printed bridesmaids gowns as inspiration, we incorporated timeless chinoiserie, blue hydrangea, rattan, clean whites, fun patterns and soft seating. The custom dance floor, bars and facade tied everything together and we even chose a printed koozie and liner paper for their fun quesadilla late night pass!

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the bride: When we got engaged, Richman was living in Orlando while I was living in Birmingham. My parents tricked me that my dad was going to receive some big award for his work and they had invited family from out of town and a few friends. Right before we were supposed to leave for the award ceremony, my parents faked an emergency phone call and had me run to pick up our family friend (who just so happens to live on the most beautiful overlook of Birmingham)! So I’m there to pick her up and she asks me to come help her put the puppy in his crate, so I go to the door and open up to Richman with flowers! He had flown to Birmingham to surprise me and propose! As soon as I left the house, friends were all over the neighborhood ready to set up an after party for us at my parents house, and we got to come home to so many friends and family to celebrate with. It was such a special night that I will never forget![/field]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]

[field title=”Wedding Gown”]From the bride: My wedding gown felt like a dream come true! I had no clue what I was looking for going into wedding dress shopping. My aunt owns a wedding dress shop called Lady in Lace in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and when I went in for my appointment, my family was able to help me pick out a few that seemed like “me”. When I saw the dress on the rack, I was so excited to try it on. I believe it was the second one I put on, and I knew it was the dress! I fell in love with the detail on the dress and the fun ways to style it that Amsale offered through the cacoon and veil. It was totally perfect for our November beach wedding![/field]

[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]

[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]

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[section title=”The Details”]

[field title=”Food & Drink”]Guests were welcomed to the Central Park Green with a champagne flute complete with a garnish of raspberry and twisted orange rind. Heirloom tomato tarts, caprese skewers and fried shrimp served with an aioli sauce were the hits of cocktail hour, while four stations – including a fabulous raw bar, beef tenderloin, southern station and charcuterie stole the dinner show. A full bar featuring Dread River Whiskey from Birmingham (where the Bride’s family lives) and Idyelle Hounds Beer (another tie to the family) as well as Palomas were specialty drinks.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Gracie carried a full orchid bouquet while her bridesmaids carried lush pink, blue and white bouquets carefully tied with blue silk streamers that flowed in the breeze. Blue hydrangeas covered the stairs at the ceremony entrance, while the lush colorful arbor simply took your breath away. Umbrellas were staggered through the ceremony seating as a distant reminder of the rain that so timely stopped minutes before Gracie walked down the aisle. An oversized banquet arrangement was the focal point of cocktail hour while the two rounded bars welcomed guests as they flanked the main entrance to the sailcloth tent. On the way inside the tent, guests passed two soft seating areas complete with LIVING ART – the hydrangea frames were out of this world. Rattan lanterns hung over the custom dance floor and tied in the rattan in the stage facade as well as the bar under the tent. Florals grew down the main tent poles and landed on tall communal tables perfect for a guest to enjoy.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Gracies cake was clean and simple as she wanted to tie in the orchids from her own bouquet to her cake with a FULL orchid cascade. The baker is a dear friend from Birmingham and provided both bride and groom cakes.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The father of the bride decided that he wanted to surprise both his wife AND his little girl with a Gospel Choir – so as the pastor pronounced Gracie and Richman husband and wife, the amazing choir began singing “Oh Happy Day” down the aisle. The entire congregation erupted with joy! Guests then followed the horns as they walked through the streets of Alys Beach to the Central Park to cocktails and the reception. After dancing the night away, Gracie and Richman left with full hearts in a vintage car – ready to start their new life as husband and wife.

*Alys Beach exclusively hosts weddings for their property owners.*[/field]

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