A Refined Coastal Celebration in Fairhope with Floral Prints and Effortless Style
Our wedding design was meant to play on timeless elegance with a blend of natural charm. Fairhope incorporates lush greenery while still being on the water. We combined vibrant outdoor elements, complemented by soft, romantic hues, with our whites, greens, and gentle blues. Our bridesmaids' dresses featured floral prints, which were to add a unique and fresh touch while tying in beautifully with the serene- I wanted guests to look at our bridesmaids and think, "These girls are the best dressed in the room!" while not looking like bridesmaids. The clean lines of my gown with the florals on my veil, beside the classic blue suits with pops of color in the ties, elevate the overall aesthetic into a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. It wanted the design to feel intimate, refined, and effortlessly chic.
My gown was an easy choice for me. I went in knowing what I wanted and (oddly) little emotion behind it. It wasn't a "Say Yes to the Dress" emotional moment for me, but things just felt right. The cool part about my dress is that we customized the neckline. The original bodice of the gown was square, so we customized it a bit, making it strapless and straight across the neckline while keeping the original bodice seams and boning support. My dress was timelessly sophisticated, and the veil provided a bit of modern elegance. The gown's simplicity allowed other parts of the day to make bold, yet elegant statements.
My bridesmaid dresses perfectly captured my wedding’s natural and elegant theme. A mix of floral and botanical prints paired with soft blue and green tones created a fresh, vibrant aesthetic that was both cohesive and distinctive. Each dress brought its charm while harmonizing beautifully with the outdoor setting, adding a touch of individuality to the bridal party. I wanted the varied styles and patterns to offer a modern twist on a classic palette, complementing the timeless elegance of my gown and the lush surroundings. This was one of the hardest parts of wedding planning for me, as I sourced most of the dresses secondhand from different seasons. The first dress I found was a Reformation white, blue, and green floral gown that perfectly suited my Maid of Honor. Then, I discovered a deeper green Sachin & Babi dress on The RealReal, which beautifully highlighted the darker tones in the MOH dress and was ideal for one of my bridesmaids. Every dress felt like the perfect piece of a puzzle. I knew I wanted everyone in either strapless or spaghetti strap styles to maintain a consistent neckline while allowing for variety in other details. Seeing all the dresses hanging together on the rack the morning of the wedding, I finally felt like I had pulled it off. The way they looked together was everything I had envisioned.
The groomsmen’s attire turned into a fun afternoon activity for Hayden and me. While Hayden didn’t take a huge role in most wedding planning, we had a blast trying on and selecting the groomsmen’s outfits together. We chose sharp, tailored blue suits as a classic option that felt polished and sophisticated. Hayden wore a lighter blue tie, while the groomsmen sported lighter green ties to create a fresh, cohesive touch that perfectly complemented the bridesmaids’ dresses. The blue suits provided a striking contrast against the natural greenery of the setting, allowing the groomsmen to stand out while harmonizing with the bridal party’s soft hues and floral designs.
Our wedding menu reflected the charm and flavors of Fairhope, offering a mix of local favorites and timeless classics. Passed appetizers like Lightly Fried Oysters with Remoulade and Pimento Cheese Phyllo Cups were a hit as guests mingled. The Fairhope Inn Crab Cakes and Gulf Shrimp paid homage to the Gulf Coast, while the Panko Crusted Chicken Tenderloins and Seared Beef Tenderloin provided hearty, crowd-pleasing options. Fresh Grilled Asparagus and Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes rounded out the spread with comforting and flavorful sides. Every dish added to the joyful atmosphere, making our day as memorable for our guests as it was for us.
Our floral design, executed perfectly by Wildflowers Fairhope, beautifully encapsulated the balance between classic elegance and fresh, natural beauty. Mine and the bridesmaids' bouquets were composed entirely of white blooms, exuding a timeless sophistication, allowing the purity of the flowers to shine while complementing the bridal party's attire. Throughout the rest of the event, the florals introduced soft pops of blue and green amidst the white, adding depth and dimension to the arrangements. This thoughtful combination combined the entire event, creating a cohesive yet dynamic look that felt organic and harmonious with the surroundings. The subtle use of color enhanced the atmosphere, blending effortlessly with the natural and refined wedding aesthetic.
Our wedding cake, crafted by Sukar Bakes, was a delightful embodiment of elegance and flavor, ideally suited for our celebration. The lemon blueberry cake provided a light and refreshing taste, ideal for a summer event. Sukar Bakes, renowned for her elegant hand-painted wedding cakes, designed a cake that seamlessly integrates with your wedding’s color palette. Painted with blue, green, and white florals, the cake mirrored the décor and stood as a centerpiece of artistic craftsmanship. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries offered a burst of flavor, delighting your guests and leaving a lasting impression.
Our wedding ceremony and reception were filled with so many meaningful musical moments. My lifelong family friend officiated the ceremony, creating a message that beautifully reflected our love and the Gospel of Christ. Benjamin Rollings played worship songs on the grand piano as our guests arrived, setting a heartfelt and peaceful tone. I walked down the aisle to "Gratitude" by Brandon Lake, one of the groom's favorite songs, and we joyfully recessed to Natalie Cole's "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)." At the reception, The Tip Tops started with acoustic Motown classics and then transitioned to a lively mix of 70s, 80s, and modern hits that kept everyone dancing all night. Every song felt personal and unique, making the day even more unforgettable.
Our dance floor was a true showstopper, thanks to the incredible design by our stationery and branding wizard, Letts Design. She created a custom white-wrapped dance floor featuring our EH crest, beautifully surrounded by the same blue, green, and white florals that tied our wedding together. This crest was a centerpiece of our wedding stationery, from our invitations to our signage, making it so meaningful to see it brought to life on the dance floor. The design added an elegant yet personal touch to the reception, creating the perfect backdrop for our first dance and all the following celebrations. It truly captured the essence of our wedding style and left a lasting impression on our guests.
Our wedding trolley ride was a memorable highlight of the day. After the ceremony, we took a detour to the beach for pictures, enjoying the calm before the celebration. The white trolley car then whisked us away to the reception, offering a fun and intimate moment with our closest friends. We toasted, laughed, and shared the excitement of the day together. It was the perfect way to pre-game the reception and savor the joy before the party began!