Alabama Weddings

Guys, I love ALL weddings… I really, truly do.  But, if I am being honest, it’s those seaside nuptials in paradise that really get my heart pumping. I’m talking miles of sandy beaches, crystal blue waters and, of course, a beautiful locale like the Sanderling Resort making every moment happen perfectly.  I mean, a vaca of a lifetime meets the ultimate wedding? Yes. Please.

Located in the oh-so-stunning Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Sanderling Resort is everything you’ve ever wanted (and more) for your Big Day. Think space for 15-180 guests, luxe accommodations and mesmerizing sunset views to add a little touch of romance to your festivities. From their ah-mazing venue options to their knowledgeable staff to their relaxing spa, the team at Sanderling Resort will turn your dreams into an absolute reality.  We promise you that.

Contact the Sanderling Resort TODAY to speak to one of their full-service event planners and begin planning your destination celebration.  We can’t wait to see you say “I do” in the Outer Banks, lovelies.

Hunter and Kaitlyn’s big day gives new meaning to at-home weddings. Inspired by their adopted hometown of Birmingham, the beautiful couple incorporated the city’s significant throughout the day — from the stationery to the welcome boxes to the “Magic City” sign that served as a photo backdrop. See every pretty detail, captured by Alisha Crossley Photography, in The Vault!

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From Alisha Crossley…Born and raised in Alabama, Kaitlyn’s Southern roots started strong. Growing up in the South, her wedding dreams blossomed around classics like Steel Magnolias. Following a swoon worthy proposal in Colorado, Kaitlyn and her mother went fast to work with the precious M. Elizabeth Weddings and Events to create an event that would welcome every guest with certain Southern hospitality.

The ATL girl moved to the Magic City for her groom and wanted the wedding to represent their new hometown. Kaitlyn and Hunter incorporated the iconic “It’s Nice to Have You In Birmingham” slogan into their paper details and reception decor. The lovely welcome boxes contained local treats from The Peanut Depot, Bud’s Best Cookies and Savage’s Bakery. All in all, the couple created a Southern welcome worthy of praise.

From The Bride…Our story is so fun to tell. We met through being in mutual friends’ weddings, but we should have met so many times before. We were even in the same house for various get togethers over the years, but God had us meet at the perfect timing. I was living in Atlanta when we started dating, having made up my mind that I’d never move back to Birmingham (where I attended high school). I learned to never say never – not even a year after Hunter and I started dating I moved back to the Magic City and fell in love with it. Hunter and I both lived near downtown, and really enjoyed all the revitalization and growth happening in the area (we actually bought our first home in Avondale for this reason). We committed to supporting our city and have been diligent about getting involved, shopping local and exploring new venues/restaurants/parks/shops as they are built. We wanted to incorporate Birmingham’s significance to us into our wedding. We added small touches into our save-the-dates, welcome boxes, engagement photos and wedding décor. At the wedding, we even had a replica of the original “Magic City” sign that was erected in the 1920s, which served as a perfect backdrop for guest photos. Aside from the “Magic City” feel, my vision for the wedding spanned romantic and soft with a touch of bohemian. Hanging flowers were the most important part to me – I wanted guests to feel as if they were at an ethereal and romantic celebration. Mandy with HotHouse knocked it out of the park! Hanging flowers covered the dancefloor and bar and served as a centerpiece for the reception. The tents were a last minute addition with the expectancy of poor weather but ended up working beautifully with the decorations.

Photography: Alisha Crossley Photography | Cinematography: Main Street | Event Planning: M. Elizabeth Events | Floral Design: HOTHOUSE DESIGN STUDIO | Wedding Dress: Olia Zavozina | Cake: Barb's Cakes | Invitations: Annabelle's | Catering: Savoie Catering | DJ: JAMM Entertainment | Venue: The Donnelly House

There are bridal shows, and then there is the Outer Banks Wedding Showcase hosted by Sanderling Resort, a non-stop day of drop-dead gorgeous inspiration set against one of the world’s most beautiful backdrops. Think one talented vendor after another, yummy treats and useful tools to help pull off your dream wedding.  All happening on March 19th, you must add this to your calendar NOW, lovelies.

Saying “I do” at the Outer Banks is always a beautiful thing… especially with the help of some of the most talented vendors you will ever meet.  From cakes to floral to photography, the Outer Banks Wedding Showcase offers up over 30 wedding experts that will help you weave together that luxurious affair you’ve always imagined.  Spend your day sampling tasty treats (hello cake, chocolate and Italian Ice), soaking in your complimentary hair and makeup consultation at The Relaxation Lounge, enjoying the live entertainment and even relaxing with a foot massage.  It’s the wedding showcase to end all wedding showcases and we couldn’t be more excited.

Start making plans NOW to attend the Outer Banks Wedding Showcase hosted by Sanderling Resort on March 19th.  Breathtaking tablescapes, fabulous gift bags and your dream day are sooo waiting.

What: The Outer Banks Wedding Showcase at Sanderling Resort is giving away a one night stay (either March 18th or 19th, 2016) for the Show, plus two tickets to attend! (Value $299)

How: Simply tell us in the comments below why you CAN NOT WAIT to say “I do” on the Outer Banks!

Who: One lucky winner, chosen completely at random, will be announced right here on SMP on Friday, March 11, 2016.  For terms and conditions, click here.  Good luck, lovelies! xo

We love love a go-tell-it-on-the-mountain gorg wedding, and today we’re celebrating that and more. We’re honoring the men and women who’ve fought for our freedom in the best way we know how, with a beautiful military wedding. A day graced with endless love and Glass Jar Photography behind the lens. It’s a gallery we’re saluting, and you can see it all in THE VAULT!

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From Glass Jar Photography…This is a gorgeous and unique wedding in the south, loaded with beautiful and interesting details of the couples love to travel and live on the edge, all mixed with a ton of cuteness and class.

The brides blush dress and red hair are mesmerizing, mixed the classic look of her now husbands military threads in the south under pear trees, surrounded by bridesmaids in white!…so cool and unique.

From The Bride…Getting engaged to my college best friend has always felt like a dream, starting when he whisked me away to Washington D.C. during military school training and proposed on a balcony overlooking the capital. For the wedding, we chose to have it close to my home in Alabama since we had already been to Italy for our engagement images! We incorporated our love of traveling together and my passion as a photographer into our reception decorations, using globes and vintage cameras as table pieces. I chose a blush pink wedding dress against his Marine uniform to create a softer look, and because I’ve always liked something just a little bit unique.

My bridesmaids surrounding me was such a comforting feeling the day of, and when I looked around I couldn’t have asked for better people to come together and help celebrate the love we have for each other. We all adore getting our photos made and Glass Jar Photography was perfect to capture the light and airy look we wanted. One of my favorite captures is of my dad and I walking down the aisle because it looks the way it felt, like one of the biggest single moments of my life.

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See even more military weddings THE VAULT! 

Photography: Glass Jar Photography | Coordination: Kam Fook Restaurant | Event Design: The Bride And Her Mom | Floral Design: Sharon Hicks | Catering: Bubba's Silverspoon Catering | Hair And Makeup: Katie Vellman | DJ: Snyder Entertainment | Venue: Creekside Plantation

Before you watch what might be the sweetest three minute film we’ve ever come across, scroll right below and read the backstory behind the love. It’s a beautiful narrative of life after loss, complete with a T-6 Warbird flyover commemorating the bride’s late parents. Eric Staples captured Chris and Ashley’s day with such craft and care, reminding us of what a wedding is really all about.

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Chris & Ashley’s Story

From the filmmaker, Eric Staples… I’ve never witnessed a couple more in love than Chris and Ashley. Truly. There had been an overflow of emotions from the past couple years of hurt and healing, but joy is what found them on that warm, tranquil day south of Birmingham, Alabama. They were beaming every minute. We all were witnesses. But they may as well have been there alone, lost in each other, devoting their lives to one another. I’m blessed to now call them friends and am constantly inspired by their real, wonderfully messy and passionate love.

Ashley’s entire family are pilots, they live near a runway in Alabama and grew up flying. They each have a heart for adventure; it’s evident in Ashley’s eyes. In March 2010, her parents were flying a T-6 Warbird together off the coast of Florida when something went wrong and crashed into the waters. They were killed instantly. Ashley’s two brothers steadily walked her down the aisle to Chris. At the reception, Ashley had her Dad’s best friend and wingman, Billy Strickland, perform a flyover in a T6 Warbird to commemorate her parents, which you can see in the film.

I am so grateful for opportunities to capture stories like this. Stories of hope and perspective.

From the Bride, Ashley… I think one of the main reasons I have experienced so much joy in knowing and loving Christopher is because I have experienced the depth of pain in losing the two people I love the most on this earth. As Kahlil Gibran wrote, “The deeper sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.” We wanted to acknowledge both joy and sorrow on this day because the two are inseparable.

Cinematography: Eric Staples Video | Venue: Alexander City

I love to see a color palette come to life on screen, and when I get to see it through the talented lens of the ladies at Simply Bloom Photography, I know I am in for a treat. They teamed up with Southern Posies, Simply Bridal, Slice At A Time and The Trasformation Artistry to create sage and aqua perfection, and you’ll want to pin every picture here.

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From Simply Bloom Photography…The inspiration behind this shoot was an unusual color palette we do not often see in real weddings. We chose our favorite vendors to collaborate with us and gave them free reigns to create within our inspiration board for this shoot. We believe artists give their very best when they are given full control, so that is precisely what we achieved: A unique vision and excellent craftsmanship from everyone involved. Fairytale-esque imagery with shades of sage, copper, and aqua.

This shoot is meant to inspire brides to think outside the “ever so trendy pink palette” and explore other tones for their wedding decor.

Photography: Simply Bloom Photography | Flowers: Southern Posies | Wedding Dress: Simply Bridal | Cake: Slice At A Time | Venue: Farm | Beauty: The Transformation

Give me a tented wedding any day of the week and my heart is happy.  But give me a wedding celebrated under the sailcloth canopies of Sperry Tents and that’s an entirely new level of pure, unadulterated joy. Think breathtaking silhouettes, solid wood support poles and seriously sweet pennant flags waving in the breeze.  It’s romance meets elegance and it’s exactly how your wedding should be.

There are weddings, and then there are weddings held under the handcrafted goodness of Sperry Tents. Those are the type of weddings where sophistication takes center stage with sweeping panels of genuine sailcloth intricately crafted by sailmakers in coastal New England.  Imagine an array of tent sizes, creative lighting and luxurious floor options seriously perfect for your Big Day, no matter the size of your party.  So whether you plan on dining with an intimate group of 50 or dancing the night away with 500 of your favorites, Sperry Tents’ nationwide network of licensed providers has a tent just waiting for your creative touch… and flare for the amazing.

Contact the Sperry Tents Southeast location nearest you to begin your journey towards your dream wedding.  Offices are now open in Naples and Miami, Florida, as well as Charlottesville, Virginia and Charleston, South Carolina.  Happy planning, lovelies!

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Photography: IRIS Photography + Al Gawlik Photography + Concept Photography + Neil Landino

While I’ve always been a summer girl, there’s something so romantic about an ultra-festive holiday affair — and what holiday could possibly be more festive than New Year’s Eve? This Groom proposed to his beautiful Bride in a big way (an NFL stadium!), so it’s no surprise that their NYE nuptials ended up rivaling the festivities in Times Square. Leslee Mitchell captured all the wintry magic here so take a peek!

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From the beautiful Bride… Wade and I met through our mutual interest in outdoor recreation as students at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. We began by going on group trips to the local rock climbing gym, and eventually the group got smaller and smaller, until it was just the two of us.

Fast-forward three years, and I find myself walking down a white candle-lined carpet to meet my finace-to-be at the 50-yard line of LP Field where the Tennessee Titans play. I said “yes” as a good friend in the music business played my favorite Garth Brooks song over the sound system. As if an NLF football stadium proposal wasn’t enough, I was shocked and humbled to see 40 of our closest family members and friends waving from the press box, where we quickly joined for hugs and champagne toasts. It was certainly a night to remember, so we knew our wedding would be a blast!

When Wade and I decided our wedding would be on New Year’s Eve, the style and feel unfolded very naturally over the planning process. My hometown of Birmingham, AL, is undergoing such an amazing period of restoration, and we wanted our celebrations to reflect this process by honoring the past and the present on a holiday when time is particularly salient. I was instantly attracted to a downtown venue undergoing major restorations, the Florentine Building. The Florentine was originally built in the 1920s, and its architecture really showcases the decadence of the time. When I found out that my grandmother used to go dancing there as a young girl, I knew it would be the perfect place for our New Year’s Eve reception.

Next, we chose First Church Birmingham, founded in 1872 and just a few blocks away from the Florentine. To our surprise, the church was also undergoing a restoration to uncover the building’s original crown molding in the ceiling. The brown stone and red doors were a perfect backdrop for some of our favorite wedding day photographs. Finally, we chose to host our out-of-town guests in the elegant Tutwiler Hotel, which has served visitors to the city since 1914.

Everything about our wedding day was the perfect balance of timeless elegance and New Year’s Eve glam. Hair and makeup began over mimosas in my mom’s sunroom with my nine lovely bridesmaids, and I love that our Christmas tree was still displayed in the background. One of my favorite details of my look was the double panel cathedral-length Vera Wang veil. The movement of the tulle and lace made me feel so regal. Also, my mother made an elegant lace handkerchief that I carried around my bouquet down the aisle.

We kept the church décor simple, as the architecture and stained glass made a beautiful statement on their own. Flowers and décor at the Florentine consisted largely of greenery and white, with splashes of festive gold, and hints of wine and raspberry for some added drama.

Aside from the climactic midnight countdown complete with champagne toasts, kisses, and flying gold streamers, one of my favorite moments was our exit in my dad’s 1959 Lincoln convertible. It was the perfect cap to our celebratory tribute to the past, present, and future. Our photographer captured many special moments in back and white film, which contributed to the timeless feel.

Wade and I are so thankful to our parents for this special day and are looking forward to 100 more New Year’s Eve celebrations as husband and wife.

Photography: Leslee Mitchell | Event Planning: I Do, I Do! Wedding Planning & Consulting | Floral Design: Cloth Of Gold Floral Artistry | Wedding Dress: Rivini | Cake: Barb's Cakes | Invitations: Huck And Pippa | Ceremony: First Church Birmingham | Ceremony Venue: First Church Birmingham | Reception Venue: The Florentine Building | Bridesmaids' Dresses: WToo | Catering: Corretti Catering | Makeup : Makeup by Melissa | Band: Moon Dance | Bridal Salon: b.Hughes Bridal | Caligraphy: Huck And Pippa | Veil: Vera Wang

The first weekend of May is here, and it can mean only one thing: spring wedding season has arrived! And for all you brides-to-be on the lookout for the a perfectly unique locale to marry your one and only, let me introduce you to St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra, Florida. This gorgeous spot on Florida’s historic coast is adorned with charming inns dripping with Old World detail.

Whether you’re choosing St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra as the perfect destination locale or as a getaway after you’ve tied the knot, you’ll find a unique twist on romance in these Florida gems. With incredible venues boasting romantic balconies, gorgeous greenery and offering customizable packages perfect for every couple, you’ll want to learn more about saying “I Do” on Florida’s historic coast. Head over here for details or call 888.898.1710.

Marrying rustic touches with elegant details is a surefire way to our wedding loving hearts. So, it’s no surprise when this gorgeous gallery a la Jonas Seaman Photography landed in our laps we were in a perfectly pretty daze. One look at this oh-so-sweet September nuptials filled with floral crowns and lush surrounded and we’re hooked, see it all here!

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From the beautiful Bride… We knew that September was the month that we wanted to celebrate our marriage. September is the most beautiful month in Alabama—right when the hot sun is less intense and the looks of fall are right around the corner. The trees and grass are lush and it’s a comfortable 70 degrees when the sun goes down.

Our day was different than most of the weddings we had been involved with over the past several years. Although every wedding is special in its own way, I never felt drawn to typical wedding gowns, especially the ones that are popular in the south. I wore a beaded Jenny Packham gown with a beautiful deep-V neckline and a delicate greenery crown in my hair.

We stayed away from Pinterest and drew ideas from what we knew we loved: simplicity. Our bouquets and florals consisted of mostly greens and light blush roses. We were drawn to earthy tones and colors and drew inspiration from there. I felt inspired by our venue, The Sonnet House. It was white, crisp and clean- surrounded by the beautiful foliage of late summer in the south. Our cake was white with succulents arranged throughout, and most of the colors you’ll see from the day are white and green. In a way it almost had a Grecian feel, without even meaning for it to be!

One piece of advice I have for brides is that your wedding day doesn’t have to be perfect. It can be quirky and special and silly in it’s own way. One hiccup in our day was when “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” by Iron and Wine started playing as our bridal party was walking down the aisle – the very song that was supposed to be what my dad and I were to walk down to. We looked at each other and laughed it off. We ended up walking down to “Heartbeats” by Jose Gonzalez and it couldn’t have been more perfect. I also hope brides remember to have fun. I danced so hard at our wedding that I had blisters on our honeymoon!”

Photography: Jonas Seaman Photography | Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Hair & Makeup: Brittany Massey | Venue: The Sonnet House | Ceremony Musicians: Cahaba River Strings | Event Coordination And Floral Design: The Sonnet House | Photography - Assistance: Mary Ellen Williamson

Loves, if you haven’t yet met Rime Arodaky, it’s soooo time you do.  Because this talented French designer knows a thing or two about making you look all kinds of beautiful.  Imagine a breathtaking collection of gorgeous gowns + honeymoon attire that will completely change your wedding world.  It’s boho chic meets rock ‘n’ roll for your big day and beyond… and we can’t get enough.

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Known for her intricate lace detailing, stunning silhouettes and bohemian-inspired stylings, Rime Arodaky’s fabulous new line, “La malle de la mariée” (“The Bride’s Suitcase”), brings a sweet Coachella meets Californian vacation vibe to your honeymoon… and beyond.  Think gorgeous lace cover-ups, beautiful gowns and uber-chic swimwear, all with that dash of rock ‘n’ roll that appears in every fabulous masterpiece Rime Arodaky creates.  Which means that you’ll look just as amazing saying “I do” as you will frolicking on the beach post-wedding with your sweetie.

To start your wedding journey with Rime Arodaky, visit her website for more information on her breathtaking + custom-fit gowns, or to make an appointment.  And for that perfect honeymoon or summer look, visit the Rime Arodaky eshop.  And for your daily dose of inspiration, follow Rime Arodaky’s Instagram NOW!

You may think you’ve seen a “secret garden” wedding done before, but I can assure you that you’ve never a day quite as charming as this. Think ‘maids dressed in lavender, mixed blooms a’plenty and a pint-sized bridal party all sweet in a row. Simply Bloom Photography came along for the fun, and the gallery is every garden bride’s dream come to life.

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From Simply Bloom Photography…The bride described envisioning a “secret garden” theme for her wedding day. She also outlined that her style is very eclectic and that her dress as well as the bridesmaids’ are flowing and ethereal.

Paige and Jesse were a dream couple to photograph and their wedding embodied just that. Every detail felt like an organic and artistic choice. It was apparent that they fully trusted all their vendors, because the final result was a masterpiece from each contributor.

One of our favorite moments to capture was when the bride saw her father for the first time on the day. It was everything Paige promised it would be: heartfelt, warm, emotional and plain moving, even for us behind the lens.

Photography: Simply Bloom Photography | Wedding Planner: Finery Boutique | Floral Design: In Bloom | Wedding Dress: Watters | Cake: Diann Laney | Catering: Betty Lankford | Hair Stylist: Fringe Salon | Band & DJ: Act Of Congress | Make-up Artist: Nancy Finnegan | Plantation Mansion: Creekside Plantation

There are beach resorts in Florida, and then there is the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort; a Naples wonderland of drop-dead gorgeous accommodations, top-notch service and luxurious amenities at every turn.  Think seaside “I do’s” meets an elegant ballroom reception meets an entire weekend of lounging around with your sweetie.  Put simply, it’s amazing.

Whether you’re saying “I do” for the first time, renewing your vows or simply planning your honeymoon in paradise, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is THE place where all of the above happens, and it happens perfectly.  From your choice of stunning venues (pristine beach + fab pool + breathtaking ballroom) to the team of professionals that will walk with you step by step through the planning process to your end of the night walks underneath a golden sunset.

Contact LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort today to start planning your dream wedding!

Every once in awhile you come across a wedding that just has IT: a sort of indescribable perfection that leaps from each and every single image.  This, loves, is one of those weddings.  A drop-dead gorgeous Southern charmer boasting muted tones, lush blooms from Lola’s Flowers And Gifts and an entire gallery of amazing captures from MARROW By Glass Jar Photography.  Join me there for all of the pretty. 

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From MARROW By Glass Jar Photography… MARROW is a new digital film division of Glass Jar Photography.  This wedding is both a great example of our work with the new division, as well as a great source of ideas for brides looking for some cool floral design, and creative reception styling.

A gorgeous sunny day in the south, covered in flowers and color, Rachel and Nate tied the knot.  Starting with getting ready in an old house across the street from the Gothic style church where the ceremony took place to the antique car get-a-way to the reception on Nate’s family property out in the country.

We ended the night in a perfectly dreamy lit tent in an open field, releasing paper lanterns in the air. It was truly a southern charmer of a wedding.

Photography: MARROW By Glass Jar Photography | Planner: Madeline Boswell | Floral Design: Lola's Flowers And Gifts | Wedding Dress: Finery Boutique | Cake: Just Crumbs | Invitations: Smock | Reception Venue: Family Home | Catering: Lynn's Gracious Goodness | Lighting : AG Lighting | Groom's Attire: Finery Boutique | Table Linens : Kam Fook Restaurant

This wedding is everything.  A heartfelt ceremony set against a breathtaking backdrop, a dance ’til the sun comes up reception and drop-dead gorgeous details wowing each and every guest.  It’s the kind of wedding that mixes Southern tradition with a little modern bling, and it was all planned and designed by the team at Commerce Street Events, a group of ladies that know a thing or two about perfect weddings.

From the stunning ceremony featuring a floral arbor, fabulous custom made doors and wooden church pews to the rustic farm tables highlighting the reception, this is a day that is all about the details. Something the team at Commerce Street Events is so very, very good at.  They have the ability to take your story (in this case, an adorable duo who literally fell in love over their shared love of wine) and make that story the centerpiece of your big day.  Think an Arrington Vineyards setting meets a sophisticated elegance that is literally jaw-dropping (hello, chandeliers).  Teaming up with Commerce Street Events means hiring a group of amazing planners and designers who will walk with you step by step throughout the process, from event design and management, set-up and tear down, timeline management, guest services, vendor negotiations… and more.  Which means that fairytale wedding you’ve been envisioning is right at your fingertips.

Contact Commerce Street Events TODAY to begin planning that wedding of a lifetime.  You most definitely won’t regret it.

Photography: Ace Photography | Event Design & Planning: Commerce Street Events | Florals: Making Arrangements Florist | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: Dessert Designs | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Catering: Chef's Market | Hair & Makeup: Meg Boes | Lighting: Nashville Event Lighting | Band: The Nashville Bluetones | Transportation: Grand Avenue | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Lilac Farms At Arrington Vineyards | Ceremony Musicians: The Nashville Bluetones | Custom Logo: Green Bean Paper Company | Draping: Visual Elements | Fine Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Goods: Donna Birtle's Gifts | Rentals & Linens: Southern Events Party Rental & Vintage Prop Shoppe | Wine: Arrington Vineyard

How is it already February? I’m finally getting my mind wrapped around resolutions and fresh starts and now I have to add valentines and sweet treats to the list. But not before we have one last hoorah with all the glory of a New Year’s Eve wedding, complete with festive balloons and confetti. Marrow By Glass Jar Photography captured the countdown and I’ll be reliving all of this fun until next year.

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From MARROW By Glass Jar Photography… Mal and Brett had a super silver & gold New Year celebration for a wedding with loads of fun details and events.

Their first look was meeting in the courtyard with silver and gold balloons to cover their faces, then having silver and gold for design all around the wedding ceremony and reception including a confetti first kiss/ceremony exit, and a colored balloon send off at 12am!

Photography: Glass Jar Photography | Wedding Venue: Le Meridien

With the holidays just behind us, and engagement season in full force, there are lots of sparkly new rings upon fingers! Now that you and your honey have decided on forever, the wedding planning can begin. First up? A gorgeous venue. Lucky for you, I’ve got just the place — the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

This incredible venue located on Jekyll Island, Georgia, is as gorgeous as they come. Offering couples a huge variety of settings where they can tie the knot — garden, beachfront, ballroom, cottage lawn + chapel to name a few — the breathtaking grounds of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel will have you and your guests head-over-heels. To help you navigate the planning process, the hotel has a top-notch sales + catering department that will walk you through everything from package options, room blocks, booking vendors, day-of coordination and so much more.

I don’t know about you all, but I’m seriously smitten with this stunning locale. It’s not too late to book your 2015 big day at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel — there are even a handful of discounted weekends available! To learn more about the venue and to get started planning, call 912.635.5170, email sales{at}jekyllclub.com or head over to their website. Happy planning, my dears!

Fact: LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is the type of place that just makes your soul happy.  The perfect combo of luxury and elegance, it’s glistening beaches meets amazing accommodations meets that sweet Florida sun.  In other words?  It’s the ideal setting for your wedding, vow renewal or honeymoon.

Located against a stunning Gulf of Mexico backdrop, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort knows a thing or two about throwing a perfect party.  From that intimate vow renewal to that 200-person affair, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort has the venue just right for you and yours.  Think grand ballrooms, poolside spaces and sandy beaches that will wow you and your guests with their awesomeness.  Not to mention an amazing team of wedding professionals that will make sure each and every moment of your day is simply flawless.  Add all of that to the peace and tranquility of a Naples vacation and it’s the wedding of your dreams… and then some.

Fact: if you’re tying the knot in Wilmington, NC, I am sooo jealous.  And not just because Wilmington happens to be a place known for magical + oh-so beautiful I do’s.  Nope, it’s also the home to the fab Courtyards & Cobblestones event, a walking tour through several downtown wedding venues.  It’s a glamour-filled night of good food, yummy drinks, amazing vendors and a whole lot of inspiration.

At Courtyards & Cobblestones, you can leisurely stroll through all that downtown has to offer, making it that much easier to select a wedding venue.  And your self-guided tour doesn’t just include fabulous locales, you’ll also be meeting some of the finest wedding professionals Wilmington has to offer, from awesome photogs to cupcake masters to floral pros that will take your breath away.  Soak in each space that has been meticulously crafted by an amazing Wilmington designer, and munch on the yummy samplings from some seriously talented caterers.  Oh, and did I mention the live entertainment?  Sooo awesome.  Call it date night or even a girl’s night out, but seriously don’t forget to mark your calendar for January 17th, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  Tickets are $18 online or $25 at the door.

For day to day updates go to the Courtyards & Cobblestones Facebook page… and don’t forget to check out the amazing film below!

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Photography: Susie Linquist Photography | Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Photography: KMI Photography | Photography: Scott Piner Photography | Photography: Millie Holloman Photography | Videography: Life Stage Films | Videography: Seven Season Films | Videography: Light Cannon Films | Videography: Philip James Films | Videography: Green Hope Productions | Videography: Blueberry Creative | Event Design: Kickstand Events | Event Design: Fiore Fine Flowers | Event Design: Design Perfection | Event Design: Lily Belles Event Design | Event Design: Social Butterfly Events | Event Design: Salt Harbor Designs | Floral Design: Eco Chic Blossoms | Floral Design: Beautiful Flowers By June | Cake: One Belle Bakery | Cake: Alison's Cakery | Cake: Imaginary Cakes | Cupcakes: Coastal Cupcakes | Reception Venue: The Loft On Front | Catering: 128 South | Catering: The Beam Room | Catering: The Balcony on Dock | Catering: Pine Valley Market | Catering: City Club At De Rosset | Catering: Culinary Creations | Invitations & Calligraphy: Southern Bee Designs | Lighting: High Performance Lighting | DJ: Active DJ Entertainment | Transportation: Wilmington Trolley Company | Transportation: Event Shuttle Service | Transportation: The British Taxi | Beverages: Wilmington Wine | Ceremony & Reception Venue: City Club At De Rosset | Ceremony & Reception Venue: 128 South | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Atrium by Ligon Flynn | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Bakery 105 | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center At St. Andrew's | Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Balcony on Dock | Health & Beauty: ADG Fashion Styling | Health & Beauty: Makeupforyourday | Health & Beauty: Salon Fringe Wilmington | Health & Beauty: GoGirl Fitness | Ice Sculpture: Ice Sensations | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Live Music: The MidAtlantic | Live Music: Guitarist Trey Hamlin | Live Music: Possum Creek Bluegrass Band | Live Music: Maura Kropke | Live Music: Benny Hill Music | Photo & Video Booth: The Soapbox Photo & Video Booth | Photo Booth: Theo Milo Photography | Photo Booth: Millie Holloman Photography | Rentals: Eventful Furniture | Rentals: Party Suppliers & Rentals | Rentals: CE Rentals | Specialty Gifts: Reeds | Specialty Gifts: Pressed Cotton | Specialty Rentals: Harborside Event Rentals | Specialty Rentals: DP Etc. | Specialty Rentals: Pomp Event Furnishings | Sweets: Nye's Ice Cream Sandwiches | Wedding Event: Courtyards & Cobblestones | Wedding Publications: Weddings Unveiled Magazine | Wedding Publications: Southern Weddings Magazine | Wedding Publications: Southern Bride & Groom | Wedding Publications: The Knot | Wedding Publications: SALT Magazine

Inside and out, this wedding is beautiful. Simply put. It’s everything I love about autumn elegance, with it’s perfect mix of pale pink, rich burgundy and sunset yellows and oranges, set against the deep green Birmingham forest. Mariée Ami Wedding Planning Studio made sure every detail was in it’s proper place and the result is a charming celebration. Cozy up to the gallery from Clark Brewer.

From Mariée Ami Wedding Planning Studio…Virginia and Andrew wanted their November wedding to be a classic fall occasion that had a rustic, mountain feel. However, their chosen venue did not fit this description. The couple decided to completely transform a traditional clubhouse building to give it a woodsy vibe. The first step in the transformation was taking out all of the property’s furniture and bringing in custom drapery and awnings, as well as pine bars, French country accent pieces, linen sofas, and wingback chairs. The couple chose antler chandeliers to adorn the clear top tents that encased the two terrace areas, and brought in twelve foot magnolia trees to frame each doorway. Small cabanas were constructed near the dance floor to offer up a quiet place for guests to lounge and visit. These cabanas were decorated to replicate a cozy living room that you would see in the finest of mountain homes.

The bride was inspired by pinecones, acorns and garlands, all of which played a role in the design of the wedding. The acorn was used on the paper suite, and continued to appear throughout the celebration on the napkins, cups, and koozies. Garlands were placed on the altar at the church, and adorned the fireplace at the reception, and was seen again on the couple’s getaway car. The bride’s cake had basket-weave detail and was accented with oak leaves, acorns, and a magnolia leaf wreath encircling the base of the cake stand. To top off the night, guests were given Thanksgiving regalia to wear while dancing the night away. The remaking of this venue allowed all of the guests to feel they had escaped the city and arrived in the mountains, which made the night a truly stunning fête.

Photography: Clark Brewer | Event Design: Sybil Sylvester | Wedding Planner: Mariée Ami Wedding Planning Studio | Wedding Gown: Joan Pillow Bridal | Cake: Hope Stanley | Ceremony Venue: Independent Presbyterian Church | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Band: Atlanta Showstoppers | Officiant: Independent Presbyterian Church | Jazz Group: Matthew DeVine | Lighting And Rentals: Beachview Event Rentals and Design | Paper Designer: Mary Baugh