Georgia Weddings

Jennifer Blair, I love you. I love the way you capture moments, and the way your images just overflow with prettiness. I’ll continue professing my admiration for your talent for as long as you send us gorgeous features like this one, where each image is worthy of the most prized spot on this couple’s mantle. If I were them, I would fill my entire house with each of these work-of-art images sitting in this gallery, because they are just.that.gorgeous – and you can see precisely what I am talking about right here.

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Jennifer Blair Photography…This romantic session was captured on Jekyll Island, most of which feature the backdrop of Crane Cottage. The immaculate gardens and architecture was styled after the Italian Renaissance when built in 1917. Walking around the terraces and courtyard provides a little slice of Europe on the Georgia coast. Combined with the gargantuan Oaks adorned with Spanish moss, Jekyll Island is one of the most romantic destinations for miles. This nostalgic and European inspired place was the perfect backdrop for this stunning couple and their overflowing love. Lindsay & James danced and whispered in corners as if they belonged there. The scenery just added to the ethereal feel of the entire session.

Photography: Jennifer Blair Photography | Wedding Venue: Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Fall is my favorite season, and with absolute good reason.  Not only is it a drop-dead gorgeous time of year (red + orange + gold always equals magic), it makes for some seriously stunning weddings. I’m talking weddings that are chock-full of fabulous autumn details (ahem, hot cocoa bar) and warm and cozy accents every which way you turn (one word: pashmina).  So today?  Well, we’re dedicating our morning, noon and night to those cool weather soirees with a little look at some of our Fall faves.

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We’re kicking off our day of pretty with this Long Island City affair from Firefly Events and Mademoiselle Fiona, because, well… it’s just that darn beautiful.  And this fall-hued bundle of blooms?  Exquisite.  See so much more right here.

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Did someone say hot cocoa bar?  Because this pretty little Chicago affair from Julia Franzosa happens to be boasting one of the most stylish hot cocoa set-ups I have ever seen.  Think chocolate covered spoons meets cinnamon sticks meets a whole lot of yummy whip cream.  See it all right here in the full gallery.

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The perfect way to kick off a lovely Autumn event?  Some pretty paper goods that just scream “Fall chic.” Pretty paper goods like these ones from Papier Fabrik, which just so happen to be a crazy gorgeous mix of vibrant colors and oh-so-beautiful calligraphy.  See every last detail (and the entire mesmerizing wedding) captured by Jillian Modern Photography right here in the full gallery.

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When vibrant blooms like this come my way, I tend to get a little speechless.  Because bright pops of orange, red and yellow are the pure definition of fall perfection.  And when they are showcased in a bouquet as stunning as this one created by Felicity Banford Flowers, it’s an entirely new level of awesome.  See the entire soiree captured by Lilian Haidar Photography right here in the full gallery.

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I’ve already mentioned my love of Fall color palettes, but you can’t even begin to speak about this beautiful garden wedding without paying homage to the pretty, pretty hues filling every last beautiful image captured by Olivia Leigh Photographie.  It’s like a Fall-colored explosion, lovelies… and it’s amazing.  Join me in the gallery for sooo much more.

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This gorgeous berry farm shoot is here to teach us that a table overflowing with lush fruit-filled blooms from Honey of a Thousand Flowers, gold anything and fabulous Kraft paper place settings is always, always a fall fave.  And the gallery of every mesmerizing moment captured by Brandon Werth? Even better.  See so much more right here.

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So there you have it, lovelies.  A lineup of fall-inspired pretty that will leave you swooning for days. You’re totally welcome.  xoxo

This wedding from Kristin Leigh Photography plays out like a fairytale. With he stunning Ritz Carlton setting draped in lovely florals and perfect details by the oh-so talented Engaging Events, a show-stopper of a gown, and a couple who couldn’t be more in love if they tried – this gallery  has once upon a time written all over it. See it all here.

Pink was the color of choice for Sarah- she really wanted a romantic look and her fairtale style gown really helped set the tone. We used pinks, peaches, ivorys, and champagne for her color palette– while her Save the Date, Wedding and Program had a vintage look on beautiful cotton paper, with the invitation being letterpressed by Sixpence Press.

One of our favorite design elements was the monogram that we had made for the dance floor. The cake, created by the groom’s grandmother, covered up the monogram during guest arrival- as the Sarah and Chris were introduced onto the dance floor- they immediately cut the cake- we then surprised the crowd by rolling the cake away and revealing the spot lit monogram on the dance floor- what a wow factor!

Photography: Kristen Alexander | Floral Design: Engaging Events, LLC | Church: Peachtree Road United Methodist Church | Catering: Ritz Carlton | Lighting: Ritz Carlton | Band: Root Doctors | Transportation: Atlantic Limo | Hotel: Ritz Carlton Buckhead | Event Planner/Designer: Engaging Events, LLC | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Goods: Heather at Sixpence Press | Rentals: Peachtree Tents and Events | Second Photographer: Kristen Alexander

Buffy Dekmar has a way of capturing weddings that always leave me weak in the knees. She just has this amazing talent of snapping up the most beautiful moments in the loveliest of lights leaving us with weddings like this one that is happily sitting in a league of its own. With its southern charm and perfect details, this is just as pretty as it gets, folks. See it all here.

The couple’s family and friends traveled from all over the country to celebrate their wedding, so Katie and Sean wanted to show them a truly southern wedding. Their styling, menu, and venue choices accomplished that beautifully, and a good time was had by all!

Photography: Buffy Dekmar Photography | Floral Design: Primrose Cottage | Cake: Publix Bakery | Shoes: Kate Spade | Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal | Catering: A Divine Event | Makeup: Mimosa Salon and Spa | Hair: Colours Salon | DJ: Black Tie Events | Wedding Venue: Primrose Cottage | Bagpipes: Gig Masters - PartyPosh | Bridal Salon: Bridals By Lori

This adorable duo came to their talented team with the idea that was a little bit nautical, a little bit vintage-travel inspired and sprinkled with southern charm – and boy their team did they deliver. With Andrea Harper at the design helm, rentals from Gray Harper Event Maker, a gorgeous cake from Samantha Sanford and stunning pictures from Jade and Matthew Take Pictures – it’s safe to say their engagement session is in a league of its own. I can’t even wait to see their wedding! See it all here.

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Photography: Jade + Matthew Take Pictures | Event Design: Gray Harper Event Maker | Floral Design: Gray Harper Event Maker | Cake: Lavender & Honey Designs | Rentals: Gray Harper Event Maker

In a perfect world, I would live inside this photo shoot.  I would frolic in the gorgeous fields, rock a beautiful gown from Ivy and Aster and surround myself with lush (+ gorgeous) blooms from Gertie Mae’s Floral Studio for every second of every day.  Because this, my friends, is the kind of wonderland you sort of dream about, with every last mesmerizing moment captured in beyond perfect images by Paperlily Photography.  See them all right here in the full gallery.

And a beautiful film from Anchor Heart Films?  Yes, please.

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From Sherry Donnelly of Gertie Mae’s Floral Studio… Everyone has a dream, a vision, something magical that runs around in their brain. I decided to bring mine to life in a styled shoot with the incredible talent of Paperlily Photography. Growing up in the southeastern part of the country, I was raised with the Maypole tradition. That of lovely girls in white dresses, dancing around the Maypole, and weaving the colorful ribbons in and out until they were braided. This event normally takes place in the spring time, so I put a twist on it and created an Autumn Maypole themed shoot. Adding the rich tones and textures in the ribbons, floral crowns, organic necklaces, and table settings, gave it a lush, yet natural feel. The concept was for the ladies to gather their own flowers, create their own wearable designs, and dance the afternoon away around the Maypole. The Ivy and Aster dresses were perfect for the storyline. My dream came to life through the lense of Paperlily Photography and even more so in the magical video Teejay Heaslip of Anchor Heart Films created of the day.

Photographer: Paperlily Photography | Film: Anchor Heart Films | Floral Design: Gertie Mae’s Floral Studio | Cake: Blooming Flour | Hair + Makeup: Andrea Carter Artistry | Hair + Makeup: Brielle Brenner | Hair + Makeup: Beth Pilgreen | Venue: Glen Ella Springs Inn | China: Vintage English Teacup | Custom Ribbons: Nicholas Kniel | Furniture Rentals: Crush Event Rentals | Lead Hair Stylist: Michelle McCoy | Muffins: Homespun | Stationery + Paper Suite: Julia's Poppies | Wedding Gowns: Ivy And Aster

Vintage-loving brides! We’ve got just the feature for y’all today. It’s a sweet southern wedding complete with some of the loveliest vintage details, thanks to our friends at Southern Vintage, who will be breaking down some of our favorite highlights. Most of all, we love the personal touch that incorporating vintage goodies adds to a wedding and we want to know how to pull it off! Keep reading for the breakdown & tips and then join us in the gallery!

From Southern Vintage… For table numbers the bride and groom chose vintage postcards that reflected them—vintage West Point soldiers (groom West Point Army officer) and vintage Florida and Gators (the bride is from Florida and a University of Florida graduate). The post cards were displayed on wire stands on vintage door knobs and lids from Southern Vintage. The linens, vintage napkins and doily runners on the tables were vintage also.

The gift table and guest book table were set side by side on vintage wood tables. The bride wanted a vintage treasure for the guests to place cards in that was unique to let them know how important she felt their gifts were. She selected a Southern Vintage 6 drawer tool crate. The bride made the scrabble welcome sign and painted the M for Myers. The bride loves succculents so they were incorporated on to these two tables in milk glass vessels rented from Southern Vintage. The guest book was a large (huge) wood slab from the brides back yard. The guests signed their names on the slab and the groom is going to make a coffee table out of the wood slab. They rented a vintage wood table to place the slab on and a chalk board sign to instruct the guests. It was a unique guest book that all the guests had fun signing.

Tip: Pick a guest book that incorporates your style and that you will enjoy for years and even for life!

The bride and groom wanted a fun cocktail hour. They didn’t want their guests waiting in long lines, So two separate bars were created with vintage barrels with antique doors across the top for back and front bars. The back bars were created for the bar tenders to have a work area so the front bar stayed clean and pretty. Next to the two bars were unique displays with vintage stemware for the guests or bartenders to chose the appropriate stemware. Their was washi tape and markers for naming of glasses for the night. One display was a vintage garden cart and the other an oak dresser. Both had chalk board signs with the bar options and signature drinks.

Tip: Functional as well as lovely displays are important for the guests to have a good time. No one wants to wait on an hour line for a drink no matter how pretty the bar is!

The important elements the bride wanted on the table settings were vintage china, stemware, silver flatware, napkins and lace. Her florals were baby’s breath for a romantic breathy feel with other soft and pretty flowers in vintage milk glass and silver vessels, with a pop of blue and pink here and there. She chose all the elements and the day of coordinators styled the tables with all the Southern Vintage table ware on the day. The vintage floral vessels were given to the florist days before the wedding. Smaller wood boxes, rusty keys and small bird figurines were added to continue the rustic and romantic style.

Tip: Vintage table settings can get very busy in a hurray. Each piece is unique and lovely but if you overcrowd the table your guests can’t appreciate the loveliness through the clutter. So don’t send more to the venue than you want placed on the tables or it will all get set out.

Later in the evening, the dancers were given a sweet cool treat. The ice cream bar was very important to the bride because she and her dad loves ice cream. The used vintage treasures to create the ice cream bar, milk glass compotes, depression glass cookie jars, wood cheese crates, scales and ice cream churns all placed on a vintage farm table. Our vintage hoosier cabinet was used place vintage sherbet cups and spoons for the self serve ice cream bar.

The most important tip we have learned from our vintage weddings is that it’s to communicate your inspiration, style and details that are essential with the day of coordinators. We have brides that come to us to rent the vintage treasures with a clear vision in mind. On the day of the wedding, the bride should be primping and relaxing so it is essential that the day of coordinator knows her bride and her vision. Some brides are very detail oriented and some are not so make sure you pick a coordinator that fits your style and personality so all your months or years of planning are not lost on your big day! Congrats to Callie and Billy!

From Southern Vintage… Callie and Billy vision for their wedding was a romantic vintage rustic wedding, a relaxed and happy celebration of their love and their love of their family and friends. On May 3, 2013, Billy and Callie had their beautiful wedding at the Inn at Serenbe. They had a long and obstacle ridden path to their wedding. After the wedding, Billy said the wedding was amazing and worth the two year wait! Some of the obstacles they faced were: postponement of the their first planned ceremony in March 2012 until after Billys return from deployment to Afghanistan (First Lieutenant in US Army), a stylist that promised a “deserving couple wedding, since Callie a special education teacher and Billy soldier in Army, only to steal money from them and the unexpected change of venue five days before the wedding! Flexibility and perseverance were much needed by the couple and her parents to continue to create the vision. Thanks to good friends, family and gracious vendors that went above and beyond, Callie and Billy had their magically romantic vintage wedding. The Inn at Serenbe was so gracious to allow us to have the wedding at their beautiful venue with less than a weeks notice. The beautiful venue so complimented their style and vision for the wedding. In the end, it was that love of family and friends, one of the key ingredients in the vision they had for their wedding, that made it all possible!

The style of romantic vintage was created using vintage treasures from Southern Vintage and all Callies DIY projects that kept her busy while Billy was in Afghanistan. The color palette was filled with vintage hues but mostly white, ivory, blush, gray and a touch of tiffany blue. The brides dress with its flowing chiffon and a tiny bit of bling was perfect for romantic vintage wedding. Her mother adapted her veil from her 1983 wedding using lace from her dress and bling from Callies belt (that she didnt want on the belt) to create a less 80s headpiece. Callies love of children was evident in the amount of children in the ceremony and dancing at the reception. The couples puppy, Molly, a swiss mountain dog was the most special flower girl. The grooms cake was a delicious replica of Molly. The guest book was a huge slice of an old oak tree from the brides backyard that they will use to create a coffee table. The escort cards were attached to a vintage key on very old shutters. The table numbers were on very old postcards of West Point and other important places to the bride and groom. The ice cream bar later in the night for dancers to cool off, which was also the Father of bride’s favorite food. Lastly, the send off was lavender tossed at the couple from little muslin sachets.

Photography: Noi Tran | Photography: Caroline Akins | Event Design & Planning: Southern Vintage | Floral Design: Virtu Floral Design | Cake: Blooming Flour | Invitations: Tasha Rae Designs | Ceremony Venue: The inn at Serenbe | Reception Venue: The inn at Serenbe | Catering: Tulla White Catering | Hair & Makeup: Jamie | Day of Event Styling & Planning: Vinewood Plantation | Day of Event Styling & Planning: LeAnn Hurd of Southern Flair | Menus, escort tags + favor cards: Moore Custom Creations | Vintage Rentals: Southern Vintage

The moment I laid eyes on this stunning Serenbe Farm wedding by Carla Gates I knew it needed to grace the pages of SMP Georgia ASAP. It has that level of lovely that is sure to inspire everyone who scrolls through this gorgeous gallery of images, and it’s topped off with so much sweetness you can’t help but smile. It’s pure prettiness from start to finish, and you can see why I was so excited to share it right here.

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As we eagerly began planning our wedding day, we knew we wanted a location that would give our family and friends a chance to get away for the weekend and enjoy spending time together. When we visited Serenbe it was love at first sight! From the beautiful Inn and cottages that made it easy to have our friends and family stay for the weekend, to the on-site locations available to host our rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception, as well as activities like daily animal feedings and bonfires, it was perfect! Michael and I love being outdoors, and were thrilled to find a venue that allowed us to host the entire event outside. Our vision for the wedding was “casual elegance” to maximize the natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere of the venue while incorporating beautiful romantic touches throughout the décor. I love neutrals, but also wanted to add a splash of soft pink to the color pallet to match the pearl design on my dress, so we added it in with the bridesmaids’ dresses and subtly into the flowers, invitations and programs. It came out so lovely!

We were so fortunate to have such wonderful family and friends to help with the planning and decorations as the wedding got closer! My mom and sister added so many sweet touches by putting ribbon around our invitations, creating bags for the guest rooms, creating labels for the favors, making hanging flower vases for the ceremony and much more. My dad even designed a wedding themed corn hole game for use throughout the weekend and purchased glow stick necklaces and bracelets, which were a huge hit at the reception! We were also blessed to have creative family friends to help with the artwork for our guestbook and signage!

Before long, the wedding day was upon us and the weather was absolutely amazing! The morning of, Michael and I were able to separately enjoy a relaxing breakfast with our family and friends at The Inn, and then spend more time with them getting ready. I had been a little concerned about being nervous when walking down the aisle, but seeing the faces of so many family and friends instantly calmed me and made me excited to have so many of our loved ones in one place. It was such an amazing day, even down to the reception where everyone danced all the way up until the sparkler exit, and we were so fortunate to have an incredible photographer who helped us capture beautiful pictures to remember it by forever.

Photography: Carla Gates Photography | Event Design: Gloriosa Design | Wedding Coordination: Ashley Baber Weddings | Floral Design: Gloriosa Design | Wedding Dress: Bridals By Lori | Wedding Dress: Watters | Wedding Cake: Gloriosa Design | Invitations: Paper Daisies Stationery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Makeup Artist: Veronica Sitterding | Band: Francisco Vidal | Groom's Attire: Allure Bridal | Grooms Attire: Savvi Formalwear | Wedding Venue: Serenbe | Bridal Shoes: L.K. Bennett | Bride's Veil: Something Tulle Bridal | Confetti, straws, and fondest memories cards: BHLDN | Garter: Something Tulle Bridal | Hairstylist: Alixx Hetzel | Placecards: BHLDN | Programs & Table Numbers: Paper Daisies Stationery | Wishing Tree: Etsy.com

If you hang out on SMP Georgia, you know I may just be the president of the Amy Arrington fan club. I could gush about her gorgeous images for days. Just take one look at all the pretty packed into this gallery, and you’ll feel the exact same way. Because not only does she capture some of the most swoon-worthy images around, she also seems to attract some of the loveliest couples. The result? Features like this one that couldn’t be prettier if it tried. See it all here.

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Photography: Amy Arrington Photography | Floral Design: A Divine Event | Cake: Alpine Bakery Trattoria | Catering: A Divine Event | Hair + Makeup: Brenda Tatum from Ambrosia Salon | DJ: Black Tie Events | Tuxes: Savvi Formalwear | Reverend: All-faith weddings | Wedding Venue: Flint Hill | String trio: Lark Chamber Music

There are engagement sessions, and then there is this mesmerizing day captured by Kendra Elise, which is what I am calling “the greatest engagement session of all time,” and I’m not being the least bit hyperbolic. Because when you combine a breathtaking Georgia setting with a talented photog, a stylist bride (hello, Allison Rhee, I heart you) and her handsome beau, it’s bound to equal pure, unadulterated lovely through and through.  And guess what?  It sooo does.  Click here for more.

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From Allison Rhee (the Bride)… We were in the same geometry class in 9th grade. We had a crush on each other, but we lived in two different worlds at the time. Instead of pursuing a relationship, we remained good friends for about eight years. I went to college in Boston and he stayed in Georgia. He was one of the few friends I would keep in touch with and try to meet during my vacation time at home. During our senior year of college, we finally decided to take the next step past friendship. We started off as long-distance and, although it was tough, I am so grateful for the experience. We built a strong foundation of communication, trust, and gratitude through those months. Fast forward about 3.5 years, living and traveling abroad for a year, and many dates later, we are now engaged!

Our engagement shoot was a true blessing. We won a free session with the talented Kendra-Elise who shot in film! It was a beautiful, dreamy, and memorable day. I first stayed in Serenbe for a few days for Joy Thigpen’s first styling workshop so it definitely has a special place in my heart. Serenbe is truly a serene place full of tall trees, farm animals, and open fields.

As an event and photo shoot stylist, I played around with the idea of creating different scenes and going all out with props like I have done in the past. But at the end of the day, I felt like Serenbe was the perfect backdrop for us and that the focus should be on us and our love for each other. With minimal props, we spent a few hours with Kendra who captured our love so beautifully.

My favorite memory of the day was when we were lighting the wish lantern. It was a joint effort, just like our relationship, but there was definitely a huge reward as we saw it take flight into the beautiful night sky. My wish is for us to always stay Christ-centered, to love each other with tender hearts, and to pour out the same love to our community.

Photographer: Kendra Elise Photography | Banner: Meghan Kay Sadler | Flower + Pearl Crowns: Flower Crown Society | Location: Serenbe | Make-Up Artist: Hayley Bidez | Paper Hearts: The Little Canopy | Stylist: Allison Rhee Of Enamored With

The best part of Baz Luhrmann’s newest rendition of The Great Gatsby?  Well, other than the obvious fact that I have yet another reason to love Leonardo DiCaprio?  The drop-dead gorgeous wedding inspiration it has managed to inspire.  Wedding inspiration like this stunning shoot captured by Sean and Amanda, a session that manages to mix all of the glamour of the Roaring 20’s with the perfect dash of modern stylings without skipping a beat.  I guess that’s what happens when a dream team of Georgia vendors gets together to inspire… a day of non-stop beauty.  See it all here in the full gallery.

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From Sean and Amanda… A sweet southern interpretation of a modern Art Deco wedding. With the recent remake of F.Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” we, along with talented vendors, created an inspirational shoot featuring a mix of old and new. Our model’s hair and makeup were done in roaring twenties fashion while their styling and clothing are modern pieces. Our decor showcases a lovely mix of blush, ivory and metallics. A true gramophone from the era adorns the table alongside a swag of aromatic botanicals. Each place setting uses a unique mix-match of vintage English china. The paper products were designed especially for an art deco celebration and the cake follows suit. There is no more perfect venue for this than the Atlanta History centers, Swan Coach house which was built in 1928 for the Edward H. Inman family, heirs to a cotton brokerage fortune.

We imagine our couple as lord and lady of this fine mansion sitting down to a formal dinner followed by some dancing on the lawn.

Photography: Sean and Amanda | Cake: Sweet Sensations | Ceremony Venue: Swan House Mansion | Hair and Makeup: Raney O'Keefe | Bridal Gowns: Fabulous Frocks of Atlanta | Bridal Hair Accessory: Vanilla Hue | Bridal Shoes: Ann Roth Shoes | China: Vintage English Teacup | Floral and Design: Juli Vaughn Designs | Furnishings: Crush Event Rentals | Glassware: The Funky Shack Art Studio | Linens: Nuage Designs | Menswear: The Modern Gent | Stationery Suite: Julia's Poppies

Photography: Sean and Amanda | Cake: Sweet Sensations | Ceremony Venue: Atlanta History Center | Hair and Makeup: Raney O’Keefe | Bridal Gowns: Fabulous Frocks | Bridal Hair Accessory: Vanilla Hue| Bridal Shoes: Ann Roth Shoes | China: Vintage English Teacup | Floral and Design: Juli Vaughn Designs| Furnishings: Crush Event Rentals | Glassware: The Funky Shack Art Studio | Linens: Nuage Designs | Menswear: The Modern Gent | Stationery Suite: Julia’s Poppies | Earrings, Necklace & Bracelet: Fabulous Frocks

Combining the uber-gorgeous fashions of the 1920’s with just a dash of modern stylings is never a bad idea, particularly when it comes in the form of a beautiful inspiration shoot like this darling sesh captured by Haley Sheffield.  I’m talking stunning gowns from The Sentimentalist, glamorous jewelry from Vintage Green and a whole lot of vintage goodness courtesy of Southern Vintage, here to rock your Wednesday in all sorts of ways.  Care to take a gander?  Join me in the gallery for sooo much more.

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Melissa Welch, stylist for the shoot, found inspiration in the pieces of Vintage Green Jewelry–a company by Edith Anne Hunt that collaborates vintage gems (literally) with contemporary elements to make extraordinary, unique pieces. After thrifting two 20’s-inspired evening gowns, Melissa coordinated with Southern Vintage (a vintage rental company based in Macon, GA) and several other vendors to create a shoot that would inspire the modern bride, while incorporating the glam and elegance of the 1920’s that we all love.

For the day-look, we used a light blue beaded chiffon gown, paired with a stunning Twigs & Honey headpiece from The Sentimentalist (a bridal boutique in Atlanta), as well as a few vintage-mod pieces from Vintage Green. We decided to go with a down-do for the bride, styled by Nichole Mitchell of Signature Salon. Jennifer Horton decided to use a soft, peachy color palette for the bride’s makeup, supplementing the softness with the classic cat-eye liner. For an extra touch of modern, she also painted the bride’s nails black to bring a “punch” into the light colors of this look.

For the evening look, we used a black beaded halter-neck gown, paired with a vintage fur coat, a dramatic necklace from Vintage Green, and another headpiece from The Sentimentalist. We just love the way each of the elements catches the candlelight. For this look, hair stylist Nichole Mitchell structured a stunning modern take on the classic up-do, featuring interwoven pin curls. The makeup for this look played on the drama of the gown, with sultry eyeliner and a dark burgundy lip.

We hope that these looks inspire brides who love the elegance of the 1920s, but want to incorporate them in a more modern way. We recommend choosing daring colors, vintage-mod jewelry pieces, and even small touches like dark lips and nails. In addition, we love the idea of using unique and bold statement pieces in the wedding decor–like the vintage red chaise lounge used in this shoot.

Photography: Haley Sheffield | Jewelry: Vintage Green | Hair: Nichole Mitchell | Bridal Shop: The Sentimentalist | Makeup Artistry: Jennifer Horton | Stylist: Melissa Welch | Vintage Rental: Southern Vintage

They say smiling is contagious.  I don’t know who “they” is, but they’re totally right.  Because the moment I laid my eyes on this darling duo and their ear to ear grins, I couldn’t help but try one on for myself. That probably has a little something to do with the sheer happiness bursting from every darling moment these two lovebirds shared, from the crazy gorgeous ceremony to the amazing dance party extravaganza at the end of the night.  See it all captured perfectly by Brita Photography right here.

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From the Brita Photography… Words can’t even begin to describe the love between Emily and Matt. The way he looks at her and the way she sweetly smiles back… we’re so grateful to have captured the little moments they shared together all day, along with their closest friends and family. They are true high school sweethearts and they tied the knot on August 17th, 2013!

I met Emily and all her bridesmaids at the house as they all had their hair and makeup done, while Nick met Matt and his groomsmen (all 10 of them!) at the Dunwoody Country Club. Capturing Emily and Matt’s wedding day was truly like being with good friends. We couldn’t help but share the same happiness and joy, and we were ecstatic for them when they said, “I Do.” It lightly rained in the afternoon, but it actually added to the emotion and romanticism of the day! Something about Matt gently kissing Emily’s forehead with raindrops slightly falling around them…

The evening started off with an incredible, live painting performance by Jared Emerson. Matt and Emily had provided a picture to him from their engagement session… and he painted it live, to the beat of the music, with the whole audience watching in awe. It was an amazing experience, and Matt and Emily have a gorgeous piece of art that they can cherish forever. They celebrated and danced the night away to the amazing Rupert’s Band. All 12 members of the band had every guest on their feet, non-stop dancing and celebrating Matt and Emily!

Event Planning: Magnolia Events & Planning | Floral Design: Arrangements By Catherine | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Wedding Cake: Frosted Pumpkin Gourmet, Inc. | Ceremony: Dunwoody Methodist Church | Reception Venue: Dunwoody Country Club | Wedding Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids Dresses: Designed by the Bride | Hair and Makeup: Brushworx Hair & Makeup | Guest Favors - Dessert Catering: King Of Pops | Live Band: EastCoast Entertainment | Live Painting Performance: Jared Emerson | Lunch Catering: Peach of a Party | Wedding Dress Boutique: Guffey's

If there is a guaranteed way to start a work week off on the prettiest of foots, it’s with a wedding by the beyond talented Amy Arrington. Her images have a way of making any day feel a bit more lovely, and this wedding at Wolf Mountain Vineyards definitely ups the ante on gorgeous. It’s 100% perfect and captured in a way that will leave you weak in the knees, making this Monday pretty darn fabulous. See why here.

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From the Bride… Our wedding at Wolf Mountain Vineyards was literally a dream come true. Dustin and I could not have imagined a more beautiful and perfect day. The venue is set in the North Georgia Mountains, giving it a breathtaking view. Walking down the aisle and seeing my husband look at me with tears in his eyes was the most special moment in my life. The staff at Wolf Mountain literally made the day effortless and Amy and her husband did such a great job capturing all of our special moments! We will always cherish that day and the life-long memories that we made.

Photography: Amy Arrington Photography | Florist: La Petite Fleur, Corrine Siegel | Wedding Dress: Casablanca | Catering: Wolf Mountain Vineyards | Hair: Alexa Kelly | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Wolf Mountain Vineyards

This is the kind of rehearsal dinner that you just can’t wait to attend.  A rehearsal dinner that is all at once drop-dead gorgeous and a full-fledged celebration.  It’s stunning paper goods meets lush, flowing florals meets a downright southern style that just can’t be replicated elsewhere.  Styled to perfection by Maggie Griffin and captured in mesmerizing images by Ashlee Culverhouse, this, my friends, is what we call the perfect way to start the weekend.  See it all right here.

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From Maggie Griffin… In planning a rehearsal dinner full of personal touches, a family’s collection of blue and white china served as the inspiration. Ginger jars, compotes, vases, double happiness jars, and tureens all in blue and white gave the event a truly Southern vibe with a nod to Chinois chic. Silver julep cups mixed with charming glass hurricanes and plenty of sparking votive candles created layers atop the textured ivory table linens. White hydrangeas were the flower du jour, mixed with lime Bells of Ireland, white Daisies, spongy green amaranth, and fragrant white lilies. A hand painted invitation, designed by the sister of the groom, was combined with the personally designed menu cards, place cards, seating chart, and favor tags. Passed plates of summer Southern favorites greeted guests as they enjoyed a libation of Southern Comfort punch. Summer strawberry salads, peach glazed chicken breasts, and fresh garden vegetables were a nod to the father of the bride and father of the groom’s farming roots. Desserts paid homage to the groom’s grandmothers with traditional tea cakes and banana pudding with a kahlua twist. Beautiful words were spoken from the bride and groom’s fathers, grandfathers, siblings, and many friends. The night ended under the stars as the families departed on this wedding’s eve.

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Photography: Ashlee Culverhouse Photography | Event & Floral Design: Maggie Griffin | Catering: Cousin’s Catering | Cookie Favors: Two Crazy Cookies | Paper Suite: Parkway Press with Maggie Griffin | Party Rentals: Macon Tent Rentals | Slideshow: Bright Blue Sky Productions

This couple is adorable.  And not just because they happen to be college sweethearts with one of the cutest proposal stories you’ll ever read (seriously).  No, they also happen to be a duo that just glows with happiness.  A stunning couple who just can’t stop smiling, can’t stop hugging and can’t stop laughing with an energy that will brighten your entire Thursday.  See their entire e-session captured by Sarah DeShaw right here in the full gallery.

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From the Bride… James and I are fortunate enough to have met our freshman year of college. We remained friends until love struck and we started dating our senior year. New Year’s Eve 2012, we decided just the two of us would spend New Year’s Eve together. After a rainy day of hiking the trails along the Guadalupe River, we got dressed up for a “fancy” Tex-Mex dinner at the local spot. We bought fireworks from a stand on the way back to the cabin. After shooting them all, James said he had one more surprise firework in the car. When he came back, he had a little box instead and got down on one knee! The whole night was filled with the sound of fireworks in the distance and champagne in our glasses. We ended up dancing the night away at a local New Year’s Eve dance and having the best time!

James has grown up vacationing in St. Simons and we knew this would be a meaningful place to take some wonderful shots. Sarah DeShaw Photography could not have been a better fit for us. We were able to take photos at Lovely Lane Chapel, Avenue of the Oaks, and conclude with sunset on East Beach. We had so much fun and made sure to incorporate our NYE engagement with a champagne toast on the beach. We can’t wait for the big day this April!

Photographer: Sarah DeShaw Photography | Beach: East Beach | Bride's Polka Dot Dress: J.Crew | Grounds: Lovely Lane Chapel | Grounds: Avenue of the Oaks | Location: St. Simons Island

Even though I’ve always considered myself more of a “casual wedding” type of lady, there’s something about a traditional affair like this beauty from Buffy Dekmar that sends my heart literally pounding right out of my chest.  Maybe it has a little something to do with the uber-gorgeous details or the magical vibe that surrounds every classic moment, or maybe it’s because it’s just so darn magical.  My guess?  A wonderful mix of all of the above.  Click here for so much more.

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From Buffy… This sweet southern wedding was beautifully understated, yet elegant. My favorite details were the stunning bride’s Monique Lhuillier gown and the soft, warm colors of her maids’ dresses. Catherine got dressed in the sunroom at her grandmother’s home, where she has grown up playing with her cousins. She pointed out a silhouette of herself as a child, sitting next to a Bible that had been handed down to her, and I knew that this would be just kind of tradition-filled day that I love to photograph.

The Spanish moss hanging on the trees right outside in the yard sweetly complimented the barefooted bride’s simply gorgeous glow for her pre-ceremony portraits. The voluminous white and green bouquet was exquisite, and that ring! Oh my goodness! But this bride’s beauty didn’t stop there with the dress and the jewels. She is so lovely, through and through. As a thank you for standing by her side, she presented her maid of honor with an original art piece to start a gallery wall in her Manhattan apartment, and then she gave each of her friends a coffee table book she had chosen specifically for each one, in consideration of their individual personalities and interests. I love thoughtful details like that!

Fun fact: the pretty flower girl’s dress is the same dress that Catherine (the bride) wore as a flower girl in another family member’s wedding years ago.

A true celebration of love, filled with prayer, laughter, and kind support for the bride and groom gracefully ensued. There was a church ceremony, followed by a reception held at an antebellum mansion, which provided the perfect backdrop for this sweet southern affair. The Michael Jons Band facilitated the fun right up to the end of the night, when they led the last guests standing to the front of the house (New Orleans style) to send the bride and groom off on their honeymoon!

Photography: Buffy Dekmar Photography | Floral Design: Flower Gazebo | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Publix Bakery | Invitations: Crane, from Scribbler | Ceremony Venue: Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church | Reception Venue: Shackleford House | Band: EastCoast Entertainment | Tux: Kinnebrew Company | Tent: Rental Depot | Brides Hair + Makeup: Church Of Evangelical Faith | Dress Shop: Ivory & White Bridal Boutique | Koozies: Haymarket

Last week we had the chance to peek behind the scenes of an adorable ceramic studio, and this week we’re doing a 180 and focusing on all things lace and lovely. Miss Annette of Chaviano Couture has become somewhat of a legend when it comes to beautiful bridal gowns. And her studio is as  sweet as you would have imagined. Captured by Buffy Dekmar, there’s a full gallery right here for you to peek at.

SMP: How did you get your start in the wedding industry?
7 years ago I could not find the gown of my dreams while shopping for my own wedding. I thus decided to design my own gown. From there the dream for Chaviano Couture was born and in the Spring of 2009 I launched the company. It has been a true blessing ever since!

SMP: What matters to you most as a wedding dress designer?
To be true to my design aesthetic. I love gowns that are romantic, full of movement, and sophisticated.

SMP: Do you have any predictions in upcoming dress trends?
It seems as though trends tend to come and go like the wind. I like to inspire my brides to create their own trend and wear something that feels beautiful to them and is true to their personality.

SMP: The biggest mistake brides make when selecting their dress?
Not trying on every style of gown. Many times a bride will have a vision of what she wants and will not give other options a try. I always encourage brides to try on the gown they’re sure they won’t love as you might be surprised in the end.

SMP: The best part about your job? 
Seeing my brides happy and making some amazing friends in this industry!

SMP: The worst? 
I get really nervous when I do a first fitting because I really, really want the bride to love her gown. I invest a lot of heart into them and the possibility of rejection can be a bit stressful at times.

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SMP: Three things every bride should know when choosing her dress?
Comfort, quality, and color.
Comfort- wear a gown that you feel beautiful in yet able to move and be yourself in. If it’s too tight, or showing off too much, you ultimately will not feel happy about your gown.
Quality- Sometimes spending a little more on a gown is worth it. You can customize elements of the gown, get fabrics that breathe and move better, and even have a completely custom gown made to you.
Color- Not everyone looks good in white. Let me clarify. <ost people don’t look good in the traditional bright white color of a wedding gown. Go for shades of ivory, champagne and even nude. It will complement your skin tone so much better, and really help you shine on your wedding day!

SMP: The greatest lesson in business you ever learned?
Always, always be true to yourself. Do not emulate someone else or their brand. Be authentic and go that extra mile for your clients. It will pay off, trust me.

Photography: Buffy Dekmar Photography | Bridal Gowns: Chaviano Couture

This Bride is amazing. Yes, she is gorgeous, and yes her wedding is not only beautiful but fun – but this stunning lady also happened to plan her Georgia wedding all the way from Abu Dhabi. Yes you read that right. And that gorgeous dress she wore? She picked it out a week before her big day. So long story short, my figurative hat is off to this talented Bride, and I’m pretty sure yours will be too. See all the pretty images from Liana Photography here.

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Now I have seen many weddings and even many themed weddings, but none compare to the DIY talents, love, long distance planning and friendships that were manifested in our one special day, which was also our one year anniversary (this was supposed to be a surprise, but it turns out I told more close friends than I thought! Oops! So much for that grand announcement). We arrived back in the US only two weeks before the wedding and we had to hit the ground running immediately.

Our wedding day was as perfect and unperfect as our love for each other and while everyone urged us to submit our photos to someone, I was hesitant at first because too often people use these wedding blog platforms to brag about their fairytale stories, wonderful loves, lives and careers when all I want to do is to show our awesome pics, highlight our wonderful vendors and offer the background behind every DIY project and idea, to help brides begin to truly explore their creativity instead of falling in line with what everyone “expects” a wedding to be.

We wanted to have a carnival wedding because we love to have fun. I love cotton candy, my husband loves games, so it seemed perfect. We chose the location because although both of us are from big cities, we love the calm and quaintness of the country. Our wedding day included a bingo game, spiked strawberry lemonade, popcorn, peanuts and other carnival treats, and we wanted everyone to have fun and not be so stuffy. The ceremony was officiated by my father’s sister, in my father’s absence, since he passed away in 2006. My stepson was my husband’s best man, my sisters were my maid and matrons of honor, my best friend walked me down the aisle, and my closest friends served as my Golden Girls, who all sat in the front row during the ceremony. Our reception included almost all of the down south comfort foods, mini hot dogs and hamburgers, strawberry lemonade, sweet tea, beef brisket, mac and cheese, baked chicken, and funnel cake as dessert.

The story of Jessica and Quincy starts in Brooklyn, New York. From there, we got married in Manhattan, took our love abroad to Abu Dhabi, and began planning a wedding that I hoped would be all that I envisioned, down to the wedding date being on our one year anniversary…I’m such a planner! A wedding which started out being located in Greensboro, Georgia (where my mother’s family is from), and ended up in Madison, Georgia, which is literally the next town over.

What made this day special was all of the little touches and details. As the bride I had many DIY projects, which included the save the dates, reception menus, wedding fan programs (which included the wed lib game on the back), the carnival ticket centerpieces, our bunting at the entrance, our puzzle piece guest book, the photobooth frames, the seating place cards, mini pinwheels for every guest and the bingo cards. Our wedding favors; personalized mason jars stuffed with roasted peanuts, added such a nice touch to the table decor. We wanted the guests to remember the little things from their childhood that brought joy to their lives. The little things. Knowing that on that day we were also celebrating one year as husband and wife was a blessing as well. It felt like a true celebration and that we had already put in a little work, so this party was a treat for our accomplishment as a couple.

This turned out to be probably one of the most tedious projects I have ever worked on, as I am a true micro-manager and I always tend to insist on doing EVERYTHING myself. With this planning, so many things that I thought I desperately needed to make our wedding day perfect, did not happen in the end, but I learned to let go, trust my husband, friends and family and let things fall together, and they did (one example of this was going to see our venue for the first time and finding out the caterer we had selected was located right next door!) From the wedding invitations, to the bridesmaid dresses that my sisters thought looked like couch covers, to the food, decor, and picking out my wedding dress a week before the wedding, it took a lot, but was all worth it, and quite budget friendly, might I add.

I also chose to have what I called Golden Girls instead of tons of bridesmaids. I have way too many good friends and although I only chose my sisters and best friend from high school to serve in my bridal party, I still wanted these ladies to be recognized. They were asked to wear yellow dresses, the same color as my bridal party, and red shoes, the same color as my shoes. They took on various roles throughout the wedding day, from hosting our wedding bingo game to leading our sorority sweetheart song!
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Photography: Liana Photography | Cinematography: Liana Photography | Floral Design: Le Petit Jardin | Event Design: Variety Works | Event Planning: Bride + Variety Works | Ceremony Venue: James Madison Inn | Reception Venue: Variety Works | Invitations: Tyra Nicole | Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal | Shoes: Traffic | Makeup: Erin Marshall | Hair: Suite Lavender | Favors: The Knot Wedding Shop

Details obviously make me weak in the knees, but what really makes me fall in love with a couple’s big day are the simple nods to what weddings really are about. The love, the families, the little moments that make them memorable. So when a wedding like this one captured beautifully by Twin Hearts Photography lands in my lap, I feel like the luckiest lady around. See why here.

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Photography: Twin Hearts Photography | Cakes: Big City Bread | Invitations: The Bride | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Ann Taylor Loft | Catering: Big City Bread | Hair: Emily Cassandra | Alcohol: Five Points Bottle Shop | Bridal Boutique: Affordable Bridal | Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Barn at Price Mountain Farm | Dance Floor + Lighting: Atlanta Event Rental | Dinnerware: Peachtree Tents & Events | Farmhouse Tables: Peachtree Tents & Events | Music: Jordan Mitchell | Sound: Matt Shine