If you’ve been looking for that next ‘Nicholas Sparks-esque’ love story, look no further! Today’s incredibly romantic nuptials, photographed by The Ganey’s (who pride themselves on capturing love that can move mountains,) showcases exactly that…a love story years in the making, so much so that the Groom held on to a ring for 20 years until he found the one! The stunning Nottoway Plantation was the venue of choice, filled with an array of oak trees and just the right amount of Southern charm for Angela Marie Events to do her thing! Emily Mayne Studios created a custom crest and invitation suite to set the tone for the elegant affair and The Plantation Florist sealed the deal with luxuriant arrangements throughout. We strongly encourage you to take a look below (and the full gallery here) and get lost in this captivating love story, that we can only hope will be a movie someday…
From The Ganey’s…We’ve had the privilege of documenting countless love stories, but there is something extra special about Cheryl and Michael’s. When Cheryl and Michael met, Cheryl (in her own words) was a control freak. She worked in corporate and had unbelievable quotas to reach. She found that helping people was her true passion, and would volunteer with numerous non-profits throughout the year. Michael, on the other hand, owns his own business. He’s a watchmaker. He’s never on time and “walks to the tick of his own clock.” With Michael’s help, Cheryl has learned to relax and realize that it will all get done – eventually.
When Michael and Cheryl met, neither of them were looking for love. One day, a coworker and good friend of Cheryl’s asked her to join him and his wife for Mother’s Day dinner. The catch was that it would also be a blind date for Cheryl. She agreed – and that’s where she met Michael – her coworker/friend’s uncle.
Cheryl never felt like she was a romantic until she met Michael. Michael has taught Cheryl that it is important to celebrate every milestone. They met on May 13th, 2012, and now they go on a date on the 13th of every month. They exchange cards every month, and Michael often surprises Cheryl with fresh flowers.
In 2017, Michael planned a trip for Cheryl’s birthday. He proposed to her as a pianist played a rendition of their favorite song, “What Are You Doing with the Rest of Your Life?” (which was also played during their wedding reception). He presented Cheryl with the most beautiful vintage (1920’s) platinum, diamond, and sapphire ring – a ring that he has owned for 20 years – just waiting for the right woman to give it to.
After nearly two years of planning, their wedding day was here. They picked May 13th, as it was the seventh anniversary of their meeting. Nottoway Plantation, filled with oak trees and Spanish moss, was the backdrop for their wedding ceremony. Cheryl had visited the plantation almost 30 years ago, and it stuck with her as a beautiful place to get married. The weather was perfect, which we were all thankful for, as earlier in the week it had poured – causing flash floods throughout Louisiana.
Cheryl and Michael envisioned their wedding day with vintage and formal touches. They reached out to Emily Mayne Studio to create a custom wedding crest that would make an appearance throughout their day. Emily’s work appealed to Cheryl instantly with the romantic, elegant, and vintage aesthetic. Emily even managed to incorporate their samoyed – Jake – into the crest! Needless to say, the custom invitation suite – complete with watercolor envelope liner with a sketch of the venue – set the stage for this elegant affair.
Cheryl wore jewelry that was meaningful to her on her wedding day. She had two watches – one for the ceremony and one for the reception (I mean, can you blame her – her husband is a watchmaker?) – that had been gifted to her by Michael. She also wore her custom dangle pearl earrings that Michael had gifted her on their five year anniversary. Her Essence of Australia wedding dress had custom touches to make it the perfect wedding day dress for Cheryl.
Michael wore a custom tux with a sophisticated white jacket for a southern vibe. Cheryl gifted him gold “K” cuff links. His boutonnière was a simple peony bud. Around his wrist, he wore a vintage Rolex. And, in his jacket, he carried his gold “wedding” pocket watch. He’s carried it with him at every wedding he has attended for the last 30 years! He also donned his great grandfather’s circular sunglasses to complete the look before the ceremony.
A small wedding party, with three attendants on each side, was filled with close friends and family. Cheryl’s daughter, Christine, was one of her bridesmaids. Michael’s son, Jeff, was one of the groomsmen. The ladies wore black sequined gowns from Sorella Vita. The groomsmen wore black tuxes.
The ceremony was held in front of the plantation home. An intimate ceremony with just 30 guests, every attendee felt as though they were truly part of the wedding day. Cheryl arrived for the ceremony by horse and carriage – and had her two sons walk her down the aisle. Her grandson, Hayden was the ring bearer. The couple couldn’t stop smiling throughout the wedding – and everyone was thrilled when they were declared husband and wife!
After cocktail hour, the guests made their way to the reception tent, where a champagne bar was waiting to greet them. The patio was complete with tufted vintage furniture and a fountain filled with florals. The fireplace mantle was covered with a floral garland and the couple’s crest. Inside the tent, everyone stopped to catch their breath. Three chandeliers of greenery hung above a black and white dance floor. The linens on the table were exquisite – with delicate patterns that accentuated the design without being flashy. Garlands and candles flowed down the center of each table. Every place setting had gold-rimmed chargers and plates, along with gold flatware. Menus from Emily Mayne Studio sat atop a pale lavender napkin. Angela Marie Events did a beautiful job styling the event to have just the right balance of vintage and elegant.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible four-tiered cake with a cascade of flowers. The wedding topper showed the couple kissing over a vintage car – which is so fitting because of their love for vintage transportation.
Louisiana showed off with an incredible sunset as the guests enjoyed warm lobster bisque and fresh citrus-seasoned sea bass. During dinner, Cheryl and Michael sat by the quartet as they played their favorite song – the same one that Michael had playing when he proposed.
Everyone danced the night away with the help of the live band. Beignets were enjoyed as a late-night snack. The evening concluded back on the porch of the plantation home as everyone watched fireworks – the perfect capstone to an incredible day, for the most deserving couple.
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Photography: The Ganeys | Videography: Montoto Productions | Event Planning and Design: Angela Marie Events | Floral Design: Kali Soulier - The Planatationflorist | Cake: Ambrosia Bakery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Essense of Australia | Catering: Nottoway Plantation | Makeup Artist: Marissa Mizell | Hair Stylist: Paris Parker | Band: Phat Hat Band | Favors: Ambrosia Truffles | Officiant: Drew Murrell | Venue: Nottoway Plantation | Bridal Boutique: Something New Boutique | Bridal Designer: Essense Of Australia | Bridal Shoes: Something Bleu Shoes | Dance Floor: Perrier Party Rentals | Fireworks: AFX Pro | Groom's Accessories: Knight Watch and Jewelry Co | Invitation & Paper Goods: Emily Mayne Studio | Linens: Nuage Designs | Quartet: The Original Magnolia String Quartet | Rentals: Lovegood Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Element | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Social Hour Music: Ashley Toman | Styling Surface: Simply Rooted Calligraphy
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