And that’s a wrap folks. I’m talking about my 2015 wedding season. I had my very last wedding of the year this past weekend. If you’ll allow me to induldge for a moment, 2015 has been my most successful year yet and I keep thinking back on all the fun weddings from the year. The fall wedding season nearly killed me (Read: Exaggeration level high) but it feels amazing to work so hard and produce so many beautiful weddings for kind, appreciative and happy clients.
As I shift focus to start preparing for 2016 weddings, I’m going to spend the next couple weeks sharing my fall weddings with you on the blog. First up is Lauren and Peter, and I’m so excited to share these gorgeous photos from Smith Photos & Ink. Photographers Jessica and her husband are from Charleston and were an absolute pleasure to work with! A full vendor list is at the bottom of this post.
Let me start by telling you a little something about our beautiful bride Lauren. After meeting Lauren for 5 minutes, I knew I would love to work with her. She was so laid back, fun and knew exactly what she wanted for her big day. Oh, and have you seen her hair? Luckily she picked me and a friendship was made. I see many shared bottles of wine in our future!
Lauren and Peter’s wedding was an intimate affair held at a family friends home. To clarify, it was an absolutely stunning home with a magazine-worthy backyard. The wedding was to be held in said stunning backyard, but unfortunately Mother Nature had a different idea that involved rain, rain and more rain….all the live long day.
Pause blog for a Wedding Planning PSA: When planning an outdoor affair, there has to be at least one conversation about the possibility of rain and a rain plan must be sketched out. No one wants to talk about the dirty “R” word, but it has to be done.
Luckily, Lauren and I and my fab friend Lynsey from Party Reflections had previously come up with a rain plan (see above PSA) so we were able to implement this plan once we saw the weather report. A tent was put up in the driveway, cute clear umbrellas were purchased and we rolled with it. Lauren, being Lauren, was calm and trusting. With a little extra planning, we laughed in the face of this rainy day and had a badass wedding anyways. In hindsight, the tent plan worked out wonderfully and the yard had enough covered space to accommodate everyone. Lauren and Peter were so darn happy it just didn’t matter what the weather was and a grand time was had by all. Let’s take a look at their happy day, shall we?
First off, Lauren’s dress was one of the most beautiful I’ve seen to date. And as you can image, I’ve seen a lot of wedding dresses. Can we talk about this train/long veil combo?
As they say, “I literally can’t even…”
Guests patiently waited for the festivities to begin!
Lauren and her dad had a few steps to walk down to get to the ceremony. The ceremony was held in a beautiful stone pavillion on the property which was then flipped into a dance floor for the reception.
Lauren’s handsome groom is waiting for her!
Now that’s a first kiss!
I love the happiness in this picture. And also, I can’t neglect to mention the chandelier which is also amazeballs. The whole ceremony setting was perfectly cozy. There was even a fire burning!
After the knot was officially tied, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour (including mini biscuits and Bourbon Slushies, umm yes please) on the beautiful double decker porch.
After cocktail hour, guests were escorted into the tent for dinner. Farm tables and beautiful linens complete with simple florals and lots of candles created the perfect cozy ambience.
Instead of a traditional cake, Lauren and Peter opted for a donut truck from Sugar Handmade Gourmet Donuts. People were loving this cute purple truck… and the donuts…OMG. If you’re in Charlotte, I highly suggest checking out their Maple Bacon Donut, especially when it comes warm right out of the fryer. Don’t blame me when you’re addicted.
After everyone was pleasantly stuffed with warm donuts, they took to the dance floor.
And because it’s college football season and the groom is a Studio Host for Espn’s SEC Network, you know the crowd would find a way to watch a little football.
Unfortunately the night had to end, but it ended with a fantastic sparkler send off.
I can honestly say this was one of my most fun weddings to date! From the setting, to the happy couple, to the guests, everything was simply perfect.
Lauren and Peter, you were such a joy to work with and your happiness is evident from the big smiles on your faces! I wish you many sunny days ahead and a lifetime of laughter!
Vendor Credits:
Private Home (venue) | Smith photos + ink (photographer) | Red Star Catering (catering) | Chelish Moore Flowers (florals)| Split Second Sound (dj) | Sugar. Handmade Gourmet Donuts (donut truck) | Party Reflections (rentals) | nalabe (invitations) | Ultimate Face Professional (makeup) |Little White Dress Shop, Denver, CO (dress) | J. Majors (veil)
