I was thrilled to run into our bride in town the other day. So, I have to of course share the wedding of our former intern, Carleton and Gael. Their french inspired wedding took place at the home of her parents in Birmingham, Alabama. With, a ceremony on the front lawn, and an alfresco style dinner overlooking the back. You know how much I love a home wedding. Carleton is also the niece of Flower Magazine founder, Margot Shaw, who has always been such a great supporter of Soiree. You can see more of the gorgeous details on Over the Moon. All photos courtesy of A Bryan Photo.
Working closely with our client, Lettered Olive makes sure the simple and chic feel was delivered.
Carleton chose the Greenhouse gown by another favorite friend, Lela Rose. It was the perfect mix of modern and classic, for example.
While, the groom, Gael, wore a custom made Ralph Lauren tuxedo, the ladies chose their own dress within a color palette. That way, the look was so curated and worked perfectly with the “gathered greens” bouquets.
And, the scenery and weather was just so perfect for this garden ceremony. A simple arbor waits at the end of a blanket of rose petals. Greens on chairs act as “pew markers”. And, mini jute totes are placed on each chair including blank note cards and pens. So, guests can leave well wishes for the couple- in lieu of a traditional guest book.
After a cocktail hour throughout the house and garden, guests make their way to the back lawn for dinner. Family style tables in the open air scenery make dinner feel like a French garden.
To keep in line with the simple at home feel, we like doing something different instead of an escort card display. So, Hatch Cove Designs and Lettered Olive work together to create a watercolor illustration of the home and tables with the guests names in their places. This becomes a lovely piece of artwork for the couple’s new home.
The tablescapes marry the French and Southern influences seen throughout the wedding. Sweet garden roses and ranunculus are dotted with greens and fresh lavender is peppered throughout. Handwritten and hand tied menus sit atop French lace pattern plates and French linen tablecloths.
After dinner guests enjoy a lounge, bars, and dance tent with seating areas hidden throughout trees and other secret spots. This provides a good respite for conversation.
To keep the intimate feel to the day, wedding cake is served inside the home’s dining room in petit comité. Before all guests finish dinner, the couple gathers with their families in the dining room to cut the cake, while a pianist played “La Vie en Rose”. A nod to the Groom’s French heritage. I think it’s so important for the couple to steal a few moments away from the larger crowd to soak in bits and pieces of the day here and there.
After the cake cutting, a horn line (as a nod to the Southern heritage) leads the couple through the dining area to get guests up and out of their seats. And, this gets everyone to the dance floor. The first dance song, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You by Frankie Valli kicks off the dancing.
The couple says goodbye with biodegradable confetti and French “just married” sign.