Blueberries and lemon – what a yummy combination! Whether by color or choice of food, you can’t go wrong. We designed this inspiration board with a backyard wedding in mind as well as a backyard budget. Much of this inspiration is perfect for the DIY bride and groom who wishes to have their love story brought to life in their own backyard. How fun and easy are those vases filled with sliced lemons and white snapdragons (picked up at your local farm stand or farmers market). Talk about your perfect floral centerpiece at a great price! The homemade wedding sign is a great use of scrap wood created by your favorite, handy husband-to-be. And the bridesmaid dresses (other colors available) are a steal at just $54.95! Your bridesmaids will love you! You can’t go wrong with a refreshing drink of Lemon Slush. Who doesn’t love a slushie with a kick? And lastly, how about a cookie that tastes like cheesecake? Sign. me. up.

What do you think of this blueberry and lemon combination? Great for colors, or just for food? What other combinations do you favor? Food and colors?

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo

Row 1: Rustic Wedding Sign via Itty Bitty Impact | Lemon Floral Centerpieces via Brittany Janelle Photography | Sun Umbrellas by m three studio via The Sweetest Occasion

Row 2: Bridesmaid Dress via eshakti | Frozen Lemon Vodka Slush Recipe via Elizabeth Anne Designs | Cheesecake Cookies via Hot Polka Dot

Color Swatches: Caramel, Lemon, Blueberry, Grass

I am just pleased as punch to share this beautiful Southern wedding with you today from the über extraordinary Shannon Kelley Photography. Not only am I completely charmed by Leslie and Andy’s love story, but the details of their sweet, Southern affair are some of the prettiest I’ve seen. And Leslie is quite possibly the happiest bride ever. There is not one photo where she isn’t smiling (and boy, is it contagious). She even beamed through her tears as she and Andy shared an emotional first look moment. My favorite ever. You’ll see why in just a little bit, but first, let’s see how these two lovebirds met!

Leslie is completely convinced that she and Andy met through pure fate. While they shared several mutual friends and had heard each other’s names come up in conversation, it was a beach music festival that finally brought them together. They made eyes at each other throughout the day, but it wasn’t until the bus ride home that they began to really hit it off. Andy chose the empty seat beside Leslie and they got to talking. Before the ride was over, the two exchanged telephone numbers. Leslie made it a point to inform Andy that she was a lady, and he would have to call her. (Ha! How cute is that?!) He did call her. The very next day in fact.

After talking on the phone for several weeks, Andy invited Leslie to spend the weekend with him in Ocean Isle Beach and have their very first date. It was a three-hour drive and even with a GPS, Leslie got lost. (Sounds like me.) She called him to confirm landmarks and after successfully giving her directions, offered to stay on the phone with her until she got there. (Such a gentleman!)

When she finally arrived, she was overjoyed to finally be seeing him again. He was even more handsome than she remembered. As he took her suitcase and led her into the house, Leslie mentioned wanting to change and freshen up a bit from the long drive. He turned to her and said, “You look beautiful.” Then he kissed her. Leslie says it was one of those first real kisses, where you’re caught off-guard but his hands go to all the right places – on the back of your neck and around your waist. She didn’t bother changing or freshening up after that because in that moment she felt like the most beautiful woman in the world. (Le sigh. I’ve only ever had one first real kiss like that. I’ll never forget it. I’m sure Leslie won’t either.)

While Andy was technically the first to say those three little words (during an argument ironically enough), Leslie says she was the first… unofficially. They had taken the boat out to one of the islands surrounding OIB. After laying out in the sun and playing in the water a while, Andy saw a storm coming and insisted they go before they got caught in it. They were mistaken on which way the storm was moving though, and drove right into it. Andy covered Leslie with a few towels and took control of the wheel. As the rain came down in torrents, Leslie said, “Andy, if this gets any worse, I need to tell you something.” Andy just grinned really big and put his arm around her. Leslie said it was a sweet little moment, just the two of them… in the pouring rain and gusting wind.

Andy realized he was in love with Leslie when it dawned on him one day that he would rather spend time with her than with anyone else. He knew she was the one from that moment forward, but says he did the “typical guy thing” and delayed actually proposing. (More like prolonging the inevitable. It’s easy to see they were meant to be together.)

Leslie can’t pinpoint the exact moment she knew Andy was the one as she insists she was head over heels for him from the beginning. There was a moment though… (and although she can’t pinpoint it, I think it’s safe to say this is it.)

During the first few months of their relationship, Leslie was living in Raleigh, interviewing for jobs, three hours away from Andy in Ocean Isle Beach. An interview she was scheduled to have was cancelled, so she decided to surprise Andy at his house. But when she got there, she remembered he was at a boat building class. She took Pedro (Andy’s German Shepherd) for a walk and decided to wait for him. She curled up in his recliner to watch TV and eventually fell asleep. She awoke some time later to the sound of Andy’s feet literally running up the front porch steps and opening the door as fast as he could. They didn’t speak for several minutes, just kissed. It was evident he was just as happy to see her as she was to see him. (That has got to be the most romantic thing I have ever heard.)

Both Leslie and Andy are dog lovers. When they moved in together, they both quickly became as attached to each other’s dog as they were to their own. About a year and a half before Andy proposed, they had to put Leslie’s dog to sleep due to old age. Leslie was heartbroken and became instantly more attached to Andy’s dog, Pedro. Sadly, Pedro had to be put down not long after Buddy (Leslie’s dog) after being diagnosed with an incurable disease. Both Leslie and Andy were so broken up about the loss of their pets that they didn’t want to replace them right away. But after four or five months, the house was just too quiet.

Andy had purchased the ring he intended to give to Leslie months before, but had yet to decide how to actually propose. Cruising the internet one slow day at work, Andy began looking for German Shepherd puppies in their area. He came across a website advertising a litter of puppies not too far away and his plan to propose fell into place. He contacted the breeder, only to be told that just one puppy remained and they planned on keeping her. After some persuasion, Andy convinced the breeder to sell him the puppy, and off he went to get her.

Leslie had gone to her parents’ house that weekend to celebrate her mother’s birthday. Andy took his time driving the five-hour round trip to get the newest member of their family. He made it home with plenty of time and slipped the ring he’d picked out around a snazzy pink color that he fastened to the pup’s neck. Then he waited. Leslie was due back any minute. Or so he thought. On her way home, Leslie had decided to stop and shop, and it was several hours before she finally returned home.

He saw her pull up and immediately went to hide in their bedroom so the only thing she would see walking in was the puppy. The only problem was the puppy wanted to follow him. He shoved the puppy out of the room and quickly closed the door. Leslie walked in moments later and was instantly on the floor with her.

Andy came out of their bedroom, smiling at how quickly Leslie and the puppy had taken to each other. She asked him, “Who’s this?” He replied, “Abigail.” Leslie was almost immediately in tears, overjoyed that their family would be a little more complete with Abigail. But had yet to notice the ring. After a little prodding from Andy, Leslie finally noticed the white and yellow diamond ring dangling from the collar. He asked her to stand up then so he could get down on one knee and ask her properly. Of course, she said yes! (Reminds me of that adorable Fancy Feast commercial that everyone just loved.)

{From the Bride} When I look at my wedding photos, it makes the entire day come back to life for me. It does seem as though everything went by so fast, but there are special moments I remember. I specifically remember the way Andy looked at me when I walked down the aisle. I didn’t see anyone else. I was so happy and into Andy that I even told my mom that I didn’t hear any music. It was just him and me. The day was amazing and exciting! We were married under huge live oak trees and people say they felt like they were in Savannah in the 1800s. 

We danced the night away, sipped our signature drinks, and never left each other’s side. It was so memorable! I had help from a planner and a coordinator with the wedding. Although, I knew every detail I wanted to do. I wanted the entire day to be stress-free and for Andy and I not to worry about a thing. It turned out perfectly! Even the band said that it was the most fun wedding they’d ever played at!

{From the Groom} The wedding was perfect. We could not have asked for better weather. Leslie was absolutely beautiful. Our wedding was at an old rice plantation near Pawley’s Island, South Carolina. Our ceremony took place under what they called the Avenue of Oaks, a stand of very old Live Oaks complete with moss hanging from their branches. Very “Gone with the Wind” picturesque. Every detail was perfect. Leslie pretty much planned the wedding herself and made sure every attention to detail was tended to. 

There were several moments that highlighted the day: the first look photos, Leslie walking down the aisle in her beautiful dress, and the “I do’s”. If I had to pick my favorite moment though it was probably our first dance. It was really nice to see all our friends and family surrounding us on the tiny dance floor leaving us just enough room to dance. There is a great picture of this moment. Everybody danced and laughed the whole evening. I don’t think there was a single person there that did not have a good time. I can honestly say though that when it was all over, we were completely exhausted.

{Advice from the Bride} The best advice for brides-to-be would be to seriously enjoy the planning part! Take joy in every aspect! Even though we planned our wedding in less than 6 months, I should have taken time to enjoy even the little things. Make time for each other during the engagement period too – this is your most special time together. :)

{Advice from the Groom} If I had to give anybody advice it would be this, take time to get to know each other. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Plan the wedding you want to have, not the one everybody else wants you to have. Leslie definitely had exactly what she wanted. She created the perfect atmosphere for us. Last and most important, have fun… your wedding day will be one of the most memorable events in your life.

What I love most about Leslie and Andy? Leslie mentioned they filled out our love story questionnaire over a romantic dinner! How awesome is that?! I want to impress on all the couples we feature to do this! What’s better than a romantic evening with the one you love, reliving your love story? I can’t think of a single thing. :)

Congratulations Leslie and Andy! Thank you so much for sharing your love story with all of us today! We wish you so much love, laughter, and smiles (together and with Abigail too) in the years to come! And, as always, the biggest of thank you’s to Shannon of Shannon Kelley Photography! I just can’t get enough of her incredible talent, can you?

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Shannon Kelley Photography is a member of our Vendor Boutique. For information on how to join our growing family, click here.

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Ceremony and Reception Venue: Litchfield Plantation – Wedding Planner: Hoopla Event Planning

Dress & Accessories: The Little White Dress – Hair & Makeup: Stox and Co.

Cake: The Bakery at Piggly Wiggly – Flowers: Calabash Florist

Officiant: Rev. Dan Brown – Invitations & All Printed Designs: Leslie Tyson (bride)

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Happy Monday!

xoxo

Boy, do I have an exciting day planned for you! It’s a double dose of happiness from the incredibly talented Shannon Kelley Photography! To start you off, we have this practically-perfect-in-every-way rehearsal dinner!

I am so in love with these sweet Southern details! The glass jugs of sweet iced tea and those pretty floral centerpieces. It’s all just so happy, isn’t it?

Guests dined on yummy Southern goodies, and were even invited to play a personalized game of cornhole or two!

And how fun are these personalized buttons for the bridesmaids?! Such a fun way to determine who does what on wedding day! And what a hoot too! ;)

And this is just the beginning… Leslie and Andy’s practically-perfect/Southern/happy-in-every-way wedding day is coming up in just a little bit! This was just meant to whet your appetite and tell you to stay tuned! You are not going to want to miss one bit of this splendid, little Southern affair!

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Shannon Kelley Photography is a member of our Vendor Boutique. For information on how to join our growing family, click here.

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Rehearsal Dinner & Accommodations: Litchfield Beach and Golf

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Stay tuned…

xoxo

A picture is worth a thousand words . . .

One Photographer. One Snapshot. One Quote.

One-thousand words and emotions.

“There is nothing better than kissing the love of your life.” – Unknown

Photo Credit to Jasmine Star

Happy Friday! We’ve got a sweet rainy day engagement shoot for you today from Armor & Martel Photography! It’s the perfect reminder to smile even when it rains. :)

Kelli and Nick met at a party their first night in college in 2003. Kelli knew from the moment they met that they (at the very least) would be great friends. And they were. Then sparks flew during their second semester, they started dating, and the rest is history!

Nick proposed in October of last year. When he made plans to visit a friend in Chicago for a boys weekend, Rachel subsequently decided to head to NYC for a girls one. As the plans were being finalized though, Nick’s brain wheels got to turning.

For the next month, Nick made all the arrangements to surprise Kelli in New York and propose to her. He picked out the ring, made calls to both her parents and his, booked a hotel, and schemed with Kelli’s friend Rachel to set the whole thing up.

The big weekend finally came and Kelli was completely oblivious to what was about to take place. When she and Rachel went for dinner that night and they were led to a private room, Kelli thought it was odd but decided not to question it. When Rachel got up to “go to the bathroom,” Kelli had no idea she would see Nick walk through that door next. As she asked him what he was doing there, he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.

Kelli says that it was the most exciting night of her life. She felt so complete and in love. (Heart melting.)

{Behind the Lens with Chris of Armor & Martel Photography} A photo session should be relaxed and low key; other than that, I don’t have any preconceived template as to how it’s going to flow. The only philosophy that we have behind the engagement shoot is that it’s an icebreaker for couples to get in front of the camera and learn how I take pictures. The idea is it’s going to be relaxed, not high pressure.

A lot of people are concerned when they have their pictures taken that they don’t know how to act, and we want to put them at ease, let them know that there’s no way they have to behave. You want the pictures to be real, so we don’t prescribe a way for them to have their picture taken because for every person that’s going to be different.

So I don’t pose people a lot; I don’t believe in posing my subject. I prefer that they interact naturally and that their expressions be authentic. Usually, during the shoot, we’ll carry on a conversation while I’m taking pictures where I’ll learn about them, what they like, and their preconceptions about photos. They learn about me as well; they’ll learn my shooting style and my personality. We don’t have any preconceived notion of what’s going to happen. We’ll choose our locations based on recommendations from them, or an idea we agree on, and we’ll basically explore our surroundings and find our angles and place we’re going to shoot the day of the session, or during the session for that matter.

I usually hope to gain an insight into how they feel in front of the camera, how they interact together, and how expressive they are, as well as where they want to take those pictures. I need to determine if they’re playful, romantic, have a great sense of humor, and so on. Basically, I’m looking for their personality and how they interact.

Kelli and Nick were pretty relaxed and fun to work with. They weren’t hesitant to go out and have their picture taken. It was a rainy day but they were more than willing to come out and do whatever whether it was rain or shine, and they were open to all suggestions. Kelli liked more “organic” pictures, so I think the three of us clicked. We also did some stuff where they picked locations and they didn’t have a problem interacting in front of the camera, and they were just as comfortable walking down the street and doing whatever came to them as they were looking at the camera. It’s going to be a lovely wedding.

Aren’t they just totally sweet and adorable? You know you can’t help but smile at their joy. :) A happy congratulations to Kelli and Nick on their upcoming nuptials! Thank you so much for sharing your love story with all of us! And, as always, a big thank you to Chris of Armor & Martel Photography for sharing his incredible talent!

Happy Friday!

xoxo