Edit your wedding day inspiration into something that reflects you as a couple, celebrates family, and stays within your budget
One of my eldest niece’s elaborate doodles turned into invites, table numbers, butler cards, and more thanks to the SAS-E Ink team. As for the bell? One of our bell-ringing ring bearers carried this little charmer. We found it (and the others) at Goodwill for less than $5 total.
Royal Copenhagen—an obsession of mine since childhood—directed the colors, patterns, and airy vibe. The spare, airy look was a mild attempt to create a cool feeling; too many colors, too much action would have felt as stifling as the humidity.
I first bought these L.K. Bennett pumps but ended up in sandals that better suited the surprise gown (pre-hemmed as it was pre-owned) my mom gifted me. Even so, they informed a lot of the wedding...and I haven’t been able to part with them yet!
Ushers borrowed bow ties from Wade’s collection, while groomsmen got commissioned ones from local maker Spit Shine Goods.
We splurged on patterned china then saved with classic (rather than signature) glass and silverware. Greens were foraged from friends' gardens and ordered, both.
Pal Jessica Grossman of Patrick Properties Hospitality Group hand-painted the fondant cake in the Royal Copenhagen china pattern. The bottom tier was real but the others were foam core falsies because a) she indulged my obsession with the pattern and b) we craved home-style desserts, too, like these additional treats (a hummingbird cake for me and a cannoli cake for Wade).
Delft and Royal Copenhagen pillar candles (found on eBay and used on tables) were later gifted as thank yous to contributing friends. When I couldn't get them all in the Royal Copenhagen pattern (it was discontinued), we ordered a host of mix-and-match blue-and-white ones.
Flower girls (in pick-your-own blue-and-white dresses, like the bridesmaids) held camellia boughs. Bridesmaids walked arm-in-arm with groomsmen. The point of both? We got to skip pricier bouquets all around.
Centerpiece terrariums made by friend (and master gardener) Joan McDonald featured comical and sentimental figurines that told little life stories. (There was one with graded papers for Wade and a mini version of Charleston Weddings with a tea cup in another for me).
To celebrate summer flavors during the post-ceremony cocktail hour, Cru Catering set up an heirloom tomato tasting bar outside with house-smoked mozzarella and fresh basil. Tags (with my niece's invitation motif) noted the varieties and farms.