It was one of my truest pleasures when this wonderful couple asked me if I would plan a Memphis wedding. I met Chelsea and Seth while I was on staff at the University of Arkansas, and fell in love with their story, their relationship, and the two of them both as individuals and as a couple. I remember the night that I saw Chelsea volunteering at an event just after getting engaged. I was secretly sad that they were getting married in her hometown and that I probably wouldn't be able to help plan the big day.
After a few months (and after tearfully watching their engagement video...maybe more than once), I got a call from the bride-to-be that they wanted to chat about bringing me on board despite the long distance. From there, we hit the ground running. Thanks to the internet, email, wonderful vendors, and a great mom in Memphis we were able to make this day happen.
There were so many fun details of this wedding, but I had to narrow down my favorite moments.
Check out her Mrs.Jewell hanger for her bridal gown!
Moments like this are what make wedding days wonderful! Seth was surrounded by his best friends, and covered in prayer before tying the knot.
Just moments before seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day, I love the focus and anticipation captured here.
And this is why you see each other before! This moment just couldn't happen in a ceremony. Remember that you can react however you would like when you have private time. Tears, jumping & skipping, hugging & kissing...you name it, I've probably seen it! And I love it every time!
How cute! Take a close look at the kiddos in this shot.
The ceremony was designed with the colorful church in mind. Chelsea wanted something simple, but would also make a statement. We chose 3 large arrangements for the altar, surrounded by varying heights of floating candles. The pews were marked with lush nosegays of white flowers, and the doors leading into the sanctuary were adorned with beautiful floral wreaths. The center aisle was also "ribboned off" with a floral garland that was removed for the wedding party processional.
Here are our little lovebirds in the church!
One of my favorite details that Chelsea carried was her monogrammed bouquet wrap with her new married monogram! She will be able to use this in her home for years to come.
The bridesmaids carried neutral white and green bouquets to pop against their royal, floor length dresses.
Here's Ki checking the list twice before sending Chelsea & Seth down the aisle.
A teary eyed bride is about to walk the aisle and marry her childhood sweetheart! This image is a perfect way to show you that even if you see your groom prior to the ceremony, you still have all of the emotion that comes with the big moment!
Adorable flower girls make their way down the aisle...
The ceremony was perfect! It was the best representation of Chelsea and Seth, and I am pretty sure there were no dry eyes!
This super cool getaway car can also be seen in the movie "Walk the Line!"
The reception was held at the newest venue in the Memphis Zoo, the gorgeous Teton Trek!
The Teton Trek was a truly unique venue, perfect for this simple J.Crew-style wedding. Guests were greeted with a geyser shooting high into the sky!
Here is a view of the back of the Teton Trek, taken from above the waterfall!
And here is the backdrop of the Teton Trek at night. During the day, this is where the bears play, and the gorgeous waterfall runs throughout the evening.
Here are some of our centerpieces, all made up of white and green flowers, surrounded by candlelight. Chelsea chose a beautiful twisted taffeta in a a royal shade of blue for her linens, so these neutral yet vibrant flowers popped right off of the tabletops.
We had guest tables lining the zoo path in the back of the venue, all decorated with the bright white centerpieces.
The bride's cake was simple and stunning, sitting in front of a gorgeous backdrop. The Teton Trek's fireplace mantel went from floor to ceiling (I would guess 40-50 feet). We designed the floral and candlelight accents just for a photo like this. The fireplace was 2-sided, so since we had a cool evening we had it running for the guests sitting on the back patio.
And this incredible groom's cake showed off one of his true passions, fishing!
We had a custom GOBO for the dance floor, which was designed by Amy Nelson Hannon of Sincerely Yours Paper. Guests had been introduced to this logo in the couple's invitation suite. You can see it here!
Chelsea carried her Chi Omega hankie with her as she said "I Do."
Which later led to the Chi Omega circle of beautiful ladies singing to the beautiful bride!
And here is one of my favorite shots ever! Dale and Mere just happened to be behind the newlyweds as they drove back to their wedding night hotel. They snapped this picture from their car. What a perfect ending!
Didn't Dale and Mere from Benfield Photography do a gorgeous job of capturing the day? I am in love with the way they showcased Chelsea & Seth's day. Thanks for sharing the photos!
Check back this week for advice from the bride & mother of the bride! Chelsea and Seth, what a treat to be a part of your wedding day. Thank you for taking the "risk" of hiring us when we had never worked in Memphis before and for trusting that we could get the job done. It was a beautiful day that we will never forget, and will count as one of our favorites for the books!
6 comments:
This is Leslie Poe from Fort Smith! Love the feature on a Memphis wedding, and now that I live here I'm dying to know which vendors you used and where the ceremony was held! The reception site was just a couple blocks from our house...small world!
I just love them to pieces! Thanks for walking us all through the big day in pictures (: And thanks as always for the Sincerely Yours Paper shout-out! Great job as usual, J. Bailey!
Looks like it was a fantastic day! Lori and I are still depressed we missed out!!!
Yay! Thanks J-Bai! You should write for MY blog :)
I thought the floor decoration on her while the chio's sang was tacky!
I look at you two today and have wonderful tears running down my cheeks. The reason I cry is because of the amazing love you two have for one another. You two can make billions of dollars in your lifetime, but if you dont have one red cent in your pockets, the love you have for one another is worth TRILLIONS. Love yall
Uncle D.
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