Southern Wedding Ideas | Lindsay and Robert

Occasionally I’ll wait to post about a wedding, for one reason or another. But the time has finally come to tell you about Lindsay and Robert’s beautiful day! I’d also like to use this post to talk about Southern wedding ideas. As a wedding photographer working in the Southeast, I’m lucky to be a part of so many gorgeous Southern-styled ceremonies and celebrations. To me, two things that make a Southern wedding truly stand out are a focus on location, and attention to detail. It can be easy to generalize, to get lost in the ‘genre’ of Southern weddings. The key, of course, is to be specific to who you are as a couple. To incorporate special touches that are significant to the two of you, and to generously consider your guests’ experience. Lindsay and Robert did just that.
After initially planning to marry in the town where Robert proposed, Lindsay experienced a change of heart. All of a sudden, she knew deep down that it was important to marry Robert in the town where they’d both grown up: Waycross, Georgia. Changing the location meant that the ceremony could take place in the First Presbyterian Church where Lindsay’s family had always been parishioners and which features woodwork her grandpa built by hand in his millwork shop at Satilla Sash and Door. The guests who lived in Waycross knew and deeply felt this history; those from out of town reveled in learning it. The welcome bags incorporated Robert’s favorite childhood snack, and water from the local community museum, a unique invitation for guests to experience the town Lindsay and Robert both love so well.
Lindsay was absolutely radiant coming down the aisle. In her bouquet she tucked lockets from both grandmothers, and she held her dad’s handkerchief. Her jewelry was a stunning mix of pieces borrowed from her bridesmaid and her mom…pieces that had been handed down through generations. Her veil was hand-made by her mom…with her dad’s help! So very sweet! The groom wore cufflinks that had belonged to his maternal grandfather and a watch borrowed from his father. Magnolias (which are all over Waycross, and even in Lindsay’s childhood backyard!) were a big part of the floral arrangements. Such a perfect Southern touch…with real meaning to this bride and groom.
And the reception! It took place in Waycross City Auditorium, and it was so much fun! Lindsay and her dad absolutely lit up the floor with their first dance! I was able to capture the bride’s mother and aunt watching, and Lindsay very graciously expressed how much she liked that photo. The whole experience was such a pleasure and a treat. It was like Lindsay and Robert opened a door into a magical room that held all of the things they love most about their town and each other…and invited all of their guests in. Truly a Southern wedding to remember.

Thanks Angelita Esparar for shooting this wedding with me and for being wonderful to work with

Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church of Waycross / Reception Venue: Historic Waycross City Auditorium / Bride’s Wedding Dress: Pronovias / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Hair & Makeup: Emma Collins Beauty / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dessy / Groom’s Attire: Sebastian Grey / Groomsmen’s Attire: The Black Tux / Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: James & Co. / Ceremony & Bridal Party Flowers: Natalie’s Florist / Reception Flowers & Catering: Straton Hall Events / Invitations: Grammarcy Fine Papers / Music: Surrell Zeigler; Jessica Adams Moore; The Buzzcatz / Cake: Anne Deal / Rentals: Kirby Rentals