Photos by Jamie Hopper.
So I was going to post all of the wedding photos at one time, but then I realized that there are a lot of them and a lot of things to say about them. So I’ll start small and post these ones that Jamie shot with her film camera. We took these right after the ceremony, which I’ll write all about in another post. Drew and I were still nervous, and even Rufus was nervous (he doesn’t like crowds too much), and we were all glad to get away for a few minutes. We got married at Serenbe, just outside of Atlanta. We’d been there a few times–once for another wedding and more times for blog photos–and fell in love with it a little more each time we visited. It’s really the most peaceful place I can think of in Georgia . . . beautiful old gardens and farm buildings, quiet fields, the random stray goat . . . We lucked out by being able to get married there, and the weather was even more amazing–75 degrees and blue-skied and sunny. Some people thought it was too hot, but I thought it was perfect, especially in the evening when we ate dinner outside on the farmhouse’s open white porch.
It’s hard to write about this stuff without being corny, but it was really the happiest day I’ve ever had. I was a nervous wreck for the whole week beforehand, but I was always just nervous about little things like last minute plans (even though I didn’t have much planning to do in the first place) and the ceremony itself (I’m the most nervous person alive sometimes–I was so scared I’d faint or say the wrong thing, but it all went just fine). I was never nervous about the idea of being married or of marrying Drew. He’s a person I love, look up to, and trust all the way. I still don’t know how I managed to luck out so much. And even if I had a doubt in the world it would have been smashed to bits by all the wonderful things people were saying about him during the reception and afterwards. I think that my parents were counting down the days until he’d officially be a part of the family–they couldn’t think better of him.
Jamie was also pretty amazing throughout the whole process. She was nice enough to take photos for our wedding, and when I was trying to figure out ideas for flowers and realizing that I’m no florist she agreed to take all that on too. I didn’t guess how much work it would be until the day of the wedding, when she was scrambling around, taking a photo here and putting together a corsage there. She made my bouquet (perfect) and then in ten minutes flat put together a wonderful floral wreath for my hair to replace a not-nearly-as-pretty one I’d bought off of Etsy.
She and Drew came up with table decoration ideas that turned out to be simple and perfect. I have no eye for that stuff at all–the only real aesthetic thing I was excited about choosing was what I’d be wearing. I really did want to wear vintage–ever since last December I’d been looking on Ebay and Etsy for dresses from the 1910s through 1970s, but could never find exactly what I wanted. The white Edwardian dresses I loved always had weird fits and way too tiny waists for me, and the ’20s beaded wedding dresses would have been all wrong on me, no matter how much I would have loved to have worn something from the silent film era. Eventually I figured it might be best to just get something new that had a vintage feel about it. It took me forever to find something, but after a while I narrowed down my search to the Australian/New Zealand labels I loved, and then began doing regular searches on Australian Ebay, and that’s how I came across this 6-year-old dress from Lover. It was off-white, lace, and sort of a ’20s-’70s hybrid—I fell in love with it right away. And the shoes are old Rachel Comey. They’re not super wedding-y, but they were kind of weird and I liked them.
So here’s just a little glimpse of the day . . . I’ll post more photos from Jamie and will write more about the day and the amazing people that were there, the food and the place . . . for now here are a few of our favorites . . .
We are officially back from the wedding and the honeymoon, and so much has happened that I feel a little overwhelmed and not really sure where to begin, so I figured that the bachelorette party would be a good start. It was amazing–definitely worth its own blog post. I didn’t really know what would happen, except that I’d be going somewhere with Jamie and Rodney and my sisters Ashley and Lauren and our new pal Megan. I thought we’d go out to dinner and then to a drag show, because I’m obsessed. Well, mostly I’m obsessed with RuPaul’s Drag Race. Sometimes I talk about it here, but it’s really my favorite show on tv, not for guilty pleasure reasons, but because it’s funny and smart and sometimes inspirational, and because I secretly want to be just like RuPaul.
So I thought we were going to a drag show, and that maybe if I was lucky a former Drag Race contestant might be performing. On our way we stopped by our studio so Jamie could get her camera, or so she said. We all walked in only to see my favorite Drag Race contestant ever, Tyra Sanchez, walk out of our studio. I was so starstruck that I started laughing, but then I talked a little with Tyra and she was really nice and said she liked my dress, which sort of went with the polka dot one she was wearing at first. And I was so overwhelmed that it took me a while to notice all the decorations and food and drinks that Jamie had set out. And Tyra lip synced to Beyonce, and after she left the rest of us went out for dinner at Cafe Intermezzo, and the whole thing couldn’t have been better, and I think that Jamie wins the award for best friend ever. I kept joking with her about how I was scared that the bachelorette party might end up being more fun than the actual wedding. (came close . . . )
No week of fall-themed guest posts is complete without Jessica from The Cat’s Pajamas. As much as I love her summer outfits I think I like her fall and winter ones best–she lives in the northeast and has the best sweater + dress outfits that are always an inspiration to me when it finally gets cold here in the south . . .
What is your favorite thing about fall?
Fall is undoubtedly my favorite season. I think it has something to do with the leaves, the abundance of apple crumbles, and the excuse to watch as many wonderfully awful old horror films as you please (Attack of the Giant Leeches, anyone?!). The weather is also what puts me in the mood to enjoy all of these things, so sitting outside under that changing tree on top of a plaid blanket, sipping some tea in my coziest sweater while I read a good book and listen to cassettes is maybe my favorite thing to do in the fall. Also, watching all of the squirrels and chipmunks scurry around and bury their acorns is pretty great, too.
What’s on your wishlist this fall?
1. Big sweaters are perhaps my favorite things to wear in the fall. I think I have more sweaters in my closet than anything else, yet I somehow always manage to find more that I can’t leave behind. This sweater from PJ by Peter Jensen for Urban Outfitters is no exception. The sillier the sweater, the better, and one with a giant bear face on it is just right. I usually gravitate towards the terrible ‘80s sweaters from the Salvation Army (pigs in tutus! whales and seashells!), but this bear sweater is also made from the nicest knit that I don’t think existed in 1980s sweaters.
2. This dress from Opening Ceremony couldn’t be better. I love wearing patterned dresses under my big sweaters, and this one is perfect with its warm fall orange color and little peter pan collar that can poke out from underneath. I think the best part is the velvet, though. Not only is it a great material for the weather, but it also caters to the ‘90s clothing obsession I’ve been having of late!
3. Corduroy is sort of like velvet for me, and corduroy jumpers are the very best. This one, by the label Lonely Hearts, is a bit of a dream with its perfect cut, pockets, and buttons. I know it’s from an older collection, but I’ve had it on my wish list for so long, I had to include it! I’d wear this one with a plaid, collared blouse underneath and brown granny boots and then maybe go pumpkin picking.
4. The perfect brown oxford shoe is difficult to find, but I think these Madewell ones might be them. I love the perforated detailing and the adorable fan of fringe, plus the warm brown color will go with all of my fall outfits. I’d love to wear these with some socks over tights for some added warmth on those especially windy days, too!
5. Finally, I couldn’t make a fall wish list without a good book. Fall always exudes a collegiate feel for me and one of the best things is reading outside. Since I’m studying at college myself, now, I don’t have an awful lot of time to do much pleasure reading on my own, so a collection of short stories is usually the best option for me. Sylvia Plath is one of my favorite authors, and her writing style is particularly inspiring, so the collection of her short stories in Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams will definitely be in my hands as I sit with my back up against the bark of an auburn and orange colored tree.
Credits: Top photo from The Cat’s Pajamas. Collage by Drew.
Blooming Leopold would be a favorite blog of mine even if its author, Lauren, didn’t happen to be my sister. I love reading about her inspirations and how she translates them into perfect handmade collections, and I’m always in awe of her sewing skills (if a bit jealous, ha). Here are some of her favorite things for fall . . .
What’s in your dream fall wardrobe?
Fall is my absolute favorite season, but lately I’ve been finding it hard to dig myself out of my usual autumn wear – my go-to outfit in the fall always consists of dark colors, opaque tights, and something velvet. While you can still find me in tights and velvet dresses, I’m attempting a fresher take on this season with lighter hues and breezier fabrics (with plenty of layers). The silver leather boots that Alexa Chung recently came out with in her new Madewell line have got to be at the top of my wish list, as well as American Apparel’s new metallic nail polish colors (which are a bit more affordable). Fall florals are a new favorite of mine, especially in the form of a silk Rachel Comey dress with a draped seventies fit. And top it all off with a traditional tweed swing coat, a jacket with some definite Working Girl inspiration with its comfortably boxy, cropped shape.
Favorite fall plans?
Wearing these pieces on a Savannah, Georgia road trip – to watch the leaves change colors in Bonaventure Cemetery – might just make for a perfect fall day.
Credits: Top photo from Blooming Leopold, taken by Neil Winter. Collage by Drew.
This week while I’m away I’m featuring a few of my favorite bloggers and their wish lists for fall. First up is Hannah of Foxtail and Fern. I’ve featured her on the blog before, mainly because her simple-beautiful outfits are always inspirational, and the photos are just as good. So I’m not really surprised that I love every single thing on her list . . .
Your favorite thing about fall?
One of my favourite things to do in the fall is watch the fireworks displays on November 5th. At home they go all out and hold the event near the ruins of an old castle. There’s always a huge bonfire and stalls selling toffee apples and candy floss. I haven’t been in over four years now because of university commitments but I’m flying home especially for it this year and I really can’t wait!
What’s on your dream fall wishlist?
1. I am so excited that Monki is finally selling online. They have so many wonderful pieces to choose from but the cinnamon colour of this dress really makes it stand out to me and makes it perfect for autumn. I think it would look great paired with neutral basics in grey, camel or navy blue.
2. Last year I was all about the cardigan but now I much prefer a good jumper. I’m really fussy about knitwear and will avoid acrylic at all costs, so most of my jumpers come from charity shops. I was very lucky to find a Celine one a few months ago, which is now my favourite despite the fact that there are two holes in the back!
3. When the autumn weather hits my thoughts immediately turn to ideas of camping trips and log cabins. Unfortunately I’m too busy at university for any such escapades at the moment but this necklace would be a nice little reminder of the great outdoors.
4. The first fabric that comes to mind for me when I think of Autumn is velvet. It’s just so warm and soft, and it’s such a wonderful texture to try and incorporate into an outfit. TBA dresses are always dream-worthy and this one is no exception.
5. Fashion magazines seem to be obsessed with bold coloured coats this season, but I’m lagging behind with last years camel. This one by Boy. By Band of Outsiders is perfect.
Credits: Top photo from Foxtail and Fern. Collage by Drew.
