I think a normal anniversary post would probably include a whole lot more about our first year of marriage. But as my mom so intently reminded me, it's less about the anniversary of our nuptials and more about the anniversary of that amazing party that she threw for us.
It's true - it was the best party I've ever been to. Putting aside the fact that I got to marry Tanner (MAJOR ups), I had the time of my life. Our band was incredible, all of my friends were there from Charlotte and Connecticut and everywhere in between, the dance floor was packed from start to finish, and it just looked gorgeous.
I have a tendency to be a little bit of a control freak. Tanner and my mom would more than likely say that I'm a complete control freak. But something about this wedding was different. We were crazy enough to decide to get married just five months after we got engaged, because we really wanted a December wedding. It was atypical for our area, the weather would be cool and beautiful, and we were outside the realm of hurricane possibility. But my mom never freaked out a bit. This wedding is kind of how the Venue at Beaufort Proper came to be - she completely took the reigns on the wedding and I didn't know much. I just knew I wanted:
1. The best band ever. Kennedy and I had seen Soul Psychedelique perform at Jack's Waterfront Bar a few times, and they were the party band of my dreams. I knew that even if I had to feed people peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I had to splurge on whatever would get people dancing. Ban boring weddings!
2. To get married on my parents' property. It's been in our family for fifteen years and I hold some really special memories there. I'm not really into beach weddings and the venues I've visited nearby didn't really hold a special place in my heart, so an outdoor ceremony under the pines and a heated tent for the reception were my dream scenario.
3. Lots and lots of flower girls. One of my fondest memories growing up is being a flower girl with all of my cousins. Having a large group to share it with just made it that much more fun and special, plus the pictures turned out so cute!
Everything else, my mom took care of. I was glaringly unaware of everything that was going on, and surprising even myself with how chill I felt on the day of. I didn't realize until it was all over, but my mom was NOT chilling. She had the whole world on her shoulders and I never even saw it because she was just so focused on letting me have my day, stress-free. So, I have a whole lot to thank her for. I could list out every detail that she poured her heart and soul into, but I think these pictures do it a little more justice.
China rentals: Charming & Quaint
Tent, heaters, tables, chairs: Country Aire Rentals
Photographer: Marshall Sharp Photography
Catering: ALL my mom (can you believe?)
Band: Soul Psychedelique
Florals: Sandy's Flower Shoppe
Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
Bridal Makeup: Bobbi Lynn Perry
Officiant: Parker Parrott
Cute side note: Our good friend and resident marina extraordinaire Parker got ordained online just to marry us. When Tanner and I first started "going out" (I guess we were just hanging out on the boat at first, not officially dating until later down the line) I joked about Parker being the kind of man you want to marry you on your wedding day. He has this big, booming voice that you can hear from a mile away and he's the kindest soul you will ever meet. He was the first person to know something was up between us, and was more than likely present for our first three dates.
Another mom shoutout: My mom sourced all of the flower girl dresses from her shop connections, and the jackets were handmade by my grandmother! Seriously talented.
And yes, that is a Krispy Kreme wedding cake. My sorority sisters and I spent many a late night waiting for that hot light to come on. And I actually got to eat one because I just took it on the dance floor with me! Yay for not having to sit down!
My dad built the arbor and benches and strung the lights, I found my fur coat on Poshmark for $25 (SCORE) and all the bridesmaids wore faux fur coats from Beaufort Proper. They were so highly requested after these pictures were released that we still sell them one year later! It's also worth noting that my dad cleared this entire property by himself over the years, only almost burning it down once.
I wish I could remember what brand, but all the boys' suits, ties, and shoes were from Belk, purchased under the cost of renting a tux. We are no strangers to balling on a budget.
I know this is something that everyone says, but it really was the best day of my life. The band stayed until 3 am, I changed out of my wedding dress and into my pajamas, and we sat around the fire eating shrimp and grits and chatting all night.
Don't worry, tomorrow is our official anniversary (December 2nd) and I'll be unplugging to spend the day showering Tanner with love and enjoying probably one of our last dates before Annie B gets here. But for today, it's all about my parents, who threw the best party a girl could ever ask for.
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