Oh Happy Day

 

 

 

Rain and the Big Red Barn

Rain... 

 

It rained on my wedding day - thirty eight years ago. Some say it is a blessing and yes, you can turn it into one. You can check the weather daily just before your wedding and realize there are some things that we just do not have control over.  We can turn them around and make the day even more special, so embrace the rain. Appreciate it…Some seriously beautiful things happen when it rains on your wedding day…that can become magical and most memorable.

 

Make your decision …and don’t stress over it. Trust your vendors, for they are the pros. Our team at Magnolia Hill has switched quickly from the outdoor stone  altar quickly to the barn when it started pouring. The bride never got a drop  on her.

 No one, I mean NO ONE, will forget watching two people declare their love in the rain. Which means that your wedding will, quite literally, be unforgettable. Photographers love the overcast sky for the color saturation in your photographs is much more beautiful than in brilliant sunshine.

You can’t change it so, get over it and embrace it. You’re going to get wet, so go ahead and get some awesome, unique photos! Or even better – get the photos you wanted in the sunshine but with rain drops and adorable umbrellas!

Just be prepared, a bride and groom holding parasols…adorable. Perhaps even the whole wedding party holding matching umbrellas…

 

 

You are surrounded by the people you love most! Rainy weddings force us into small spaces. Forced togetherness, it’s great for families. Everyone will rally around you and your family photos and bridal party photos will feel very intimate.

 

If it continues to rain, guests enjoy the Big Red Barn that can host both the ceremony and the reception. But if we can squeeze out enough time for an outdoor ceremony, that is usually  first choice.

If the ceremony is in the barn, the bride is driven down in the Packard car for her entrance.

Parents are ushered in....

The bride arrives with a bit of help from the ushers.

 

A sweet precious moment of this wedding...the minister asked the couple to turn around and look around the room at the love in this room. They were circled and surrounded by friends and family who loved them dearly. The sound of rain hitting the tin roof as they said their vows, the candlelight, the warmth of the love in the barn this day was one of the most memorable ever. 

 You are surrounded by the people you love most! Rainy weddings force us into small spaces. Forced togetherness, it’s great for families. Everyone will rally around you and your family photos and bridal party photos will feel very intimate.

A First dance...and congratulations were in order.

oh, we do love our fireworks at the barn 

 

Memorable Moments

Everyone nice and dry, watches as our bride and groom are off amid fireworks

 even in the rain.

 

rain... and the Big Red Barn

The Making of a Memory

The Making of A Memory

Wedding Day…one that you will look back on and remember forever! So make your memory one that has your signature stamp of style on it. Celebrate your event by putting your personal touches on it, but let the experts offer advice and creative inspiration for that is why they are the experts! 

            Begin by choosing your venue, if you are traditional, consider a church sanctuary or grand ballroom. If outdoor is more your style, look for historic estates, country clubs, farms, and botanic gardens, for each venue will bring a set of personal choices.  And of course we love our brides that choose Magnolia Hill!!

            Introduce your personality into the ceremony by your choice of bridal gown…an afternoon with your favorite bridal consultant will help you make the right choice.  

 A favorite keepsake may be added or family heirloom…such as wearing mother’s veil, a grandmother’s broach, or a snippet of dad’s shirt sewn into the hem of your dress.  

 All of these tiny details make for a memory to last forever.  Let your ring bearer carry a family Bible secured with a lace ribbon.  

            At the reception share your personality with your guests. Visit with your bakery for a very personal cake as you them know your favorite colors, flowers and flavors. Of course if you find the perfect cake on Pinterest, print and share the picture.

A favorite trend is to bring pictures of parents and grandparents on their wedding day. Share with your guests, a “where we came from”  display of photos.  Let the music of your reception reflect your taste especially in your First Dance.  Perhaps there is a song that is meaningful to the both of you and it is not necessarily a slow dance. Let the party begin, by a bit of nostalgia if that is your style. A favorite addition to the music program is the anniversary dance where every married couple is on the dance floor and one by one they must step off until the longest married couple is left. They turn and offer a few words of advice to the newlyweds.

            All of the little details should be captured by a professional photographer, but the best images ever are the heartfelt memories that you make.

 

warm wishes, xoxo

Alda

 

On Being Southern

Beautiful, Southern women always have their pearls ... 

 a reminder the real beauty is on the inside of the shell. I just LOVE this picture of one of my favorite Magnolia Hill brides. Smart, beautiful, gracious, talented...just precious, and yet "down to earth" as my mama would say.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Proverbs 4:23

 

 " The most beautiful voice in the world is that of an educated Southern woman." 

                                                                                       _Winston Churchill

 

High Cotton 

Cotton has long been the symbol of the South...and why do we say and sing about "High  Cotton"? The term "high cotton" or "tall cotton" originates from the rural farming community in the pre Civil War era  when "high cotton" meant that the crops were good and the prices, were, too. The term has generalized to mean one is doing well or is successful. Here, a bit of cotton, a few magnolia leaves, a bit of burlap and satin ribbon make for the perfect bridal bouquet.

                                  Southern Living...

Where the tea is sweet, 
our words are long, 
 the days are warm 
and our faith is strong.

Known for our Peach tea at Magnolia Hill, it just seems perfect for spring or summer. Fresh sliced peaches, juicy and full of fresh picked flavor make cold iced tea almost addictive. Perfect for porch sippin' and planning a wedding!