I’m back with part II (missed part I?) of Nicole + Craig’s gorgeous wedding reception at the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation.  An old wooden structure with a tin roof and large fireplace as its centerpiece, the Cotton Dock is Southern rustic-chic perfection.  I LOVE the curtain framed doors that By Invitation Only designed for this event.  Billowing in the breeze and softening the space, they make for a wonderful juxtaposition against the wood texture.

Individual fans at each place setting make for a lovely and practical addition to the tablescape.  Guests put them right to use during the hot July night.  And again I have to marvel at those flowers!  I so hope bride Nicole will stop by to give us a few pointers on how to pull off something so elegant while not losing your mind in the process!

Red beans and rice, shrimp and grits and other yummy options by Royal Grand Events Catering kept the menu true to Nicole + Craig’s “all things Southern” vision.  Jean Paul’s Creative Cakes designed the grand finale – a sugar magnolia adorned cake that looks almost too pretty to eat!

Could this wedding by any more magical?  I love the soft warmth of the images.  The love is just palpable.  Thank you Juliet for sharing these with us!  Be sure to check out more of Juliet’s work on her blog and website.  And of course a great bit THANK YOU to the wonderful bride & groom for letting us share in your special day!

I am totally smitten with today’s real wedding.  Not only is photographer Juliet Elizabeth obvsiously super talented, she is also a warm and an all-around lovely person – exactly the kind of person you can feel comfortable with on a day that is sure to carry its fair share of anxious moments.  Nicole & Craig were married in one of my all time favorite churches – The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Charleston.  It doesn’t get much more regal than this!  Melanie Murphy of By Invitation Only worked with the couple on all the details of the day, keeping them cool under pressure (even in the July heat!) and bringing their vision of a truly Southern inspired affair to life.

And would you believe that that spectacular bouquet of white hydrangeas and bells of Ireland was crafted by the bride herself (as were all the other florals! Holy DIY undertaking!)  Back in a bit with reception details from the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation.

I instantly fell in love with today’s real wedding when I received it from Angela Stott.  It’s a charming, personal affair full of character and set in a decidedly nontraditional wedding location and I love everything about it!

Erin and Phillip selected Millstone Meadows Farm for their wedding day backdrop, a gorgeous 20 year old working daylilly farm nestled into the foothills of Morganton, North Carolina. Farm owners Sara and Mark Hord manage the farm which also produces culinary herbs, goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes and other garden vegetables all of which are sold at local farmer’s markets, used in their Millstone Market and Kitchen restaurant and on the premises by culinary chef by trade Sara for event catering.

So let’s recap — gorgeous and abundant flowers + fresh from the earth organic produce + a lovely, intimate wedding with a couple ready to embrace everything the farm has to offer.  That’s pretty much an equation for perfection in my book.

Appropriately, daylillies, black-eyed susans and other wildflower arrangements set the tone for the rustic and informal affair.

Erin loves squirrels and paid homage to the little critters throughout the wedding decor.  They were of course right at home in the farm setting. Check out the Mr. & Mrs. Squirrel cake topper!

A post ceremony chicken wrangling session led to some of the most fun “formal” shots I’ve ever seen!  Love that they really embraced all that is quaint and beautiful about the Millstone Farm setting.

Thank you again to Angela for sharing this wonderful work with White Thread.  I love unique events like this and I hope you all do to!  Be sure to check out Angela’s blog for more of her lovely work.  And of course congratulations to the happy couple on a gorgeous day!

Today I’m looking at bold and beautiful jewelry for the modern bride.  Earlier we saw some fantastic necklaces that make glamorous statement pieces.  But perhaps your gown has a high neckline or heavy beading in the bust that would compete with a bold necklace.  In that case, a gorgeous, sparkly bracelet is in order!  Wear it on your right wrist to insure it doesn’t battle that bling on your ring finger for center stage.

{Photo credits:  Top row:  Kate Space “Moon River” via Bloomingdale’s, Kate Spade “Lady Marmalade” via Bloomingdale’s, Second row:  Ben Amun via Ben Amun, Kenneth Jay Lane via Avelle, Third row:  Kenneth Jay Lane via Avelle, Bauble bracelet via Banana Republic}

{Photo credits:  Tiny Water Photography, Allyson Magda Photography}

Years ago, the “proper” bride would not be caught in anything but a demure strand of pearls to accessorize her wedding day garb.  While such a classic look is certainly still lovely (and particularly meaningful when the pearls are an heirloom), today’s bride isn’t afraid to use accessories to showcase a bit of her personality.  Paired with a clean and minimally adorned gown, a bold necklace can be just the showstopping statement piece to up the wow-factor for your wedding day look.

{Photo credits:  First Row:  Miriam Haskell, Kate Spade via Nordstroms, Second Row:  Kenneth Jay Lane via Avelle, Carolee Lux via Avelle, Third Row:  Floral Grid Necklace via Banana Republic, Brooch Cluster Necklace via Banana Republic, Fourth Row: Chantilly Waterfall via Kate Spade, Kenneth Jay Lane via Avelle}

{Photo credits:  Lydell NYC via Bloomingdale’s, Aqua Faux Pearl via Bloomingdale’s}

Committed to the look of pearls for your big day?  I’m particularly partial to these amped up ensembles.