When we first chatted with Emma about her + Clint’s wedding day, she sent us straight to her mama, Cara. Cara didn’t just gather all their thoughts into the perfect southern wedding for them, but had some pretty great ideas for entertaining 300 guests as well. Thanks to film photog Cassidy Carson for sending the photos to back it up!
Emma wore a romantic Allure gown with a champagne lace bodice and tulle, that was actually fully altered and bustled while she was wearing it—she was recovering from knee surgery at the time! Worth it, right?
Cara, on the invites… One of my favorite things is receiving wedding invitations because it sets the tone and anticipation of the wedding so when Emma and Clint got engaged I set out to create the most personal but still classy invitations. I took a calligraphy class and started planning. I designed and wrote the invitation suite and then had them letter pressed. Then like a fool, I started collecting and buying stamps everyday for the next few months. Each invite was personal to Emma and Clint and the person receiving it. A little storyboard about them which is very hard to do when you are inviting 300 people. Then I started calligraphing the address which made my kitchen look like a post office! I thought it would be special to have an invitation by the bride’s mom.
Emma tells it, The venue choice was due to me wanting to be outside in God’s creation under the shade of the beautiful garden’s trees. I grew up camping and hiking and my spirit just feels alive outside in the natural beauty. Belle Meade was absolutely the perfect mixture for Clint and I since he is an absolute city boy. The indoor reception allowed us to dance and cool off in the air conditioning and enjoy the joy of all our celebrators. The flowers were a direct reflection of my natural, wild soul. They were simple yet wild and free. Kelly of Intertwine created an absolutely brilliant bouquet and backdrop to the ceremony.
Clint and I had not wanted to do a first look for traditions sake but it ended up warming my heart and allowing for the perfect comfort and enjoyment by giving us a moment together in excitement over what would be the biggest change and choice we would make as a couple. We got to spend the whole day in that joyfulness together.
Photographer: Cassidy Carson / Videographer: Awaken Films / Venue: Belle Meade Plantation / Planning & Design: Events by Janie / Floral Design: Kelly of Intertwine / Paper Goods: Bride’s Mother / Cake: The Frosted Affair / Catering: Crave Designs / Rentals: Southern Events / Bride’s Dress: Allure from Low’s Bridal in Arkansas / Aterations: Karen of Karen Hendrix Couture / Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Slate Blue Bartlett Tuxedos by Allure Men / Shoes: Aston Grey
