Wedding season has officially begun for 2020 at The Sonnet House! Of course the weather hasn’t had any clue what it wants to do lately and consistently fluctuates between nice warm days and bitter cold. Just a few weekends ago we had the best that January in Alabama has to offer! Victoria + Chad’s March wedding wasn’t much different. While their wedding day was overcast and the temperature was mild, that’s actually want you hope for as far as photography goes. Their wedding was filled with romantic textures and soft pastel colors. While The Sonnet House lends itself well to a traditional or more natural design scheme we love it when we get to bring those two worlds together. All of the sweet details of their day were captured by Madison Walters (Madison Walters Photography) for Be Light Photography. On our last blog we highlighted just a few of the benefits of hiring a photographer via an associate photography program and this is just another perfect example of why it is such a great idea!
Victoria wore a sleek Essense of Australia gown by Stella York from Bella’s Bridal and Formal in Hoover, Alabama. Did you know that Bella’s has been on our Preferred Vendor List for as long as we can remember? Not only are all of the ladies there a pleasure to work with – it’s a one stop shop. You can not only find the perfect wedding dress at an affordable price but you can also find your bridesmaids dresses and Mother of the Bride/Groom dresses there as well. Did we mention they also have the largest selection of gowns in Alabama?
When we meet with couples for the first floral consult, more times than not they just want pretty flowers. Very rarely do we see couples able to identify their favorite flowers or greenery by name. And besides, that’s Corey’s job! We’re often asked what couples did before Pinterest and the answer is lots and lots of magazines. But that’s the beauty of 2020 and the social media age; you literally have access to every type of inspiration in the world.
Some of the most popular places for a first look at The Sonnet House are the front porch, the pine trees along the front drive, the field, the barn, and even behind the ceremony stage, but one of the most overlooked areas is our back porch. Only a few couples have done their first look here and it’s definitely a favorite! The house and covered porch are perfect on warm days, especially in harsh mid-day sun, but it’s also a smaller more intimate space that may let you feel more tucked away and private for such a special moment.
Victoria + Chad had a vision for timeless romance and it poured freely in almost every aspect of their wedding day. From Victoria’s overall classic style (That dress! Her hair!) to the romantic peonies and lush garden roses that made up her bridal bouquet, it was picture perfect in every way.
The most important ladies in Victoria’s life wore soft pink gowns from Bella’s Bridal and carried hand-tied garden style bouquets in shades of white, blush, and green. Corey Daniel Florals recommends searching for several styles of bouquets when initially coming up with a design concept. Learning what you don’t like is just as important as what you love. Mounded, structured bouquets are gorgeous but they aren’t for every bride just as free flowing cascade bouquets aren’t either.
The Sonnet House is a great venue for almost any size ceremony or reception and lends itself well to an intimate gathering spot that makes you feel as if you’re home. A string trio from Cahaba River Strings played the prelude and ceremony music while Stapleton Entertainment DJ’d the reception which took place in our courtyard.
For their ceremony at the fireplace, Victoria + Chad opted for a beautiful eucalyptus wreath and garland which was accented with a pop of the wedding flowers and gold lanterns with candlesticks. The sleek, gold pops blended the traditional flowers with the natural ambiance of The Sonnet House without competing with each other. Gold lanterns with candlesticks were also hung on shepherd’s hooks and used as aisle markers.
Pen and Pastry took care of the four tier brushed buttercream cake which was topped with floral pops from CD Florals. We love that Victoria picked out a few of their engagement photos to be displayed here. Guests were also treated to a S’Mores Station by The Sonnet House because who doesn’t love a S’More. The way to set up this particular station is for guests to have the option to make it on site or bag it up to make at home later. Of course, if you just want a Hershey bar we promise not to rat you out…
Guests at Victoria + Chad’s reception enjoyed an array of hors d’oeuvres including an Antipasto display, carved beef tenderloin, roasted vegetables, macaroni and cheese bites and even stuffed nu potatoes.
Koozies are not just the most popular wedding favor we see offered by couples but it’s also a fun detail and serves a purpose during the reception: it hides those unsightly bottles and cans from the bar. Just a reminder that there’s still one week to get your koozie order in to take advantage of F R E E S H I P P I N G! This offer was extended to March 6th but that will be the end of it!
During Spring and Fall receptions when the nights tend to be a tad chilly we will typically reserve a table or a few not just inside the house but also inside the Chapel so that guests who would prefer to be inside can be comfortable but also not miss out on any announcements like introductions, cake cutting or the bouquet and garter toss.
Many of Victoria + Chad’s guests had traveled a considerable distance to celebrate with them and of course shots were in order.
The newlyweds left their reception to a shower of dried lavender which also leaves you smelling heavenly before riding off. Of course these two rode off in style, courtesy of a vintage Rolls Royce from Coats Classic Cars. Thanks for reminiscing with us back on their lovely day!
Wedding Vendors Who Made it Happen:
Venue, Catering & Coordination: The Sonnet House
Florals & Decor: Corey Daniel Florals
Photographer: Madison Walters Photography for BeLight Photography Associate Program
Hair & Make Up Artist: GLOW
Ceremony Music: Cahaba River Strings
Reception Band: Stapleton Entertainment
Bride’s Cake: Penn and Pastry
Groom’s Dessert: S’Mores Station by Corey Daniel Florals
Transportation: Coats Classic Cars
Bridal Gown: Bella’s Bridal in Hoover, Alabama
Bridal Gown Designer: Essense of Australia
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella’s Bridal in Hoover, Alabama
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Mr. Burch Formal Wear
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