Southern Charm Wedding
This charming and whimsical Florida wedding captured by Rad Red Creative is a total must-see. It has the most delightful vintage details and the way Susie and Hayden dressed up The Southern Barn is such a dream. They left no vintage stone unturned and everything from their wedding stationery to their reception’s wedding lounge area has shabby chic and antique written all over it. To complement the day, Bloomingdale Florist created elegant floral arrangements with a variety of colors and florals like peonies and garden roses. The forecast of rain definitely did not cast a shadow on this beautiful and wonderfully-detailed day!
From the bride, Susie: Springtime in Florida has some of the best weather. Generally nice and sunny during the day and cooler in the evenings. Plants and flowers are at their peak of blooming and coming into fullness and color. We also got engaged in March of the previous year and hoped for about a year-long engagement. We gave ourselves about a full year to plan so that we were really able to take or time picking out our favorite vendors and figuring out how we could best use this day to not only celebrate our love but also to reflect both of our personalities, individually and together.
We both have a love and appreciation for vintage and antiques and we really wanted the details of the day to reflect that. The venue we chose had a super vintage feel to it. We also wanted to add in a bit of a botanical feel to it as we both really enjoy florals. I really wanted the florals we used to reflect springtime and add a nice pop of color to the gray and blush we used for our bridal party. I literally asked the florist for probably 50 plus different kinds of flowers and greenery. We also hired a calligrapher to create several big frames with quotes that were very personal to us. One was a Bible verse we really liked and another was a quote from the song Hayden had playing when we got engaged. Another was a quote from the song we danced to for our first dance.
Our ceremony went better than we could have ever imagined. Because our original ceremony location had received too much rain, the ceremony got moved into the barn. Having our ceremony in the barn gave us a greater sense of intimacy and warmth to the moment. A storm had passed through prior to the ceremony so when it came time for the actually ceremony, there was the most beautiful weather–cool and breezy–that swept through the barn adding a touch to everything else. We felt like we were in our own little world. Our officiant was not only our pastor but also our friend, one of our premarital counselors, and bandmate to Hayden. Having him officiate the ceremony gave it an even more personal and intimate atmosphere. We also wrote our own vows and were both very nervous to say them to each other in front of all of our close friends and family but when it came time to say them we truly felt like we were the only ones in the room. To have that moment, to be so honest and vulnerable to each other and express our love in front of those we love, was such a priceless moment that we will forever treasure.
Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? Make the most of every second of the day. Don’t make the little things into big things. Count on every single thing NOT going exactly as planned and be okay! Hire and plan with coordinators and vendors you like and trust and that you feel understand your vision and personalities, then give yourself permission to trust and freedom to completely embrace and relish in your day, including all of the loved ones who came to support and celebrate you, and most importantly, your future husband/wife.
From the photographer, Rad Red Creative: Hayden and Susie’s special day was whimsical/boho meets vintage and rustic southern charm! Farmhouse tables overflowing with greenery and a plethora of details to incorporate both of their personalities. Even though we had a Florida rain storm, and the ceremony was moved indoors, the “backup” plan ended up being perfect. Right after they had their first kiss as husband and wife, the rain stopped and the rest of the night was truly magical.
Be sure to catch the wedding film from Life’s Highlights:
So romantic and adorable. Fabulous decor and adore the candles and table settings.