Sites & Sounds of My Distinctly Southern Wedding
In addition to having a literary themed wedding, my husband and I sought out ways to highlight our southern roots and celebrate our local love. We both grew up Central Georgia, an area rich in music history, architectural brilliance, and teeming with modern talent. Though most of our choices were a bit unconventional, we loved every site and sound we chose for our wedding journey.
Photo by Evey Wilson Wetherbee at the Small House in Macon, Georgia.
Southern Sites
Wedding Shower
Tattnall community garden
Planned by our mothers and grandmothers, the wedding shower location was up for debate for several months before at last settling on our community garden. Just across the street from our house, they were easily able to set up the morning of and tear down the next day.
We wanted the shower to be casual and homey, so the garden was perfect. There was plenty of space for tables, a tent for the food, and lawn games for the kids. In traditional southern fashion, the menu included pulled pork, a giant charcuterie board, beer and wine, and cupcakes (from The Macon Baking Company.)
Though I had envisioned an autumnal aesthetic of boots, scarves, and hats for this late October shower, I should have known in Georgia it would still be too hot out for such attire. But not too hot for a great time.
Shower photos by Leah Yetter in Tattnall Neighborhood Community Garden.
Bachelorette Trip
trenton, georgia
My Maid and Matron of Honor planned a delightful holiday getaway in Trenton, Georgia... which also happens to be the groom’s name! Complete with a carousel ride, a New Year’s Day hike, and a polar plunge, this trip was the perfect combo of relaxing and fun. Throw in a hot tub and amazing cocktails and we’ve got ourselves my kind of house party.
Of course, we enjoyed a night out in Chattanooga and made fun memories, but my favorite moments were the quiet ones together. Quality time is my love language. What I cherished about this trip more than anything else was the chance to spend some time with the wonderful women who have each played an important part on my journey to becoming the person I am today.
Rehearsal Dinner
capricorn sound studios & JBA
Perhaps our most beloved wedding celebration site was our rehearsal dinner at Capricorn Sound Studios. A significant place in music history, this interactive museum was recently rehabilitated. By all accounts, we were the first wedding rehearsal dinner to take place there, which we loved. Most of our friends and family had not yet had the opportunity to visit this museum, meaning tours of the active recording studio and a visit to the listening room were a must. The album wall was the perfect backdrop for a fun photobooth too!
We loved that the evening’s music was a steady rotation of the many artists who have recorded in that space over the years. It was such a special night with very special people.
Following dinner, we popped across the street to one of Macon’s best music venues, JBA. Very early on in our relationship, this spot had just opened and booked me to sing during (but not with) Bragg Jam. Trent acted as my manager, fan club president, and assistant that night. It was serendipitous to share the spot we consider our place with our friends and family on the eve of our wedding.
Wedding Morning
Small House
The countdown was on, and I had no idea where to spend the morning getting ready. Our original wedding location was no longer an option so in addition to changing venues, I also had to find a place to prepare myself for the ceremony. All I knew was that I wanted the bridal party all together, for it would be the one and only time that feat was going to happen.
And then my dear friends at the Small House swooped in to save the day. The Small House was built circa 1846 and is listed on the national register. Currently owned and stewarded by Braxton Clark along with partner Elliot James, the Small House is one of Macon’s brightest architectural gems.
Braxton and Elliot hosted me the night before, treating me like royalty. The next morning, bridesmaid Nancy brought an amazing breakfast spread and mimosas for the crew. This morning with my dearest friends, mother, and hosts was truly a treasure. All the struggles leading up to that day (like finding a hair stylist) had faded away and I was able to finally settle into the moment and mentally prepare for the day.
This morning was defined by love and support from every direction. A dear friend and amazing photojournalist, Evey Wilson Wetherbee, gifted her talents to capture these gorgeous photos. They are truly stunning.
I loved everything about this morning and will cherish it always.
Small House photos by Evey Wilson Wetherbee.
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Museum of Arts & Sciences
When we had to change our wedding venue at the last minute, we had only a moment’s panic. As soon as the Museum of Arts & Sciences entered the conversation, we knew. A place we both visited frequently in our childhoods, the museum is at once nostalgic and inspirational. It brought such uniqueness but still allowed the chance for our vision to shine through in the details. Our friend and local designer Susan Raza lended her vision to helping us transform the space. The backdrop and tablescapes were truly breathtaking.
Jave of And So We Go Productions was our photographer and captured every moment delightfully. From the first look to changing wedding dresses in the bat cave to dancing the night away with our live band, the museum was the perfect backdrop for a day that will never be forgotten.
Photos by And So We Go Productions at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Macon, Georgia.
Southern Sounds
Trent and I have wildly different tastes in music, in most cases. But for our wedding, we leaned into the overlap and found some amazing, southern songs we both love.
Moon River by Johnny Mercer of Savannah
Choosing which song to walk down the aisle to can be a lot of pressure. When I heard local harpist Betsy Fitzgerald play Moon River, I knew it was the one.
The lyrics to Moon River were written by Johnny Mercer, a Georgia-grown talent whose many songs have filled our popular culture for decades. A hopeless Audrey Hepburn fan, my formative love of this song was shaped by the film adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end
Waitin' 'round the bend
My huckleberry friend
Moon river and me
A song about wanderers finding their way together seemed fitting for us, a pair entering our first (and only) marriage in our thirties. I especially love that every time I hear this song moving forward, I will think of this moment.
The Bozwellz of Macon, Georgia
We knew live music was a must for us. The Bozwellz have been our favorite local band since the first time we heard them at Society Garden years ago. Having them as our wedding band was one of the easiest choices we made. They have so much heart and soul and are absurdly talented. A fun time is guaranteed if the Bozwellz are involved.
A particularly special moment was when they performed Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding. Our friend Mike guest starred as the whistler, a gig he had volunteered for once before and was prepared to recreate. As this song finished, everyone erupted in cheering. Though that song has always been a favorite (which is convenient since it is played in Macon often), it is now enriched with a memory from our wedding.
From our first dance to the last, The Bozwellz rocked the house. Being an outdoor wedding in January, having a reason to dance helped keep the cold away, but more than that, it cemented the reason we were all there: to celebrate.
These moments along our journey to the alter were significant. Who knows where life may take us in the future, but we will forever have these southern sites and sounds in our wedding story.
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