Happy Monday, Friends and Family! Well, I gave you a break on Friday and didn’t post any wedding photos, so I”m making up for it today! I thought I’d share with you some of the pictures from the wedding reception. Southern Style!
As is tradition with most weddings, the reception followed the ceremony. Except in my son and daughter-in-law’s case, they sandwiched a cocktail hour in between! Both the ceremony and the reception took place at the gorgeous Shirley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia. The nuptials took place at 3:30 pm. Between 4 and 5 o’clock everyone except the wedding party proceeded to the cocktail tent for hors-devours and drinks while the wedding party wrapped up the professional photographs. This is such a sweet picture taken seconds after the I-Do’s. I think the look on their faces says it all!
The cocktail tent itself was beautiful! It was decorated with white lights and crystal chandeliers. All of the tables, chairs, tablecloths and flowers were also white creating a classic and elegant look.
Here is one of the pub height tables decorated with beautiful frames and fresh white flowers. I love the all white theme with touches of gold the bride and groom chose. You really can’t go wrong with such a classic and timeless look.
The reception tent was equally as beautiful! The white tent measured a whopping 60 by 40 feet and also had strings of white lights and gold chandeliers. The soft green grass looked like a pretty carpet among all of the white.
There was a large wooden dance floor and a raised stage for the band. Tables were set up in the back of the tent for the food. Each of the food tables had pretty gold signs listing the types of entree or dish for each station. I was too busy dancing to eat much, but I can say the macaroni and cheese and the crab cakes were delicious!
Large rectangular tables were set up end to end and covered with white full length table cloths. Each table had a gorgeous continuous spray of greenery comprised of seeded eucalyptus, white roses and candles. And of course white wooden chairs. (Understandably, Shirley Plantation doesn’t allow open flames so luckily even taper candles come in battery powered form.) Elegant and exquisite.
The tent was large enough to hold 150 guests. And once the sun went down, the atmosphere was magical.
A few extra tables for seating also decorated with candles and white flower arrangements.
Inside the tent was another cozy sitting area with a rug and vintage furniture, again rented from Paisley and Jade. (P&J)
I had my eye on this gorgeous chair in the front right corner. I wish I could have snuck it into my car…
This was the dessert table. The sideboard was another gorgeous piece rented from P&J and the chandelier was another beautiful addition. I love how they left the front drawer slightly open to hold the dessert plates, and silverware. After all, it is a side board! Form and function together perfectly.
The beautiful (and delicious) wedding cake. Photo credit: Libby Hansen Smith
Instead of a guest book, the couple chose a guest globe. The sign next to the globe said, “Please sign our Guest Globe” and at the bottom said, “We will travel the world together”, which is what Chase told Brie on the night he proposed. So, a signed globe seemed like the perfect memento from their special night. (My talented sister, Stephanie made all of the signs for the wedding.) Photo credit: Libby Hansen Smith
So, the reception was the perfect ending to a perfect day! The band played well into the night and a wonderful time was had by all. Everyone I’ve talked to about the wedding commented on what a beautiful wedding it was and how much fun they had. I can’t wait until the happy couple gets back from their honeymoon so we can reminisce about it! I hope you have a lovely day! Thank you for stopping by! xoxo Dell