Tara and Phillip are your quintessential southern sweethearts. They grew up in the same south Georgia town, and are now living together as newlyweds there! According to photographer LINDSAY COX of LETTERS & LIGHT, Phillip is entirely taken with his bride, so naturally the camera loved them and she had no problem capturing their love for each other on their big day.
ééòWhen Tara initially contacted me about their spring wedding, I knew it would be completely gorgeous. Tara has an eye for crafting and creativity, and she is surrounded by people like Roxie Seale who know how to take a dream idea and make it happen! As the plans continued to set, Tara told me about the historical church with the original white pews and peeling paint, the evergreen decor, the southern touches ééò and I knew I would be in heaven. I completely was. Mt. Zion is so strikingly beautiful, when I walked in for the first time I had to stop and pause for a moment. It truly served as beautiful frame for a holy union, fitting for two who love simplicity and the south. The reception at Lundy Creek Lodge, acres of rural Georgia bliss, was no less. We cannot forget about the ‘biscuit bar’, or the sweet tea station. Tables were dressed with vintage china plates, greenery, roses, and succulents in small glass jars that guests could take home as a gift.
Beyond appearances, I so enjoyed seeing the family and friends come together to honor Tara and Phillip by assisting in set-up, lending a hand here and there. It was a classic southern town played out; fun to see how everyone was intertwined and made this day happen. From long-time friends chatting as they set china on the table, some of the musicians hanging greenery, a close friend making sure a family member had what they needed, hospitality was everywhere. I always say it is my honor to photograph couples that are in love and that are kind. Tara and Phillip’s wedding day involved those things and so much more, which makes a special occasion like a wedding come alive.ééò
HOW DID YOU MEET? Phillip and I met when I was 16 and he was 17. We quickly became friends and it wasn’t long before he asked me to be his girlfriend. He was my high school sweetheart. I moved off to college and we didn’t see each other for a while. After graduating, I decided to move back home, and Phillip had no idea. A few days into my new job, in walks Phillip. We exchange a quick smile and go on about our business. I later find out he tells his mom that when our eyes met, mine went ééòSparkle, sparkle!ééò If you know Phillip, you know he doesn’t usually say things like that. I still think about him saying that and it makes me smile. We soon began dating again and it all seemed just right. He asked me to marry him, I cried, said yes, and started planning a wedding!
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE DETAIL? Tiny touches that I had dreamed of for years all came together thanks to my great friends and family. The mis-matched china gave the tables a sense of character, and more importantly our style. A sweet friend by the name of Mary Lou is a lover and collector of fine chinaééòperhaps this is the reason we have bonded so quickly. She graciously offered to let me use any pieces I needed to make our big day so special! I’m not sure if you can tell by now, but Phillip and I love old things.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS VENUE? We found Mt. Zion Church while searching for old churches in Georgia. When I saw it, I fell in love. When you enter these doors, the paint peeled walls tell a story, the original pews give you rest, and the 24 pane windows welcome the light. It was an honor and a blessing to commit ourselves to each other in this simple, yet stunning, building while it’s foundation sung the majesty of our Lord.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FLOWERS: The simplicity and colors of the church called for simple flowers. Green is my favorite color and I felt that it fitted the natural feel of our wedding. Roxie, the owner and designer of The Shoppes at Fourth and Cherry, understood my vision and outdid herself. The people of Fourth and Cherry made my wedding just beautiful and perfect in every way. I couldn’t have asked for more beautiful and perfectly executed floral pieces. My Nana has always grown succulents at her home and I was so proud that they were able to incorporate them into Phillip’s boutineer and my bouquet!
Our cake was exactly what I pictured to celebrate the occasion! It was a combination of two of my favorite recipes I learned while working at Silver Lining Cupcake Company in Athens, GA. Mr. Terry, Roxie’s father, offered to make my cake for me! I showed him a picture of what I liked and he made it happen. Everyone said the simplicity of our wedding was reflected beautifully in the cake ééò not to mention it was delicious!
Photography LINDSAY COX of LETTERS & LIGHT / Design & florals FOURTH & CHERRY / Stationery LETTERS & LIGHT / Bride’s shoes LOLA CRUZ / Ceremony venue MT. ZION CHURCH / Reception venue LUNDY CREEK LODGE
