The union of art, family history, and classic romance came together on a breathtaking waterfront estate for a celebration that effortlessly blended timeless elegance with deeply personal touches. Designed largely by the bride—a talented artist who wove her original paintings and illustrations into nearly every facet of the day—the wedding combined the organic, relaxed charm of a backyard gathering with the sophisticated grace of a bygone era. From custom Monet-inspired water scenes and cherished family heirlooms to a surprise fireworks display over the river, every element of the celebration was meticulously curated to reflect the couple’s history, passions, and vision for their future together.
Food & Drink
The culinary experience began during cocktail hour, where guests were welcomed with savory Parmesan arancini and shrimp and grits cups. Paying a direct tribute to the picturesque waterfront setting, the cocktail hour featured a charming wooden white boat overflowing with chilled beverages, while a bar nestled under the shade of the gazebo served an array of Nantucket-style drinks.
As the evening progressed, guests made their way beneath a grand sailcloth tent for the reception. They were greeted with a refreshing summer berry salad dressed in a vibrant raspberry vinaigrette. The carefully planned main courses offered a choice between tender braised short ribs served with a rich wine and butter sauce, and airline chicken breast featuring a bright lemon-herb seasoning. These were accompanied by a robust selection of sides, including creamy Parmesan risotto, roasted French green beans, cheesy mashed potatoes, and warm dinner rolls.
Florals & Decor
Channeling the timeless elegance of Grace Kelly, the bride selected a delicate bouquet of lily of the valley that perfectly complemented the floral lace design of her wedding gown. In a sweet nod to the couple’s honeymoon destination, the bridesmaids carried Nantucket-style basket bags filled with soft pink blooms.
Keeping the backyard atmosphere effortless and organic, the design relied on statement urns and woven baskets filled with hydrangeas, roses, and an array of flowers in a cohesive palette of pink, green, and white. Rather than overpowering the natural surroundings, these arrangements thoughtfully enhanced the existing trees and landscape. The visual zenith of the reception unfolded beneath the sailcloth tent, where lush flowers seemingly climbed the exterior to create a grand entrance. Inside, the structural tent poles were completely transformed by custom lattice cages wrapped in climbing roses and fresh greenery.
Wedding Cake
The wedding cake served as a romantic, monochromatic dream in shades of all pink, featuring intricate swirling designs drawn in matching pink icing. Delicate white sugar roses and lilies of the valley gracefully framed the base of each tier. At the exact center of the confection rested a custom monogram hand-drawn by the bride, depicting a lily of the valley bloom twisting into the shape of an "S."
Embracing a recurring swan motif for the wedding, the dessert was crowned with a pair of vintage Lenox swan figurines. Inside, the couple selected a crowd-pleasing flavor profile consisting of alternating strawberry and vanilla layers, proving the cake was as delicious as it was visually striking. Meanwhile, the groom’s cake offered a rich chocolate alternative that celebrated his roots across two states, featuring a beautifully mapped-out representation of Mississippi and Alabama adorned with stars and sports team logos representing the places and teams closest to his heart.
Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs
A classical string quartet established a serene and romantic atmosphere for the ceremony, playing gentle instrumental music as guests arrived. The bride walked down the aisle to a sweet rendition of the worship song "Goodness of God." During the service, the bride’s brothers shared traditional scripture readings from Colossians 3:12-17 and 1 John 4:7-11.
Following their vows, the newlyweds made a joyful recessional up the aisle to Natalie Cole’s vibrant track "This Will Be"—serving as a fun nod to both the movie The Parent Trap and their scenic waterfront setting. The reception kicked off with high energy as a saxophonist led the couple and their guests toward the sailcloth tent while playing "Jubel" for their grand entrance. This led directly into their first dance, set to Frankie Valli’s classic "Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You," performed live by the reception band.
Family traditions took center stage as the father-daughter dance began with the bride’s father singing the opening line of the chorus to "Sweet Caroline," before the groom and his mother shared a sentimental dance to Van Morrison’s "Days Like This."
Special Details: Family History and Heirloom Fashion
One of the most remarkable tributes of the evening occurred during the couple’s reception exit, when the bride changed into her grandmother’s original going-away outfit. Worn originally on September 22, 1963, when her grandparents departed from their own wedding, the royal blue dress and jacket set was paired with matching blue gloves and a blue feather pillbox hat. Serving simultaneously as "something old," "something blue," and "something borrowed," the ensemble carried over six decades of marital love and commitment, channeling a Jackie O-inspired aesthetic that deeply honored her family’s history.
Friends and family cheered the couple on with sparklers as they climbed into a vintage 1960 Bentley S2 to be driven away. This nod to the past was further highlighted by a dedicated display table featuring mementos and photographs honoring generations of prior family marriages. Positioned right beside this collection was the bride’s mother’s wedding dress, which had served as the direct inspiration for the design and customization of the bride’s own gown.
Special Details: Custom Artistry and Stationery
As an accomplished artist, the bride ensured that every visual element of the wedding felt intensely personal. She created an original water scene inspired by Monet’s iconic Water Lilies, incorporating the couple’s romantic motif of a pair of swans. She also hand-drew the custom wedding monogram, a Nantucket-inspired arbor draped in roses, and detailed illustrations of the river, dock, and sailcloth tent.
This original artwork became the visual heartbeat of the celebration. Guests were first introduced to the aesthetic through custom scarves featuring the painting inside their welcome boxes, and were later kept cool during the outdoor ceremony with matching hand fans. At the reception, the artwork expanded into the physical space, wrapping the front of the bar, appearing on dinner menus, and hanging framed above the cake table.
The creative collaboration extended to family, as the bride worked closely with her sister-in-law, Katie Mathews, owner of Katie Mathews Design. Translating the bride’s individual illustrations of swans, florals, butterflies, birds, and fish, Katie brought the motifs to life across the wedding stationery. The designs appeared on cups, koozies, napkins, bar menus, matchboxes, hats, tambourines, and programs.
Among the stationery suite, the invitation card—penned entirely in hand calligraphy—stood out, alongside a matching gatefold piece where laser-cut lattice and floral motifs framed the invitation. Guests were even greeted with individual swan cards featuring their names written in calligraphy for the lattice seating chart, serving as a personalized keepsake from the day.
Special Details: A Night-Sky Finale
The celebration concluded with a breathtaking surprise for the attendees: a private fireworks show staged near the end of the evening. Reminiscent of the countless summer nights the couple and their loved ones had spent gathered in the river house backyard watching fireworks light up the sky over the water, the display offered a nostalgic nod to family traditions. Launched from the top of the dock and visible over the canopy of backyard trees, the fireworks provided guests with a magical intermission from the reception dance floor. Afterward, the celebration seamlessly transitioned back to the band’s final song, closing out an unforgettable evening as husband and wife.
