As Seen In: Southern Weddings

Early last year an email popped up in my inbox from Emily at Southern Weddings asking if I’d be interested in collaborating with a wonderful group of vendors on an editorial shoot. Emily, photographer Nancy of Nancy Ray Photography, and event designer Rhi of Hey Gorgeous were in the midst of dreaming up a shoot inspired by an elegant take on rural North Carolina, where pig farming and pickles are two huge industries. I know, I know, at first pass it sounds a bit kooky but if you know anything about these starry-eyed gals, you know it was destined for goodness. Their vision was of all the beautiful colors pigs and pickling evoked – from the soft pink of a piglet to the rich purple of a pickled beet. It took me approximately 2.5 seconds to respond with a resounding “Yes! I’m on board!”

From Southern Weddings: “Love Preserved was built around a couple who met as kids competing in 4-H and share a deep love for their hometown – its farming history and its rustic charms – and their desire to see this special place flourish led them to plant their own roots where their story began. They married on a plot of farmland where they’ll build their forever home and introduced their guests to many of the things they hold most dear — including handmade pickled goods and a little pink pig!”

The stationery suite features a wash of pastel colors and cheerful typography on diamond shaped cards. True to form, I incorporated vintage stamps in nontraditional ways. (On a side note, I will tell you that I did not test the deliver-ability of the envelopes with this particular postage. However, I have had great success with “pushing the envelope” in the past and have never had an issue with nontraditional stamp placement. My advice is to send a test envelope to ensure it arrives at its final destination! Also be prepared to pay more for postage!) There was also a map of the couple’s farmland, illustrated by my stationery gal pal Colleen of Social Alchemy. It points out key wedding day locations as well as the site of their future home.

Love Preserved Invitation Suite | Coral Pheasant

Love Preserved Invitation Suite | Coral Pheasant

Love Preserved Invitation Suite | Coral Pheasant | Map by Social Alchemy

Love Preserved Invitation Suite | Coral Pheasant

Love Preserved Favors| Coral Pheasant

Love Preserved | Southern Weddings V8

Love Preserved | Southern Weddings V8

Love Preserved | Southern Weddings V8

Photography­: Nancy Ray Photography // Event Styling and Florals: Hey Gorgeous // Paper Design: Coral Pheas­ant Sta­tionery // Map Illustration: Social Alchemy // Hair and Makeup Artist: Lula Hair and Makeup