1. Real Weddings

A Minimal Rustic Wedding at Magnolia Springs Manor in Helena, Alabama

Brandice McCown-Lucas (27 and an occupational therapy assistant) met Aaron Waldrop (26 and in the US Air Force) after one of her bar tending shifts. T

Brandice McCown-Lucas (27 and an occupational therapy assistant) met Aaron Waldrop (26 and in the US Air Force) after one of her bar tending shifts. They were hanging out with mutual friends when Brandice asked to see Aaron's tattoos. "She said 'that’s nice' and then proceeded to move a couple seats away from me and we didn't speak for the rest of the night!" says Aaron. They reconnected through Facebook and after an incredibly awkward first date (Aaron choked on his lamb but Brandice didn't even notice because she was talking so much) the pair began dating. Aaron proposed to Brandice after a homemade dinner with a vibrant purple amethyst ring and they quickly began planning their intimate fall wedding at Magnolia Springs Manor in Helena, Alabama. In keeping with the bride's engagement ring, Brandice and Aaron worked with a purple and gray color palette to warm their rustic reception. Purple roses and narcissus along with burlap accents and printable signs from Etsy completed the laid-back reception. Guests were treated to vanilla cupcakes with sweet buttercream frosting after light appetizers and enjoyed custom koozie favors. "I was so completely overwhelmed by Aaron seeing me for the first time that I couldn't hold it together," says Brandice. "Our wedding day was so hectic but we quickly learned that if it didn't fall into place, than it wasn't meant

Fall Reception at Magnolia Springs Manor
Brandice and Aaron's First Kiss
Mixed Rose, Carnation and Daisy arrangements
Guests were treated to vanilla cupcakes with sweet buttercream frosting after light appetizers.
The bridesmaids picked matching deep purple dresses with matching beaded bracelets.
Brandice and Aaron's Alabama Celebration
Brandice and Aaron's Blindfolded First Look
Brandice and Aaron's honorary guest Pitbull pup wore a collar shaped to mimic a gray collared shirt with a purplernbow tie.
Aaron proposed to Brandice after a homemade dinner with a vibrant purple amethyst engagement ring.
The couple warmed their rustic venue with a purple and gray color palette along with brown and burlap accents.
Brandice wore a corset dress with a sweetheart neckline, simple beading and a sheer overlay. "I cried over my dress the day I found it," says Brandice. "I kept going back to it again and again, touching it after I would try on a different dress!"