1. Real Weddings

A Rustic-Glam Wedding at Events on Court in Gadsden, Alabama

Pam Cannon (34 and a clinical coordinator) drew inspiration for her wedding celebration with Charles Dowdell (42 and a cardiovascular technician) from

Pam Cannon (34 and a clinical coordinator) drew inspiration for her wedding celebration with Charles Dowdell (42 and a cardiovascular technician) from her love of cowboy boots and the great outdoors and her glamorous sense of style. The couple brought their rustic-glam wedding to life with gold and wood accents along with a refined palette of plum, navy and lilac. Their patio, fountains and beautiful manicured grounds at Events on Court in Gadsden, Alabama,  provided a beautiful backdrop for their alfresco ceremony and reception. The traditional ceremony incorporated a unity sand ritual that their children participated in. “The ceremony was a dream come true as I walked toward the altar with an aisle lined with large florals,” Pam says of their outdoor ceremony, which was decked out in lush arrangements of white hydrangeas and lilies. After the ceremony, guests snacked on fruit and cheese while sipping on cocktails. The outside patio where they exchanged vows was transformed into a beautiful reception with lush white floral arrangements, an abundance of candles and lilac linens. After Pam and Charles's first dance to “Never” by Jaheim, the DJ kept the party going with their favorite tunes. A grand sparkler exit capped of the couple’s big celebration. —Marissa Hermanson

Charles popped the question with a radiant-cut diamond engagement ring.
Charles looked dapper in a light navy tuxedo that he accented with a plum bow tie, a handkerchief and a lapel pin.
Pam’s crisp white bouquet was accented with light green foliage and tied with a beautiful monogrammed ribbon.
“Our thrifty planner repurposed a pallet she had for the day's itinerary,” Pam says. “This turned out to be one of my favorite details."
Pam’s three bridesmaids donned short plum-colored chiffon dresses that they paired with gold heels.
“The ceremony was a dream come true as I walked toward the altar with an aisle lined with large florals,” Pam says of their outdoor ceremony, which was decked out in lush arrangements of white hydrangeas and lilies. Their traditional nuptials incorporated a unity sand ceremony that their children participated in.
Charles’s groomsmen sported gray tuxedos that they paired with plum bow ties and pocket squares along with gold lapel pins.
“I wanted a simple but elegant gown with a little glam,” Pam says of her bright white strapless gown, which she accessorized with a sparkly belt and heels.
For the reception at Events on Court in Gadsden, Alabama, tables were cloaked in lilac linens and topped with lavish white floral arrangements, an abundance of candles and custom menus that doubled as napkin rings.
Pam and Charles's wedding planner designed a special cake swing that was suspended under the pergola where they had exchanged vows earlier in the evening.
The cake swing displayed homemade cakes in a variety of flavors: red velvet, German chocolate, pound cake, and a two-tier white wedding cake.