1. Real Weddings

Allyson & Pearce: An Outdoor Wedding in Cleveland, GA

When Allyson spotted a Monty Python poster in the dorm room of Pearce, she struck up a conversation about the movie, The Holy Grail. The two became fr

When Allyson spotted a Monty Python poster in the dorm room of Pearce, she struck up a conversation about the movie, The Holy Grail. The two became friends, and a year later, they were dating. The Bride Allyson Hendryx, 30, consultant The Groom Pearce Korb, 27, neurology resident The Date September 20 The relationship turned long-distance when Allyson decided to serve in the Peace Corps in Mongolia upon graduating. They stayed together, and after two years, Allyson relocated to Atlanta, where Pearce was in medical school. Six and a half years later, while shopping at an antique store, her friend pointed out a trinket. It turned out to be the Mongolian ring she asked Pearce to give her when he proposed. Pearce was waiting nearby at a table covered in candles, flowers and champagne.

Each table had an eclectic mix of decorations. Gold colanders filled with ribbon-wrapped peaches, a coke bottle filled with purple asters and status and wrapped with burlap and another coke bottle that held the table name card sat atop a country-chic table runner.
Shepherd's hooks lined the grassy aisle and held bronze pails filled with flowers similar to the ones in the bouquets.
A single, yellow gerbera decorated the groom's lapel adding a burst of color to his neutral-toned suit. My bridesmaid, Kate, spontaneously made this and the groomsmen's boutonnieres! says Allyson.
Allyson and Pearce left the reception beneath an arch of glowing sparklers. They were four-feet long and seemed to burn forever, so we had a ton of time to get the best farewell shot, says Allyson.
The highly personalized service included vows the couple wrote themselves and the bride's sister as the officiant. She got ordained online specifically for the occasion.
Orange ribbon belts gave a pop of color to the bridesmaids' dark, tea-length dresses. A hidden surprise: pockets for holding lipstick for touch-ups!
The couple's favorite songs burned onto CDs served as favors.
Keeping the escort cards from blowing away at the outdoor wedding was a challenge, but the couple was up for the task. Clothespins fastened antique spoons from the bride's personal collection and tags with guests' names and table assignments tied to a vintage Coca-Cola bottle stand. Why Coke? Their headquarters are in Atlanta, and Pearce’s family invested in them when they first started.