1. Real Weddings

Amanda & James: An Outdoor Wedding in Pittsboro, NC

Not even an ice storm could deter James from his plan to spend the weekend at his parent's mountain house with Amanda. THE BRIDE Amanda Harmon, 27 TH

Not even an ice storm could deter James from his plan to spend the weekend at his parent's mountain house with Amanda. THE BRIDE Amanda Harmon, 27 THE GROOM James Johnson, 29 THE DATE August 2 Only James' mother -- who had gone up earlier to set up aromatic candlelight, streams of ribbons, silver heart garlands, roses, wine, and a fire burning in the gigantic stone fireplace -- could understand his persistence. I was in complete shock, remembers Amanda upon entering the North Carolina cabin. Because if there is one thing James is not, it's romantic -- but he's working on it! James got down on one knee and, taking her (right!) hand, proposed.

The seven maids wore pale pink separates from Watters and Watters' WTOO collection. James and his groomsmen wore Tommy Hilfiger three-button tuxedos in black with herringbone vests and platinum ties.
Amanda and James opted for a short and sweet Methodist ceremony, exchanging traditional vows.
The Music
The sun triumphed. Amanda, dressed in a colorfully chic Lazaro gown, was escorted by her father to the white ceremony arbor nestled under a canopy of pecan trees and surrounded by bundles of lavender and blue hydrangeas. Amanda wore a strapless sherbet-color tulle Lazaro gown with a hand-embroidered bodice with sparkling crystals and a chapel-length train. The best part of her gown shopping experience? Lazaro drew a sketch of her in the dress. It was so exciting to have the dress picked out this way!
The three-tier wedding cake was a rich chocolate with traditional white buttercream icing and a mocha espresso mousse filling: Delicious! Amanda says. The bottom of each tier was wrapped in natural raffia, and clusters of real white daisies were planted on alternating sides of each layer. A mound of daisies rested on raffia -- and capped with an edible butterfly --topped off the confection.
Fabulous floral bouquets were placed on chairs, denoting seating areas for immediate family. Amanda carried a two-tone bouquet with sherbet and white roses blended with magenta and dark chartreuse flowers. Leftover tulle from her dress alterations provided the bouquet wrap.
The Couple
Amanda took inspiration from the garden and her favorite flower, blue hydrangea, as she planned the outdoor celebration on the grounds of The Fearrington House, an 18th-century dairy farm with acres of gardens. When it rained on the wedding day, everyone worried -- except the bride. I had already seen the nice white tent set up in case the rain didn't stop. In fact, as much as I love 'French country' and 'cottage farm' styles and scenes, I really liked the idea of having green pastures and black-and-white cows as our ceremony backdrop. I was excited not knowing until right before the ceremony which location was 'meant to be!'