Shalon and Chris were married in front of 150 people on April 24th in Jackson, Mississippi .  This is one of those wonderful weddings where no matter the circumstances (including power outages, threats of rain and near by tornadoes), the couple was just happy to be getting married to the person of their dreams. 

The Details

Crystal Sash by LittleWhiteDresser  

Flower Girl Basket & Ring Bearer Pillow by RomancingJuliet 

Veil by veiledbeauty  

Bridal Gown Hanger by NutfieldWeaver

Photography by Erin Fults

What was your favorite Etsy find? 

The crystal sash complimented my wedding gown very well and elevated the dress to a new level. It is definitely the best Etsy purchase I have ever made. 

What was your theme/colors and what inspired it? 

Purple, Black and White.    Purple is my favorite color; it is very majestic and royal. I just love the darker, richer hues of purple. Black and white are beautiful, classic colors that complement anything.   I got most of my weddings ideas from an amazing website: www.weddingbycolor.com, affectionately known as WBC.  WBC is a network of the most creative and helpful brides who share their wedding ideas, DIY projects, and money saving tips with each other.  It was also a great support system for me during the wedding planning process.  I took a little inspiration from other brides and was able to create my own dream wedding. 

What is the most memorable moment of your day? 

My hair was done, my makeup completed, and I was headed to the chapel to get dressed.  All of a sudden, I received a phone call from my photographer and she told me that the power was out in the chapel! There was a 60% chance of rain that day, and a tornado was brewing nearby.  Fortunately, the rain subsided before the ceremony, the power was restored, and the sunshine came out just in time for pictures.  The most memorable part was that I did not stress.  I was marrying the man of my dreams, and it was all that mattered. 

What creative (DIY) or personal aspects did you include in your wedding? 

I am not very crafty; so, I semi-DIY certain aspects of the wedding.  I designed and printed my invitations and programs using stationary from the BRIDES Magazine wedding collection.  I also assembled my own wedding favors featuring local Mississippi treats such as bourbon praline pecans and sweet heat snack mix. 

My grandmother was very near and dear to my heart.  She passed away in 2006. So, to have her close to me on my special day, I carried her picture in a beautiful locket attached to my bouquet. 

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side? 

Relax! Budgets are always an issue, but you can truly have everything your heart desires at your wedding.  Be realistic and willing to make small sacrifices here and there.  You may have to do things in smaller quantities or embark on a DIY journey.  Get creative and enlist the help of family and friends to make your dreams come true.