Real Weddings: Jessica + Jake

I have mad love for Jessica and Jake’s relaxing, outdoor southern wedding. Held at a private residence in Cartersville, Georgia, the wedding was a complete labor of love for the couple and their families.  Jessica, her mother and her friends (a group dubbed the Wedding Belles!) worked together to create a completely homespun wedding – everything from the food to the flowers.  Beautiful calligraphy from Betsy Dunlap graced the stationery, and Leo Patrone captured the day with his usual wonderful eye. View even more of Leo’s gorgeous images in the gallery!

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The color palette was inspired by some of Jessica’s favorite fabric. She used greens and neutrals as her inspiration. Jessica’s mother sewed burlap tablecloths, and Jessica made burlap pinwheels to hang from the trees and knitted green and white garland to dress the reception. Jake’s father built a communion table to serve as the altar. During the ceremony, the couple honored Jessica’s father and Jake’s mother, who had both passed away, by playing Jessica’s father’s guitar and placing a bouquet on an empty chair for Jake’s mother.

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The food was made entirely by the Wedding Belles. The family reunion-style reception featured homemade ice cream churned on site and served from the back of an old Ford truck. An antique daybed and several hay bales were brought on site as well for guests to relax on.

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Photography – Leo Patrone \ Venue – Private Residence \ Floral – Barbara Dean of the Antique Rose \ Calligraphy – Betsy Dunlap \ Gown – Priscilla of Boston \ DJ – Ryan Burleson of Beats and Bells