A Southern, Garden-Style Wedding at Southwood House and Cottages in Tallahassee, Florida

After visiting their share of ballrooms and banquet halls for work, Laurie McClellan (31 and in finance) and Brian James (32 and a controller of CAA Sports) knew they wanted a more casual, outdoor wedding filled with Southern, garden-style decor. “Our dream wedding included a ceremony under the oak trees and a family-style dinner, served as if you were at a backyard garden party,” Laurie says. “When we discovered Tallahassee’s Southwood House and Cottages, we knew it was a perfect fit.” After six months of planning, they filled its landscape with Sonoma wood chairs, eucalyptus and rose centerpieces, overflowing eucalyptus garlands from Missy Gunnels Flowers, romantic candlelight and sweet DIY floral signs made by Laurie’s sisters. To add some Southern flair, Laurie and Brian also chose a menu with fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. "Our inspiration was to give our guests a good helping of the South," Laurie says. Each guest ended the celebration with tons of dancing, a late-night chicken and waffles bites and cute local honey favors. Laurie also went home with a new hobby: “I enjoyed planning our day so much that I have begun helping others plan their weddings.” See all the details of their lavish affair, beautifully shot by Cassidy Carson (and coordinated by Shannon Reeves Events), below.