November 2022 - Embrace Southern States

SHARE THE JOY

How to have a sweet wedding filled with joy, fun, and special memories. This is easier than you would imagine if you remember to keep it simple and let the core character of the wedding couple shine through.

Yes, I’m using my own very recent wedding as the example here. I am Angela, a travel writer who loves to focus on all things “Southern”. I grew up in Mississippi. Later I fell in love with Tony, the kindest man on earth, who happens to be from New Jersey! We now live in Florida.

Anyway, the theme of our wedding was “Share the Joy”, because that just made the most sense for us. Crafting sweet handmade decorations that also served as mementos for each guest added a quaint and charming individualized touch.

VENUE & OFFICIANT

Our idea of a sweet wedding meant something small, simple, and nearby. We kept the guest list to under twenty and decided to have it in our home. I asked a dear friend to be the officiant and was so thrilled that she said yes (thanks, Deb).

ATTIRE

For this comfortable celebration, we suggested everyone dress casually. The groom wore soft shades of golden brown with black sneakers. The bride wore a dark green dress with golden brown shrug and multicolored paisley sneakers. Everyone there felt relaxed and looked fabulous.

The bride & officiant show off FUN footwear!

CHOSEN FAMILY

A total of seventeen people were together as our chosen family, regardless of actual kinship. We addressed this in the ceremony, welcoming them as precious chosen family into our home to enhance and embrace our concept of loved ones and togetherness.

There were no traditional attendants…everyone in attendance was an integral part of the special event. Every single loved one jumped in with their own unique skill and ability to add a remarkable pizzazz of perfection to the day. Love, joy, and a deep sense of belonging filled the air (thanks everyone).

SPEAK NOW

Apparently, a legal wedding must include time for objections. We added that same “speak now” opportunity for positive words. This turned out to be one of the most touching and heart-warming features of the ceremony.

VOWS

Tony spoke his vows from the heart and mentioned ways that we bring out the best in each other. I used song titles and lyrics to emphasize my enthusiasm. Several guests took photos of my cute and clever vows for future inspiration.

LUNCH & LAUGHTER

Tables were rearranged after the ceremony, and we enjoyed a lovely lunch. Charcuterie items were meats, hard cheese, goat cheese, and breads. There was also chicken, potatoes, and green beans. Dessert included key lime pie, chocolate candies, and the wedding cake. It was chocolate on chocolate with white lace frosting around the sides. The words on top were “Tony & Angela Share the Joy”.

Folks drove from Indiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida and I am deeply thankful for every one of those cherished people (dang, y’all know who you are).

PLAYLIST

Using the songs I mentioned in my vows, a tech savvy guest came up with a post-wedding playlist and the perfect gadget for playing it (thanks Terry). Among those glorious golden oldies were favorites by Elvis Presley, Three Dog Night, Sister Sledge, and ZZ Top.

CONCLUSION

To summarize, here are the lessons we learned on how to have a sweet wedding. First, make it your own. It can be as quirky or as traditional as you wish. Second, the only rule is that as long as legal parts are in place then there is no rule. Skip the parts you don’t like and add extras that you love. We chose to skip formal attire, florist, alcohol, dancing, and seating chart. We added homemade keepsakes, time for encouraging words, and a classic rock playlist.

It would be my honor and delight to tell you more… just ask! Soon I will be posting an article about (can you guess)… the honeymoon! While you’re thinking about that, please leave a sweet COMMENT so I will know that you care. THANKS SO MUCH.

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Find Embrace Southern States on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ and please consider joining our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates .

If you live near Tallahassee, FL check out these wonderful folks who provided delicious food https://socialcateringandevents.com/ https://www.gratefulhillfarm.com/ https://www.facebook.com/beccasbakestally/

Hope to hear from YOU soon…

Recently I had the distinct pleasure of sharing a meaningful conversation with Eileen Saint Lauren. We shared good words about her new novel “Goodlife, Mississippi” which is a pure joy to read.

The inspiring story follows young Mary “Myra” Boone through a never-ending roller coaster ride of colorful characters, hardships, and pleasures. The encompassing themes of compassion, forgiveness, and love are sure to touch the heart of every reader.

As you become engrossed in Myra’s life and ponder her unique outlook, talents, and faith, you just may realize that it is important to have dreams and plans, no matter your age or your limitations. The author Eileen Saint Lauren said, “Without dreams, we die.” While you are immersed in reading “Goodlife, Mississippi,” do not be surprised to shed tears over her pain and then cheer aloud for her victories.

***Captivating New Novel by Eileen Saint Lauren !***

Here are superlative excerpts from our wonderful interview.

Please share a bit about your new book.

I would love to share my characters with the world. When I got the first copy of my new book, I took it with me everywhere as if it was a newborn baby. I watched over it with unconditional love, gratefulness, and joy. I do hope that readers will learn from the voices in the book and draw their own conclusions.

What would you say to potential readers?

If you read another novel in your lifetime, read “Goodlife, Mississippi.” It is a book for everybody, everywhere.

Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and currently divide my writing time between Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Madison, Mississippi. I write letters to God, pray, then listen to music while I write. I have traveled in several parts of the United States, plus parts of Italy, France, and Switzerland. I hope to someday travel throughout the United Kingdom.

Any other interesting or quirky facts?

I like cemeteries, movies, Pilates Reformers, and music.

What makes you an exuberant person?

My faith and hope in a better tomorrow for the world.

What is your message to the world?

Love one another. Learn and practice brotherly love by way of compassion and forgiveness for one another… for humankind.

*++*++*EmbraceSouthernStates — EmbraceSouthernStates*+++*

My deeply moving and encouraging talk with Eileen Saint Lauren was especially nice because of the things we bonded over. We have both spoken on the radio and enjoy cemeteries. Also, we both believe in the power of prayer…and have both met Ray Charles!

YOUR nice Comment is encouraged & appreciated !!!!!!!

You can find us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

The Facebook Group is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

HOW TO HAVE A SWEET WEDDING