A Southern Soiree

photo credit: Krystal Harbin with Harbin Photography

In case you missed this post, my little brother is getting married! This December, our family will be flying back down to Mississippi to help celebrate Taylor and Fair's big day. Clay and I couldn't be more excited for these two!

photo credit: Krystal Harbin with Harbin Photography

Friends of the bride and groom hosted an Engagement Party for the two while Clay, Parker and I were in Mississippi. Before heading out to the event on Saturday evening, we snapped a few family photos outside mama's house.

(love the little hand on mama's tummy in this picture below!) :)

Winky and Betty's home was absolutely breathtaking when we arrived at the event. The decorations inside and out were a perfect combination of masculinity as well as each holding a slight feminine touch. McCarty and Peter's pottery were sprinkled everywhere, including being the main centerpieces on some of the tables. Hydrangeas and gerber daises, along with a variety of other blossoms, were exquisitely placed on and around the cakes, tables, chandeliers, and outside deck area. Outdoor tables stood in the backyard and continued through a tranquil, woodsy area set back from the main party.

Tents contained food and beverages of all sorts, which were catered by Tricia. Delicious party ham rolls, pork loin and biscuits, tomato cups, fresh fruit, and a variety of cheese and crackers were some of the main dinner features. (Thanks Tricia for the nice visit...one of my favorite parts of the evening was kicking off my shoes in the kitchen while chatting it up about cooking, our families and life in general! Not only was the food amazing, but the amiable conversation was a treat too!)

For dessert, an assortment of fifteen different homemade cakes decorated a table inside the home that overlooked the outdoor fun. Strawberry, caramel, Italian cream, and chocolate were a few of the sweet round cakes that the 200 attendees enjoyed.

I loved the bright colored mix of ribbons, butterflies, and daises that Betty's daughter used to make the creation with the chandelier above.

Another favorite: the lighted bottle tree that stood in front of the backyard trellis.

photo credit: Krystal Harbin with Harbin Photography

photo credit: Krystal Harbin with Harbin Photography

photo credit: Krystal Harbin with Harbin Photography

The bride's parents, Buddy and Anne...love these two!

photo credit: Krystal Harbin with Harbin Photography

Guests were able to linger outdoors on the deck and porch area, or anywhere they fashioned around the southern plot. If in need of a different atmosphere, friends and family could step indoors where additional rooms hosted the Southern cuisine and sweets, as well as more sitting areas to rest and visit.

photo credit: Krystal Harbin with Harbin Photography

The toasting time was a special moment in which blessings were wished upon the young couple. Also, the story of the long-lasting friendship of the two families was brought out in a short narrative by the bride's father. I enjoyed watching the cute expressions that Taylor and Fair passed to each other during the toasts.

photo credit: Krystal Harbin with Harbin Photography

photo credit: Krystal Harbin with Harbin Photography

photo credit: Krystal Harbin with Harbin Photography

photo credit: Krystal Harbin with Harbin Photography

One of the reasons the night was even more special for the future bride and groom, was due to so many of their high school and college friends --whom they haven't seen in quite some time-- being able to attend. The party went late into the evening, well past sundown, as the guests went from wandering the courtyard and munching on treats, to hitting the dance floor to the tunes of Midlife Crisis, a favorite local band.

I was thankful that I captured this spontaneous picture of Taylor and some of his best high school buddies. Memories of these guys dropping in our home after school for additional ball time in the driveway sticks close in my mind. Church youth trips, after school activities, parties and dinners...many fond recollections when I see this group picture. They are some of the truest friends to Taylor and to our family. I am grateful for the special friendships that Taylor has made and still has to this day with these guys.

Taylor and Fair, thank you for sharing this special event with us! We are all looking forward to the upcoming wedding this winter.

photo credit: Krystal Harbin with Harbin Photography

Thank you so much to each of the 40 hosts and hostesses that helped to make this magical event happen. It was such a special night not only for Taylor and Fair, but for their families as well. We appreciate the time, effort and love that you each put into making this gathering a success.

All photos that were not taken by me were credited to Krystal Harbin, who was the fabulous photographer for the evening. Thanks Krystal for the amazing pictures! It will be so much fun to look back and reminisce over the sweet memories of the night.

Clay and I always enjoy the time that we share with family and friends when in Grenada from up North. This Southern Soiree definitely made a night to remember.