At Caroline & Robert’s sugarcane plantation wedding, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by 150 years of family history. The rustic celebration was infused with meaningful heirlooms and traditions, from handcrafted wooden tables to a veil worn by Caroline that once belonged to her great-grandmother. Under the trees planted by Caroline’s grandmother as a young woman, the couple sealed their love, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Guests were treated to ‘signature sips’ and raw sugar favors, while flower girls waved ribbon wands like they stepped out of an old photograph. The elegant bridesmaids’ dresses in grey added a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthetic. These breathtaking photos by Jonas Seaman Photography are truly unforgettable.
Diy Decor
When it came to furnishing our wedding venue, we opted to get creative and make our own rustic tables instead of renting them. Surprisingly, this DIY approach ended up costing us roughly the same as if we had rented them, but with the added bonus of having beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces for future family gatherings, and who knows, maybe I’ll even start a little side business renting them out to fellow crafty couples.
As we worked on crafting our ceremony elements, including the altar and cross, we repurposed old Louisiana cypress wood from the plantation grounds. We also built benches for our guests to sit upon, carefully measuring each one to ensure they were precisely 36 inches apart – a detail that mattered to me down to the inch.
To tie everything together, we incorporated my family’s company logo onto the wedding invitation and scoured the property for discarded items to use in both the ceremony and reception. It was amazing how many unique treasures we found hiding in plain sight.
One of the most memorable moments from our planning process came when we were preparing to transform an old porcelain tub into a beer container, until an old sugar mill employee approached us and casually mentioned, ‘You do realize what that actually is – don’t you? It’s an old urinal.’ Needless to say, we quickly abandoned our plans for the beer tub.
Hand Crafted Details
When it came to furnishing our wedding venue, we opted to get creative and make our own rustic tables instead of renting them. Surprisingly, this DIY approach ended up costing us roughly the same as if we had rented them, but with the added bonus of having beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces for future family gatherings, and who knows, maybe I’ll even start a little side business renting them out to fellow crafty couples.
As we worked on crafting our ceremony elements, including the altar and cross, we repurposed old Louisiana cypress wood from the plantation grounds. We also built benches for our guests to sit upon, carefully measuring each one to ensure they were precisely 36 inches apart – a detail that mattered to me down to the inch.
To tie everything together, we incorporated my family’s company logo onto the wedding invitation and scoured the property for discarded items to use in both the ceremony and reception. It was amazing how many unique treasures we found hiding in plain sight.
One of the most memorable moments from our planning process came when we were preparing to transform an old porcelain tub into a beer container, until an old sugar mill employee approached us and casually mentioned, ‘You do realize what that actually is – don’t you? It’s an old urinal.’ Needless to say, we quickly abandoned our plans for the beer tub.
The Favors
The tactile task of preparing gifts for loved ones was a labor of love for my sister, as she meticulously packed burlap sacks with rich, earthy brown sugar harvested from the local mill. Her attention to detail extended to the finishing touches; carefully crafting raffia bows to adorn each gift, imbuing every step with thoughtfulness and care.
Advice For Other Couples…
As a bride-to-be, it’s essential to approach pre-wedding planning with a clear vision in mind. Start by defining the emotions and atmosphere you want to create on your special day. This will serve as a guiding principle for all decisions moving forward. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, break down the planning process into manageable tasks, categorizing each aspect of the wedding (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, signage) and assigning ownership to specific individuals or projects.
I found an Excel spreadsheet to be incredibly helpful in keeping track of the various elements involved throughout the day. Creating a program of events for yourself, your wedding party, and vendors is also crucial. This single-page reference will ensure everyone knows their role, timing, and contact information, reducing the need for last-minreef’t-minute inquiries from anxious vendors or family members on the actual wedding day, take time to intentionally absorb every moment.
Savor the experience, taking note of the sights, sounds, and emotions as they unfold. By doing so, you’ll create lasting memories that will remain with you long after the celebrations have ended. In hindsight, one piece of advice stands out as particularly valuable: don’t be afraid to let loose and dance the night away. It’s easy to get caught up in ensuring everyone has a great time, but remember to prioritize your own joy. Trust me, you won’t regret it.