We’ve had the privilege of documenting countless love stories, but there was something extra special about Cheryl and Michael’s wedding at Nottoway Plantation. When Cheryl and Michael met, Cheryl (in her own words) was a control freak. She worked in corporate and had unbelievable quotas to reach. She found that helping people was her true passion, and would volunteer with numerous non-profits throughout the year. Michael, on the other hand, owns his own business. He’s a watchmaker. He’s never on time and “walks to the tick of his own clock.” With Michael’s help, Cheryl has learned to relax and realize that it will all get done – eventually.

When Michael and Cheryl met, neither of them were looking for love. One day, a coworker and good friend of Cheryl’s asked her to join him and his wife for Mother’s Day dinner. The catch was that it would also be a blind date for Cheryl. She agreed – and that’s where she met Michael – her coworker/friend’s uncle.

Cheryl never felt like she was a romantic, until she met Michael. Michael has taught Cheryl that it is important to celebrate every milestone. They met on May 13th, 2012, and now they go on a date on the 13th of every month. They exchange cards every month, and Michael often surprises Cheryl with fresh flowers.

In 2017, Michael planned a trip for Cheryl’s birthday. He proposed to her as a pianist played a rendition of their favorite song, “What Are You Doing with the Rest of Your Life?” (which was also played during their wedding reception). He presented Cheryl with the most beautiful vintage (1920’s) platinum, diamond, and sapphire ring – a ring that he has owned for 20 years – just waiting for the right woman to give it to.

After nearly two years of planning, their wedding day was here! They picked May 13th, as it was the seventh anniversary of their meeting. Nottoway Plantation, filled with oak trees and spanish moss, was the backdrop for their wedding ceremony. Cheryl had visited the plantation almost 30 years ago, and it stuck with her as a beautiful place to get married. The weather was perfect, which we were all thankful for, as earlier in the week it had poured – causing flash floods throughout Louisiana.

Cheryl and Michael envisioned their wedding day with vintage and formal touches. They reached out to Emily Mayne Studio to create a custom wedding crest that would make an appearance throughout their day. Emily’s work appealed to Cheryl instantly with the romantic, elegant, and vintage aesthetic. Emily even managed to incorporate their samoyed – Jake – into the crest! Needless to say, the custom invitation suite – complete with watercolor envelope liner with a sketch of the venue – was the perfect introduction to this wedding at Nottoway Plantation!

Cheryl wore jewelry that was meaningful to her on her wedding day. She had two watches – one for the ceremony and one for the reception (I mean, can you blame her – her husband is a watch maker?) – that had been gifted to her by Michael. She also wore her custom dangle pearl earrings that Michael had gifted her on their five year anniversary. Her wedding Essence of Australia wedding dress had custom touches to make it the perfect wedding day dress for Cheryl.

Michael wore a custom tux with a sophisticated white jacket for a southern vibe. Cheryl gifted him gold “K” cuff links. His boutonnière was a simple peony bud. Around his wrist, he wore a vintage Rolex. And, in his jacket he carried his gold “wedding” pocket watch. He’s carried it with him at every wedding he has attended for the last 30 years! He also donned his great grandfather’s circular sunglasses before the ceremony.

The ceremony was held in front of the plantation home. An intimate ceremony with just 30 guests, every attendee felt as though they were truly part of the wedding day. Cheryl arrived for the ceremony by horse and carriage – and had her two sons walk her down the aisle. Her grandson, Hayden was the ring bearer. The couple couldn’t stop smiling throughout the wedding – and everyone was thrilled when they were declared husband and wife!

After cocktail hour, the guests made their way to the reception tent, where a champagne bar was waiting to greet them. The patio was complete with tufted vintage furniture and a fountain filled with florals. The fireplace mantle was covered with a floral garland and the couple’s crest. Inside the tent, everyone stopped to catch their breath. Three chandeliers of greenery hung above a black and white dance floor. The linens on the table were exquisite – with delicate patterns that accentuated the design without being flashy. Garlands and candles flowed down the center of each table. Every place setting had a gold-rimmed chargers and plates, along with gold flatware. Menus from Emily Mayne Studio sat atop a pale lavender napkin. Angela Marie Events did a beautiful job styling the event to have just the right balance of vintage and elegant.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible four-tiered cake with a cascade of flowers. The wedding topper showed the couple kissing over a vintage car – which is so fitting because of their love for vintage transportation.

Louisiana showed off with an incredible sunset as the guests enjoyed warm lobster bisque and fresh citrus-seasoned sea bass. During dinner, Cheryl and Michael sat by the quartet as they played their favorite song – the same one that Michael had playing when he proposed.

Everyone danced the night away with the help of the live band. Beignets were enjoyed as a late night snack. The evening concluded back on the porch of the planation home as everyone watched fireworks – the perfect capstone to an incredible day, for the most deserving couple!

We are thrilled to see this wedding over on the front page of Style Me Pretty!

A huge thank you to these incredible vendors: Venue & Catering: Nottoway Plantation Resort // Planner & Design: Angela Marie Events // Invitation & Paper Goods: Emily Mayne Studio // Florist: The Plantation Florist // Bridal boutique (wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses): Something New Boutique // Dress Designer: Essense of Australia // Bridesmaids Dress Designer: Sorella Vita // Bridal Shoes: Something Bleu // Groom’s Accessories: Knight Watch & Jewelry Co // Makeup Artist: Marissa Mizell // Hair Stylist: Alison Smith with Paris Parker Salons & Spa // Cake: Ambrosia Bakery // Band: Phat Hat // Ceremony & Reception Quartet: Original Magnolia String Quartet // Social Hour Music: Ashley Toman // Rentals: Love Good Rentals and Elements // Dance Floor: Perrier Party Rentals // Linens: Nuage Design // Officiant: Drew Murrell // Favors: Ambrosia Truffles // Fireworks: AFX // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box // Videographer: Montoto Productions // Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab //

Are you having a wedding at Nottoway Plantation and you’re looking for a photographer? We would love to work with you! Contact us!