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April/June 2013

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Southern Enchantment

By Cristina Wilson | Photography by Old South Studios

Posted: Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012

Let’s face it: young singles often think, “Will I meet someone?” when attending the wedding of a friend or relative. For Courtney Aldredge, it wasn’t her plan to meet someone, but Drew Cody had his sights set on Courtney even before the two met at a mutual friend’s wedding in Mississippi. “Apparently he had always seen pictures of me through our friend and has asked her when we would get to meet… I didn’t even know who he was but he walked into the suite where we were and I thought he was cute,” says Courtney. “We ended up dancing the whole night and we had a blast, staying up talking.” Drew almost didn’t attend the wedding at all, hesitating to make the eight-hour drive from his home base in South Carolina. But fate brought them together—and kept them together throughout their distance courtship.

After a seaside proposal, Courtney envisioned a classic, Southern ceremony and reception with a baby blue and ivory color palette. Her search for the perfect venue ended when she visited The Cloister in Sea Island, Ga.; with sentimental ties to the bride’s family and a true Old South feel, the couple had found their dream locale.

As important as family is to this couple, it’s fitting that one of Courtney’s favorite moments happened before the ceremony even began. She planned a special moment just for Dad—a ‘first look’ so he could see his daughter all grown up and ready for the aisle, presenting him with a small gift to make the moment special.

Those Southern touches still stand out as Courtney and Drew look back on the day. A grits station with Andouille sausage, cheese, shrimp, and all the fixins’ was a hit with guests. And as a parting gift, a pouch of Sea Island macaroons encouraged guests with “Y’all come back now,” printed on the bag, and many will do just that. Several guests, and the couple, who plans to return for their one-year anniversary, have already made plans to visit The Cloister and soak up another round of Southern hospitality.

Featured Vendors

Bridal Portrait Location
The Duke Mansion
704-714-4400
www.dukemansion.org

Photography
Old South Studios
704-287-7923
www.oldsouthstudios.com

Rings
Diamonds Direct SouthPark
704-532-9041
www.diamonds-direct.com

Vendors
imint media, cinematography
Reverend Wright Culpepper, clergy
The Cloister, location
St. Simons Trolley, transportation
Amanda Gould & Shelby Bodiford, consultants
Bridals by Lori, gown
Bella Bridesmaid, bridesmaids' dresses
Amy Jenkins, hairstylist for wedding
Judy Crouch, makeup for wedding
Paces Papers, stationery
Island Sound, Music by Pegge, music/entertainment