Woodsy Summer Wedding

From billowing shade trees to a romantic ivy altar, it's easy to see how this nature-loving couple made the woods their own enchanting wedding venue.

By: Keri Sanders

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Anna + Bryant

Anna and Bryant Reese were married on August 12, 2012, surrounded by friends, family and an enchanting woodsy setting. "I wanted something different, and we're just woodsy people," says Anna. "We love going to the mountains, and Bryant even proposed to me at the fork outside of Cades Cove (in the Smoky Mountains)."

Symbol With a Story

Anna loves all things vintage, so a vintage wedding ring was a must. "I found Anna's ring at an antique store," says Bryant. "It's an Edwardian-style, early-1900s ring."

Happy Hues

Since the pair married in late summer, Anna and Bryant chose a very seasonal, vibrant color palette of coral, turquoise and yellow.

First Look

Anna chose a stunning tea-length wedding gown that she calls her "fairy-princess dress." "The flower crown seemed necessary to complete the look," she laughs.

Dapper Daisies

The couple opted to keep flowers and decor simple in order to let their breathtaking surroundings take center stage. A white daisy and baby's breath were the ideal combination for this understated boutonniere.

Baby in Blue

"I saw the flower girl dresses on Pinterest and asked my sister-in-law to make them," Anna recalls. "They turned out great, and two of the girls kept them and went as fairies for Halloween."

The Best Dog

"Our dog, Bravo, is really important to us," says Anna. "It just didn't seem right to not have him there. He's part of the family!" Bravo made his appearance as one of Anna's closest friends walked him down the aisle preceding the bridal party.

DIY Decor

An old tray was upcycled with a white ribbon and a coat of chalkboard paint to greet guests as they arrived.

Fairytale Setting

The ceremony took place at a family friend's home, where tall shade trees kept guests cool and comfortable as they anxiously awaited their first peek of the bride.

Bridal Blooms

Baby's breath was used throughout the venue in flower arrangements, to decorate the altar and to mark each row. Anna loved how using a few sprigs of baby's breath could add such a sweet, delicate touch to every row.

All About the Entrance

Soft violins cast an enchanting spell across the lawn as Anna walked down the aisle to the song, "Love," first featured in Disney's "Robin Hood."

Natural Beauty

The altar, which was covered in dark green ivy, was accented with white daisies, baby's breath and soft white lights.

New Beginnings

An ivy-covered gazebo made the perfect natural altar, while a classic brick stairway supplied this sweet couple with a charming walkway to take their first step as husband and wife.

Simple Centerpieces

The centerpieces were kept simple with colorful wildflowers in blue Mason jars. "The Mason jars were my great aunt’s canning jars from decades and decades ago," remembers Anna. "I used to help her in her garden all the time growing up, so that was really special.”

Floral Arrangement

After the ceremony, the bride placed her bouquet on the gifts table to add a bright pop of color and allow guests to get a better look at the gorgeous flower arrangement.

Picture Perfect

To let guests in on a few of their happiest memories, the couple had a few of their favorite photos framed to sit on the gifts table.

Ethereal Accents

Potted flowers were placed in lovely white bird cages, which were hung throughout the garden area to add a delicate, almost magical quality to the woodsy venue.

Fancy Frame Work

Instead of the makeshift photo booths popular at most weddings, Anna and Bryant hung a large white frame from a tree to give guests the perfect photo op.

A Family Affair

Bryant's aunt made their beautiful cupcake tower, which was a testament to her love for this adorable couple. "This was a communal wedding, because most of the family contributed," explains Bryant.

Mr. and Mrs.

The top of the cake was home to two special cupcakes, each adorned with a single lily.

One Happy Family

"Bravo is normally so well behaved, but seeing the love of his life (my husband) at the altar about to marry someone else made him go a little crazy," jokes Anna. "However, he settled down after the ceremony enough to lay some sticks at our feet and beg us to throw them during our first dance. It was the funniest, most perfect way to start our lives as a little family."

Love Shack

A rustic sign on the property provided the perfect backdrop for one of the couple's first photos as newlyweds.

Sealed With a Kiss

Surrounded by a tunnel of ivy, this precious couple is ready for their happily ever after.

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Photo By: Runaway Alice Photography

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