A Fantastical Lord Of The Rings Meets Midsummer Nights Dream Wedding
The picturesque backdrop for this unconventional love story was set at The Pettit Preserve in Cartersville, Georgia on a warm summer day, June 4th, 2016. Jamie Lee, an English teacher by profession, exchanged vows with her partner Kyle, who shares her passion for history as a History teacher. The whimsical charm of the venue was captured beautifully by Cindy Harter Photography, offering a glimpse into this unique and memorable union.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
As the big day approached, I knew I had to incorporate my favorite fantasy stories into our special celebration. One such tale that heavily influenced our wedding was J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. To set the tone for our ceremony, I chose music from the iconic movie soundtracks. As I emerged from behind two majestic silk banners, adorned with the Lord of the Rings emblem, the enchanting ‘Evenstar’ melody filled the air.
Our reception tables were designed to transport guests to various locations within Middle-earth, paying homage to the fantastical world that has captivated my imagination. Meanwhile, during the ceremony, subtle nods to A Midsummer Night’s Dream added a touch of whimsy and fantasy, as we, the bridesmaids, and I transformed into fairies from the beloved story. The forest glade where we exchanged our vows was transformed into an ethereal fairy kingdom, further immersing us in the magic of the day.
To round out the experience, we incorporated small tributes to another cherished tale, Harry Potter, at the reception. Two bars, reminiscent of The Leaky Cauldron and The Three Broomsticks, offered a delightful selection of potions and brews, while our specialty drink, butterbeer, brought an extra layer of nostalgia and wonder. Ultimately, our Lord of the Rings-inspired wedding was a love letter to all things fantastical, allowing us to celebrate our shared passion with friends and family.
Tell us about the ceremony:
Our woodland ceremony at The Pettit Preserve, a nature preserve owned by my grandmother, was a truly unforgettable experience. To set the tone for the celebration, we adorned the trees with a series of silk banners that I had designed, drawing inspiration from the world of Lord of the Rings. Each guest was also given a ribbon wand and a program fan to enhance their overall experience. As we exchanged our vows, we took a moment to appreciate the beauty of poetry.
My mother beautifully recited a poem penned by my grandmother, while my father-in-law delivered a stirring reading from Stephen King’s works. The combination of these two unique pieces added an extra layer of emotion and depth to the ceremony. One of the highlights for me was the processional, where I proudly walked down the aisle with two bespoke green silk banners featuring trees, inspired by Arwen’s iconic moment in The Return of the King.
Meanwhile, our flower girls and ring bearers were dressed in adorable hobbit-inspired attire, while my bridesmaids and I donned outfits that blended elements of fairies and elves.
Tell us about your reception:
As we planned our wedding ceremony, we aimed to create a whimsical atmosphere, drawing parallels between it and significant events in my life. Born during a tumultuous storm on April 1991, rain has accompanied me through every major milestone. Coincidentally, perfect weather prevailed throughout the day until an hour into the reception when the skies opened up, showering us with a magical surprise.
The tent’s clear roof allowed our guests to revel in the unexpected downpour, removing their shoes and dancing in the mud all night long – an unforgettable experience. To further personalize the celebration, we opted for homemade strawberry preserves as favors, crafted by my father-in-law. Our Southern-inspired menu aimed to serve hearty portions of comfort food reminiscent of hobbits’ feasts.
Adding a touch of playfulness, my husband, a football coach, used his coaching skills to toss the garter with a football, while I took aim with a bow and arrow, expertly shooting my bouquet into the crowd.
What was your most important lesson learned?
As I navigated the wedding planning process, I faced a unique challenge – feeling isolated in my unconventional vision for the big day. Living in a small town with strong traditional roots, I was surrounded by expectations that didn’t align with my fantasy-inspired wedding dreams. However, I learned that instead of worrying about the disconnect between my vision and others’, it’s essential to prioritize what brings joy to you and your partner.
Don’t let societal norms dictate what’s ‘right’ for you – do what feels authentic and meaningful to both of you.
Vendors
The visual narrative of this enchanting wedding was brought to life by a talented team of creatives. Cindy Harter Photography captured the joy and romance of the special day, while JB Videography preserved the memories in moving image. The bride’s stunning dress was designed by Atelieria, perfectly complemented by the natural beauty of The Pettit Preserve. Floral arrangements by Lindsay Coletta added a pop of color and whimsy to the proceedings.
The groom looked dashing in his tuxedo from The Black Tux, while the culinary delights provided by Stonewall Manor Weddings ensured that all guests left with full hearts and happy bellies.
