Something Old, Something New: [Real Wedding] - Cynthia & Matthew's Southern Sunflower Wedding

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual plant native to the Americas. The sunflower got its name from its huge, fiery blooms, whose shape and image is often used to depict the sun.

I personally think sunflowers are one of those flowers that makes everyone happy. They're so bright and cheery, you kind of have to love them. Today we have a beautiful southern wedding inspired by sunflowers - lots of happiness in this one!

From the bride, Cynthia: A description of the day? I would say southern & family oriented and original with a southern rustic flare. I've always known that sunflowers would be a main part of my wedding ever since I was little. My mother has always grown them in our backyard. The land where we got married in Russellville has been in my family for 7 generations and the bridge was made by the Roanoke Bridge Co. Its over 100 years old. Our focus was to make it memorable and fun. Something different than what people expected. I found most of our stuff like paper and fabric, bottles, and the bunnies from Hobby Lobby. In the end I think what made it special to us was all the hard work we had put in TOGETHER and all the hard work we had seen our friends and family put into it. It meant so much more to us because of that.

About the details: The wish tree was made by my mother, cousins and I. The wish tree idea was not original; however, I think we made it unique in the end. My grandaddy cut branches from a pear tree and cemented them into a pot for us and we tied the fabric on. The sunflowers were planted and grown by my parents. All of the burlap table runners were cut by my mother. The pie & biscuit bar just added to the whole southern theme. And who doesn't love pie and biscuits? All the bouquets were made by my aunt and a close family friend. The photo booth was set up by two of my best friends. I looked at many many magazines and DIY websites to compile ideas that I loved and put in some of my own to make it unique for Matt and I. The mustache idea I had wanted to do since I was about 15 years old and I have seen it since then but we still wanted to do it. Matt and I used a laser cutter at MSU to cut them and Kayla and I glued each one on a stick. The seed packet idea was one that Mom, Matt, and I all three came up with together and I really loved the way it turned out. The sunflower seed packets tied it all together!