What do you get when a self-described “witch, mermaid, and some sort of mystical being like Stevie Nicks + Lana Del Rey all wrapped into one” marries a Southern boy from Alabama?
Welcome to Lauren + Chase’s absolutely unforgettable “Enchanted Swamp” wedding.
Chase’s hometown of Fairhope provided all the Southern charm, ancient Oak Trees, and draping Spanish Moss these two could wish for. The old-fashioned church wedding romance of Sacred Heart Chapel and the “classic, wild elegance” of The Swift-Coles Historic Home provided a dreamy backdrop for all of the whimsical design decisions that Events By Kathryn helped them bring to life.
It is crucial to note that bride Lauren is pretty passionate about vintage clothing. The expertise she’s honed running Shirley Gertrude Vintage is how she managed to seamlessly incorporate SIX bridal looks into her wedding day, each a distinct + beautiful antique piece of bridal fashion history.
Bows. Bubbles. String lights. Strawberries. Swamp-native wildlife for guests to interact with. And more mid-wedding outfit changes than we’ve ever seen. Bride Lauren put it best when she described this one-of-a-kind wedding as “a little rugged beauty, a little humor, and a lot of magic.”
And Kayla Nicole Photography was there behind the camera snapping all of these incredible photos!
“Goin’ To The Chapel…”
We are SO glad Lauren walked us through the ins and outs of all of her stunning wedding dresses. This pink, high neck, long sleeve stunner? “The ceremony dress was a 1940s ballet slipper pink satin gown purchased from Strange Desires. They are a very unique seller that I highly recommend following on Instagram! Following vintage sellers is one of the main ways I learn about vintage items and designers.”
Chase scored his dashing wedding tux from Suit Supply. We love the timelessness of a classic tuxedo.
You can bet the rings these two chose were unique + antique. Check out our vintage engagement ring buyer’s guide to get started on your own historic ring hunt!
We simply cannot get enough of Lauren’s charming nail art + pearly french tip wedding nails!
Lauren accessorized her ceremony look with that darling short pink floral wedding veil and a pair of pink givre rhinestone earrings from her Great Grandma.
Definitely dive into our list of the best blush and pink wedding dresses if you like the idea of rocking something rosy on your Big Day like Lauren did.
A peek at the bouquet by Blumenhaus
Portraits Under The Oaks
This next look? “A 1940s dress purchased on Etsy from Aloha Pinata Vintage. I knew I needed my Grace Kelley in High Society moment!” says Lauren. “I added a 1980s Bridal Hat for the drama!”
We are loving the ruffles + buttons on the bodice!
“Dress changes were always going to be necessary,” Lauren says, “because how could I decide on a single decade — let alone a single dress?”
Arachnophobes beware: That is indeed a HUGE spider on Lauren’s shoulder. All part of the whimsical + wild experience of having swamp-native creatures from Reno’s Reptiles on hand to give the event it’s playful + eccentrically Southern feel!
Need to get your nail game on Lauren’s level? Check out all of our fun + helpful trend, seasonal, and color-specific nail guides!
Cheers To Cocktail Hour!
We are so enchated by Lauren’s elevated-yet-effortless makeup look! Take a peek at our bridal makeup ideas collection for more wedding day glam inspo.
For cocktail hour, Lauren changed into this breezy + feminine tiered skirt off-the-shoulder long sleeve 1980s cotton Laura Ashley dress that she found on Etsy.
Her dainty blue floral Camile Heels were part of the fun + flirty collab between For Love & Lemons and Dolce Vita!
“After seeing all the wedding content,” Lauren reflects, “I would say this was my personal favorite look. I think it encapsulated my wedding vibe perfectly.”
“It’s hard to beat dancing under the moonlight, surrounded by ancient oaks, Spanish moss, and thick, humid air, with snakes and tortoises in tow.”
Time To Celebrate!
Gulf Coast Events & Rentals outfitted all of the beautiful outdoor spaces at The Swift-Coles Historic Home with round tables, folding chairs, and lots of Southern garden party charm.
Lauren + Chase created a unique and very on-brand wedding reception seating chart from a vintage vanity mirror and some alligator decor.
Vintage Josef Originals Birthday Angels made precious porcelain table numbers!
Add some of these pink paper doilies to your cart to recreate the funky + feminine mid-century birthday party feel of these table settings.
Guests enjoyed a reception feast from Portabello Market on these absolutely adorable Butterfly Garden plates.
Chrissy Floral Design created the day’s romantic + earthy pink, ivory, and green floral arrangements.
Bows are one of our fave trends to keep an eye on, so we are HUGE fans of the way that Lauren + Chase used bows throughout their day. How fun is this giant pink floral one on the sweetheart table!
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding From the bride: "I know it's a simple answer, but I believe the vibe and experience of the entire day were the most memorable to me. It felt like a magical moment in time, with everyone we love gathered in one place and surrounded by my dream aesthetic. The atmosphere was especially vibrant when Chase surprised me with a tiny fluffy Persian kitten, who now goes by the name Poseidon. Some other favorite moments included listening to the eclectic sounds of "Snake Farm" by Ray Wylie Hubbard drifting across the expansive southern lawns as our bridal party entered the reception area — a tune fitting of our theme and deserving of much more airtime.
Also, given that I had six different dresses to change into, getting to break away from the rest of the party to play dress-up with my girlfriends throughout the day and into the evening is how I wish I could always be spending my time. If my mom were a mythical creature, she would no doubt be a fairy, and seeing her embrace her true fairy nature with a flower crown and a large, poofy pink ball gown was a highlight of the day for me. Similarly, when Courtney, my maid of “dishonor”, appeared dressed like Morticia after we’d previously discussed pastels, it was like a scene out of a TikTok video come to life. Watching her slink around the reception like a goth queen, snakes and spiders in hand, is a memory I will never forget. The vibes grew to an all-time high (pitch scream) when my dear friend Alex performed Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus (I’m just kidding, she has a lovely voice). I can fondly look back on this day as the best day ever and will cherish it forever!"
Bottles Up Mobile was in charge of all things drink-related, including these clever + cheeky ‘Swamp Juice’ signature wedding cocktails.
You bet all sorts of funky Southern garden party wedding guest fashion was on display throughout the celebration. How adorable is this embellished floral handbag!
“Last year I sewed a vintage style ball gown using a 1980s bridal sewing pattern that two of my Bridesmaids graciously wore at my wedding,” Lauren says of this dreamy handmade pastel rainbow look. “I ran out of time to sew my own dress but luckily one of my creations made it!”
String lights from C & A Events gave the outdoor reception its romantic glow.
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Rondeau" by Henry Purcell
Recessional: “Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn
First Dance: “Can't Help Falling in Love” Kacey Musgraves cover into the original Elvis Presley version
Lauren’s sparkly strapless first dance dress was a 1950s Elizabeth Arden rhinestone bow gown that she purchased on eBay. “This was a very lucky last-minute find!” Lauren remembers. “You know I dominated that eBay bidding war!”
Cutting The Cake
Before slicing into their wedding cake, Lauren + Chase took a moment for a private picturesque stroll.
“I became enthralled with the idea of a “cake-cutting” dress,” Lauren says. “My Maid of Honor, Marlene, had sent me a video of Berlin-based stylist Rachael Rodgers executing this bridal fashion moment a few years back, and the concept always stuck with me.”
“When it came time for my own cake-cutting fashion moment, my vintage silk Fred Perlberg dress sported pannier hips à la Marie Antoinette to boot. As the French queen once said, ‘Let them eat cake!'”
Lauren found her gorgeous off-white strapless cake cutting gown through Etsy seller Crinoline Kitten. Love that she accessorized the look with a Coach cherry necklace and long white bridal gloves!
Our Advice To Those Planning Now From the bride: "Do what you want! Yes, I had naysayers about the presence of alligators or the number of dress changes, but I've timed myself, and I can get in and out of any ball gown in 30 seconds or less. We all have our talents, and years of playing dress-up had prepared me for this very day!"
Look at that absolute vision of a cherry-adorned vintage-iced wedding cake from Deep South Cake Company!
…And Another Dress for Dancing
When it was time to let loose on the dance floor, Lauren rocked this adorable tiered + ruffly 1950s Emma Domb Dress.
It’s GMB kept the music coming so Lauren + Chase could boogie the night away with their guests beneath the twinkly string lights.
And don’t miss their gorgeous wedding film by Basin Drive Productions!
Congratulations, Lauren + Chase! We are absolutely spellbound by your sweet, Southern “Enchanted Swamp” wedding. Every look was immaculate! All the best from GWS!
photography: Kayla Nicole Photography // venue name: Swift-Coles Historic Home, Bon Secour, Alabama, USA // event design: Events By Kathryn // florals: Chrissy Florals // groom attire: Suit Supply // videography: Basin Drive Productions // catering: Portabello Market // cake: Deep South // furniture rentals: Gulf Coast Events & Rentals // music: It's GMB // lighting: C & A Events // cocktails: Bottles Up Mobile // wildlife: Reno's Reptiles