Emily and Rob’s wedding day was the embodiment of classic Southern grace — a heartfelt celebration filled with family, faith, and thoughtful details. Set against the stained-glass backdrop of a historic church and followed by a lively reception at The Bristol Train Station, their day was refined yet joyfully unpretentious. Despite the rain, guests embraced the weather with laughter, live music, and even a late-night treat from Pal’s, a beloved local staple.
From the bride’s structured Emilia Wickstead gown and sapphire Manolo Blahnik heels to the traditional ceremony music performed on pipe organ, the couple honored timeless tradition while infusing the day with personal Southern charm. Captured beautifully by Tara Hodges Photography, every frame reflected the elegance and warmth of a couple who perfectly balanced sophistication and heart.
“Love is a conscious choice when the butterflies fade. It is a gift from God who models the perfect unconditional love.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We originally met at Rob’s place of work, William King Clothiers, a haberdashery in Historic Downtown Bristol. I was working in social media at the time and had stopped by the store to take a photo of custom bow ties they were making for a fundraiser for a local hospital. Unfortunately, the bow ties hadn’t arrived yet, but Rob had to get my contact information to let me know when they did 😉 In true small-town fashion, we shared many mutual friends. We went on our first date a few weeks later and have been inseparable ever since.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
As traditional Southerners, we decided to bury a bottle of bourbon a month before the wedding to ward off the rain — a bottle of Blanton’s, of course, as a nod to our last name. The day we buried it, it was pouring rain. In the chaos of getting into the church courtyard, we accidentally set off the alarm! Moments later, the police arrived to find Rob covered in mud with a shovel in hand. Quite the sight — but it’s one of our favorite stories now.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
I did most of the wedding planning myself since I work full-time and was also in graduate school. Having a clear vision made it exciting, but balancing everything at once was challenging. Rob was so supportive through it all, which helped keep everything grounded and joyful.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Like many couples, we included framed photos of our grandparents’ and parents’ weddings at our reception. The week before our wedding, Rob’s aunt gifted us a framed copy of his grandparents’ wedding invitation and their Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. It was an unexpected and meaningful surprise that we included in our flat lay photos.
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
I wanted the music to feel traditional and timeless, with a touch of drama. We had only the pipe organ and piano for our ceremony, and walking down the aisle to “Trumpet Voluntary” felt like something out of a royal wedding. I’ll never forget Rob’s face as the doors opened.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Communication is key!
What is your favorite thing about each other?
My favorite thing about Rob is how thoughtful he is — he always finds ways to make small moments feel big. His favorite thing about me is my sense of humor and how much I love helping others.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
We both loved the premarital counseling sessions we had with our pastor. They gave us space to learn about each other, our families, and how to approach challenges as a team.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Always be considerate of your partner, communicate openly, and prioritize your relationship above everything else.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love is a conscious choice when the butterflies fade. It’s a gift from God — the truest example of unconditional love.
As Seen in The White Wren Volume 7
This celebration is featured in The White Wren Volume 7: Calm in the Chaos — a collection of real weddings, artful editorials, and stories that honor meaningful love and intentional living. Each page captures beauty in its truest form: love that endures, even in life’s unexpected rain.
Order your copy here.
Photography & Videography: Tara Hodges Photography / @tarahodgesphotography
Wedding Planner: Stacia Powers Events / @staciapowers
Venue: Bristol Train Station / @bristoltrainstation
Catering & Rentals: Main Street Catering / @mscatering210
Florals: Brady Hard / @brady_hard_
Invitations: Craftsman Paper Company / @craftsmanpapercompany
Bridal Glam: Ellen Smith
Bridesmaids Hair: Emilee Lovette / @emmlovee
Bridesmaids Makeup: Leann Thomas / @makeupbyleann_
Gown: Emilia Wickstead Bridal / @emiliawicksteadbridal
Band: Emerald Empire Band / @emeraldempireband
Late-Night Bites: Pal’s / @eatpals
Reception Dress: House of CB / @houseofcb
Groom’s Attire: Wm. King Clothiers / @wmkingclothiers
Cups & Napkins: GB Design House / @cbdesignhouse
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / @manoloblahnik
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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