The Swan Wedding

Paul and Mariel Swan's Full wedding video Videography By: Jonathon Ford

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‘But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." (2 Peter 3:8)  The love that was in the room on our wedding day, January 5, 2019 felt as it was going to last a thousand years. Love is timeless and pure love will last forever. Love is the glue that binds our reality and gives us strength to face the world as long as we have one another. I truly believe that the unconditional love that Paul and I have for each other is sealed and anointed from God. The Bible teaches, “1 John 4:7-8 (ESV) God Is Love.January 5th 2019 Paul and I got married at Childress Vineyards. It was the best day of my life. I truly felt God’s presence and an overwhelming amount of unconditional love that day. On that day I married my soulmate, in front of my closest friends and family, and I must say there was no better feeling.

THAT MORNING

The morning of my wedding was insane and a time I will never forget. I was so nervous and excited all the same time. I was so happy to have my family and best friends by my side that morning.

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My bridesmaids: Whitney Dillon Matron of honor, Jordan Dodson, Evony Thompson, Ashley Parker,Jocelyn Watts, Kristen Stiles, Laura Little, Courtney Little, Jessi Boseman, Morgan Abel, Tiffany Harwell, Amanda Mertz

My bridesmaids: Whitney Dillon Matron of honor, Jordan Dodson, Evony Thompson, Ashley Parker,Jocelyn Watts, Kristen Stiles, Laura Little, Courtney Little, Jessi Boseman, Morgan Abel, Tiffany Harwell, Amanda Mertz

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DETAILS

My new last name is Swan and I wanted to tie that into the theme of my wedding. The song I walked down the aisle to was 1000 years, played by Deans Duets, (cello, harp,violin trio). I wanted everything to have an enchanted feel, because after all I was morphing into a swan (haha) . I used tons of greenery and faux trees to replicate the look of a forest and stuck with rich colored jewel tones to create a warm and enchanting feel. When people walked in, I wanted them to feel as though they were in an enchanted forest.

Dean’s and Duets

Dean’s and Duets

My event planner was Coordinating Dreams and my floral designer was Dahlia’s (Trinity  photography)

My event planner was Coordinating Dreams and my floral designer was Dahlia’s (Trinity
photography)

I also used cream draping in the front, but that is the only draping I used. I wanted to keep the earthy feel of the stones and wood at the vineyard. I used wooden chairs, and tons of trees and greenery. We had cascading greenery from the sky. And used tree/branch cut outs to create more of a forest scenery.

We used greenery, tree stumps, candles, and floral bouquets down the aisle.

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Jack, Maribeth, and Paul (My Mother and Father in Law)

Jack, Maribeth, and Paul (My Mother and Father in Law)

Mother and father (Michael and Victoria lane)

Mother and father (Michael and Victoria lane)

Pete, Oma and Papa

Pete, Oma and Papa

Malachi, Granny Poo Poo, Granny Joyce)

Malachi, Granny Poo Poo, Granny Joyce)

Ashley and Pete (Brother and Sister in Law)

Ashley and Pete (Brother and Sister in Law)

My Daddy and I (Michael Lane)

My Daddy and I (Michael Lane)

The Jumping of the broom (Whit Whit got me a custom blinged out broom as a gift)

The Jumping of the broom (Whit Whit got me a custom blinged out broom as a gift)

At the end of the ceremony Paul and I jumped the broom, which is an African American tradition which symbolizes sweeping your old life away and jumping into a new life together! 

My mother and Mother in Law Victoria Lane and Maribeth Debraal

My mother and Mother in Law Victoria Lane and Maribeth Debraal

My mother wrote a poem, "Mothers' Blessings, A Thousand Years"” and she read it with Maribeth (my mother in law) by her side. Their blessings were to remind the world that both mothers and families were excited that we found each other, and both families believed in the power of love. My mom ended the poem with, “They know that true love will forever stand more than a single day and more than a thousand years."

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VENUE

We had our wedding at Childress Vineyards. Our ceremony and reception was held in the Pavilion and our cocktail hour was held in the Bistro.

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Flower Girls (Tru Harwell; Blair Boehlke ; Zaria Saleem)

Flower Girls (Tru Harwell; Blair Boehlke ; Zaria Saleem)

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Tony Haye’s the saxophone player during cocktail hour

Tony Haye’s the saxophone player during cocktail hour

Pastor Ray Wright married us

Pastor Ray Wright married us

Reception

During my Daddy/Daughter Dance

During my Daddy/Daughter Dance

During the reception I loved the look of massive candelabras with creeping greenery to give a fairy tell feel. For the reception and ceremony I had to have two massive golden swans so I took some swan sculptures I found online and Jack, my father in law spray painted them in an antique gold. Florals played a huge role in the design element of my wedding. I used a huge greenery backdrop for the fireplace during my reception, and our florist, Dhalias made the most beautiful hanging greenery piece to go above the couch near our bar. For the tables I wanted the flowers to have massive floral centerpieces mixed in with the candelabras. Faye Conlin from Coordinating Dreams took my vision and made it into a reality!

Mom and Son dance

Mom and Son dance

During Pete (The Best Man) and Whitney’s MOH and Best Man (speeches) haha they needed each other for emotional support they were so nervous. They did an awesome job!

During Pete (The Best Man) and Whitney’s MOH and Best Man (speeches) haha they needed each other for emotional support they were so nervous. They did an awesome job!

My Daddy’s Speech

My Daddy’s Speech

My Mother in Laws Speech

My Mother in Laws Speech

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Stephanie Finely Cake design

Stephanie Finely Cake design

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Signature drink- The Ticket BombBartender- Jimmy The Bartender

Signature drink- The Ticket Bomb

Bartender- Jimmy The Bartender

Family

Family

Squad Photo( Whit, AD,Paul, Me)

Squad Photo( Whit, AD,Paul, Me)

Heather Smith Live Painter

Heather Smith Live Painter

AD and Paul hitting the Swan

AD and Paul hitting the Swan

Christian and Paul

Christian and Paul

Jordan,Uncle Ronnie,Dallas, and Aunt Anne

Jordan,Uncle Ronnie,Dallas, and Aunt Anne

The cutting of the cake

The cutting of the cake

Bri and D (Briana Lise and Dallas Dodson my little cousin) played a selection during the reception, Dj a minor behind them

Bri and D (Briana Lise and Dallas Dodson my little cousin) played a selection during the reception, Dj a minor behind them

The TN Titan Cheerleader Alumni ( Jocy, Kristen,Evony,Jen Hill, AP, Stormi, Evony, Tandra, Julia, Heather, Chasity, Stephanie, Tiffany)

The TN Titan Cheerleader Alumni ( Jocy, Kristen,Evony,Jen Hill, AP, Stormi, Evony, Tandra, Julia, Heather, Chasity, Stephanie, Tiffany)

Wedding PartyGroomsmen: Pete Swan- Best Man; Austin Dillon; Malachi Lane- Brother of the bride; Christian Piazza; Alex Kellerman; Tyler beck; Alex Bayer; Derek Doudna; Logan “dopey” Zagrodnik ; Derrell EdwardsRing bearer: Brady ScheierUshers: Matt S…

Wedding Party

Groomsmen: Pete Swan- Best Man; Austin Dillon; Malachi Lane- Brother of the bride; Christian Piazza; Alex Kellerman; Tyler beck; Alex Bayer; Derek Doudna; Logan “dopey” Zagrodnik ; Derrell Edwards

Ring bearer: Brady Scheier

Ushers: Matt Schilz; Trevor Marks

Bridesmaids: Whitney Dillon- Matron of honor; Jordan Dodson; Evony Thompson; Ashley Parker; Jocelyn Watts; Kristen Stiles; Laura Little; Courtney Little; Jessi Boseman; Morgan Abel; Tiffany Harwell: Amanda Mertz

Flower Girls: Tru Harwell: Blair Lynn Boehlke; Zaria Ryann Saleem; Nyla Iman Saleem

Huge Thank you to everyone who came and all of my vendors listed below. This was the best day of my life and you all were a huge part of that!

Photography- Trinity Photography

Transportation- Camel City Carriage

Wedding Venue- Childress Vineyard 

Wedding Gown- RK Bridal 

Event Planning- Coordinating Dreams 

Videography: Jonathan Ford

Hair- Kendra Currie

Make up- Bree Early & Mc Call Gaulding

Floral Design- Dahlias

Dj- Dj A minor 

Cello/Harp/Violin Trio- Dean’s Duets

Duet- Bri and D

Saxophone- Tony Hayes

Bridal Robe- LeLaurier

Barbers- Josh Leonard,Tim Parker, Chris Breezy ( Washington Park)

Equipment Rental- Party Reflections 

Tuxedo- Stitched

Linens- Hauser Rental

 Cake- Stephanie Finley

Live Artist- Heather Smith 

Bartender- Jimmy The Bartender

Meats- Jack Arnold

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Summer Style under $100

Romper: Robin's Runway

Earrings: Forever21

Heels: Steve Madden

With the weather heating we were looking for fresh, cool, trendy outfits to look and feel our best this summer!

Robin’s Runway had everything we were looking for to keep our style sizzling during this season. From sexy/comfy 2 piece sets to super cute rompers, Robin’s Runway had it all!

Two Piece Set: Robin's Runway

Heels: Windsor

XO

Whit+ Mariel 

FITNESS

Faith Driven Fitness

Fitness has always been a huge part of our lives! We've always been on a cheer or dance team which calls for extensive training. We were professional cheerleaders for 4 years so we've had the pleasure of working with the best of the best.

We never went without working out, running, or taking classes but our downfall was our obsession with being thin over healthy. So we thought, fitness is and has always been a huge part of lives, why not share our journey and invite you all to go on one with us.

We knew we wanted to add the fitness portion to our blog when we launched it, but we wanted to get into REAL shape first. We wanted to be strong, not just thin. We wanted to be able to eat and not feel guilty. More than anything, we wanted to be transparent and do it the right way - not starving, or depriving ourselves from anything. 

We're finally ready to introduce to you - Faith Driven Fitness!!!

Our fitness regimen starts with God. It starts by fueling the right things, cleaning out the bad, and restoring what's right. First, you're going to need a devotional! We suggest Joel Osteen's 'Everyday a Friday.' We choose this one because it's an easy read and it's inspirational. Every devotional is about a page long and it'll help keep you on track.

You've gotta start your day with God! This clears your mind and sets your day up for greatness. Our lives get so chaotic when we skip this step. It feels like everything we do is in vain if we don't keep God first. Everything about our lives just feels 'off.' It's really amazing how when you truly seek the kingdom first, God has a way of aligning the rest of your life in your favor. 
Don't just listen to us, try it for yourself.

Fitness Components:

1. Devotional: This is the #1 component to our Faith Driven Fitness. Find a devotional that will influence you, drive you, and inspire you. If you need suggestions, here's the ones we really love. Joel Osteen's: Everyday A Friday and the Breakout Book Journal. Beth Moore's Hope devotional. Lastly, Raindrops from Heaven by Twila Belk. Anything will work. 

2. Journal: The second most important thing is a journal. Don't skip this step! When you write down your goals, your hopes, and your dreams, they become your reality. Write down what God's doing in your life. Write down the blessings he's bestowed. Talk to God about your devotionals you do every morning. Also, record what you eat so you can look back and see what works and what doesn't work.

3. Your bestie: The third most important component is finding a person who will do it with you. Find someone who you can confide in and push to become better. There will be days you have zero inspiration, but your bff will be there to get you through it. Everyone needs someone!

We want you to take this journey with us! It only takes one person to inspire someone. If you begin, you will inspire someone else and they will inspire others. Before you know it, there will be a flood of people diving into Faith Driven Fitness! 

"The greatest legacy is not what we leave for people, it's what we leave IN people."

Who's with us? 

XO
Whit + Mariel

Johnathan Kayne Spring 2017

Johnathan Kayne Spring 2017

Photography by: Bo Timmons / @bosphotonc / www.bosphotography.com

Photography by: Bo Timmons / @bosphotonc / www.bosphotography.com

Hair by: @prettyinmemphishair

Hair by: @prettyinmemphishair

outfits BY: JOHNATHAN KAYNE / @JOHNATHANKAYNE / WWW.JOHNATHANKAYNE.COM

outfits BY: JOHNATHAN KAYNE / @JOHNATHANKAYNE / WWW.JOHNATHANKAYNE.COM

What’s better than celebrating Christmas with your bestie + Johnathan Kayne? We collaborated with JK and his team to bring to you his Spring 2017 Collection. 

Everyday we will be posting a new blog on new dresses. We are SO excited to show off all of his amazing designs. You guys are going to LOVE them! Check back everyday for a chance to see them first. 

We’re especially obsessing over what we like to call his 'nude collection.' Mariel looks effortless in his wide-sleeve nude dress and Whit rocked the fun pants suit. Either of these designs could be worn to Prom, Homecoming, or a special night. Whichever fits your personality, Johnathan Kayne has it all. 

XO,

Whit + Mariel 

Business Spotlight: Extension Specialist

Pretty in Memphis Hair

Our Business Spotlight goes to the ambitious Ashley Jennings. I get asked all the time where I get my hair and where I get it done. Ashley from Pretty In Memphis Hair is my go to for hair. I have been working with her since my cheer days. Her hair is reliable, colors perfectly, and holds curls for days. Not only does she sell hair all over the US, for all of my ladies in Memphis, and the surrounding area, she is one heck of a stylist as well.

When I reached out to Ashley about her brand I wanted a chance for people to get to know her. Not only is her hair amazing, but so is her soul.


What made you start selling hair?

I have to thank my clients for talking me into starting the online boutique. My client's loved my hair and would always ask questions about it, so I decided to open the online store for them.

I knew I wanted to accommodate them further but I was afraid to carry on hand because of all the dangerous things I had heard about people being robbed and even being killed. Once I launched the site, I only set a goal of selling about 7 bundles a week. That was a bundle a day, but the site did extremely well. My clients and other people who had followed my social media account showed tons of support and we ended up selling to 15 different states within our first month of business.

Where to buy Pretty in Memphis Hair?

Although she does not have a public location just yet, their online boutique ships out all over the US! With the holiday season, Christmas is right around the corner. She has tons of promotions and sales and even a giveaway planned. So be sure to follow all of the social media accounts listed below and be on the lookout! Her website is www.prettyinmemphis.com.

What do you want your clients to know?

I want people to know that although my brand was started specifically to accommodate my client's needs, it has grown far more than expected and I'm so grateful of everyone who's ever supported my small business.

How to contact Ashley?

Contact Ashley personally through her customer service email. FaqPrettyInMemphisHair@Gmail.com

Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PrettyInMemphis or on Instagram @PrettyinMemphisHair

XO

Whit + Mariel

BOUTIQUE COLLABORATION

Robin's Runway

Photography: @Bosphotonc

Photography: @Bosphotonc

We’re so excited for our first ever Boutique Spotlight. Cheers to the grand opening of Robin’s Runway out of NYC. We teamed up with Robin and celebrity stylist Harrison for the debuting of her crazy awesome clothing line. It’s different, sexy, and fun. The shoot was styled by Harrison and photographed by Bo Timmons. 

Use Promo code ‘WhitandMariel’ for 20% off. This is just the beginning of Robin’s Runway. Stay tuned for more to come!

Thanks to our dream team! We love you guys. 

Boutique: @RobinsRunway

Styled by: @iamhdiddy

Photography: @Bosphotonc

Hair: @PrettyinMemphishair

Hair color: @HairbyLaurenHawkins

XO

Whit + Mariel 

NASCAR Awards Banquet

Red Carpet Details

Photo by Harold Hinson

Photo by Harold Hinson

NASCAR goes to Vegas to celebrate the top 16 drivers. The top 16 are in the chase and compete for a championship. This year was Austin's first year and experiencing it together was really special. Mariel went on behalf of Monster Energy so having her there made it even better.

I have to brag on AD for his custom suit. He definitely wins the award for swaggiest suit game.

My gown is designed by one of my favorite designers, Michael Costello. Working with him and his team was a dream come true.

Mariel helped me style my look from top to bottom. At the last minute, we decided to throw the leapord clutch in for a little boom boom pow. 

Hair by Ashley with Miguel Julio Beauty/MUA by @makeupbymyia

Hair by Ashley with Miguel Julio Beauty/MUA by @makeupbymyia

Photo by Harold Hinson

Photo by Harold Hinson

Mariel wanted to go for a Golden Globes look. She got a chance to work with her favorite designer, Johnathan Kayne. We both adore Johnathan and can't wait to collaborate with him. Stay tuned!!

Mariel's Details:

Hair: @PrettyinMemphisHair

Styled: @haircandy_byanna

Make up: @makeupbymyia

 

XO

Whit + Mariel 

Celebrity Style: must haves

Duster Coats 

Photography: Bo Timmons / bosphotography.com / @bosphotonc

Photography: Bo Timmons / bosphotography.com / @bosphotonc

We’re obsessed with duster coats this season. It can elevate a casual outfit to street-style chic. Not to mention, it’s comfy, affordable, and easy to pair. 

Duster’s are perfect for date night to throw over your skirt, dress, or jeans. They can also make a casual day time outfit seem extra stylish. For our jet setters, it makes for a perfect airplane look. 

Styled by: whit + Mariel

Styled by: whit + Mariel

Outfit breakdown

Whitney - Black Duster

  1. Duster - Windsor
  2. Choker - Revolve
  3. Tank - Bebe
  4. Pencil Skirt - Bebe
  5. Pumps - Christian Louboutin

Mariel - Nude Duster

  1. Duster - Forever 21
  2. Dress - Naked Wardrobe
  3. Pumps - Christian Louboutin
hair by: lauren hawkins / @hairbylaurenhawkins

hair by: lauren hawkins / @hairbylaurenhawkins

More of our favorite celeb looks worth copying:

Khloe Kardashian - date night ready

Khloe Kardashian - date night ready

Chrissy Teigen - day time chic

Chrissy Teigen - day time chic

Gigi Hadid - girls night out 

Gigi Hadid - girls night out 

XO

Whit + Mariel