Every wedding holds special memories and often funny stories.  For Meghan and Nick’s wedding, they truly get the prize for having the most unusual guest we’ve ever had attend a wedding at Fountainview.  We’ve had celebrities and colorful guests before, but this guest was extra special.  You’ll meet her in just a moment. 

A picture perfect day for a wedding. The ceremony site was graced with four magnificent floral arrangements creating an elegant English garden look poolside. The stunning arrangements by Fountainview Mansion featured a plethora of Bells of Ireland, snapdragons, stock, roses,, hydrangeas, and larkspur as the focal flowers.

The day couldn’t have been more perfect.  It was one of those picture perfect days that brides pray for their whole life; sunny, just the right temperature, and just a light breeze.  It was glorious.

The bride and her bridesmaids strike a whimsical pose just before heading down the aisle for the processional music provided by the Auburn String Quartet and trumpeter, Mark DeGotti.

Meghan looked like a movie star in her classically elegant gown.  It suited her to a T.  The bridesmaids wore vibrant floor length gown in a brilliant shade of watermelon pink which looked gorgeous on each of the girls.  Florals for the wedding party featured hydrangeas in green and white as the predominant flowers.  It was pure Southern elegance with hand-tied bouquets for all the bridesmaids.  The bride’s bouquet was a very unique creation inspired by Princess Kate’s bouquet which was one of the most photographed floral arrangements ever created.  It featured a very slight teardrop shop and a plethora of freesia and muscari set amidst a bed of white hydrangeas and creamy vendela roses.  Extra special were the lovely spray roses grown by the groom’s mother which were the perfect final touch to Meghan’s bouquet.  It was a joy to create this very unique bouquet.

Meghan poses with her beautiful mother and sister (maid of honor) just prior to their walk down the Fountainview aisle. What a beautiful family.Meghan and her mother just before processing down the aisle. Meghan's mom was a vision of loveliness with her ice blue gown perfectly complementing her elegant look and coloring.That magical walk down the aisle through the antique European gazebo. The moment a girl dreams of has come true for another special Fountainview bride, Meghan Morgan.

A fabulous meal was created by Chef Billy Lee with TerraCotta with a marvelous Southern fry station (fried green tomatoes, chicken fingers, and dill pickles) served outdoors, and a host of other items beautifully presented in the formal living room and dining room.

Okay, I know you’ve been dying to know more about the mystery guest.  It was a close family friend, Esmerelda the mannequin.  One of the things I loved most about this family was their marvelous sense of humour.  There was just always a sense of joy and laughter surrounding them all.  What fun they were to be around.  Years ago, the bride’s mother purchased “Esmerelda” from a store closing sale in Tallasee.  She has attended many family functions (in many different clothing styles), frequented airports (before the days of high security) and also been used for many practical jokes as she appears in a guest’s or family member’s shower or bedroom when they least expect it.  Esmerelda even appeared in the guest room when the future groom visited the family home.  Needless to say, Esmerelda has a long and colorful family history.   So many guests posed to have their photos taken with Esmerelda.  In fact, later, someone even put a dinner roll and a champagne flute in her hands adding to the hilarity of her visit.  Pictured below the girls and their special guest, Esmerelda.

Esmerelda with the bridesmaids in her full formal regalia including mink. Priceless....

A radiant Mr. and Mrs. Nick Norris recess following their wedding ceremony.