Never underestimate the beauty of natural daylight. Helen Modesett and Philip McGee’s brunch wedding meant sunshine throughout the entirety of the event creating a magical, whimsical atmosphere for their special day. Helen and her bridesmaids spent the morning at the bride’s home, getting dressed with her mother and sisters in the library, and taking portraits in the garden. The wedding ceremony was held at St. John the Divine Church at the beginning of the afternoon. The couple shared traditional vows and a first kiss before walking down the aisle as husband and wife. Before exiting the church, the wedding attendees exited ahead of the newlyweds awaiting their grand exit outside the chapel doors. The groomsmen in the military created the traditional saber arch just outside the doors encouraging Helen and Philip to kiss before their official exit!

The reception was brunch and it came with champagne, a five-tier wedding cake, and 500 friends and family toasting the new Mr. and Mrs. McGee! The iconic River Oaks Country Club Gracie wallpaper served as an ideal backdrop for the wedding aesthetic. Tables were draped with pastel pink linen and topped with flittering candles in woven votives and pink rose arrangements. The decadent cake, which resembled an elaborate version of Southern Living‘s white cake cover in 2019, stood in the center of the room, on a wicker cake stand and octagonal table. This cake was cut with a sword in true military tradition. Just outside the ballroom, Keely Thorne Events envisioned a clear top tent full of similar Southern charm—a magnolia bush created the stag backdrop, gold pendants wrapped with moss hung from the ivy-layered tent, and cozy booth seating lined the tent walls. The brunch menu, like the decor, was full of Southern flair. Guests enjoyed brunch bites like pimento cheese sandwiches, fried chicken biscuits, and passed oysters Rockefeller.

Helen swapped her wedding heels for cowboy boots as she twirled around the dance floor, matching many guests donning boots and suits. Merriment and celebration ensued until it was time for the couple to whisk away just before sunset. Helen and Philip shared a private last dance and then exited the country club while guests tossed flower petals and wished them well!