DeAnna Pappas + Stephen Stagliano: Their Southern Chic Wedding

We watched DeAnna search for love on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, but sometimes when you stop searching that is when you find your true love – and that is exactly how it happened for DeAnna. We shared her super sweet proposal story and engagement photos, her wedding video, and today we have all the gorgeous photos + details of her dream wedding to the man of her dreams, Stephen Stagliano. Thanks so much to DeAnna + Stephen for sharing their photos + memories of the day with us and we wish you two cuties all the best! All photos by the talented duo of Callaway Gable.

From DeAnna, The inspiration for our wedding was Southern Chic. I wanted everything to have a true Southern feel while still being classic and elegant. The heart of our inspiration came from Robyn at Meant To Be Sent. She did our save the dates, wedding invites, as well as most of the unique touches at the wedding like the table numbers, seat placement cards, the candy bags…just to name a few. I had a few ideas for things but, Robyn really brought everything to life! She is amazing! She really deserves most of the credit. She literally walked me through every last detail as she was creating unique idea’s for our wedding down to every last horseshoe detailing!

With all of that said, it was so important for Stephen and I to make the wedding about us…and that is just what we did! Stephen really gave me free reign to do everything that I wanted, creatively speaking. Stephen mostly cared about the food, the cake, and the music! So, I let him do the play list for the reception, we chose our southern themed menu together, and we met with our dear friends at Fantasy Frostings to create the cake of our dreams!! Every thing was perfect…down to every last detail. I’m so thankful for that. :)

Yep, Stephen has a twin brother (you may have seen him last summer as the winner of Bachelor Pad) and they are best friends – and Michael is actually the one who introduced DeAnna + Stephen, so they have him to thank. :)

Their first look is one of the sweetest I’ve seen – if you haven’t watched their wedding video, it’s a don’t miss!

As I was walking down the aisle, Stephen’s brother Michael Stagliano, played his guitar and sang “Marry Me” by Train. It was such a beautiful moment. Michael is Stephen’s best friend and has become my best friend as well over the two years that Stephen and I have been together. It was important for all of us that Michael be a huge part of our special day. Without Michael, Stephen and I would have never met!

Most memorable moment of your wedding day?
The most memorable moment for me was the ceremony. I think Stephen would agree with me on that also. The ceremony was just perfect. The ceremony site itself was stunning. Heath, at Jackson Durham, was the florist who created the gorgeous arbor for our ceremony. Again, I simply told him what I had in mind and then he brought everything to life. I had an idea of what I wanted it to look like, then I shared that with Heath. Honestly, Heath and Jackson Durham deserve all the credit there because they created a look and feel beyond anything I could have ever asked for!

Besides the simple elegance of the ceremony, it was my favorite part because of the love I share with Stephen. When I was walking down the aisle, nothing else mattered to me but looking at Stephen and knowing that I will share the rest of my life with the most amazing man in the world. I was very present during the entire ceremony and I know Stephen was as well. I remember every word that was spoken and I remember being the happiest at that moment, than I’ve ever been in my entire life. I have been through a lot and dated a lot of frog’s to finally marry my prince!!

Our dinner menu was fried chicken, apple stuffed pork tenderloin, mashed potato’s, green beans, macaroni and cheese, friend green tomato’s, and crab cakes!

Our first dance was to Pink’s “Glitter In The Sky.” Stephen and I fell in love with this song when we first heard it and we feel like it was the story of our love. 

When I look back at my wedding, I cannot help but remember how absolutely perfect it was! The weather was perfect, my Alfred Angelo wedding gown was perfect, Serenbe was perfect, the food was perfect, the atmosphere was perfect, the flowers were perfect…I could go on and on!!  I do not have one complaint! Everything turned out just the way we wanted! It was the best day of my life. I have never felt more loved and more happy than on my wedding day.

Marriage is a beautiful thing. Every day since our wedding has been magical. I love my husband more and more each day. I went on a very long search for love with The Bachelor and The Bachelorette but, when I stopped searching…God sent me the man of my dreams. I couldn’t be happier and am thankful that I get to call Stephen my husband because he is truly the best man that I have ever known!! We’re on the 60 year plan!! :)

Any advice for those planning now?
My advice for those who are planning their wedding now, is to remember at the end of the day what this wedding is all about. There will be stressful times, there will be arguments over the guest list, and there will be frustrations that I cannot even explain. With that said, brides and groom’s-to-be should always remember the love that brought them to this point. It’s just one day…one day that is leading you into the rest of your lives. Love one another and compromise! This is your wedding…not your mother’s or father’s or your Aunt Bertha’s wedding! Do what you want and what will make you happy!

Be sure to check out DeAnna and Stephen’s engagement photos and video too!

• DeAnna + Stephen’s Engagement Photos
• DeAnna + Stephen’s Wedding Video

vendors:

photography: // venue name: Serenbe // paper goods: Meant To Be Sent // cake: Fantasy Frostings // photography: Brian + Allison Callaway of Callaway Gable, special thanks to second shooter Lauren Belknap // wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses: Alfred Angelo // groom: Jos A Banks // groomsmen suits: Jos A Banks // food: Gloriosa // florist: Jackson Durham // wedding planner: Wendy Parker of Wendy Parker Events // videographer: Imagique Weddings // favor bags: Meant To Be Sent // sponsored bar: Three Olives Vodka