REAL WEDDING:: Mary Morgan Windham + Benjamin Fillingim {Black-Tie & Bourbon}

 

Romantic close-up of the bride and groom under the veil, smiling and embracing with a white rose bouquet.

::FEATURED IN THE FALL 2025 PRINT ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE ON NEWSSTANDS NOW::

Photography by Farren North Photography

mary + benjamin’s story

For Mary Morgan Windham, her wedding to Benjamin Fillingim was all about creating unforgettable, one-of-a-kind moments – and she delivered from start to finish. Guests were welcomed into a celebration where every detail was thoughtfully curated, including a standout favor: personalized bottles of Woodford Double Oak Bourbon, selected by her father from a custom barrel and engraved with a design created by the bride herself. A cigar bar completed the experience, offering guests the perfect pairing for their Old Fashioneds.

Bride holding a white rose bouquet, captured in a soft, light-filled bridal portrait.

Groom and groomsmen in matching black tuxedos standing together in a formal outdoor group portrait.

Black and white wedding invitation suite with classic calligraphy, wax seals, and soft ivory florals styled flat-lay.

Bride posing with flower girls in matching white dresses, captured outdoors in front of a brick chapel.

Personalized bourbon favors displayed with a calligraphy sign reading “One per couple upon exit,” flanked by engraved bottles.

Bride and groom sharing a joyful laugh during their ceremony, captured in a timeless black-and-white moment.

Mary made a bold statement in her dream wedding gown by requesting all guests wear black, ensuring her look would take center stage. That same couture dress inspired the intricate design of the wedding cake, which mirrored the gown’s unique material details.

Groom in a classic black tuxedo posing confidently along a sunlit outdoor walkway before the ceremony.

Bride surrounded by her bridesmaids in sleek black dresses, holding white bouquets in a formal group portrait.

Bride and groom cutting their four-tier white wedding cake framed by lush florals and a greenery backdrop.

Wide ceremony view inside a bright chapel with arched ceilings, chandeliers, and the wedding party gathered at the altar.

Statement bourbon display wall with illuminated shelving, greenery chandeliers, and a refined lounge-style reception setup.

Two emotional first looks – one with her father and one with her soon-to-be husband, Benjamin,set the tone for the day. Her father’s reaction, lovingly saying she looked like  “a Ferrari,” became a memory she’ll never forget. And the first look with her groom was a picture-perfect, heartfelt moment captured beautifully on camera.

For the reception, the couple chose Drywater Band from Texas and curated a personalized playlist to match the energy of their celebration. It was the perfect soundtrack to a wedding that was truly a dream brought to life.

Intimate candlelit reception table set on a waterfront terrace with clear chairs and floral centerpiece at dusk.

Elegant wedding bar with white paneled front, gold shelving, and abundant white florals cascading above glassware.

Bride and groom sharing an intimate slow dance during the reception, surrounded by soft lighting and florals.

Bride and groom sharing their first kiss in the church aisle as guests look on during the ceremony.

Elegant white floral arrangement with roses and hydrangeas anchoring a reception display table with softly lit waterfront views.

Tiered ice sculpture shrimp display with fresh seafood, lemon garnish, and cocktail sauce at the reception.

Four-tier white wedding cake with delicate floral detailing, displayed atop a lush arrangement of blush and ivory blooms against a greenery wall.

Modern welcome sign framed by cascading greenery announcing the couple’s wedding celebration and date.

 

 

 

 

::AS SEEN IN THE 2025 FALL ISSUE OF

NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE, ON NEWSSTANDS NOW::

VENDORS:

GETTING READY LOCATION: Private Residence | CEREMONY LOCATION: St. Andrew by the Sea  | OFFICIANT: Kent Fillingim | RECEPTION LOCATION: The Port at Zeke’s (Orange Beach) | REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: Perch | BRIDAL GOWN: Galia Lahav, Anjolique Bridal | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Bella Bridesmaids Mobile | GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Francia’s Formal Affair | PHOTOGRAPHER: Farren North Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER: Symonds Media, LLC | FLORIST: Jill Windham Floral Designs | BAKERY: Sukar Bakes | CEREMONY MUSIC: Sarah Schrader | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: The Drywater Band | TRANSPORTATION: Pensacola Party Bus | HAIR + MAKEUP: Bride/MOB/MOH Hair & Makeup, Kimber Smith / Bridesmaids Hair & Makeup, Katie Sasse + Kellie Thompson | HONEYMOON: St. Lucia, Sugar Beach Viceroy Resort | TRAVEL AGENT: Kathy Young, McGehee Cruise & Vacation | WEDDING PLANNER/DESIGNER: Julie Ragsdale, Noble Events | DECOR RENTALS: Events Styled by Luxe + Port at Zeke’s | CANDLE DECOR/LIGHTING: Future Astronaut Co + Events Styled by Luxe  | CATERER: Zeke’s Restaurant  | JEWELER: The Karat Patch | FAVORS: Woodford Reserve Whiskey A select barrel of Woodford Double Oak Bourbon that was transferred to customized, engraved bottles. | INVITATIONS: Kalin Design Co | CONTENT: Olivia Griep Design | ICE SCULPTURE: Ice Dragon Ice Sculptures

Groom and groomsmen in matching black tuxedos standing together in a formal outdoor group portrait.
Bride and groom cutting their four-tier white wedding cake framed by lush florals and a greenery backdrop.
Bride holding a white rose bouquet, captured in a soft, light-filled bridal portrait.
Romantic close-up of the bride and groom under the veil, smiling and embracing with a white rose bouquet.
Bride posing with flower girls in matching white dresses, captured outdoors in front of a brick chapel.
Bride and groom sharing their first kiss in the church aisle as guests look on during the ceremony.
Elegant wedding bar with white paneled front, gold shelving, and abundant white florals cascading above glassware.
Tiered ice sculpture shrimp display with fresh seafood, lemon garnish, and cocktail sauce at the reception.
Bride and groom sharing an intimate slow dance during the reception, surrounded by soft lighting and florals.
Black and white wedding invitation suite with classic calligraphy, wax seals, and soft ivory florals styled flat-lay.
Bride and groom sharing a joyful laugh during their ceremony, captured in a timeless black-and-white moment.
Bride and groom posing outdoors in formal attire with their dog, bathed in soft natural light on their wedding day.
Bride surrounded by her bridesmaids in sleek black dresses, holding white bouquets in a formal group portrait.
Wide ceremony view inside a bright chapel with arched ceilings, chandeliers, and the wedding party gathered at the altar.
Modern welcome sign framed by cascading greenery announcing the couple’s wedding celebration and date.
Four-tier white wedding cake with delicate floral detailing, displayed atop a lush arrangement of blush and ivory blooms against a greenery wall.
Elegant white floral arrangement with roses and hydrangeas anchoring a reception display table with softly lit waterfront views.
Personalized bourbon favors displayed with a calligraphy sign reading “One per couple upon exit,” flanked by engraved bottles.
Statement bourbon display wall with illuminated shelving, greenery chandeliers, and a refined lounge-style reception setup.
Intimate candlelit reception table set on a waterfront terrace with clear chairs and floral centerpiece at dusk.
Groom in a classic black tuxedo posing confidently along a sunlit outdoor walkway before the ceremony.

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