Sarah Elizabeth Norville and John Brent Peinhardt
Birmingham, Alabama
Covenant Presbyterian Church
Vestavia Country Club
November 4, 2006
Sarah Norville and John Peinhardt were friends--they had known each other from the time they were kids. Their families were old friends. Both of their mothers were school teachers and Sarah's mom taught John in second grade. J3ohn's mom taught Sarah's brother in second grade. Through high school and college, they were always on the phone or hanging out together. The only people surprised when they finally got together were Sarah and John. Once they did get together, it wasn't long before John proposed; on one knee with a stunning round diamond set in platinum encircled by small prong set diamonds- just exactly what Sarah would have selected.
In the Details
Sarah and John spent time defining what they wanted their wedding to represent. They determined they wanted it to be a worship service to honor and thank the people who helped shape their lives. They also wanted to incorporate details and traditions from their lives into their wedding. A golden laurel wreath used as a crest on the wedding cake, invitations, and programs was inspired by an antique broach passed down from Sarah's great-grandmother. Keeping the theme going, they used the golden laurel wreath on a wonderful accommodations and directions information package they sent out to out-of-town guests.
Something Old: Her grandmother's lace handkerchief
Something New: Sarah's custom silk satin gown
Something Borrowed: An antique brooch passed down from her great-grandmother
Something Blue: A blue monogram and wedding date embroidered inside the gown
Sarah's Gown
Her wedding gown, designed by Charlsey and Linda Hand in a luxurious pale ivory silk satin was reminiscent of the one worn by both her mother and grandmother. Her 'something borrowed'-- her great grandmother's brooch-- was strategically placed at the neckline to make the new gown look and feel like a family heirloom.
 The Flowers
In her desire to infuse a little summer into her fall wedding, Sarah used creamy pink peonies, white and green hydrangea, and varieties of pink roses for all of the hand-tied bouquets and massive arrangements, arbors and garlands that were used at the ceremony and reception sites.
The Bridesmaids
Ten bridesmaids with different shapes and personalities can present a challenge and Sarah wanted something classic and easy to wear for all of them. She selected Laundry by Shelli Segal gowns designed in the softest pale pink satin and featured gathers at the empire waist and a slightly A-line skirt. A wrap tied at the back in an obi-style bow added a bit of drama and visual interest to the back of the gowns.
The Guys
Setting the tone for the formal six o'clock p.m. wedding, John and the rest of the men were ultra formal and dashing in black tailcoats and white tie fro m Mr. Burch Formalwear in Mountain Brook.
 The Ceremony
A hundred ivory pillar candles flickered soft candlelight and bathed the church in a rosy glow. Classical music was carefully selected for the ceremony and featured a brass quintet and Sarah's brother, Pelham Norville, playing the Uilleann Pipes (Irish bagpipes). The bride's processional selection was Highland Cathedral by Roever and Korb.
The Cakes
 Hers: A five-tier vanilla almond cake in the softest pink butter cream icing featured ivory architectural detailing. Fondant and gilded royal icing were used to create swags and garlands that surrounded the cake.
His: John's cake was a two-tier German chocolate cake in honor of his grandmother's family favorite recipe. Iced with chocolate butter cream, the square cake was decorated with dark, tempered chocolate leaves and pinecones.
The Reception
The ballroom at Vestavia Country Club was the setting for the reception. The menu included traditional Southern favorites:
- Crostini Topped with Goat Cheese and Garlic Roasted Tomatoes
- Louisiana Lump Crab and Artichoke Dip with Parmesan Crust
- Imported and Domestic Cheeses
- Pecan Crusted Chicken
- Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish and Parker House Rolls
- Low Country Shrimp and Grits Served over White Cheddar Grits Finished with Imported Cheeses
- Seasonal Fruit and Vegetables
Joe Giattina Orchestra kept the crowd on the dance floor all night long. Sarah and John let their guests know how excited they are about their future by selecting The Best is Yet to Come by Tony Bennett for their first dance. At the end of it all, Sarah and John said goodbye to their guests through a shower of rose petals as they drove off in a vintage car.
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