Myrtle Beach Weddings | A Lowcountry Wedding Blog

07.08.2012

Heather + Ryan {New York Wedding}

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Hope everyone enjoyed their Lowcountry, holiday weekend! We’re taking a little bit of a field trip today to swoon over a beautiful, New York wedding captured by the talented Sasha Felix Photography. With the Catskills Mountains in the distance, the Ashokan Dreams Bed & Breakfast was the perfect backdrop for Heather + Ryan’s Fall wedding. Heather dazzled in timeless, Nicole Miller gown with classic, lace straps, while Ryan, dressed in J. Crew, sported a bow tie and his late grandfather’s hat. My favorite part of this wedding is the ceremony. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but these two are just adorable. The images are precious (and oh, so pretty!)…one very, happy couple!

Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Sasha Felix Photography / Caterer: New World Home Cooking / Invitation Designer: Wedding Paper Divas / Dress Designer: Nicole Miller, The J. Crew Bridal Boutique / Tuxedo and Mens Attire: J. Crew / Event Venue: Ashokan Dreams B&B

07.04.2012

Fourth of July!

by A Lowcountry Wedding / No Comments

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Whether you’ll be spending your 4th of July in Hilton Head, Charleston or Myrtle Beach (or somewhere in between!), the crew from A Lowcountry Wedding wants to wish you a happy (and safe!) holiday week/weekend. I’ll be kicking it on Shem Creek tonight, sipping on something cold and watching some fireworks, which means you won’t hear from us until Monday. I know, how will you ever survive, right? Don’t worry, we’ll be back at it with a beautiful Charleston wedding to kick off next week….so until then, enjoy the sunshine, this crazy heat, and good times with friends and family.

A lowcountry wedding blog featuring Charleston weddings, Hilton head weddings, myrtle beach weddings, southern weddings, Charleston wedding blogs, Hilton head wedding blogs, myrtle beach wedding blogs

Image by Gia Canali via Style Me Pretty

Post Categories: Charleston Weddings, Hilton Head Weddings, Lowcountry Weddings, Myrtle Beach Weddings
Tags: charleston wedding blogs, charleston weddings, hilton head weddings, lowcountry weddings, myrtle beach weddings

06.27.2012

Charleston Bride {Brittani}

by A Lowcountry Wedding / No Comments

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One thing we love to share with our Lowcountry Brides (well, besides stunning, jaw-dropping wedding inspiration, of course!), is tried and true tips straight from our horses, I mean, brides’ mouths. Our gal, Brittani, is back today to give us a few pointers about what she’s learned thus far as she navigates her way to her big, Charleston wedding day!

Image via Kelly Sauer

Yay it’s time for another ALW update! Last time I dropped by, I updated the fantastic ALW readers on my DRESS! That was such an unexpectedly exciting part of the process and I actually go for my first fitting in just a few weeks! I cannot WAIT to get back into my beautiful wedding dress, cowboy boots and all! The last few months since making that big decision have been CRAZY! I have been blown away by how quickly the time has gone, and I’ve learned a lot about wedding planning. Phew! I’d love to share some of the things I’ve learned you probably want to do, and some of the things you probably don’t want to do…

DO:

Do hire a wedding planner! Ugh, what a mistake it was thinking wedding planners aren’t always necessary. As a wedding photographer, I of all people should know how important it is to have someone running the show. Oops! If I could do-over, that definitely would have been the FIRST vendor I would have hired!

Image via Riverland Studios

Do be realistic about what weddings cost. I LOVE weddings, trust me…there’s nothing more exciting and special and exhilarating than a wedding day. BUT, having said that, there is SO much that goes into a wedding. I was the bride that wanted to be able to spend big on the things that were most important to Dustin and I (photography, the venue, and food), and DIY and save as much as possible elsewhere. I’ve learned that’s not really realistic, at least for me and my lifestyle. When you have a full-time job, wedding planning is a whole other full-time job. That’s why planners are so important! There were so many “great big ideas” we had to save money but there’s just no TIME to make these things a reality. Life happens, and you have to be realistic about how much time you can really put aside to manage, create, and plan all of these things that seem so easy to do yourself.

Image via Tim Will

Do start whatever DIY projects you are doing early. In my mind, August was going to be wide open (the hot summers are usually my slower time work-wise), so I could do sooooo much DIYing then. Wrong. August is already halfway crazy for me. I’ve started tackling some projects now but honestly at the end of the workday, I just want to relax! I know some brides are so into crafting for their weddings and it is their way to relax at the end of the day, but between taking care of my dogs and horses, trying to work out (gotta look good for the big day!), cooking dinner, cleaning, regular household and farm chores…there never seems to be enough time at the end of the day.

Image via Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt

DON’T:

Don’t get too caught up in Pinterest. Used the right way, Pinterest can be such a great tool for planning your wedding and coming up with fun projects. BUT, the trick with Pinterest is to not feel like your wedding has to look like someone elses’s. The whole point of getting really creative with your wedding is to make it a true representation of you and your fiancé and the things that are most special in your relationship. It’s so easy to look at pin after pin and think “that’s perfect!” but you should really start with a list of unique traits or themes you want to include in your wedding and search out inspiration from there. For us, since we were long distance for so long and spent a LOT of time flying and driving, travel is going to be a big theme. We’re also super dedicated to our farm and both grew up with horses, so that’s a big shared passion. We love our dogs like kids, so of course the dogs and being a blended family (Dustin has a 5-year-old son) are also very “us.”

Image via Richard Bell Photography

Maybe this is just me, but if I had to do it again, I would not try DIYing invitations. I work with a really good print lab because of my business, so I totally thought I could handle this on my own. Invitations are important, but to me they weren’t one of the biggest priorities. In reality, invitations are basically the first impression you are giving your guests. It’s worth it to invest in a talented designer (I love Sarah at Dodeline Design) who gets what you’re going for and can handle this for you. Invitations have Stressed. Me. Out. You can even find TONS of great invitation suites on Etsy, if going through a designer isn’t for you. At the end of the day, by weighing the pros and cons, spending another $200 or so on invitations would have been totally worth it, rather than dealing with the headache I’ve caused myself.

Image via Dodeline Design

Don’t lose sight of what your wedding is really about. There are going to be things you want to do but won’t get done. There are things that aren’t going to go as planned. Don’t forget what the day is really about…you and your new husband, your new life together, and the opportunity to have all of the people you love the most in one place at the same time, celebrating together. What will be, will be.

Image via Girl in the White Dress by Kelly Sauer Photography

Hopefully those little tips are helpful in some way or another. There are definitely some things I wish I could re-do but we’re this far in and we’ve just got to roll with the punches! I know the next three months are going to FLY, and although I can’t wait for the day to be here, I don’t want the days to fly by too fast because I don’t want our actual wedding day to fly by too fast! I know that no matter what happens, the day will be wonderful and I really look forward to the celebration!

What’s going on next? I’ll be back pretty soon with some insight into the vendors we chose and some other fun details like bridal portraits and what we’re doing for bachelor/bachelorette parties! See ya soon ALW!

Post Categories: Charleston, Charleston Weddings, Hilton Head Weddings, Lowcountry Weddings, Myrtle Beach Weddings
Tags: britt croft photography, carolina studios by gillian reinhardt, charleston weddings, dodeline design, hilton head weddings, kelly sauer, lowcountry weddings, myrtle beach weddings, richard bell photography, tim will photography

06.24.2012

Mary Catherine {Myrtle Beach Bridals}

by A Lowcountry Wedding / 3 Comments

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The stunning Mary Catherine is kicking off our week at A Lowcountry Wedding with her effortlessly, beautiful bridal portraits captured by Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt. She choose Grande Dunes Resort and Pine Lakes Golf & Country Club, two of Myrtle Beach’s premier wedding venues, as the backdrops for her timeless, Southern afternoon. Outfitted in a beautiful lace gown from The Little White Dress, she accessorized her bridal attire with a sparkling sash, fabulous, lengthy veil and a classic bouquet of white buds designed by M. Gladden Designs.

Myrtle Beach Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt / Floral Designer: M. Gladden Designs / Reception Venue: Grande Dunes Resort and Pine Lakes Golf & Country Club / Dress Store: The Little White Dress

Post Categories: Lowcountry Weddings, Myrtle Beach Weddings, Southern Weddings
Tags: carolina studios by gillian reinhardt, grande dunes resort, lowcountry weddings, m. gladden designs, myrtle beach wedding blogs, myrtle beach weddings, pine lake country club, southern weddings, the little white dress

06.20.2012

Lowcountry Weddings {Oyster Roast}

by A Lowcountry Wedding / No Comments

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Because all of your guests will jump at the chance to head to the Lowcountry for a wedding (I mean, who doesn’t want to spend a weekend in Charleston, Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach!?!), more often than not, it turns into a weekend long wedding celebration…which is all kinds of fantastic. You may consider having a welcome party on Thursday, a bridal luncheon Friday, rehearsal dinner that evening and, possibly, a Bon Voyage brunch on Sunday morning..and you know I’ll encourage you to have every, last one of them! One thing that your guests will be expecting when coming to town for your big bash, is to experience and revel in the spirit of the Lowcountry. They want to put their toes in the sand, smell the salt water, enjoy the atmosphere and indulge in our one-of-a-kind, Southern cuisine…so you better give ‘em just that! One of my favorite staples of the South Carolina coastline is a big ol’ oyster roast which, luckily, works perfectly for a laid back, rehearsal dinner, and since Fall is right around the corner, you might as well get to planning…

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Oyster Roast via Leigh Webber Photography

First thing’s first, you’ll need to pick the perfect venue that offers picturesque views and exudes that relaxed, Lowcountry vibe (and lord knows we’ve got plenty of them in Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach!):

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Charleston Venue - Creek Club at I'On

Charleston Venue - Bowens Island Restaurant

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Kiawah Island Venue - Cinder Creek

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Charleston Venue - Lighthouse on Shem Creek

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Pawleys Island - Pelican Inn

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Bluffton Venue - Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Moreland Landing

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Hilton Head Venue - Honey Horn Plantation

Besides a stunning, Lowcountry view, you’ll need to make sure you have a few key elements…

1) Some trusty oyster roast tables, with trash cans (of course!)

2) Oysters (duh!), gloves, saltines, cocktail sauce, horseradish and some Tabasco, for those that like it spicy.

3) Plenty of shuckers!

4) Last but not least, a bucket full of beer and some of your favorite koozies to keep ‘em cold!

5)…and if you really feel like celebrating, maybe a few Oyster Shooters!

Get to shuckin’!

Post Categories: Charleston, Charleston Weddings, Hilton Head Weddings, Lowcountry Weddings, Myrtle Beach Weddings
Tags: bowens island restaurant venues, charleston weddings venues, cinder creek wedding venues, creek club at i'on venue, hilton head wedding venues, honey horn plantation venue, inn at palmetto bluff, lowcountry weddings venues, moreland landing, myrtle beach weddings venues, oyster roasts weddings, pelican inn venue

06.13.2012

Marina Inn at Grande Dunes Wedding {Tiffany + Chris}

by A Lowcountry Wedding / No Comments

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Let’s face it, Lowcountry brides always know how to throw gorgeous, elegant weddings and the stunning Mrs. Wilcox is no different… and thank goodness for us, Gene Ho Photography was there to capture it all! The oh-so-attractive couple, Tiffany + Chris, had a fabulous wedding at Myrtle Beach’s Marina Inn at Grande Dunes last July, and boy, was it a stunner! With the help of the ladies of Memorable Moments, who were on hand to organize every last dreamy detail, and the talented design team from Blossom Events, they were able to create a vibrant, summer evening that their guests are still raving about. Thanks to Tiffany for giving us an inside view into their Myrtle Beach wedding!

How did you meet?
At Enloe High School in Raleigh North Carolina, high school sweethearts!

Tell us your engagement story. (Give us every romantic detail!)
We were home in North Carolina for the NBA All Star break visiting family. Valentine’s Day was that Sunday. We flew back to Detroit on Valentine’s Day and didn’t get back until that evening. Chris mentioned taking Tiffany out to dinner but she didn’t want to go, too many people. So they ordered takeout and enjoyed the night in. Tiffany gave Chris his Valentine’s Day present and the night went on. We were watching a movie and Chris told me how he felt about me and how much he appreciated me and loved me. He also told me he didn’t get me anything for Valentine’s Day. I was a little upset but tried not to show it! Later that night he gave me a box, I opened it and asked what is this. He asked me to marry him and I cried like a baby! The proposal fit us perfect!

What are your ties to the Myrtle Beach area?
Chris and I love Myrtle Beach. A nice getaway that’s not too close but at the same time not too far from home! We have traveled and visited the area since we were in High School. We thought there would be no better place to say, “I do!” We also support the Lupus Foundation due to him having a history of lupus in his family. With that being said, Chris has an annual golf tournament in Myrtle Beach to support and raise money in hopes to find a cure for the disease.

What was the best thing about your wedding day?
The best thing about our wedding day was LOVE. It was so strong and so powerful! It was romantic and everything was perfect! You could feel the love that we both shared for each other. There weren’t too many dry eyes at the ceremony! There were so many people there but all I saw was him and all he saw was me!

Describe what made your wedding unique…
Our wedding was unique because it was us! From the bold vibrant colors and hints of bling throughout the entire wedding (and stationary) representing Tiffany’s personality, to the food being some of Chris’ favorites! Not to mention, Chris’ groom’s cake, his car, a 1972 Chevelle sitting in the center of the Maryland Terrapins basketball court, it was amazing. We did not miss one detail!

MYRTLE BEACH WEDDING VENDORS

Wedding consultants/planners: Leslie Menich, Memorable Moments Event Planning / Venue: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes / Cake and groom’s cake: Crumb de la Crumb / Flowers: Blossoms Events / Gown Designer: Alfred Angelo / Reception Dress: Ever After Private Label / Shoes Designer: Limited Edition Lesilla (Italy) / Bridesmaids’ dresses: Alfred Sung / Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse / Groom’s: Custom Tux from Elevee, Los Angeles, CA / Headpiece: Blossoms Events / Veil: Bridal Couture of Birmingham / Hairstylist: Aminah-Ami Creations / Make-up: Nicole Peglow- peglowdesigns_(Miami, FL) / Stationery: Maria Scheel Invitations and More / Entertainment: Don Colton (saxophonist) and DJ Billy Bill (Raleigh NC) / Photographer: Nadean Bruehlman of Gene Ho Photography / Videography: Hart to Heart Media / Transportation provider: Groom’s Rolls Royce Phantom / Rentals/Linens: Cloth Connection / Hotz Catering / Snyder Event Rentals

Post Categories: Lowcountry Weddings, Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach Weddings, Weddings
Tags: blossom events, gene ho photography, marina inn grande dunes, memorable moments, myrtle beach wedding vendors, myrtle beach wedding venues, myrtle beach weddings blog, snyder event rentals

06.11.2012

Lowcountry Wedding Favors

by A Lowcountry Wedding / 4 Comments

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It’s a question on every bride’s mind…what on earth am I going to give as favors? OR should I even going to spend money on favors? Now let’s be serious, we’ve all chunked many-a cheesy wedding favors in trash (and rightfully so!) but with all the inspiration the Lowcountry offers, there must be a handful of memorable (and useable) surcees your wedding guests can appreciate. For instance, maybe our Hilton Head brides can send their guests home with a little sweet tea for the road (Firefly, anyone?), or maybe your Charleston folks would enjoy some classic benne wafers or sweet pralines (I know I would!). What about some grits with your favorite shrimp and grits recipe for your Myrtle Beach affair? Take a look at a few of our favorites and leave us a note if you’ve got a local favorite we forgot!