JOHANNA & STEPHEN
Daniel Island Club
Charleston, South Carolina
HOW THE MET: Johanna Lanus & Stephen Bloom first met as coworkers fresh out of college. “We started off as colleagues, eventually became good friends,” says Johanna, “and then, just eight years later, started dating!” The two became engaged after a surprise proposal in one of their favorite places—Sag Harbor—and turned to one of their other favorite locales, Charleston, South Carolina, to host their destination affair. They settled on The Daniel Island Club, in part due to the sunset views over the marsh, and invited 115 of their nearest and dearest for an early summer wedding in The Holy City.
THE VISION: Jo’s original vision included an outdoor, tented reception but Stephen, knowing the summer heat and humidity would be a concern, was adamant to keep the festivities inside. So, as a compromise, they went with an air-conditioned ballroom and brought the outdoors in with an abundance of greenery to create a natural ambiance. “Our planners did an unbelievable job,” recalls Jo of the Fox Event Team, who they tapped to produce a navy-inspired evening with an earthy vibe and luxe gold details.
THE LOOK: Jo chose a structured Carolina Herrera gown with an elegant silhouette and detachable skirt—perfect for a night on the dance floor. She wore her hair in a simple up-do and carried a bespoke bouquet of white roses, hydrangeas, and peonies to round out the stylish ensemble. Her girls dazzled in floor-length, navy Amsale gowns, while the men wore classic black tuxedos.
THE CEREMONY: The couple skipped the popular first look and instead opted for a touching walk down the aisle at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church—a detail that was important to both of them. “It started pouring rain the second I walked in the church,” remembers Jo, “which made for a beautiful backdrop to our ceremony as you could see the rain through the stained glass behind the altar.” After the couple said I DO, they exited the church in the same summer rainstorm and hightailed it to the Daniel Island Club to celebrate with their guests.
THE MENU: To pave the way for the warm and welcoming reception Jo & Stephen envisioned, the couple served up a menu heavy on the Southern favorites. “Our guests came from all across the country to be part of our special day,” says Jo, which is why it was important to ensure their friends and family had the absolute “best time possible.” As the crowd arrived, they noshed on assorted appetizers including, lamb lollipops, Kentucky Hot Browns—a nod to Jo’s home state—and crab cakes. The perfect complement? Either of the couple’s signature cocktails—Mint Juleps or Vodka Pineapples. The Southern trend continued with a dinner menu of braised short rib Osso Buco or fried chicken.
THE DESIGN: A combination of round and rectangular tables were clothed in neutral, textured linens as gold-rimmed chargers and flatware added a pop of glam. Each tabletop was decorated with an assortment of high and low centerpieces of white blooms—roses, peonies, hydrangeas, and hyacinth—and finished off with hints of greenery, including the Southern favorite, magnolia leaves. To enhance the overall design, the team at Fox Events erected greenery-accented oases for guests to gather and mingle. Each lounge area, situated steps from the dance floor, was anchored by a comfy couch, equally cozy chairs and a coffee table, perfect for guests to sit back and enjoy the evening. “Having them by the dance floor was brilliant,” remembers Jo. “Because if people didn’t feel like dancing or needed a break, they were still in the mix of all the fun.” To tie the overall design together, The Daniel Island Club created a modern, three-tiered cake with gold foil detailing embellished with a single strand of greenery.
Ceremony Venue: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church ll Reception Venue: Daniel Island Club ll Photographer: Jennings King Photography ll Event Planning & Design: Fox Events ll Floral Design: Sara York Grimshaw Designs ll Gown: Carolina Herrera ll Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale ll Hair & Makeup: Gibson Hair & Makeup ll Groom’s Attire: Michael Andrews Bespoke ll Catering & Cake: Daniel Island Club ll Rentals: EventWorks ll Invitations: Studio R Design ll Linens: Nüage Designs ll Lighting: Technical Event Company ll Band: Irresistible Groove ll Officiant: The Reverend Elsa Mintz
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