Downtown Charleston {Megan}

Bride Megan and I had been emailing back and forth when she inquired about submitting some images from her wedding, and I didn't click with me, until I opened the folder, that she was the Megan from this jaw-dropping, downtown Charleston bridal season that Juliet Elizabeth captured.  I'm kind of obsessed with it!  So, I squealed as I flipped through the images because I just knew you guys would go crazy over them, especially if you're  a dog lover :)

Charleston Wedding {Cameron + Janie}

We’re wrapping up this week with a classic Charleston wedding from Carmen Ash Photography, and if I had to guess, you’ll be daydreaming about these Lowcountry details for the rest of the weekend!    Janie + Cameron met while their dads were coaches for the Chicago Bears.  As the couple’s friendship grew, so did their football family!  Janie’s brother coaches for the Carolina Panthers, Cameron’s dad coached for the Colts, his brother coaches for Standford and his uncle is Norv Turner, the head coach for the San Diego Chargers (hence they didn’t get married during football season!)  Personally, I can’t get over Bride Janie’s beautiful strapless, lace gown, birdcage veil, flawless hair and the perfect pink lips!  She’s just glowing.  Her bridesmaids looked equally stunning in peacock blue dresses from J. Crew that were accessorized with gorgeous green and white bouquets from Branch Design Studio.  The guys looked handsome in tan suits with green ties…perfect for a summer wedding in Charleston.  Since the groom had previously worked at the Citadel, the couple tied the knot in front of a packed house on campus at the beautiful Summerall Chapel.  After, they snapped some seriously frame-able shots on the parade deck and in the barracks (must-haves if you get married at the Citadel!).  The couple and their guests headed to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens for one heck of a celebration from a group of fabulous Charleston wedding vendors!  Guests dined on Lowcountry cuisine from Granville’s Catering, Branch Design Studio set the mood with dreamy florals, d’lish served up a jaw-dropping cake and Archer Music Services kept the crowd dancing all evening long, but the BIG hit of the night was the cigar bar! Even grandma loved it!

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Carmen Ash Photography  /  Caterer:  Granville's Catering  /  Floral Designer:  Branch Design Studio  /  Reception Venue:  Magnolia Plantation and Gardens  /  Cake Designer:  d'lish  /  Band:  Archer Music Service, LLC  /  Ceremony Location:  Summerall Chapel

Charleston Wedding Photographer {Dana Cubbage Weddings}

Alright gals, you're not going to want to miss this...I promise!  Charleston wedding photographer, Dana Cubbage, is offering Lowcountry brides a serious discount on her  wedding packages for the first 10 brides.  Right now, brides will receive a 30% discount on their wedding photography package of choice.  Once those spots are filled, the discount will drop to 20%, and then 10%....so please don't wait to snatch this deal up.  You can't beat a talented photographer at a fabulous rate!  You can contact Dana via email at info@danacubbageweddings.com.

Southern Weddings {Save the Dates}

I thought about whipping up a whole post discussing the do's and don'ts of Save the Dates, but then I figured I should leave it to Charleston wedding stationer-extraordinaire, Scotti Cline Designs!  Located in Charleston, Scotti assists Lowcountry brides in creating all of their swoon-worthy wedding paper needs and, lucky for us, she's sharing a few must-read pointers on creating personal and informative Save the Dates!

"It's hard for me to write about why I think save the dates are important because my OWN MOTHER thinks they're silly. She's a little old fashioned about these sort of things but having been in the wedding industry for going on 5 years now, I think they have earned their place and aren't going anywhere. In a time when there is rarely a "hometown" wedding and destination weddings have become more popular and accessible, it's important to make traveling fun and as easy as possible for your guests. A save the date informs guests of all the pertinent information and hopefully you can convey some excitement about the wedding and their destination with the design of the save the date. That's where I come in..."

"I usually recommend brides include accommodation information and their expiration dates for room blocks in addition to their wedding website. Particularly for Charleston weddings, hotels book quickly and many guests don't understand that the room blocks do not guarantee they can book a room the week before the wedding. Guests may not even visit your website until after the room blocks have expired."

"For send out, I highly recommend sending out in the 6-8 month window. Yes, even for destination brides. Unless you have a large number of guests traveling internationally, none of your guests will be making travel plans any earlier than that. I understand brides are excited to share a first glimpse of their wedding with family and friends but sending out a year in advance is overkill. It will also make you want to send your invitations out unnecessarily earlier which will really diminish your RSVP return."

" Also, a word to the wise for European save the date recipients, always include the wording "formal invitation to follow". Save the dates are understood in the United States without that wording but if you don't include it for Europeans, you will be receiving some very strange phone calls about how to RSVP to the "invitation". Not kidding."

"For save the date design, there are so many wildly different options out there I would never go as far as suggesting what someone "should" do. I only suggest you should make yourself happy. Save the dates have a little more room to be fun because they are not as traditional as the invitation. I have some brides who come up with some really interesting ideas (I'll begrudgingly admit it's always the brides who have the best ideas, not me). Incorporating your destination, as many of my Charleston brides do, is a great way to get people excited about traveling there. I've done a ton of oak tree and iron gates for Charleston because it is such an iconic look for the city and very Southern."

 "I'm personally not a huge fan of photo save the dates strictly because I don't want to put the picture of you almost making out my fridge to see every morning before coffee and I kinda doubt people who know you do either. I've received and done some photo save the dates that are awesome though. I had a bride this year who included a photo booth strip tied to her save the date which incorporated an oak tree and a pattern that we will carry into the invitation. This way, the picture didn't dominate the save the date and we had plenty of room for design and information (and who doesn't love a good photo booth strip?). I recently received a photo save the date of my friends holding up signs (with their wedding date) like they were taking mug shots (he's a detective) and I laugh every time I look at it, it's great. I think that's the perfect save the date, make it about you and make your guests smile."

Wild Dunes Wedding via Tiger Lily Florist + Richard Bell Photography

If you're a fan of a gorgeous outdoor ceremony location that's framed by statuesque palmetto trees and accompanied by the faint scent and sounds of the ocean in the background....well, then we've got a treat for you!  A Lowcountry Wedding favorite, Richard Bell Photography, was on hand to capture Becky + Jason's Charleston wedding at the immaculate Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms.  In addition to their talented photographers, the couple recruited a slew of Charleston's favorite wedding vendors to assist them in pulling off their dreamy, Spring affair.  Tiger Florist created vibrant bouquets and centerpieces in a beautiful color scheme of pink, orange and green, while Cakes by Kasarda created a classic (and delicious!) cake that complimented their preppy, Southern affair.  But most of all, we love the pom poms (Go Dawgs, anyone?)

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

 Photographer: Richard Bell Photography  /  Venue and Caterer:  Wild Dunes Resort  /  Event Planner:  Tiger Lily Weddings  /  Musicians:  Bryan Mahanes- Sitarist,Charleston Chamber Players  /  Dress Store:  La Raine's Bridal Boutique  /  Cake Designer:  Cakes by Kasarda  /  Equipment Rentals:  Stage Presence 

Fabulous Frocks Trunk Show {Happily Ever BorroWED}

The crew from Happily Ever BorroWED is packing up all of their favorite accessories and heading down South for their first EVER trunk show, and all of you Lowcountry ladies are in luck because...they're coming to Fabulous Frocks!   They'll be joined by a slew of Charleston's favorite wedding vendors including: Britt Croft Photography, Ooh! Events, Duvall Events, Cupcake and D'lish Desserts.   So, mark your calendars, they'll be in town August 17th and 18th and I promise you won't want to miss this weekend of bridal shopping bliss :)  We'll see you under the chandeliers!

Charleston Engagement {Rebecca + Taylor}

We're sailing into the weekend with a lovely, Lowcountry engagement session from Charleston wedding photographer extraordinaire, Paige Winn Photo.  We're loving this stylish couple's relaxed style, groom Taylor's fab tie and all of this perfect natural light.  Oh, and can I have Becca's hair...please?  We can't wait to see their Charleston wedding next Spring at the Historic Rice Mill!

Pepper Plantation Wedding {Jessica + Elliotte}

Call me a sucker, but send me a Charleston wedding at a beautiful Lowcountry venue with a gorgeous, Southern bride, adorable Southern details, and a man in a kilt and you better believe I will post it for all the world to see! Jessica + Elliotte selected The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation to host their outdoor ceremony and, later, their happening celebration!  With the help of Ashley from An Event to Remember, the bride was able to incorporate her groom's Scottish heritage into an irresistible, rustic evening.  They included burlap throughout, bales of hay at the ceremony, boiled peanuts, charming bouquets and centerpieces from Country & Lace and, my personal favorite, a S'mores Bar!  Thanks to the crew at Richard Bell Photography for capturing yet another perfect Charleston wedding!

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Reception and Ceremony Venue: Pavillion at Pepper Plantation  /  Photographer: Richard Bell Photography  /  Event Design/Coordinator: An Event to Remember  /  Cake: Family Friend  /  Dress Shop: Bridals by Jodi  /  Hair & Makeup: Vanity Salon SC  /  Bridesmaids’ dresses: Davids Bridal  /  Floral Design: Country and Lace Florist  /  Entertainment: Complete Music  /  Stationery: DIY  /  Rentals: Group Dynamics  /  Favors: DIY Candy Bar  /  Bar Services: Synder Bar

William Aiken House {April}

I was pretty blown away when I laid my eyes on April's Bridal Portraits (and just wait, you will be, too!) captured by Riverland Studios.  April's basically the definition a timeless beauty.  Truthfully, she reminds me of Kate Middleton.  Not only is she gorgeous, her entire ensemble is effortlessly perfect.  The Lowcountry session kicked off at one of Charleston's favorite wedding venues, The William Aiken House, where April stunned in her strapless wedding gown from the Gown Boutique of Charleston, that she accented with an embellished sash around the waist.  She carried an elegant bouquet designed by InventivENVIRONMENTS,  which complimented her killer shoes (seriously, aren't that fabulous?) and those jaw-dropping earrings.

Sedona Wedding {Wendy + Jon}

Lord knows we love a good Lowcountry wedding around here, but every once in awhile, we run across  a wedding that makes us want to pack our bags and head straight to a dreamy, new destination.  So, today we’re going on a road trip with Tangled Lilac Photography to catch a glimpse of Wendy + Jon’s Agave of Sedona wedding in Arizona…and trust me, you’re going to be glad you made the trip!  This breathtaking, mountainous setting is like nothing I’ve seen before.  It was the perfect muse for their rustic, color palette and made for a gorgeous backdrop for the intimate, outdoor ceremony.

Empi {Southern Bridals}

Girls, you know I love to blog about a fabulous bridal session, especially one with a stunning bride!  Today's Southern Belle, Empi, went with a country, vintage-inspired look for her bridal portraits, and with the talented CivicPhotos on hands, that look was easy to achieve.  Things got started at the timeless Lancaster Hotel before heading out to the countryside so she could show off her boots...oh, and ride a horse!

Southern Wedding at Cheval Manor Farms by Amber Davis Photography

It's no secret that we love some Southern, burlap details up in here, and for that reason alone (oh, and some seriously gorgeous photography), we're field trippin' it up to Tennessee for this one-of-a-kind Southern stunner.  I did a little happy dance when Amber, of Amber Davis Photography, sent over this wedding because I just KNEW you Lowcountry ladies would go crazy over it.  Bailey + Chris tied the knot this past October in an outdoor ceremony followed by a tented reception on the grounds of Cheval Manor Farms.  The whole event is laced with simple, yet beautiful, burlap details that give the entire day a rustic and relaxed feel.   They even treated their guests to a Lowcountry-esque boil, a Smores station and even sent them packing with sweet, honey favors! Oh, and how adorable are those Toms? Love!

Griffith Park Wedding Engagement by Randi Marie Photography

Finally, it's Friday and, per usual, we're sending you guys off with some sun-kissed photography to get the weekend started just right with this Griffith Park wedding engagement.  Salpy + Anto are both musicians, so they had to incorporate their love of melodies into their engagement session, especially since that's what brought them together in the first place.  He's a guitarist and she's a singer in an up-and-coming band.  At first sight they fell madly in love and are now they're going to make it official!  They chose a quiet little spot in Griffith Park to highlight their edgy, vintage style with their love of music and photographer Randi Marie captured every spectacular moment.

Red and Teal Wedding Inspiration from Jeray and Kim Weddings

Even though the weather has been overly fabulous the last few months (poor Winter barely got to say hi this year!), we officially welcomed Spring this week (along with loads of pollen!). While Spring has made itself nice and cozy, I have a feeling our hot, humid friend Summer we'll be setting up shop in the Lowcountry before we know it.   Which I'm okay with because you know what comes with Summer months?!  Bright, spunky colors!  Our friends over at Jeray and Kim Weddings teamed up a newlywed couple for a fun, vintage day-after session designed by Brier Rose Design.  With a vivid red + teal color palette, the couple was able to relax for an easy going inspiration shoot filled with darling props and beautiful natural lighting!  We're kind of obsessed with a red and teal wedding palette!

Danielle + Adam {Jekyll Island Wedding} Brooke Roberts Photography

Who's up for a little slice of Lowcountry wedding heaven? Anyone? Anyone?...Bueller?  Well don't worry your pretty little heads because, as usual, the talented team at Brooke Roberts Photography has quite the treat for us today.  After Adam popped the question to his beautiful bride-to-be Danielle, the Chicago residents jumped right into the mix of wedding planning.  They quickly settled on an intimate Summer affair off the stunning Georgia coast.  They said their 'I do's' in a quaint ceremony at the Faith Chapel on the grounds of the Historic Jekyll Island Club.  After, the newlyweds slipped away for some images along the shores of the dreamy Driftwood Beach.  They continued the celebration at Latitudes 31 Restaurant on the Jekyll Wharf as guests enjoyed the jaw dropping surroundings and fabulous food!

Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Brooke Roberts Photography  /  Ceremony:Faith Chapel at Jekyll Island Club  /  Florist: Winn Dixie  /  Hair Stylist: Studio 412  /  Dress: David's Bridal  /  Reception Venue: Latitude 31 Restaurant  /  Cake Designer: mary a daniels

Lyndsay + Jimmy {Brunswick Manor Wedding}

Deep in the Georgia Lowcountry, you'll find the charming Brunswick Manor in the heart of historic downtown Brunswick.   This beautiful Bed & Breakfast boasts a spacious veranda, high ceilings, a grand staircase and spectacular gardens...basically, the perfect backdrop for a wedding in the Deep South!   This past May, Lyndsay + Jimmy enlisted the world-class duo from  Brooke Roberts Photography to capture their Brunswick Manor wedding.  The talented crew at Straton Hall treated the guests to fabulous food and beautiful decor that made for a stunning Golden Isle evening!

Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Brooke Roberts Photography  /  Reception Venue: The Brunswick Manor  /  Caterer and Florist: Straton Hall  /  Dress Store: Lady in White Bridal  /  Dress Designer: Casablanca  /  Men's Attire: Ralph Lauren   

Alyson + Chris {Bentley's on the Bay Wedding}

Bentley's on the Bay is a beautiful waterfront venue situated on the picturesque Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.  Last May, Bentley's was the venue of choice to host Chris + Alyson's rustic Southern wedding.  Their wedding day was designed to a southern 'T' and I just know you guys are going to go crazy over these oh-so lowcountry wedding details and fabulous images from Dede Edwards Photography.  With the help of florist Cari DeGregorio, Alyson's achieved a gorgeous neutral color palette combined with our favorite classic southern elements: burlap, driftwood and cotton.  Basically, it's the perfect coastal wedding.

Southern Wedding Vendors

photographer: dede edwards photography  /  reception venue: bentley's on the bay  /  floral designer: cari degregorio flowers  / cake designer: sugar lily sweet shop

Christen + Brian: Grande Dunes Ocean Club

Today, we're sharing Christen + Brian's beautiful December Wedding from Brooke Christl Photography.  The couple were wed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where they treated guests to a cozy, romantic reception at Grande Dunes Ocean Club.  Christen stunned in a sweet Watters & Watters gown she selected from the Little White Dress while then men and bridesmaids donned blacked.  She chose a classic black palette complimented by white and pale pink flowers from Callas Florist.  Photographer Brooke Christl used the drizzly day to her advantage and captured some awesome images throughout the wedding (I can't get enough of those umbrella shots). 

This is my favorite shot....

 

Kinda makes you ready for some cooler weather...right?

Thanks so much for sharing, Brooke!

Vendors

photographer: brooke christl photography  /  floral designer: callas florist  /  reception venue: grande dunes ocean club  /  dress: from the little white dress  /  cake: priceless desserts  /  dj: coastal entertainers  /  transportation: carolina limos