Confederate Home Wedding {Lee Ann + Matthew}

With the overwhelming response we've received asking about how to get a print copy of A Lowcountry Wedding, we've recently switched over to a new program that will easily allow you to order your own print copies.  YAY!   So if you’re in the mood to dive head first into all things Lowcountry and all things weddings, then boy do we have a treat for you!   So head on over and be inspired by all that the Fall/Winter edition has to offer.   Check it out and get your copies here.   I'm a big fan of Loren Routhier and her captivating photography.  It's classic and timeless and oh-so romantic!  Lee Ann + Matthew's Confederate Home wedding is no different.  The couple's destination wedding took place late this summer in the heart of the Holy City.  A combination of botanical and birds made for quite the ethereal evening.  The ceremony took place under a large, majestic oak tree, while the reception and cocktail hour were held on the expansive porch and inside the historic home.

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer:  Loren Routhier Photography  //  Caterer: Cafe Catering  //  Floral Designer: Charleston Florist  //  Reception Venue: Confederate Home & College  //  Makeup Artist: Generations of Designs

Charleston Weddings {Jenna + Adam} Old Exchange Building

I know you ladies love your Southern weddings, but when it comes down to it, you're always craving Charleston weddings!  Lord knows we can't blame you and I have a feeling this Old Exchange Building stunner will do just the trick.  Carmen Ash Photography teamed up with the talented team at Southern Chic Weddings for this formal Lowcountry affair and we're loving every minute of it.  Thanks to Carmen for filling us in on all the details...

Adam and Jenna met in February 2008 after Duke played a rugby game at Elon. Covered in mud and sporting a fading black eye, Adam convinced Jenna to take him to her sorority party afterwards. At the end of the night, Adam went back to Duke and didn't call. Once Jenna made the first move, they met up a few weeks later. Adam spent the next five weeks wooing her before she would agree to go to his fraternity formal in Williamsburg. She finally agreed, and they had a great time.

Fast forward two years through rounds of parties, formals, homecomings, trips to Myrtle Beach, and graduations. Jenna went backpacking in New Zealand and Adam came to visit. Adam got sent on an assignment to China with his job, and came home for a wedding in July. On July 19, 2010, the morning after the wedding, Adam took Jenna for a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens on Duke's campus. Taking a walk to cool off, Adam stopped under a trellis and dropped to one knee. Jenna was all too happy to accept.

Both had moved around growing up, and neither had a home town to default to. The obvious choice was a wedding in Charleston, South Carolina- Jenna's favorite city . Jenna took several trips to Charleston in between trips to China, working with vendors from 12 time zones away. They chose the historic Old Exchange Building for the reception. They picked a florist, a planner, and a caterer with one meeting, then found other vendors strictly using the Internet. Jenna ordered the perfect wedding dress from Amsale- complete with a big bow and pockets. With a few local friends including another bride, everything started falling into place. Then Jenna and Adam moved from China to Colorado. Another quick trip to Charleston to solidify their plans brought them to choose the Confederate Home and College garden for their November ceremony. Little did they know that the weekend before their I Do's, Steven Spielberg would be sitting in the same garden at Susan Sarandon's daughter's wedding.

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer:  Carmen Ash Photography  //  Transportation: Absolutely Charleston  //  Hair Stylist: Affair Hair by...Tanesha  //  Makeup Artist: Bellelina  //  Caterer: Cafe Catering  //  DJ: Charlie Roberts Duo  //  Cinema and Video: Creekhouse Productions  //  Cake Designer: DeClare Cakes  //  DJ: Finger Snappin' Entertainment  //  Equipment Rentals: Snyder Event Rental  //  Event Planner: Southern Chic Weddings and Events  //  Event Venue: The Old Exchange //  Floral Designer: WildFlowers Inc.

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Charleston Wedding {Tamika + Juan} Legare Waring House

 The minute I laid my eyes on Tamika, I knew I need to share her joy and happiness with the World, not to mention her romantic Charleston wedding! This gal totally understands the importance of friends and family and with the help of her sweet husband Juan, the duo perfectly incorporated those they love throughout their Lowcountry wedding at the beautiful Legare Waring House.  With the help of Cafe Catering's Lauren Miller and the talented Branch Design Studios, they created a dreamy evening under the Oaks for all to enjoy.  Lucky for us, Fia Forever Photography was there to capture it!  Since we couldn't include every last detail in the magazine (even though we wanted to!), I couldn't not share the rest of Tamika's details with you!  If you're dying to see more of the images (and trust me, you need to!), you can purchase the issue here!

What made you choose your venue? I split my time between Maryland and Charleston and I wanted to show off my home state (I'm from Summerville) My parents are deceased and I wanted a place where I could feel their presence. Growing up we spent a lot of time at Charles Town Landing, but I never toured the Legare Waring house. What elements drew you to it? The resilent oak trees with the spanish moss and the lagoon. I wanted a place that had water and the oak trees with spanish moss. To me, those things are quintessntial Charleston. The avenue of the oaks is breathtaking.

How did he propose? It was very low key but I wouldn't change it for the world. I had just got in from Vegas where I was speaking at a cancer conference. I was catching up on all my shows that I missed that were in the DC. I don't like to be interrupted when I watch my shows (I know, crazy, but it's my thing and everyone has a "thing" and that's mine) I noticed that he was up and down the stairs like he wanted something but he never said anything to me. Finally, I paused the DVR and asked him what was up. He was behaving so weirdly. He said, "If I asked you to marry me, would you say yes" and of course my response was "Duh" of course I would. Again, I didn't think anything of it. Then he walked away and said, "Ok, I will be right back" He came right back got down on one knee. He spoke about how much he loved me, everything that we had gone through and what he dreamed for our future and asked me to be his wife. Of course, I said yes and I started planning immediately. It happened at about 10pm. He totally caught me off guard and no, I didn't finish watching my shows.

Tell us all about the details!  Did any have special meaning? What was your favorite?Gosh there were so many. My favorite was probably my family bible. It is was one of the oldest items in our family (my Mother's fathers bible). Its very worn and tattered so I had my sister tie an orange cord from my mothers sewing things around it so my great nephew could easily hold on it. Because it's exteremly fragile. I was worried about using it because I thought something would happen to it but I knew I made the right choice when I saw my photos. My great nephew Ty is a bit of a rascal. But there is the great photo of him holding the bible during the ceremony and he is looking up into the trees. He's the only one looking up. I believe that he felt the precense of my mother. They had a very special relationship. I tear up every time I look at the photo. It gives me chills. It's such a special moment that was captured.  We also had a spiked Italian Ice cart (and non spiked for the few children and non drinkers) that was a huge hit. People are still talking about that sweet treat. We had a photo booth. We had a Mr. & Mrs. Lounge.

Tell us a little bit about how you met your husband… I smile just thinking about him. He is so romantic. We met on the steps of a DC Nightclub back in the '90's. I was walking out and he was walking in. I lost my footing on the step and he reached out his hand to steady me. It was love at first sight, but we would only date briefly and ended up parting  ways as I was really focused on my career and he really wanted to get married. We were just at two different places. But as fate would have it. The stars and heaven aligned and we had a second chance to live happily ever after and we did.

I wanted a romantic evening but not too stuffy. Gorgeous long farm tables. Lots of candles and flowers. We had crystal chandeliers hanging from the oaks. Oh, and I wanted to get married under the oaks because of their resilience. We even had an oak tree planting ceremony. We had lots of family heirlooms on the tables. For example, a silver tea set that we used for the centerpiece and add flowers in the tea pot and candles on the tray. I placed it on the table of my friend who loaned it to me for the wedding. I also had a beautiful silver candelabra that my aunt loaned me and I placed it on her table. Our favor was a recipe card for an American Apple Pie (our first date was to see the movie American Pie and we ironically, love apple pie) We did a photo shoot of us making the pie and included it on the card with heart-shaped measuring spoons attached

Tell us a little bit about your menu… Our menu was everything lowcountry except for one thing and I thing it had a lowcountry spin (the crabcakes, the only thing my Maryland raised husband requested) for the cocktail hour along with ham bisquits. For dinner we had shrimp and grits (of course!), Pan Fried Chicken Breast with gravy, Lowcountry Mac and cheese topped with lobster, Dirty Rice, string beans, cornbread/biscuits/sweet potato biscuits with an assortment of butters and jams, mixed green salad with candied pecans. Can you say carb overload! LOL

Out of the entire day, what was the most memorable moment? My fiance's nickname is Rocky. His co-workers are the only ones who call him Juan. I wanted to find a way to use "Rocky' at the ceremony. So, I had the theme song from the movie Rocky play as soon as we kissed as we were pronounced husband and wife. It was a priceless moment that is beautiful captured. It took are guest a minute to get it because the very beginning of the song sounds like a wedding march. It's a recessional that we will never forget.

Most valuable piece of advice you’d give to a newly engaged bride? Just be in the moment and enjoy it. Several people told me how fast it goes and just to enjoy it. You spend all this time planning what will be the most important event of your life and in truth it only lasts about 20 minutes. It doesn't matter what went wrong. At the end of the day none of that stuff matters. I was so happy and in the moment that nothing else mattered. It took me months to come down from my cloud of bliss and in truth I'm still on it. It was magical.

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Vendors: Venue: Legare Waring House  /  Event Planner:  Lauren Miller, Cafe Catering  /  Caterer:  Cafe Catering  /  Event Design: Branch Design Studios  /  Flowers: The Bride  /  Stylist: Adrin 'Seven' Washington  /  Rentals: Event DRS  /  Tent: Haus Tents  /  Makeup: Meshia Davis  /  Nails: Karen Cobin  /  Cake: Publix  /  DJ: DJ Wildman, Karlton Sanders  /  Dress: Curvy Girl Bridal  /  Suits: Jos. A. Bank  /  Cinematography: Fia Forever & Low Country Wedding Films  /  Photography: Fia Forever Wedding Photography

Founders Hall Wedding {Kristen + David}

The talented crew over at Pure Luxe Bride teamed up with Monika Gauthier Photography for a New Year's Eve wedding that is sure to knock your socks off!  This dreamy, wintry affair took place on Charlestowne Landing at Founders Hall and was filled with an abundance of must have details, starting with that gorgeous bouquet from WildFlowers Inc.! Not a bad way to ring in the New Year, eh?

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Monika Gauthier Photography  /  Reception Venue: Founders Hall  /  Flowers: Wild Flowers Inc.  /  Food, Bar: Cafe Catering  /  Cake: Family  /  Planner: Pure Luxe Bride   /  Band: Soul Fish  /  Ceremony: Old St. Andrew's Church  /  Rentals: Event Works Rentals

Isle of Palms Wedding {Katie + Yashar}

Katie + Yashar selected a talented group of Charleston wedding vendors to execute their chic, Summer wedding with a fresh grey and white color palette.  Jade Water Designs translated Katie's vision into a stylish, coastal wedding complete with stunning, white centerpieces that included hydrangeas, lilies, orchids and roses.  The intimate, Lowcountry affair took place at a spectacular, private home on Isle of Palms with views overlooking the ocean.  The picturesque setting and soft, beach breeze provided the perfect backdrop for their outdoor ceremony.  After saying 'I do', they treated their guests to a sit-down dinner provided by Cafe Catering and fabulous sweets from D'lish.  Thanks to crew at Riverland Studios for capturing yet another timeless, Charleston wedding...

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Riverland Studios  /  Ceremony and Reception Venue: Private Residence, Isle of Palms SC  /  Musician: Joe Hanna  /  Cake: D’lish  /  Catering: Cafe Catering  /  Florist: Jade Water Designs  /  Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal  /  Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic  /  Officiant: Dr. Terry L. Wilson

Valla + David {Charleston Wedding}

Valla + David's Charleston wedding took place this past November overlooking the water at the stunning Renaissance on Charleston Harbor.  This venue is every Lowcountry bride's dream.  Not only are you surrounded by  the relaxing atmosphere of the marsh, a perfect coastal breeze and unmatched sunsets, but you'll also get amazing views of the statuesque Cooper River Bridge.  Not bad, eh?  Valla donned a beautiful Alfred Angelo gown that she accessorized with a rustic bouquet from the talented team at Horst Wholesale as she walked down the aisle.  Surrounded by their closest friends and family, the couple's 'I do's' took place just steps from David's childhood home.  After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their photographer, Mikkel Paige, captured some frame-able shots out by the docks.  They continued their celebration at the Renaissance on Charleston Harbor where guests were treated to Lowcountry cuisine from Cafe Catering and a fabulous Publix that matched Valla's gown.

Charleston Wedding Vendors

 photographer: mikkel page photography  /  reception venue: renaissance on charleston harbor  /  hair stylist: grace salon spa  /  caterer: cafe catering  /  floral designer: horst wholesale  /  dress designer:  alfred angelo bridal  /  cake designer: publix