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

Sweet Summer

Ripe peaches, juicy melons, luscious berries.... With the heat of summer upon us, I wanted to write a blog about ways to incorporate refreshing fruit into your wedding decor. Using a fruit display for a summer wedding is a fun way to add a pop of color and very inexpensive. Fruits are rich in color and can look amazing by themselves or combined with a bloom or two. You can use fruits as card holders, centerpieces, or in your specialty cocktails. Either way you choose to do it, using fruit as decoration adds a unique touch to your  low country wedding!

XO,

Blake

Saint Simons Wedding {Kristen + Thomas}

If you're looking to shake the Monday blues, then look no further!  We're taking a little road trip to the Lowcountry coast of Georgia for a jaw-dropping, Saint Simons wedding from the crew at Brooke Roberts Photography.  Kristen + Thomas were able to pull off a dreamy, beach affair at the Beachview Club and incorporate tons of do-it-yourself elements.  I'm loving their bold purple and green color palette!  But my favorite part...when the newlyweds took some time for themselves with a romantic stroll on the beach.  Swoon!

Southern Wedding Vendors

Photography: Brooke Roberts Photography  / Hair Stylist:  Bienvenue  /  Caterer:  Straton Hall  /  Event Planner:  St. Simons Elopements  /  Floral Designer:  The Flower Basket  /  Reception Venue:  Beachview Club  /  Cinema and Video:  In Motion Video Productions  /  Dress Store:  Formally Yours  /  Dress Designer:  Martina Liana  /  Equipment Rentals:  Beachview Rentals  /  Tuxedo and Mens Attire:  Joseph Abboud

Charleston Wedding Inspiration {Easton Events}

The ladies of Easton Events are a well-known, wedding event design team.  Getting their start in Virginia, they've recently decided to grace the Lowcountry with their presence by opening up a brand, new office in Charleston, South Carolina.  We couldn't be more excited with this top-notch addition to our squad of Charleston wedding vendors and we're about to show you why!  They joined forces with Gayle Brooker  for a garden party inspired shoot at the stunning William Aiken House and if I had to guess, you'll be pinning away at all the prettiness!

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

 Venue: William Aiken House  /  Photography: Gayle Brooker Photography   /  Floral Design: Blossoms Events  /  Gelato: Paolo’s Gelato  /  Macaroons: Christophe Chocolatier  / Hair & Make-up: Wedding Hair by Charlotte  / Dress: Romona Keveza via Maddison Row, Paper Suite: Dani Antol with Rock Paper Scissors  / Calligraphy: Tara Jones Calligraphy  /  Styling & Production: Easton Events  / Suiting: Grady Ervin & Co.  / Tabletop: Festive Fare Party Rentals  /  Tables & Chairs: Snyder Event Rentals  / Specialty Silver: The Silver Vault  /  Trolley: Absolutely Charleston

Maddison Rown + Bella Bridesmaid Event

Last week, the creative geniuses of Maddison Row and Bella Bridesmaid teamed up for 'The Art of the Dress' event and treated all of their guests to an evening of luxe bridal heaven.  The soiree took place at the gorgeous Rebekah Jacob Gallery and  the fabulous Dana Cubbage Photography was their to capture the crazy beauty.  Another one of our favorites, Charleston wedding vendors, Virgil Bunao, was there to man the photo booth!  Check out some of these ridiculous bridal creations.  If you find something that suits your fancy, check the designers below.  I mean, can somebody give me that mint bridesmaid gown!?!? I die.

 Gowns for our Lowcountry Ladies!

Peplum Gown: Legends by Romona Keveza  /  Silver Beaded Top Ballgown: Claire by Anna Maier  /  Illusion Lace neckline gown with Nude underlay:  Gemma by Anna Maier  /  Silver Lace gown: Treasure by Monique Lhuillier  /  Chantilly Lace Cap Sleeve Sheath Gown with detachable tulle skirt: Embrace with Embrace Skirt by Monique Lhuillier  /  Hand Beaded A Line gown with tulle bottom – Amethyst

 Bridesmaid Attire:

Floor Length Mint Bridesmaid Dress: Melinda by Dolly Pearl  /  Floor Length Blush Bridesmaid Gown: New Monique Lhuillier tulle  /  Floral Print Dress on models: Amsale in shell printed chiffon  /  Striped Short Dress: LulaKate Pearl dress with 31 Bits necklace  /  Long Sleeve Lace Shortie: Posey by Encore  /  Taupe Cap Sleeve Neutral: Newbury long by Ceremony by Joanna August with 31 Bits necklace

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photography: Dana Cubbage Wedding Photography  /  Photobooth: Virgil Bunao  /  Florals: Sara York Grimshaw  /  Gowns + Dresses: Maddison Row + Bella Bridesmaid  /  Bracelets: Bourbon and Bowties  /  Venue:  Rebekah Jacobs Gallery  /  Hair + Makeup: Charleston Events Hair and Make Up  /  Necklaces: 31 Bits  /  Desserts: Matt Watts

Southern Wedding {Ashlie + Mark}

While the boys are knee-deep in fantasy football today, we're going to celebrate Sunday with a beautiful Southern wedding in Lebanon, Tennessee from Evin Photography.  The couple chose the bride's parent's home for the event which featured a quaint, private garden that was perfect for their outdoor ceremony.  They said 'I do' on a perfect Spring day in May under a beautiful wisteria arch.  After, they joined guests for a tented reception on the property where guests were treated to an elegant evening under the stars.  They complimented their purple and green color palette with touches of birch wood and stunning wooden chandeliers throughout their reception.

 Southern Wedding Photographers

Photographer:  Evin Photography  /  Caterer:  Reed Event Rentals & Catering  /  Event Designer:  Reveal Event Style  /  Invitation Designer:  The Paper Mill

Nicole + Rees {Charleston Wedding}

I told you it was going to be a good blog week around here at A Lowcountry Wedding and to keep the pattern going I've got a charming Charleston wedding from our friend Britt Croft Photography.   I feel in love with this wedding the moment I laid eyes on it.  Not only was it the perfect Spring day in Charleston, but the couple looked timeless. Bride Nicole was a classic, beauty in her knee-length gown and her man looked handsome in his Navy uniform.  I'll let Britt take it from here... "Nicole and Rees arranged a very sweet and simple elopement for only their most beloved friends and family this past March. Since Rees is in the Navy and stationed in Charleston, and Nicole was living in Florida at the time, they were more than ready to begin their lives together and finally be able to live in the same city. I was honored they hired me for such an intimate day. Their ceremony took place on one of the beautiful outside porches of the quaint Phillip-Yates-Snowden Bed & Breakfast on Church Street in Charleston, then afterward we were able to stroll the cobblestone streets where passersby wished the newlyweds congratulations. We then made our way toward Waterfront Park, then back to the Battery and it was such a blast as Nicole and Rees sunk into the fact that they were finally husband and wife."

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Venue: Phillip-Yates-Snowden House Bed and Breakfast  /  Photographer: Britt Croft Photography  /  Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Emily + Jeff {Morris Island Wedding}

I'm certain it's something every girl daydreams about...getting married with your toes in the sand, waves crashing on the shore, the perfect September weather and that salty, coastal breeze.  Heaven, right?  Adorable couple Emily + Jeff tied the knot in a laid back, Lowcountry wedding, just outside of Charleston, on charming Morris Island.  Barefoot on the beach, the couple said 'I do' as the Morris Island lighthouse sat in the background as Kayla Jones Photography captured the entire afternoon.

Charleston Wedding Vendors

photography: kayla jones photography  /  catering: regal catering

Charleston Wedding Dress Shopping {Brittani}

I'm excited to welcome back our good friend Brittani of Britt Croft Photography.  Brittani is constantly working with brides as she captures their wedding day but this year she finally gets to be a bride herself!  We've followed her journey as she decided on her gorgeous Lowcountry venue and picked her perfect photographer and today we get to hear all about the dress...  .

Hey ALW! I’m so excited to be back and sharing one of my favorite parts so far in the wedding planning process! Yes, I found my DRESS!

I’ll be honest; I was dreading this part of the process. I’m not the girl who had known all along what I wanted to walk down the aisle to my future husband in. I am short and petite with an athletic build, so I was convinced every dress was going to swallow me up and make me look like a big round cotton ball. We southerners love cotton, but we don’t want to look like cotton.

Since my family is still back in Maryland and it was so important to me that my mom and grandmother were a part of the process, I flew home for a weekend solely dedicated to wedding dress shopping. Something I was excited about was having two of the most important ladies to me there for support and honest opinions. It was really special and something I’ll never forget.

I had made an appointment at Ellie’s Bridal Boutique  in charming Alexandria, Virginia, and we were off bright and early that morning. I brought in a couple pages torn from a magazine and printed off my computer, and what I handed my consultant looked a little something like this…

I truly felt like my taste was ALL over the place and I had no idea what would work for my body. I also had a very modest budget, because although this is an important dress, on the practical side of things, I’ll wear it once or twice (bridals and wedding day), and that will be that.

My consultant, Crystal, was fabulous and super understanding of my overall confusion and modest budget. She told me to literally just walk around the floor and start pulling things that interested me, so that’s what my Mom and I did, and soon it was time to step into the dresses.

The first dress I put on was a gorgeous strapless Casablanca with rouching and a form fitting shape. I was in love. I could not believe how good I felt. We were all so excited and if the first one went so well, I couldn’t wait to try on a few more! So after a few minutes of oohing and ahhing, I jumped into my second dress. It just didn’t give me the same feeling. Nor did the third. Or the fourth. Or the fifth. Each dress I tried on, I’d compare to the first. I’d say, “It’s nice, but I like the first one better” or “It’s okay, but it doesn’t make me feel like the first dress did.” We were definitely seeing a pattern, so I put the first dress back on and that was all there was to it. That was it! I truly didn’t want to take it off. Crystal put a veil on me and handed me a little bouquet and I literally looked like a bride. I really loved what I saw in the mirror and I was elated with how simple and stress-free the process was!

I can’t spoil the fun and share an image of the dress, but I will say I am in love with Casablanca and for what I wanted (something relatively simple, still elegant, but within a reasonable price), I feel like Casablanca is a home run.

What was the dress shopping process like for you when it was your turn? Or if you’re in the planning stages, re you dreading it like I was, or you know exactly what you want? It truly is a unique experience for everyone but since I was so uptight about it being stressful and “impossible,” I’m so happy that it all came together like it did. I cannot wait to get back into my dress in the next few months for my first fitting!

Yellow and Blue Chesapeake Bay Wedding from Britt Croft Photography

There are two things I really like: 1)Weddings (obvi!) and 2) The coast.  So, when I get to combine both I'm a pretty happy gal and, luckily for me, that happens on a regular basis and today it's no different!  Our pal Brittani of Britt Croft Photography recently shot Lindsey + Chris' Chesapeake Bay wedding and has ever-so graciously decided to share this gorgeous eye candy with us!  The couple tied the knot on The Pier at North Beach this past October under a clear blue sky in front of all their friends and family.  After, they kept the party going at a private residence with a tented reception decorated in a preppy yellow + blue color palette.  If this doesn't make you want to head to the water then I don't know what will!

Vendors

Photographer: Britt Croft Photography  /  Catering: Wyvill Catering  /  Ceremony location: The Pier at North Beach  /  Reception location: A private home in North Beach  /  Bride's dress: David's Bridal

Kathryn {Downtown Charleston Bridals}

I was completely swept off my feet the first time I laid eyes on Kathryn's Charleston Bridal Session  and, to be honest, I've been dying to share this gem with you ever since.  Talented Lowcountry wedding photographer, Ricki Ford, spent the afternoon South of Broad with the effortless Southern Belle.  It just doesn't get any better than timeless photography, a natural Southern beauty and the elegance of Downtown Charleston.

I think this one's my favorite...

Southern Weddings {Three Tips to a Fabulous Engagement Session}

Hiya! My name is Ariana Watts and I’m a Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer in Burlington, NC.

I love engagement sessions. They’re my favorite types of sessions. It’s your announcement to the world that you found your perfect match and you are indescribably happy! But I speak, not as a photographer, but from personal experience – they can be slightly nerve-wracking. What do I wear? Where do we go? Should I bring props? How long will it take? Heels or flats? Makeup or no makeup? Fiance or no fiancé?!!!

Okay well hopefully you can answer some, if not most, of those questions (yes, bring your fiancé, silly!) But in case you can’t, I thought I’d share a couple of tips to make your session as fabulous as you are.

1.       Choose A Special Location

Couple always ask me – where should we meet? Any suggestions? Of course, we HAVE suggestions. We know the prettiest parks and locations in a 60 mile radius, and beyond. But how much more sentimental and sweet is it to get an engagement shot on the steps of the coffee shop where you met? Or the playground you both grew up on (where he used to pull your pigtails!) Or how about that college campus where you had your first kiss? Every time you look at your photographs, you won’t just be seeing a photo of the two of you, you’ll be seeing the story of your relationship.

2.       Pamper Yourself

The last thing you want to worry about is your makeup, nails, and hair. I mean you’re gorgeous – I know it, and HE definitely knows it. And it’s your ENGAGEMENT session, with your husband to be. You should be focused on him – his hair, his cute dimple, his laugh. Not YOUR hair silly girl. So go get pampered. Get your hair, makeup and nails done (they’ll be taking photos of that ring, you know). The best part? You will feel AH-MAZING. You’ll walk like you look amazing. You’ll smile endlessly. All because you’ll know you look beautiful, which you are. Duh.

**Side Note – Of course, we’ve all spent YEARS perfecting our makeup applying and curling iron techniques. So if you can do it – by all means do it. This is just my suggestion so it’s a totally stress free session for you!

3.       Show Us Your Love

Yes, we know you love each other, and as photographers, we loooOOoove to see it. The sideways glances, the tickling, the ear nibbles. Those are the things that make you guys unique. Only you laugh like that when he kisses you on your cheek. And he’s the only guy in the world who giggles endlessly when you tickle him. Its what makes you two… YOU! Be yourselves and give us the chance to document it.

Engagement sessions are fun. Relax. Enjoy them. Be in love. Be you. It’s an amazingly awesome part of your life and you need to make sure EVERY. ONE. KNOWS. IT. For reals. And if these tips make it a little easier, well I’m a happy photographer! Happy loving!

Boone Hall - Cotton Dock Wedding {Peter + Nicole}

The Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation is easily one of my favorite venues in Charleston.  Nestled along the marsh of  the Wamponcheeone Creek, it provides the perfect Lowcountry setting along with an always needed cool, salty breeze.  This past Winter, The Daniels were on hand to capture Peter + Nicole's gorgeous rustic rehearsal dinner.  Sabrina with Eventa Bella did an AH-mazing job with the decor.  I love the cozy, elegant vibe she was able to accomplish...and who doesn't love those twinkle lights?  Most couples don't enlist the talents of their photographers for their rehearsal dinner but I'm so glad Peter + Nicole did.  Not only did The Daniels take some killer detail shots but is that last image not perfection?  Love...

If that wasn't awesome enough, don't miss Peter + Nicole's Pepper Plantation Wedding tomorrow!

charleston wedding vendors

photographer: the daniels  /  event designer: sabrina with eventa bella  /  rehearsal dinner venue: cotton dock at boone hall plantation