Charleston Wedding {Ashley + Brian} Creek Club at I'On

I adore Ashley + Brian's Creek Club at I'On bash.  Not only did it take place at one my favorite Charleston wedding venues, but the navy color palette with pops of emerald is bound to make any seafaring lady swoon!  The Burlap Elephant designed an effortless Lowcountry evening complete with farm tables, patterned table runners and vibrant arrangements from Charleston Flower Market that set the tone for one helluva evening as The Boomers took the stage!  Even though we tried, we couldn’t include everything in the magazine, so to find out a little more about Ashley’s big day you can read her answers below, but to see ALL the details you can purchase a digital edition of the Mag here!

Tell us a little bit about how you met your husband…

Brian and I met in an alley behind a pizza place in Washington, DC. (Explaining that one to my mother was fun!) We were in a running club that met up around the city.

How did he propose?  How long were you engaged for?

Last summer I traveled to Costa Rica to become a yoga teacher. Brian surprised me in the jungle on my 30th birthday and proposed 2 days later on our favorite beach, right where the ocean crashes into the rocks to create a stunning spray. We were engaged for 8 months.

Out of the entire day, what was the most memorable moment?

For me, it was walking down the aisle with my dad towards Brian. The sun was shining, I had my dad supporting me and I was walking towards my best friend.

When the band announced last song, I wasn't quite ready for the party to end. But our guests started chanting for "one more song," formed a dance circle, and the band obliged--it was exactly what I needed. One more all out crazy moment to celebrate. And then I was ready to get on the boat and start our married life...

What made you choose your venue? What elements drew you to it?

We loved the Creek Club because it felt rustic yet refined. We knew we wanted our wedding to be outside, and the lawn offered a beautiful space right on the water. I fell in love with the big, wide porch on the Club and the exposed beams inside. It was an intimate space that connected our guests to us and each other. It was so naturally elegant.

Tell us all about the details!  Did any have special meaning? What was your favorite?

I included special details for my grandmothers. On my bouquet, I pinned a brooch from my dad's mother, Mary, of two swans, which partner for life. I also borrowed a fur stole from my mother's mother, Betty (my Grammy!), which was embroidered inside with her initials. 

For the Groom's cake, I had The Cake Stand recreate the Patagonia logo. Brian and I love being outdoors and have collected more than our share of rock climbing, camping, hiking, rain, etc. gear. Brian has at least 4 different brown fleeces from Patagonia, so it was a nod to our adventures. 

We left the reception in boat, headed out towards to the Charleston harbor because we decided to move to Charleston after the wedding. It was a stunning way to end the night and start our new life here in Charleston!

At the Creek Club, we displayed pictures of our grandparents' and parent's weddings. It was important to us to share our family, especially those who are no longer with us, with our guests (and fun to see how wedding styles have changed!)

What’s your favorite picture from your wedding and why?

Our first kiss. The wind caught my veil as Brian kissed me--the image captures the joy we both felt on our wedding day. We were thrilled to be married, surrounded by our best friends and family and blessed with a bright blue sky and sunshine.

Tell us a little bit about your menu…

Lowcountry flavors and favorites (Cheddar Biscuit with Caramelized Onion Jam!) The best part was the amouse bouche-shrimp and grits! It was two bites of seared local shrimp and andouille sausage over stone ground grits with tasso cream.

How many guests attended: 120

Color Palette:Classic Navy Blue and White, accented with Bright Emerald Green

Something old: Grandmother's Swan Pin

Something new: Handkerchief with my new initials

Something borrowed: Grandmother's fur stole

Something blue: Kate Spade Shoes

Most valuable piece of advice you’d give to a newly engaged bride...

Brian reminded me throughout the planning process: "Keep the main thing the main thing." It didn't matter if we had the right flowers or the best band, at the end of the day, we would be married. That perspective helped me remember what I was really planning and kept me sane when I ran into struggle.

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

Vendors: Event Planner:  The Burlap Elephant  /  Floral Designer:  Charleston Flower Market  /  Reception Venue:  The Creek Club At I'on  /  Rentals & Decor: Ooh! Events  /  Photographer: Jennings King Photography  /  Ceremony Music: The Palmetto Strings  /  Reception Music: The Boomers  /   Dress: Jim Hjelm From Hayden Olivia Bridal  /  Bridesmaids: J. Crew  /  Groomsmen Ties: Collard Greens  /  Invitations: My Personal Artist  /  Cake: Publix  /  Groom's Cake: The Cake Stand Charleston  /  Hair & Makeup: Vanity Salon