Meredith & Jonathan’s Springtime wedding at The HIstoric Rice Mill Building in Charleston, South Carolina starting with bridal prep at Charleston Place Hotel and ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, photographed by Shelby Stewart Photography.
Dreamy Spring afternoon for a Mill Creek Equestrian Center Wedding in Statesboro, Georgia inspired by Savannah designer Tara Skinner Events and captured by Mark Williams Studio
Carolina & John Allen’s Holiday Wedding at The Tabby Place at The Beaufort Inn in Beaufort, South Carolina by Courtney Price Photography
Hannah & Brandon’s Westin Hilton Head Wedding in the Grand Ocean Terrace with white orchids by Leigh Hayward Photography and Amanda Rose
Katie Snyder Photography captured Laurie + Eric's laid back, Savannah wedding and I just KNEW I had to share with my ALW ladies. The couple settled on Savannah for their sweet destination wedding and it looks like it was the perfect choice. After intimate ceremony, the newlyweds and their adorable one-year old son toured the historic Southern city.
Kait + Ian's Virginia Wedding comes to us from one of our favorite Southern wedding vendors, Grant and Deb Photographers. With the help of Simply Perfect Events, the couple wed at the stunning Hermitage Museum and Gardens this past September. Even though the weather didn't cooperate, the couple and their bridal party grabbed their umbrellas and rain boots and made sure not to let a little rain ruin their day! You'll love every ounce of this darling, Southern wedding and their sweet vintage wedding details.
Southern Wedding Vendors
Ladies, if you're anything like me, Sunday's during the Fall consist of being inundated with NFL Football games (we're talking multiple TVs and computers!) and the most up-to-date stats on my husband's Fantasy Football team...sounds like heaven, right? Not so much! So, with the hopes of brightening up your Football-soaked Sunday (and mine), we'll be delivering some Lowcountry wedding loveliness for your viewing pleasure :) To kick things off right, we're serving up Megan + Kevin's peacock-inspired Hilton Head Wedding at the luxurious Omni Oceanfront Resort. With Fierce Photography on hand to capture the entire affair, the couple said 'I do' in a sweet, outdoor ceremony before join their guests for a lively celebration!
Hilton Head Wedding Vendors
She's baaack! The soon-to-be Mrs. Brittani Croft is back to share more of her Charleston wedding planning journey and this time it's all about beauty, bridals and bachelorette par-tays!
Hey ALW! I feel like it’s been forever, and that’s probably because time is flying and we are getting SO close to our big day! It’s all about the little details now and we are really busting our butts to stay organized, enjoy this time, but make sure we are accomplishing lots of the important last minute critical things.
First though, let’s start with some of the latest fun stuff! A few weeks ago, I had my hair and makeup trial and it was really awesome to get an idea of what I’ll look like on our wedding day. Bellezza Salon and Spa in West Ashley will be doing hair and makeup for my bridesmaids and I, so it was really important to make sure that I knew what I wanted so that the morning of the wedding I wouldn’t be stressing about how exactly my hair and makeup would end up looking.
I’m not a huge makeup kind of girl, so we are keeping it relatively simple there since I really want to still look like myself. For my hair, I was torn between having a half up/half down look, but with the chance of it being stormy and/or outrageously hot in September, my stylist and I decided a low updo would be better and a lot less risky. Here are a few images I used for inspiration…
My hair and makeup came out fabulously and I really felt like a bride. If you’re wondering if a trial is worth it, I definitely vote yes!
So not to let my hair and makeup go to waste, I decided to also have bridals done that evening. As a photographer myself, I shoot often with the amazing Charleston wedding photographer Paige Winn, of Paige Winn Photo. You’ve probably seen some of her awesome work here on ALW! Paige met my mom and I at Boone Hall and we worked quick so as to dodge the looming showers and get some great bridal portraits. I even had my portrait bouquet with me that Beth and WildFlowers Inc. put together so it was really such an awesome little test run. I looooove my dress, but I think I need to practice moving around in it a little more!
Another really fun pre-wedding festivity is the bachelor/bachelorette party or weekend. Since Dustin is from South Carolina but I’m from Maryland, many of my closest friends are still up north. We decided to make it a co-bachelor/bachelorette weekend and meet halfway in Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach, NC. This ended up being SO much fun and honestly the best part was seeing all of our friends and their significant others meet (most for the first time) and absolutely hit it off so well! The weather didn’t cooperate for the beach, but we were able to have such an awesome time going to dinner, seeing The Campaign (we love some Will Ferrell), mini golf, and check out some of the really fun bars in downtown Wilmington. It was a total success and since many of us shared rooms at a hotel right between downtown and the beach, we were able to keep the costs manageable.
So what’s next? It’s all about planning our ceremony, DIY projects, creative favors, buying/making gifts for our wedding party, and those other fun details. I’m so thankful our friends and family have been so helpful
Who's ready for a coastal, Charleston wedding from the talented Reese Moore Photography?! Well, you're in luck, because we've got a beauty for you! Caroline + Philip tied the knot on the shores of Folly Beach in an outdoor ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends. Caroline dazzled in a stunning gown with a back that I just can't get enough of, while the men looked dapper in black. After saying their vows, the couple took a moment for some intimate shots down by the water before joining their guests for a lively reception with adorable, personalized details.
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!
" 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."
If you're anything like me, you've been hoping that the long, Labor Day Weekend would never end, but if we must get back to work, then we might as well get things started right with a classic Charleston wedding engagement session and a big helping of beautiful photography from Dana Cubbage Weddings! The charming couple, Megan + Jay, met up with Dana one Spring evening for a casual stroll South of Broad that started at Battery Park. With the Holy City as the backdrop, the combination of perfect lighting and timeless attire are sure to have Megan + Jay's guests anxiously awaiting their upcoming Lowcountry wedding!
You can't go wrong with a Lowcountry wedding at the Debordieu Club, photographed by Carolina Photosmith, and designed by Della Ramsey. As if that weren't enough, add in flowers by Blossoms Events and you've got a heavenly mix of South Carolina's most-sought after wedding vendors for Liz + Andrew's preppy, Southern wedding. Liz was breathtaking in a delicate, one-shoulder, lace Ulla-Maija gown that perfectly complimented Andrew's suit and classic bow tie. The entire event was outfitted with a vibrant, citrus palette that allowed for fun pops of color and effortlessly, chic details.
It's no secret that all of us love a good Lowcountry wedding, and when a handful of talented Charleston wedding vendors are involved, it makes it that much sweeter! Richard Bell Photography was behind the lens as Lane + Michael said 'I do' on the lawns of Dunes West Golf Club. Ashley Nicole Events was on hand to handle all of the details, while Sara York Grimshaw Designs set the mood with her stunning florals. Thanks to Lane for giving us a little insight into her fabulous Charleston wedding... A. When Michael and I began planning our wedding, we didn't really have a clue of what we wanted...but what we DID know was that we wanted it to be a "southern style" wedding that would make all of our guest feel "at home" and leave Dunes West having a great meal and enjoy dancing to some classic hits! Most of our guest were from Georgia and South Carolina and LOVE southern, family traditions. Pulled Pork/Collard Green Eggrolls and Sweet Tea...can't get much more southern than that! As a little girl I can remember my grandparents would ALWAYS drink tea out of mason jars and also store jams. This family tradition, along with Pinterest, gave us this unique idea. Pinterest has been an AMAZING resource for wedding planning! We decided to go with blues and coral/orange color scheme. Michael LOVES Clemson football and bowties...so we "tied" those two together! One last REALLY cool thing we did is a "Late Night Donut" stand with shot glasses of milk! We felt that our guest would enjoy this yummy surprise after dancing all night!
The gals of Happily Ever BorroWED made a trip to Charleston to show off their delicate bridal pieces for a weekend trunk show of fun at Fabulous Frocks! While Lowcountry brides were on the hunt for their dream Southern wedding dress and perfect accessories, Fabulous Frocks made sure they received the complete wedding experience. They ooh-ed and ahh-ed over romantic floral arrangements from Ooh! Events, and indulged in heavenly treats from the crew at Cupcake. Thank goodness Britt Croft Photography was there so we can all relive the fabulous swanky details...
The combination of the romantic color scheme of mocha and pink, a ceremony site overlooking the inner coastal waterway, and the picturesque Lowcountry sky, was the perfect setting for Sara & Corey's Myrtle Beach Wedding! With the help of Memorable Moments Event Planning, the entire Southern soiree took place at the beautiful Marina Inn at Grande Dunes starting with the ceremony on the Grande Lawn, followed by a lively reception in the ballroom. The newlyweds and their spirited bridal party kept the guests up and dancing all night long. Thanks to the talented Brooke Christl Photography for capturing Myrtle Beach weddings and all their glory!
Cake: Tina Spaltro- Marina Inn at Grande Dunes / Flowers: Stefanie Colley - Piggly Wiggly Market Common / Gown Designer: Mikado / Shoes: Unlisted- Nautural Beauty / Bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal / Tuxedos: Men's Warehouse / Hairstylist: Salon and Spa 18 / Make-up: Andrea Bushey with Hair by Orlando / Music/Entertainment: Jake Hallonquist – Total Package Weddings / Photography: Brooke Christl Photography / Videography: Joe Productions / Clergy: Brody Hillman / Ceremony location: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes on the Grande Lawn / Caterers and Reception location: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes – Merrill Thompson / Rentals: Little Shop of Flowers / Transportation: Ritz Limousine / Wedding Planner: Leslie Menich, Memorable Moments Event Planning
Katy + Jordan's southern engagement session from Hiram Trillo Photography gets me excited for cooler weather and the Fall! Not only am I smitten with the gorgeous, natural light and perfect photography, but I'm absolutely loving the sweet couples spot-on attire choices. Classic, timeless and chic.
The Island House is slowly becoming one of my favorite Charleston wedding venues. It's the epitome of all things Lowcountry. It has a view that you just can't beat, and it's perfect location never fails to provide some killer sunsets, which always sets the mood for receptions that make me wish I was there! University of Georgia grads, Natalie + Matt, tied the knot along the banks of the Stono River this past Spring in front of their dearest family and friends, and lucky for us, Studio 1250 Photography was there to capture the venue, the details and this adorable couple and their lively, Charleston wedding!
Charleston Wedding Vendors
Photography: Studio 1250 Photography / Event Planning: Elizabeth Grace Occasions Catering: Saigon Catering / Florist: WildFlowers, Inc. / Entertainment: The Music Maker
I just love when our Lowcountry brides personally send over their engagement sessions and weddings for us to share! It's always fun to finally put a face with an email address. Beautiful bride-to-be Katie is in full on planning mode for her Hilton Head Wedding next year. She's assembled a fabulous team of vendors for her big ol' Southern wedding and I just can't wait to see everything come together. So, to hold us over until the big day, Katie sent over her classic, Washington D.C. engagement session with fiance Nick along the Georgetown Waterfront...aren't they adorable?
Brittani, of Britt Croft Photography, is back, and this time, the bride-to-be is giving us some fabulous tips to keep in mind when picking your Lowcountry vendors... Hey ALW readers! I’m back again, this time spilling on some of our vendor choices. Hiring quality vendors is SO important. You really want to work with people that truly care about how important this day is in your life and respect and appreciate your business and budget.
When choosing vendors…
- Don’t be afraid to meet with a few different vendors in each category that you are looking for. I felt kind of bad about doing this…like I was sneaky and price shopping. But as a bride, it’s your prerogative to ensure you’re finding the best fit for you. Just be honest if anyone asks, and make sure you are polite and kind about it. I knew what kind of food we wanted for our wedding (good ‘ole down home country cooking!), so I inquired with three or four caterers in the beginning. Surprisingly enough, one got back to me immediately, two took weeks to get back to me, and one never did. Obviously that says a lot, and if I had only inquired with one and thought that was the normal wait time for inquiries, I may have hired a company that wouldn’t pay my wedding food much attention. Regardless, it’s always good to meet with several different options to get a feel for who will be a best fit for your type of wedding, your personality, and your budget.
- Try to meet in person. Getting a feel for someone in person can be totally different over email or the phone. How do they dress? Are they timely? Are they polite? Do they come prepared and organized? Are they enthusiastic or overbearing? These things may seem silly, but they say a lot about how this person will be on the day of your wedding. Will they be presentable and professional? On time and polite to your guests? This is hugely important!
- Ask to see examples of their work, reviews from past brides, or a taste test. This may seem like common sense, but its crazy how many brides skip on the little things. Tasting the food beforehand or hearing about what past brides felt about the planner you are sitting down with can make a big difference in how your wedding day flows.
- Who have your friends used? Ask around to your married friends and find out what vendors they used and loved or wouldn’t recommend. What’s better than hearing it straight from someone who has experienced a service previously?
So who have we chosen to work with for our wedding? Remember are getting married at The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation, so almost all of our vendors are located in the greater Charleston area.
- Photographer: Katelyn James, Richmond, VA
- Caterer: The Crazy Dutchman, Charleston
- Florist: WildFlowers, Inc., Summerville
- Cake and Cupcakes: Publix in Mt. Pleasant (Don’t judge – I will be writing more about this later!)
- Rentals: Group Dynamics, Charleston
- Hair and Makeup: Bellezza Salon & Spa, Charleston
- DJ: The Party Music, Roy Palmgren, Charleston
Who have you chosen to work with for your big day? What were some of your challenges choosing or finding vendors that fit your vision? Leave a comment and let me know – I’d love to hear!
Lauren + Garrett tied the knot this June, just outside of Charleston, South Carolina, at the beautiful, Old Wide Awake Plantation. While creating their Lowcountry wedding, the couple wanted to reflect their Southern roots, strong family bonds and modern vintage style...and thanks to Richard Bell Photography, we get to see every last detail! Lauren prepped for the day in a monogrammed button up, before her and her maids threw on their cowboy boots and gowns. As an ode to the bride and groom, guests were gifted navy croakies to honor their Tennessee and South Carolina heritage. The rustic reception was accented to perfection with navy and burlap decor, while guests dined on shrimp and grits and a slew of other Lowcountry treats.
Some of you may have noticed that A Lowcountry Wedding is in the process of welcoming a new addition to our site, and we couldn’t be more excited. We are thrilled to FINALLY introduce all of our fabulous, Southern brides to the insanely, talented wedding vendors that call the coast of South Carolina home. You’ll find we’ve divided things up into vendor categories, and even broken it down to different cities, so you’ll be able to locate approved A Lowcountry Wedding vendors in Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach (perfect, right?).
Well, while we work on finalizing some details behind the scenes, we’ve decided it’s time for a contest! To thank all of our vendor friends that have been overly supportive, this week we’ll be giving away one free vendor listing. The listing will include a complete description of your company, contact info and even a photo gallery to show off your work right here on A Lowcountry Wedding! To enter, it’s simple, if you don’t already, ‘like’ us on facebook and then, share this post. Easy, huh? We’ll announce the winner Friday, August 31st! Good luck and thank you for your support!
If you’re interested in becoming A Lowcountry Wedding Vendor, shoot us an email at hello{at}alowcountrywed.com for an application, pricing and our stats!
This charming, Charleston wedding boasts an adorable color palette of red, white and blue, breathtaking views of the South Carolina Lowcountry and a Southern bride with impeccable taste. Everything you could possibly ask for, right? The sweet couple were married on a family friend’s plantation in Awendaw, where Bride Chelsea dazzled in a beautiful gown that featured a flattering, ruffled neckline. The bridesmaids donned blue gowns and sassy, red shoes, while the dapper gentleman rocked tan suits and bowties. Combining the classic, Southern attire of the bridal party with the picturesque backdrop of this stunning South Carolina plantation, and you’re bound to fall in love with every detail of this Charleston wedding from Diana Deaver Photography!
Don't you love a good-looking, Southern gentleman dressed to the nines? You don't have to answer, I already know you're shaking your head 'yes'! Luckily, our Lowcountry grooms sure know how to add their classic, Southern style to their wedding day, and this round up of our favorites will show you how the men of South Carolina do it best! In Hilton Head, you'll find the boys draped in seersucker. At a Charleston wedding, they'll be rocking classic, black tuxedos, and the men in Myrtle Beach are fans of a tan suits and preppy bowties! So tell us, what will your dapper dudes be wearing?
