Hair {Wedding Details}

It's no secret that I'm a little obsessed with Pinterest  and once a week I like to share some of my favorite finds with all of you beautiful Lowcountry brides!  We're pretty blessed with a slew of talented hair designers who regularly create soft, elegant  wedding do's that are always very fitting of our brides and with all the buzz around Charleston Fashion Week, I can't help but daydream about all the stunning hairstyles we'll see this Saturday at the Charleston Weddings Bridal Show.   So to prepare everyone for what's to come this weekend, have fun drooling over this fabulous round up!

Fanci + Carl {Dunes Golf and Beach Club Wedding}

My husband is known around these parts for his rendition of, 'I Hope You Dance."  To be honest, the boy gives Ms. Lee Ann Womack a run for her money.  Just kidding but boy, does he like to belt it out!  So, needless to say, I was totally over-the-moon when Lee Ann's face showed up in this gorgeous Myrtle Beach affair from Paula Player Photography!  The country singer was on hand to see her darling cousin say 'I do' and, of course, sing a few notes!  The adorable couple, Fanci + Carl, tied the knot this past Fall at one of our favorite Lowcountry venues, the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, in a beautiful outdoor ceremony.  In addition to the talented Paula Player, the newlyweds enlisted the help of Myrtle Beach's finest wedding vendors to pull off their Big Day.  The team at Stunning & Brilliant Events designed and executed the entire evening to a tee while the amazing crew from Blossoms Events was  behind the jaw dropping floral arrangements.  All and all it was the perfect Lowcountry wedding!

Check out their wedding trailer from Hart to Hart Media here!

Myrtle Beach Wedding Vendors

Photographer:Paula Player Photography  /  Hair Stylist:  Perfect Reflections  /  Event Planner:  Stunning & Brilliant Events, LLC  /  Floral Designer: Blossoms Events  /  Reception Venue:  Dunes Golf & Beach Club  /  Cinema and Video:  Hart to Heart Media  /  Dress Store:  The Little White Dress  /  Cake Designer:  Priceless Desserts  /  Lighting:  Globaltruth Entertainment  /  Paper Props:  A Little Something Detailed

Lowcountry Centerpieces {Wedding Details}

I think it's the warm weather, or maybe it's the fact I tend to get lost in a sea of Pinterest pinning amazing one-of-a-kind centerpieces like a crazy person. Either way, now that Spring wedding season is upon us, I just had to share some of these beauties with yall,

Heritage Plantation Wedding in Pawleys Island from Richard Ellis Photography

Pawleys Island is a hidden gem on the Lowcountry coast.  It's a short drive from Myrtle Beach and just North of Charleston.  It's home to the stately Heritage Plantation, a beautiful wedding venue situated between the Atlantic coast and the laid back Waccamaw River and it was the perfect spot for Ashley + Scott's Fall affair.  Ashley went with a classic neutral color palette that florist, Tommy Newman, translated into gorgeous ceremony and reception decor.  The Plantation was a picturesque backdrop for their dreamy day and our fab friends at Richard Ellis Photography were on hand to capture every single moment.  After a touching ceremony, the guests were treated to dazzling evening under the Spanish moss with a cool Lowcountry breeze.   Thanks for sharing your beautiful Heritage Plantation wedding!

Myrtle Beach Wedding Vendors

Photography: Richard Ellis Photography  /  Florist: Tommy Newman  /  Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Heritage Plantation  /  Planner: Jennifer Aiken  /  Cake Designer: Pawleys Island Bakery  /   Entertainment: Heartbeat of Soul

Specialty Drinks for Southern Weddings in Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach

Wedding season is upon us and for all of you Spring and Summer brides looking for the perfect tasty libation to welcome your guests, look no further!  We've rounded up plenty of options.   Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach are blessed with the beautiful Lowcountry landscape that lends itself way to jaw dropping wedding venues that offer one-of-a-kind views on the water.  These coastal spots will naturally put wedding guest into a celebratory mood, so your choice of food and beverage needs to share the same spirit.  Welcoming your guests with a killer specialty drink will get the party started!

Blood Orange Margarita

The Brooklyn Beauty

Raspberry Beer Cocktail

Pineapple Mint Rum Punch

Pomegranate Spritzer

Meyer Lemonade with Rosemary

Blackberry Sage Cooler

...and who could forget our favorite Lowcountry specialty?

A John Daly - Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka and Lemonade

Seersucker {Wedding Details}

We're in the midst of gearing up for quite the wedding season here in the Lowcountry and with that comes one of our favorite Southern elements...seersucker!   When the weather gets warmer, seersucker is the fabric of choice along the coast and it's no wonder brides feel the need to doll up their Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach and Charleston weddings with this classic material into their wedding day decor.  You'll most commonly find our Southern grooms donning a seersucker suit but it's not unusual to see it accessorizing lovely invitations or gorgeous bouquets.  From favors and gowns to bridesmaids dresses and linens, we've rounded up a sampling of our favorite ways to include seersucker in your Lowcountry wedding!

Southern Weddings {Leigh + Doug} Texas Women's University

So, first thing's first, Charleston Fashion Week is right around the corner and you know what comes with CFW!?!  The Spring Bridal Show, of course!  Saturday, March 24th, Charleston Weddings Magazine is bringing to life all of our favorite gowns from the top local and regional designers.  Doors open at 10:30 am (and don't be late because complimentary cocktails are only from 10:30-11!) and the show begins promptly at 11:15.  Not only will you be privy to all the latest fashions, but you'll have the opportunity to tour the lounge where you can sip cocktails, sample sweets from some of Charleston's most sought-after wedding vendors and shop, shop, shop!  Tickets start at $45.00 and can be purchased online here.  If you are newly engaged this is THE place to be! I know you gals all love your Southern weddings, so go ahead and get your Pinterest ready because Leigh + Doug's big Texas bash will have you pinning like crazy...and it doesn't hurt that the amazing LongBrook Photography hit this one out of the park!  Bride Leigh is just adorable.  I love everything about her.  The dress, the hair, the bouquet...everything is spot on. They held their big Southern wedding at Texas Women's University which they filled darling personal touches.  Leigh enlisted the talents of Lyons' Share Weddings to pull off a fabulous affair with tons of elegant details with a sweet vintage aftertaste.

Southern Wedding Vendors

Photographer: LongBrook Photography  /  Event Designer: Lyons' Share Weddings  /  Event Venue:Texas Women's University  /  Video, DJ, Lighting: A Very Special Day  /  Photo Booth: 4 Flashes Photo Booth

Southern Weddings {Burlap} Wedding Decor

Who's got two thumbs and like a little burlap wedding decor!? THIS GIRL!  I mean, isn't it obvious? :)  I remember the first time I saw this Burlap + Bling inspiration shoot (see above and below!) from Nashville Photographer, Kristyn Hogan and the team at Cedarwood Weddings, my jaw dropped right to the floor.  Ah-maz-ing!  I remember thinking, if only I had seen this before I got married.  I'm pretty sure I would have translated every ounce of this shoot into some aspect of my Charleston wedding decor.  There's just something about burlap all dressed up that I can't get enough of.  It's easygoing, classic, beautiful...it just screams Lowcountry.  From serving trays to invitations, I've bundled up some of my favorite ways to incorporate burlap into your fabulous Hilton Head wedding.  Hope you enjoy!

Fly Home Married {Destination Wedding Contest}

Ok, so how does this sound?  Reserve your dream Charleston, Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach wedding venue (think Lowndes Grove, Hibernian Hall, Cassique, William Aiken...the list goes on!), buy your fabulous gown, one that will make any Southern bride swoon, book your plane tickets and then...FLY HOME MARRIED!  Not bad, eh?

Well, you're in luck.  Nathan Peel Photography has rounded up a group of truly talented vendors to offer you the destination wedding of your dreams and all you have to do is enter (check out the rules below).  That's it. But don't wait, the deadline is this Friday, February 17th.  So, get crackin'to win your free Lowcountry wedding!

The lucky couple will receive...

Photography – Nathan Peel Photography ($8500 value)

• 12 hours of coverage on your wedding day by 1 photographer
• Day After Session for perfect couple/bridal portraits
• 10 spread leather album
• Digital Negative DVD of wedding and portrait session
• Up to $1500 paid travel budget for photographer

Stationery – Five Dot Design ($1000 value)

• A credit will be applied to the final balance of your wedding stationery package.
• This can be used towards Save the Dates, your invitation suite, reception pieces like programs, favors and thank you notes.

Planning – Blue Dahlia Events ($750 value)

• 3 sessions of expert planning advice to assist you with your destination wedding planning: budget, style + design, travel, timeline, etc.

Makeup - Brideface ($125 value)

• Custom DIY makeup consult to help you create two looks.
• *if couple isn’t local or plans to hire an artist on location then a gift basket with product of equal value will be sent.

$10,000 toward the destination wedding of your dreams…not too bad, huh?

Here’s how to enter:

Round 1:

1. Send an email to contest@nathanpeelphoto.com. Round 1 entries will be accepted through email only. All Facebook, Twitter, blog comments, etc will be disregarded.
2. Include couple’s names, wedding date, wedding location and wedding venue. (A booked wedding venue and date will be valued highly.)
3. Include a 100-200 word blurb (keep it short!) about you guys as a couple. We’re looking for insight into your personality.
4. All Round 1 entries must be received by noon on February 17, 2012.

Round 2:

1. 10 finalists will be selected and contacted by February 18, 2012.
2. Finalists will be asked to submit a picture and a short description of their wedding.
3. Voting will be opened to the public via online poll.
4. Voting will close at noon March 1, 2012. The finalists with the most votes wins.

Fine Print:

1. All finalists will be selected by Nathan Peel Photography.
2. A wedding will be considered as a “destination” wedding at the sole discretion of the photographer.
3. If you have already contracted a photographer please consider your contractual obligations before entering.
4. Current NPP couples are not eligible.
5. Votes will be handled via secure online poll.
6. Photographer travel will include 1 coach plane ticket, 3 nights of lodging on site, transportation and food.
7. If $1500 budget is exceeded the winning couple will be responsible for extra expense.
8. Wedding date availability will be taken into consideration when selecting finalists.
9. To protect the integrity of the contest wedding vendors above reserve the right to disqualify any entry at any time

A Brand New A Lowcountry Wedding!

I'm sure most of you guys thought this day would never come for A Lowcountry Wedding (and sometimes neither did I)!  But, it's finally here!  Our brand, spanking new site has gone live and I couldn't be happier.  It looks better than I could have ever imagined and it's all thanks to a few truly talented individuals and I just have to sing their praises...

First up, Mrs. Emily Ley.   Emily is the creative mind behind A Lowcountry Wedding's fabulous branding.  Emily hit it out of the park with the perfect color palette and spot-on logo and for that I have to give a HUGE, HUGE thank you!

Then, we have Sarah Kate Snyder, owner of Studio Snyder who, to put it mildly...nailed it.  Sarah Kate took our perfect branding and translated it into a killer new website.  It's got that laid-back, Lowcountry ease we were missing before.   I'm so over-the-moon with how everything has turned out  that I just can't say thank you enough!

I hope y'all love it as much as I do!  We appreciate everyone's kind words and are excited about all the big surprises we have in store for you this year!  Don't forget to subscribe to our RSS feed here.

Andra + Chad {Texas Engagement}

Yesterday, my sister Emma called me to tell her boyfriend had finally proposed!  Yay! I'm so excited and happy for them.  Being engaged is such a fun, memorable time and I, personally, can't wait for the wedding planning to begin :)  So, now all I have to do is plan a trip out to Houston to see that shiny, new rock!  Congrats, you two! Since the newly engaged couple resides in Texas, I thought what better way to kick off the week then with a vintage-inspired engagement session from one of my favorite Texas photographers, Love Caryn Photography.  This darling couple wanted their quirky, off-beat style to shine through and with the help of Love Caryn Photography, they were able to achieved some stunningly beautiful images.

Oh, and make sure to check out their adorable video...

Jillian + Tim {California Wedding}

Happy Friday everyone!  Can you believe next week is February?!?  2012 is already flying by!  We've got a lot in store for you next month like...a brand spanking new blog, we'll be introducing new weekly features, a monthly update of all the fabulous wedding events taking place in Charleston hopefully a new intern (or two!), and, of course, more amazing weddings from the Lowcountry and beyond! I figured we could wrap up the week with a lively California wedding.  The weather has been far from normal this winter and  I won't lie, it's already got me daydreaming of an early summer.  Jillian + Tim's vibrant outdoor affair from Rochelle Mort Photography just puts me in summer mindset.  With the help of Sweet Memories Flowers , Jillian and her maids rocked a jazzy yellow and grey color palette accessorized with bouquets full of billy balls, dahlias and succulents.  The ladies wore dresses from Charleston based designer Lula Kate in a spunky shade of mustard.  After a beautiful ceremony, the celebration continued at the home of the bride's parents where guests were treated to 'Boomerang' cocktails (which sound fabulous) by the pool.  Perfectly executed by the team at Soiree Event Designs & Couture Floral, a stunning tented reception followed with an amazing amount of details...including an over-the-top band and a late night taco station!

Vendors

Photographer: Rochelle Mort Photography  /  Event Designer: Soiree Event Designs & Couture Florals  /   Bridesmaids Dresses: Lula Kate  /  Floral Designer: Sweet Memories Flowers  /  Rentals: Classic Party Rentals, Town and Country Party Rentals

Inn at Palmetto Bluff Bridal Session by Kristin Vanzant Photography

I've said it before, but one of my biggest wedding regrets is not having bridal portraits taken.  It's just so necessary. You get one good run thru of how you're going to look the day of.  You can test out your hair, your shoes and get a feel for your photographer.  It also gives you the time to capture some really beautiful (and frame-able) images and will free up precious wedding day minutes.  So, when my baby sister gets engaged one of these days, girlfriend's getting bridal portraits taken whether she likes it or not (Sorry, Emma, but it's happening!). Jacque teamed up with destination wedding photographer, Kristin Vanzant for a gorgeous coastal bridal session at one of the Lowcountry's most stunning venues, The Inn at Palmetto Bluff.  The Inn's located in Bluffton, South Carolina which is just south of Charleston and right outside of Hilton Head Island and Savannah...and it is a sight!  It's the definition of the word 'Lowcountry' and is the perfect retreat for a destination bride looking for joyous weekend long wedding celebration.  On this low-key day in March, darling bride-to-be Jacque and Kristin Vanzant toured the expansive property from the tides to the Waterside Chapel for a timeless afternoon of photographs.

Kristen + Jonathan {Hawkesdene House Wedding}

Before we jump right in today fabulous Southern affair, we had to tell you about a new resource for all things travel in Charleston.  Our friends over at the uber-luxurious Charleston Place Hotel have started up a new blog, Hidden Charleston.  Whether you're a lifetime local or Lowcountry newbie, this is your guide to the most talked about dining establishments, favorite watering holes, one-of-a-kind events and all the historic hotspots. Normally, I like to write a little somethin' somethin' about the weddings that we post but  I just love what Louisiana photographer Claire Elyse had to say about Kristen + Jonathan's destination wedding that I thought I'd let her share today. So, from Miss Claire Elyse herself...

"Kristen and Jonathan’s wedding was one of those where I found myself counting down the days ‘til show time! It may have been because the wedding took place in the mountains of North Carolina, or perhaps because the bride and groom brought all the best of Louisiana to meet those mountains. It was all that and more. The details of this wedding were stunning, and even the vendors were the perfect mix of fun-loving South Louisiana meets breath taking North Carolina mountain highs. Jonathan proposed to Kristen in Andrews, North Carolina, so it was only appropriate to pack up the dress, cake, family, and bar and make a vacation out of it. The Hawkesdene House was one of my favorite venues to work with. The owners matched elegance with comfort. From the flowers, to one of Zoe’s Bakery’s masterpieces, to Abita Blues playing the requests of the bride and groom mixed with their own style. Kristen dreamt an amazing day into reality."

Southern Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Claire Elyse Photography  /   Venue: Hawkesdene House  /   Floral Designer: An English Garden  /   Hair Stylist: Barbers and Bombshells  /  Dress Store: Southern Bridal  /   Band: Abita Blues Band  /  Cake Designer: Zoe's Bakery 

Stripes {Wedding Decor}

We've been loving how many brides have incorporated stripes into their wedding color palettes.  Stripes are the perfect preppy and coastal addition to any girl's wedding decor...and let's face it, we love all things coastal and preppy here in Charleston. We've rounded up quite a few of our favorite ways to incorporate some stripped accessories into your Lowcountry Big Day!  They range from linens and invitations to bridesmaids dresses and favors...

Image by Brooke Images via Southern Weddings

Image by Jesse Leake via Style Me Pretty

Image via Once Wed Photography by Erin Hearts Court Event Design and Flowers by La Partie Events

 

Image via Rifle Paper Co.

 

Image by Kellie Kano Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image by Anne Marie Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image via Coco + Kelley   Image via Martha Stewart Weddings and Ocean House Weddings

Image by Agnes Lopez via Style Me Pretty

Image by Jose Villa via Southern Weddings

 

Images by One and Only Paris Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image by Genevive McKeiver via Style Me Pretty

Image via M. Robin Cakes

Image via Southern Weddings and Matchbook

Image via Anne Robert Photography

Samantha + Scott {Pawleys Island Wedding}

Just up the road from Charleston, on the South Carolina coast, there's a little gem of town called Pawleys Island. It's the epitome of a Lowcountry lifestyle...fresh seafood, laidback locals, Southern charm and the perfect mix of the ocean and marsh. It's those qualites that Northeastern natives Samantha + Scott wanted to share with their wedding guests.  The couple had recently relocated to Myrtle Beach and wanted their wedding to reflect their love for their new Lowcountry home. Samantha looked like the perfect Southern bride thanks to her gorgeous strapless gown from The Little White Dress and her fabulous up-do from R. Lozier Signature Salon. They selected the Reserve Harbor Yacht Club to host their ceremony and reception and this new wedding venue did not disappoint.  One of our favorite photographers, Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt, did her usual fabulous job capturing the Lowcountry entire affair.  Their elegant poolside reception looked stunning with the help of a talented team of vendors, Greenskeeper Florist and The Trestle while Steve & Company kept the guests up and moving all night long!

Myrtle Beach Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt  /  Reception Venue: Reserve Harbor Yacht Club  /  Hairstylist: R. Lozier Signature Salon  /  Floral Designer: Greenskeeper Florist  /  Dress Store: The Little White Dress  /  Cake Designer: The Trestle  /  DJ: Steve & Company  /  Transportation: Carolina Limos  /  Officiant: Simple Wedding Day

Terrilyn + Scott {Naples Wedding}

The Charleston area is home to countless destination weddings every year.  Couples are drawn to the city's rich history, timeless beauty, heavenly food and the indescribable Lowcountry ease. A certain excitement and build up comes with a destination wedding, not just from the bride and groom, but the guests as well. From the save-the-dates and weather to the local cuisine and stunning scenery, a destination wedding is a memorable occasion for all involved! Destination photographers Luminaire Foto sent over Terrilyn + Scott's fabulous destination affair at the swanky Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida and we just couldn't wait to post it.  Terrilyn was glowing in her strapless gown and makeup from Hope Henderson Artistry that she accessorized with pearl jewelry and a gorgeous bouquet.  They used a vibrant palette of pinks and oranges that seemed very fitting of their palm tree rich venue.  Guests were treated to a sweet outdoor ceremony followed by a dazzling reception with amazing decor, lively entertainment from RW Music and a killer cake!

 Southern Wedding Vendors

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, Naples  /  Photographer: Luminaire Foto  /  Makeup Artist: Hope Henderson Artistry  /  Entertainment: RW Music

Skylar + Chad {Washington Wedding}

Before we jump right in to today's dreamy Washington wedding, we wanted to give everybody a little update. Our brand spanking new blog will be launching in the next few weeks (hopefully the beginning of February!) and as our way of saying thanks to all our favorite Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head wedding vendors, we're offering some fantastic introductory rates on our new blog tiles.  So, if you're interested in reaching Lowcountry brides, shoot us an email at hello{at}alowcountrywed.com and we'll pass along the info! Okay....now on to Skylar + Chad!  This adorable couple wed in an intimate outdoor ceremony this past September in beautiful Blaine, Washington. Skylar impressively handled the rustic decor (and even tackled that gorgeous cake!), while her mother used the green and purple color palette to design all of the fabulous flowers. Courtney Bowlden Photography captured emotional images of the glowing bride in her stunning strapless gown as she saw Chad for the first time. I mean...they kinda made me tear up.

Isn't Skylar amazing!?!  I love these images...

Chelsea + Ryan {Florida Wedding}

I'm loving Chelsea + Ryan's classic Southern wedding at the rustic Lange Farm in Dade City, Florida.  Lange Farm is a 233 acre horse farm with beautiful open fields and stunning oak trees...all of which provide the perfect backdrop for a charming wedding with that laidback Florida ease.  After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their bridal party toured the farms as Scott Kelsey Photography captured some droolworthy images.  Don't you just love this natural setting?

Vendors

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Lange Farm  /  Photographer: Scott Kelsey Photography