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

Meredith + Keith {Beaufort Weddings} Angela Cox Photography

My inbox has been dripping with Lowcountry wedding fabulousness, and I'll tell you what...this girl is not complaining!  South Carolina photographer, Angela Cox, sent over this knockout and I couldn't wait to share these stunning images and darling DIY details.  Meredith + Keith tied the knot in the laid back town of Beaufort this past Fall under dreamy Oak trees in Meredith's parent's backyard.  Meredith's girls were dressed in gorgeous green Dessy dresses that they complimented with vibrant bouquets.  All the maids arranged their own bouquets and the Bride's aunt tackled the boys boutonnieres....pretty impressive, huh?  After the ceremony they moved into the Lucy Creek Dock house where guests were treated with Lowcountry cuisine from Wren's, grandma's pound cake and tunes from A Sound Celebration!

Hilton Head Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Angela Cox Photography  /  Venue: Parent's Backyard, Lucy Creek Dock house (Beaufort, SC)  /  Event and Floral Designer: Bride, Mother of the Bride  /  Hair: Vanity Box  /  Caterer: Wren  /  Officiant: Keith's Grandpa Alastair Walker, and Steve Keeler  /  Ceremony Musician: David Walker  /  DJ: A Sound Celebration (Bluffton, SC)  /  Wedding Dress: David's Bridal  /  Bridesmaid's Dresses: Dessy  /  Groom's Suit: Men's Wearhouse  /  Groom's Shoes: Banana Republic  /  Groomsmens' Suits: Men's Wearhouse  /  Stationery: Designed by Keith's Sister, Lauren Walker

Danielle + Adam {Jekyll Island Wedding} Brooke Roberts Photography

Who's up for a little slice of Lowcountry wedding heaven? Anyone? Anyone?...Bueller?  Well don't worry your pretty little heads because, as usual, the talented team at Brooke Roberts Photography has quite the treat for us today.  After Adam popped the question to his beautiful bride-to-be Danielle, the Chicago residents jumped right into the mix of wedding planning.  They quickly settled on an intimate Summer affair off the stunning Georgia coast.  They said their 'I do's' in a quaint ceremony at the Faith Chapel on the grounds of the Historic Jekyll Island Club.  After, the newlyweds slipped away for some images along the shores of the dreamy Driftwood Beach.  They continued the celebration at Latitudes 31 Restaurant on the Jekyll Wharf as guests enjoyed the jaw dropping surroundings and fabulous food!

Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Brooke Roberts Photography  /  Ceremony:Faith Chapel at Jekyll Island Club  /  Florist: Winn Dixie  /  Hair Stylist: Studio 412  /  Dress: David's Bridal  /  Reception Venue: Latitude 31 Restaurant  /  Cake Designer: mary a daniels

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,

Southern Wedding in Kentucky from Chris Cornwell Photographer

Sometimes I just have to pinch myself.  My inbox is constantly flooded with beautiful weddings filled with darling details and stunning photography.  So, when photographer Chris Cornwell sent over Sondra + Jason's Southern wedding in Kentucky, I just couldn't wait to share this charming Bluegrass affair with everyone.   Seriously, it's amazing.  This classically Southern event combined a soft, netural color palette with a sweet outdoor ceremony and one of the most adorable flower girl I've ever seen!

Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Chris Cornwell Photographer  /  Floral Designer: Flowers by Olivia  /  Catering: Danny Haddix

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

Coastal Folly Beach Wedding Engagement from Chi Photography

Alright, who's up for a gorgeous Lowcountry engagement session at the beach?!  This girl!  Then let's get started with the latest and greatest in all things Lowcountry weddings!  Head on over and check out the premier issue of A Lowcoountry Wedding where you'll find the top 13 Weddings from Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach, so head on over and enjoy every minute of it here.  Our lack of winter has me yearning for Summertime and long days relaxing on Folly Beach, so what better way to satisfy my craving (and probably yours, too!) than with an easy-going session along the coast!  Folly is a casual, coastal town just minutes from Downtown Charleston and is the perfect spot for bride's looking for a laid back beach wedding.  Blessed with a perfect day by the water, the talented Chi Photography captured Haley + Robert in their element with stunning oceanside views.  What a Beautiful Folly Beach Wedding Engagement!

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Venue: Folly Beach, South Carolina  /  Photographer: Chi Photography

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

Oceanside Edisto Beach Wedding from Julie Napear Photography

Hope everyone enjoyed a rainy weekend with friends at the Charleston Wine + Food Festival!  We're back at this week with a laid back, oceanside Edisto Beach wedding from the talented Julie Napear Photography.  Edisto is a beautiful coastal jewel that is about an hour from Charleston and two from Hilton Head...it's the perfect location for a low-key affair with some seriously breathtaking views.   The couple, Adrienne + Sean, met while living in the Bay Area and decided a Lowcountry wedding was a must for their August nuptials.  They wanted something simple and touching and that's exactly what they got!  Their ceremony was held on the beach with standing room only before they headed back inside for an evening of dancing.

Megan + Steve {Charleston Engagement} Emily Horton Photography

To put it simply, T. G. I. F.   The Lowcountry's in for quite the weekend; Spring is unofficially here, the temperature's clocking in around 80 and the Charleston Food + Wine Festival has set up shop in Marion Square...is it 5 o'clock yet?  I can barely contain my excitement.  To get this party started, we're riding off into the weekend with this smashing Charleston engagement session from the talented Emily Horton Photography.   The couple, Megan + Steve, reside in Washington D.C. but couldn't think of a better place to have their wedding then beautiful Charleston, South Carolina.  They spent the perfect Fall afternoon gallivanting around the Battery and Waterfront Park to capture some gorgeous, sun-drenched images.  BTW,  if you’re in the market to be inspired, and we mean REALLY inspired, then you’ll love the 13 real weddings we’ve featured from Hilton Head, Charleston and Myrtle Beach!   So, mosey  on over and swoon over all that the Fall/Winter edition has to offer.   Check it out and get your copies here.

Charleston Weddings {A Charleston Bride} Brittani

So our friend Brittani, a Charleston Bride, of Britt Croft Photography, is planning her big Charleston wedding this coming September.  I asked her if she'd take us on the journey as she blogs her way through all things wedding planning, right up until her fabulous Lowcountry Wedding!  Today, it's all about her photographer.  Take it away, Britt...

"Hi ALW! It's been a while, but I've been truckin' along with my wedding to do list! Last time I wrote, I chatted about selecting our Charleston wedding venue.  I get so excited when I think about it because I just know it's so "us" and will set the perfect mood and backdrop for our big day.

Probably the most important thing to me, naturally, was the photography. Everyone has different priorities, but for us, the photography is what will take us back years down the road. It's how we'll remember so many of the thing that flew by that day, or that we were too busy to think about. Our wedding album will become a family heirloom that we will pass along to our children and grandchildren. Photography was definitely at the top of the list in terms of importance. Along with the venue and food (also so important to us), the photography was also a big chunk of our budget.

As a wedding photographer myself, people have asked me from day one of our engagement who would shoot our wedding. "Surely you must have chosen that first!" people would say. Nope. Sure didn't. In fact, the decision stressed me out A LOT. It was SO important to me that I was terrified of making the wrong decision...so I put it off and put it off, but after we booked our venue, I really had to buckle down and discuss it with Dustin before the awesome photographers I loved booked up for our date.

I spent a ton of time thinking about it. There are so many photographers whose work I love that I didn't know how I could choose. I finally narrowed it down to three. I thought some more. I browsed portfolios, blogs, etc. I tried to get a feel for personalities and such. I thought about it even more. I wanted someone with us on our big day that I felt I could relate to. I know that on your wedding day, you spend a lot of time with your photographer. I wanted someone who used light beautifully...that is SO important to me! I wanted someone who told a story, who would appreciate us wanting to do a first look, would pay close attention to details and the personalization we plan to add to our Southern wedding, and who put a lot of emphasis on bride and groom portraits. Portraits of my handsome southern man and I on our big day is so important to me because I know those will be some of the most powerful and intimate pictures from the day. Just us...loving being in love. I thought some more. I figured I needed a plan of action...I needed to prioritize my list and see who was available. Well, I decided who was my number one choice and emailed yer. Yup! She was available for September 15th! Yay! We chatted a bit about the day and soon after were officially booked!

So...who'd we choose? Well, the sweet Katelyn James. After doing all that thinking...this wedding in particular really sold me: Buddy & Jill . There was SO much that was just so relatable about it. Buddy's looks and handiness reminds me of Dustin in a lot of ways...and of course the whole cozy country theme and "farmers wife" thing was perfect. We knew from the beginning we wanted our whole wedding party to wear boots, too, and I just loved the whole mood and vibe of this wedding. We really felt like Katelyn would know how to work with us and shoot our kind of wedding. We can't wait to see how she tells the story of a day we are so eager to be here. Anddddd...we are getting super excited about our engagement session! It'll be here before we know it in April and it will be so special to have some truly authentic professional portraits of us just being us.

So what happened next? Well, we booked our caterer, DJ, AND I just recently found my dress!!! I thought the latter would be a stressful and exhausting experience, but it was anything but. I can't wait to share about those next two steps with y'all in the next few weeks! :)

Jamie + Mike {Miami Engagement} Stay Forever Photography

Have you heard the big news!? Charleston Weddings is teaming up with three of the Lowcountry's top wedding vendors for some crazy giveaways and all you have to do is enter by April 2nd.  For starters, how do you feel about a send off brunch for up to 23 guests at Isle of Palm's Wild Dunes?  Next, you could win hair and makeup for your entire wedding party from Tabula Rasa Bridal Salon and last, but certainly not least, one heck of a wedding video package valued up to 5,000!  So, ladies...get cracking and enter today! To kick off this gorgeous Thursday, we're sharing Jamie + Mike's gorgeous Miami Engagement Session from Stay Forever Photography.  The couple spent the afternoon at the elegant Deering Estate for a very eventful day under the fabulous palms.

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!

Charleston Weddings {Nikki + Shane} Francis Marion Hotel

You know we love some Charleston weddings, especially when killer photographers are involved.  This past April, the Lowcountry was graced with a visit from the talented destination duo of Kate Botwinski Photography.  The husband and wife team traveled all the way to the Holy City to capture the fabulous Spring wedding of Nikki + Shane.   The ladies spent the morning getting all dolled up thanks to the crew at Stella Nova and the magical brushes of Andrew C. Petersen.  Nikki looked flawless in her stunning Monique Lhullier gown while her husband-to-be looked dapper in his dress blues. They kicked off the perfect Saturday afternoon with a traditional Catholic ceremony at the grand Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.  After saying 'I do', the couple hopped in a carriage for a gorgeous photo session at The Battery & White Point Gardens with their bridal party.  The evening continued with a jaw-dropping reception at Downtown's lavish Francis Marion Hotel where the newlyweds revealed a showstopping first dance that got the party started!

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Kate Botwinski Photography  /  Ceremony Venue: The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist  /  Reception Venue: The Francis Marion Hotel  /  Dress Designer: Monique Lhuiller  /  Shoes: Zappos  /  Hair Designer: Stella Nova  /  Makeup: Andrew C. Petersen  /  Stationery: Dee Ruel  /  Bridesmaids Dresses:After Six by Dessy  /  Floral Designer: OK Florist  /  Videographer: That Frank Guy  /  Cake Designer: Artistic Cakes by Linda  /  Linens: Covers by Nicole  /  Entertainment: Super Deluxe

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

Erin + Steve {Briar Patch B&B} Virginia Wedding Vendors

I've been in love with Erin + Steve's Southern wedding since the day their photographer Julie Napear sent it my way.   You can tell Erin is just over-the-moon to be marrying the man of her dreams.  Her smile is so genuine and she is exuding happiness the entire day.  The couple tied the knot in a quaint ceremony at Virginia's Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn in front of a small crowd of only 16 guests.  Their officiant allowed everyone to become involved by passing around the rings before the couple exchanged them.  Erin was dying to show off the spinning power of her enchanting gown (and who can blame her!), so Steve obliged by twirling his beaming bride.  After an evening of laughter, dancing and fabulous food, Julie grabbed one more shot of the couple in the rain before they headed to their cottage.

Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Julie Napear Photography  /  Hair Stylist:  Stephanie Novak Artistry  /  Caterer:  Six Star Catering  /  Floral Designer:  Flowers by Snellings  /  Reception Venue:  Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn

Whitney + Brian {Crystal Falls} Southern Wedding Vendors

It's been an exciting first week on our new site!  We love our new look and can't wait to show you what we've got in store!  Think even more gorgeous Southern wedding loveliness, wonderful southern vendors and inspiration for days.  Thanks to everyone for their kind words about our fabulous new design and all the love about this week's real weddings.  To get a jump start on the weekend, we're going to wrap things up with a lovely Southern wedding from Georgia photographer Liz Yeakle.  The couple, Whitney + Brian, tied the knot in laid back outdoor ceremony at Crystal Falls in Dawsonville, Georgia.  Their rustic yellow color palette was accented with lots of sunflowers and cowboy boots!

Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Liz Yeakle Photography  /  Ceremony and Reception Venue: Crystal Falls