Erica + Toby {Charleston National Golf Club Wedding}

I've been slaving away this week as I work on adding a whole new vendor section to A Lowcountry Wedding (keep your eyes peeled, it will be launching at the beginning of July!), so needless to say, I'm really looking forward to taking it easy this weekend!  So, to kick off this gorgeous Lowcountry weekend, we're sharing a touching, Charleston National Golf Club affair from the crew at Richard Bell Photography, that was coordinated by Charleston Wedding Design.  The beautiful Bride, Erica, walked down the aisle to the sounds of Charleston Virtuosi before meeting her Groom at the altar to say 'I do' in front of their closest friends and family.  Thanks to the sweet couple for giving us a peek inside their fairytale wedding... "We feel our story is unique and our relationship has transcended an ocean, time zones and united two cultures. This has been a huge commitment of love, time, patience and unswerving determination to be together. The trials and tribulations of our relationship together with our faith have been a stern test, which we're certain will help our marriage stand the test of time. Erica and I have become passionate travelers (we've had to because we are from different countries!) and we've weaved our love of travel into the fabric of our wedding. Each table is personalized to represent an important milestone in our relationship. Bahamas - our first holiday together, London, England and Westerville, Ohio - our hometowns, Las Vegas - where we met and our journey together began, San Francisco - our future home and of course Charleston - where we fell in love and will be married. We have a vision for our wedding which is to make it feel personal and each small detail is important to us. We will have strings to play Vivaldi four seasons, which we listened to in an outdoor concert in Somerset, England on Erica's first visit to the UK. Our Wedding colors of purple and green are inspired by Wimbledon (Toby's town of birth), where we were fortunate enough to spend a day at the Championships in 2011. We will be sipping on PIMM'S at our cocktail hour, which is a popular English cocktail filled with fresh fruits perfect for a springtime affair. At the end of the night a black cab will be driving us from the reception, which we think is fitting because we currently live in London and regularly use these cabs to get around. Charleston National Golf course is a fitting location for our Wedding as Erica's father, Ken, who sadly passed away in February 2011 was a keen golfer. He would of been delighted to have known that the happiest day of his daughters life would be spent in the beautiful setting, one which brought him so much joy in his life."

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Richard Bell Photography  /  Caterer:  Hamby Catering & Events  /  Event Planner:  Charleston Wedding Design /  Musicians: Charleston Virtuosi  /  DJ:  The Music Maker DJ  /  Event Venue:  Charleston National Golf Club

Maddison Row {Sample Sale}

Hopefully, you don't have plans this weekend because what I'm about to tell you will make you clear your sched...for real.  The ladies at Maddison Row are hosting a huge sample sale this weekend that will feature swoon-worthy, couture wedding gowns discounted up to 70% off!  You'll find gowns from top wedding designers like Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Ramona Keveza Legenda, Anna Maier and Fancy New York!  So, pick your jaw up off the ground, and head down to the Charleston Wedding District this weekend to scoop up your perfect Lowcountry gown!

No appointment necessary!

Maddison Row

171 Spring Street

Charleston, SC 29403

843.720.7979

info@maddisonrow.com

Sewee Preserve {Charleston Wedding Venue}

Ladies, we’ve got another new, Lowcountry venue on our hands, so let's get started gawking over it's coastal charm!  The Sewee Preserve opened its doors this year and is already booking weddings for 2012 and beyond.  Located just outside of Charleston, in Awendaw, South Carolina, this breathtaking wedding venue consists of a 500-acre conservation development dedicated to preserving the serenity and natural beauty of our beloved Lowcountry…so you know what that means, gorgeous saltwater marshes, jaw-dropping Oak trees and that soft, coastal breeze that we've come to love at a Charleston wedding.

The property offers an array of ceremony and receptions options that will be available to you from 10am until midnight on the day of your event.  It includes 1,000 square feet of covered area, an over-sized brick fireplace, Southern-style porches, bocce ball court and horseshoe pit and a 50-acre freshwater lake with dock.  Sounds like heaven, right?  Well lucky for us, Virgil Bunao Photography and Ooh! Events teamed up to show us what the Sewee Preserve's all about (and Lord knows we love when these two talents collaborate!) So, check out this fabulous, new Charleston wedding venue…

THE LAKE

CEREMONY SITES

THE LAKE HOUSE

THE GROUNDS

Sewee Preserve 1 Sewee Preserve Road Awendaw, SC 29429 info@seweepreseve.net

843.881.7576

Myrtle Beach Weddings {Tiffany + Chris} Marina Inn at Grande Dunes

Let's face it, Lowcountry brides always know how to throw gorgeous, elegant Myrtle Beach weddings and the stunning Mrs. Wilcox is no different... and thank goodness for us, Gene Ho Photography was there to capture it all!  The oh-so-attractive couple, Tiffany + Chris, had a fabulous wedding at Myrtle Beach's Marina Inn at Grande Dunes last July, and boy, was it a stunner!  With the help of the ladies of Memorable Moments, who were on hand to organize every last dreamy detail, and the talented design team from Blossom Events, they were able to create a vibrant, summer evening that their guests are still raving about.  Thanks to Tiffany for giving us an inside view into their Myrtle Beach wedding!

How did you meet? At Enloe High School in Raleigh North Carolina, high school sweethearts!

Tell us your engagement story. (Give us every romantic detail!) We were home in North Carolina for the NBA All Star break visiting family. Valentine’s Day was that Sunday.  We flew back to Detroit on Valentine’s Day and didn’t get back until that evening.  Chris mentioned taking Tiffany out to dinner but she didn’t want to go, too many people.  So they ordered takeout and enjoyed the night in.  Tiffany gave Chris his Valentine’s Day present and the night went on.  We were watching a movie and Chris told me how he felt about me and how much he appreciated me and loved me.  He also told me he didn’t get me anything for Valentine’s Day.  I was a little upset but tried not to show it!  Later that night he gave me a box, I opened it and asked what is this.  He asked me to marry him and I cried like a baby! The proposal fit us perfect!

What are your ties to the Myrtle Beach area? Chris and I love Myrtle Beach.  A nice getaway that’s not too close but at the same time not too far from home! We have traveled and visited the area since we were in High School.  We thought there would be no better place to say, “I do!” We also support the Lupus Foundation due to him having a history of lupus in his family. With that being said, Chris has an annual golf tournament in Myrtle Beach to support and raise money in hopes to find a cure for the disease.

What was the best thing about your wedding day? The best thing about our wedding day was LOVE.  It was so strong and so powerful! It was romantic and everything was perfect!  You could feel the love that we both shared for each other.  There weren’t too many dry eyes at the ceremony!  There were so many people there but all I saw was him and all he saw was me!

Describe what made your wedding unique... Our wedding was unique because it was us! From the bold vibrant colors and hints of bling throughout the entire wedding (and stationary) representing Tiffany’s personality, to the food being some of Chris’ favorites!   Not to mention,  Chris’ groom’s cake, his car, a 1972 Chevelle sitting in the center of the Maryland Terrapins basketball court, it was amazing. We did not miss one detail!

MYRTLE BEACH WEDDING VENDORS

Wedding consultants/planners: Leslie Menich,  Memorable Moments Event Planning  /  Venue: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes  /  Cake and groom’s cake: Crumb de la Crumb  /  Flowers: Blossoms Events  /  Gown Designer: Alfred Angelo  /  Reception Dress: Ever After Private Label  /  Shoes Designer: Limited Edition Lesilla (Italy)  /  Bridesmaids’ dresses: Alfred Sung  /  Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse  /  Groom’s: Custom Tux from Elevee, Los Angeles, CA  /  Headpiece: Blossoms Events  /  Veil: Bridal Couture of Birmingham  /  Hairstylist: Aminah-Ami Creations  /  Make-up: Nicole Peglow- peglowdesigns_(Miami, FL)  /  Stationery: Maria Scheel Invitations and More  /  Entertainment: Don Colton (saxophonist) and DJ Billy Bill (Raleigh NC)  /  Photographer: Nadean Bruehlman of Gene Ho Photography  /  Videography: Hart to Heart Media   /   Transportation provider: Groom’s Rolls Royce Phantom  /  Rentals/Linens: Cloth Connection  /    Hotz Catering  /  Snyder Event Rentals

Hilton Head Wedding Venue {Shipyard Beach Club}

We're going to bid adieu to this fabulous Lowcountry week by spotlighting a gorgeous, beachfront wedding venue on Hilton Head Island.  Thanks to it's picturesque views, The Shipyard Beach Club is the Island's most-sought-after oceanside venue that is ideal for brides who are hoping for an outdoor ceremony with the sand and the sea in the background.

Couples can choose to have their ceremonies on the beach with the toes in the sand or on the elevated deck overlooking the water.  Both options offer fantastic views of the Atlantic with that great coastal breeze!

The recently renovated dining room and spacious lounge will provide your guests with a serene Lowcountry evening.

The Rental fee is $2000 and it covers the cost of the venue with existing tables and chairs.   To reserve The Shipyard Beach Club for your wedding reception, contact preferred cater Celebrations to assist you in securing a sponsorship for this stunning oceanfront location.

If you're looking for a Hilton Head venue that features the sand and surf with a classic Lowcountry feel, contact The Shipyard Beach Club for all your wedding day needs!

Shipyard Beach Club

10 Shipyard Drive

Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

843.842.3507

Boone Hall Plantation {Amanda}

It's no question that the Lowcountry is blessed with some of the most jaw-dropping wedding venues in the South and one that will always find it's way to the top of my venue list is Charleston's Boone Hall Plantation.  It's got everything a Lowcountry bride could dream of....Spanish moss dripping from every tree, a sprawling plantation home encircled by a stunning wrought-iron fence and immaculate grounds that make for the perfect Lowcountry backdrop....I mean, the place is just magical.  So, it's no surprise that Boone Hall is the venue of choice for dreamy, Charleston weddings and swoon-worthy bridal sessions.  Lucky for us, the talented Chi Photography captured Southern Belle,Amanda as she posed for the camera in her airy, textured gown and sassy pink heels.

Lowcountry Weddings {Garland}

I've been totally digging how brides and vendors have been incorporating garland into our beautiful Lowcountry weddings.  It's fun, whimsical and a different way to spice up your ceremony altar, dessert table or outdoor reception.  Take a look at a few of our favorite, dreamy ways to add a touch of garland to your wedding day!  I'm loving these balls of yarn...presh.

Lowcountry Wedding Inspiration

Ohhh, ladies!  We're diving right into this week with a big dose of Lowcountry wedding heaven that is sure to knock your socks off.  Captured by our friend Brooke Roberts Photography, this fabulous inspiration shoot highlights everything we love about this time of the year.  Getting hitched by the coast lends itself well to beautiful outdoor event, whether it's your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner or an intimate shower...you just can't go wrong.  With the help of Judi Watson Florals and Dutchman Designs, the team matched soft furnishings with pops of colorful accent pieces to achieve a cozy, laid back setting at The St. Simons Lighthouse and A.J. Jones Heritage Center.  Aren't you loving the summery color palette of turquoise and pink?  The models were outfitted in dresses from Lady in White and Snippety Do Da's topped them off with the perfect hair and make up.  Possibly my favorite part?  That food!  Tasteful Temptations whipped up some delicious Lowcountry cuisine (and a tasty specialty drink!) perfect for a garden affair.

Dunes West Wedding {Lindsay + MacCrae}

I knew we were in for a treat when Charleston wedding photographer Kayla Jones sent over Lindsay + MacCrae's February wedding.  The ceremony took place at the picturesque Isle of Palms Methodist Church (seriously, isn't it gorgeous?) followed by quite the celebration at Mount Pleasant's Dunes West.  Not only did the adorable couple team up with an impressive team of vendors, their guests we're ready to have a good time...and Lindsay + MacCrae gave them just that!  Did I mention they did a flash style first dance?!?  Impressive, eh?

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Kayla Jones Photography  /  Florist: Ooh! Events  /  Reception Venue: Dunes West  /  Ceremony Venue: First United Methodist Church, Isle of Palms  /  Videographer/music : Complete Music and Video  /  Cake: Tiffany and Amy Drennan  /  Gown: Bridal & Formal  /  Bridesmaid Attire: David's Bridal  /  Tux Rental: Men's Warehouse  / Makeup Artist: Merle Norman  /  Hairstylist: Bonnie Joly  /  Invitations : Invitation Consultants

Lowcountry Weddings {Summer Details}

Now that summer has un-officially started, we'll start seeing loads of beautiful, Lowcountry coastal affairs (and I can't wait!) While some brides might choose a Hilton Head, beach ceremony, others may opt for a classic, Charleston plantation wedding or a Southern, Myrtle Beach soiree!  Regardless of the location, one thing is for certain in the Lowcountry...the temperature will be hot and steamy!  So, prep your guests for a wedding they won't soon forget by adding a few of our favorite Lowcountry must-haves to your wedding day details.  

 Keep your guests cool during your outdoor ceremony with these fabulously, beachy fans!

Seersucker screams a Lowcountry summer

and we're loving it's addition to this ring bearer box!

Having an outdoor fete?  Then don't forget these essentials!

A little Burlap and Madras for your decor?

Why not...

A little Firefly and Lemonade is the perfect way to quench everyone's thirst...

Umbrellas not only provide shade but look adorable in ceremony pics

Flip flops for dancing? Yes, please!

Spice it up with Lawn Games.

We're loving this Cornhole set!

...and, let's finish it off with a bourbon bar...

Hibernian Hall Wedding {Erin + Brian}

Two years ago, I said 'I do' to this guy....

So, I figured, what better way to celebrate our anniversary, then to share our gorgeous Charleston wedding day with images from Jack Whitsitt!  The ladies kicked off the day with hair and make up at Elysium Salon before returning to the beautiful Meeting Street Inn to get all dolled up.  The bridesmaids wore strapless, knee-length LulaKate dresses in a summery, apple green color.  The boys spent the morning at the Francis Marion Hotel where they were dressed in classic, black tuxedos complete with bow ties, while they waited for an Absolutely Charleston trolley to transport them to the Citadel campus for pre-ceremony pics!  A bagpiper escorted the bridal party down the aisle at the Summerall Chapel to begin our traditional, Catholic ceremony.  After our 'I do's', we headed to the historic Hibernian Hall for an amazing evening of celebrating with our friends and family!  Cru Catering served a smorgasbord of Lowcountry cuisine including shrimp and grits (which people are still raving about!), the Travis Allison Band kept everyone up and moving all night long, and for a late night snack, Brian treated our guests to McDonald's double cheeseburgers!  If we could do it over again, we would in a heartbeat...easily, the best night of our lives :)  Emma, sorry for the dancing pic - I just had to do it!

Charleston Wedding {Megan + Ryan} Creek Club at I'On

You can call me a slacker all you want, but I'm officially throwing in the towel on this week and getting this long, holiday weekend started early!  To keep our Lowcountry ladies  tied over until we pick back up on Tuesday (yes, I said Tuesday!), we've got a fabulous Charleston wedding captured by Mell Bell of Richard Bell Photography to share.  Before I even took a peek at the pictures, I read through the list of talented vendors and stunning venues that were involved in this Lowcountry affair and immediately, I knew it would be a wedding worth sharing.  Ryan was a graduate of the Citadel (Class of '05), so the obvious (and meaningful) choice for the ceremony venue was on the grounds of the campus at the historic Summerall Chapel.  Following their nuptials, the couple and their guests headed over to the picturesque Creek Club at I'On (one of my favorite Charleston wedding venues!) for a lively evening of celebrating. The guests were treated to quite the spread from Jacob's Kitchen, while Branch  Design Studio wowed them with gorgeous centerpieces and Cupcake provided an array of tasty treats.

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Mell Bell of Richard Bell Photography  / Reception Venue: Creek Club at I'on  /  Caterer:  Jacob's Kitchen  /  Event Planner:  Hostess  /  Floral Designer:  Branch Design Studio  /  Dress Store:  Jean's Bridal  /  Cake Designer:  Cupcake  /  DJ:  Ian Guerin  /  Makeup Artist: Charleston Events Hair and Makeup  /  Transportation:  A Star Limo  / Tuxedo and Mens Attire:  Berlin's for Men  /  Ceremony Venue:  Summerall Chapel at the Citadel

Myrtle Beach Weddings {David + Cari}

It's no secret we love the gals of Memorable Moments and the stunning Myrtle Beach weddings they design, but what we love even MORE is sharing them with you!  They're a fabulous Lowcountry planning team specializing in event design and coordinating in the Grand Strand, and were the brains behind Cari + David's vibrant, Myrtle Beach wedding.   Scott Smallin Photography was on hand to capture the entire event at the beautiful Ocean Palms Beach House where guests were treated to a sweet, outdoor ceremony overlooking the pool, followed by beach-y, lowcountry cuisine catered Tommy Bahamas.  The bridesmaids were dressed in jazzy LulaKate gowns, while Cari looked stunning in a strapless gown from Impressions Bridal.   But honestly, my favorite part about this wedding is the AH-mazing flowers from Little Shop of Flowers!  The colors and textures are bright and relaxed and couldn't be more fitting of a Myrtle Beach affair!

How did you meet?

David and I worked together in the operating room at a local hospital.  We liked working with one another, constantly talking to each other, which in turn made work more enjoyable. We worked well together as a team and found it easy to get to know one another.  Early in 2009, we were both going through some personal issues in each of our lives and confided in each other.  Together we got through some pretty tough times and became close friends.  I remember working with him one Super bowl Sunday and we ended up staying around talking to each other for hours after we were done working.  I think it was then that I realized that he and I had a lot in common.  After each of us sorted through what was going on in our lives, we began to spend time together outside of work.  We began dating and realized we were a good fit!  We shared many of the same beliefs, have  many of the same goals, and have so many common interests.  I  pretty much fell in love with David immediately and knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.  He is an amazing person and an incredible role model and stepfather.

Tell us your engagement story. (Give us every romantic detail!)

David and I had scheduled vacation time for August 2010 and planned on getting married during that week off.  So, I really never expected any “formal” proposal.  One day in July 2010, David took me to lunch at a small restaurant in the Hammock Shops in Pawley’s Island.  It was a restaurant that he and I had gone to during one of our first dates.  He was distracted through lunch, but I really didn’t think anything of it.  After lunch, we went to Brookgreen Gardens, one of our favorite spots in Myrtle Beach.  We were sitting on a bench in Oak Tree Alley talking and laughing.  When I turned around to look at David, he was down on one knee and asked me if I would marry him.  He had bought me a sapphire ring which was a complete mirror image of an engagement ring that we had looked at before.  We still got married in a small civil ceremony on August 2, 2010 but knew that we wanted a wedding where we could share our joy with our friends and family in a religious ceremony, which we did on October 15, 2011.

What are your ties to the Myrtle Beach area?  

After completing his residency at Emory University in Atlanta in 2005, David moved here to join a private practice.  My parents retired to Myrtle Beach in the spring of 2006 and I moved here from Pennsylvania the fall of that same year.

Describe what made your wedding unique...

We wanted our wedding to be casual with a very tropical “feel” to it.  It was also important to us to incorporate my children in the ceremony.  After discussing it with our Pastor, we decided on a “recognition of civil marriage”.  We included a sand ceremony that incorporated Athan and Allie in the ceremony, since we realize that they, too, are a very significant part of this unity.  To incorporate an island feel, we had a steel drummer perform both the ceremony music and the reception music.  I also wanted all tropical flowers used and my florist was able to have flowers that were imported from all over, including, Southeast Asia, Ecuador and Hawaii.  My mother’s birthday is also October 15^th so we had a special birthday cake for her, as well.  Also, it was important to me to do something really special for David so I had a special Groom’s cake made for him and presented at the rehearsal luncheon.  I had a cake designed that incorporated all the things that are important to him – a grand piano, an acoustic guitar, a banner with the Emory University logo, a fly fishing rod and our dog.  It’s always hard for me to keep a secret, but I managed to keep this from him until I presented it to him.

What was the best thing about your wedding day?

The best thing about my Myrtle Beach wedding was the fact that David and I were able to share our happiness with our family and friends.  We were able to have a casual wedding and it truly felt like we were on a tropical island.  I would have to say that my wedding day was everything that I could have ever dreamt of!

MYRTLE BEACH WEDDING VENDORS

Photographer: Scott Smallin Photography  /  Event Designer: Memorable Moments    /  Cake Designer: Croissants Bistro & Bakery  /  Flowers: Kelly Byers Hoagland of Little Shop of Flowers  /  Gown Designer: Impressions Bridal from Fancy Frocks and Other Fineries  /  Bridesmaids’ dresses: LulaKate  /  Hair and Makeup: Ami Creations  /  Music/Entertainment/Booking Agency: Pan Fusion steel drums – Tim Peterman  /  Clergy: Rick Adkins – Lead Pastor of Carolina Forest Community Church  /  Ceremony and Reception Venue: Ocean Palms Beach House through Palmetto Properties /  Caterer: Tommy Bahamas Restaurant  /  Rental providers: Bravo! Rentals

LulaKate {Stripes}

Charleston based designer LulaKate NAILED it with the latest addition to their wedding line, these absolutely adorable and super sassy, striped dresses.  Not only are they perfect for your bridesmaids, but these preppy, little frocks would be a complete hit as a rehearsal dinner dress...or for us married ladies, a killer cocktail dress (I've been eyeballin' the silver one!)  What's even more perfect is you'll have your choice of bodice, waistband, fabrics and three different skirts options.  Can I have one in every color, please :) Contact LulaKate at 843.805.7193 or by email, hello@lulakate.com to order!

Neon Wedding Details

If you told me you weren't loving every minute of neon making a comeback, I'd say you were lying through your teeth!  Not only am I enjoying adding pops of neon into my wardrobe, I get giddy every time I see it poke it's head into wedding decor.  We've rounded up some of our favorite options to inspire you to add a little neon into your Lowcountry wedding decor! I'm kinda head-over-heels for the invitations and cakes. Fab.