There are so many challenges that were overcome to put this beautiful day together. First, Covid hit and the world shut down. And, these two are Olympic Equestrian athletes and wanted to be finished with their events for the wedding. But, once the 2020 summer Olympics were postponed, their date luckily still worked with a rigorous training schedule. But, everything came together and gave this couple an amazing wedding day. Happy Anniversary Nicole and Charles. Also, thank you to Aaron and Jillian for the stunning photos. http://www.aaronandjillian.com
Lowndes Grove in Charleston, South Carolina is one of our favorite venues for a wedding, and you can see why.
A simple yet lovely save the date and invitation suite is created by Lettered Olive.
To add some personalization to the invitations, a watercolor image of scenery from Lowndes Grove is featured on the backside of the invitations. But, one of my favorite printed pieces from the weekend is the wedding weekend pack. Our weekend packs are sent to guests after the wedding invitations, and include invitations and details for the other weekend events. Here, the welcome party (after the Friday rehearsal dinner), the farewell brunch, bridal luncheon, etc. Also, the ceremony programs bring the same color palette and font from the invitations in, along with with wax seal.
And, because of Covid, wedding welcome bags feature custom made masks, and customized hand sani bottles. Along with local treats and goodies. And, of course, pretty tags by Lettered Olive, featuring the watercolor from the invitations.
The fall florals used we were able to get for their designs were so lovely. So many different textures, and variety in the rich color palette.
The girls get ready together at the venue. And, as a gift from the bride, the ladies wear silk robes for chic lounging during the day.
Here, a smoky blue anchors the color palette and is a surprising neutral. The rich reds and blush colors pop, and work so well with the guys’ navy blue suites.
Here, such a sweet sentiment as the bride’s brother walks her down the aisle.
I will never tired of the look on a groom’s face as the bride walks down the aisle.
The weather could not have been more perfect for them. And, the sweeping views of the Ashley River make for a stunning back drop. In keeping with the natural touches and Fall feeling, a woven jute aisle runner provides some formality for the outdoor ceremony.
After the ceremony, guests join the couple for a cocktail hour throughout the grand house on property. Of course, because of Covid, things looked a little different. Passed hors d’oeuvres are kept “safe” under mini cloches. Don’t forget the custom tray liners and cocktail napkins! And, individual champagne splits are such an elegant touch and huge hit with guests.
Also, during cocktail hour, guests find their dinner escort cards. A glam set up displayed in the dressy foyer of the house sets the perfect balance of formal and rustic. Here, we also bring back the green wax seals from the invitations.
Dinner is served under a simple tent on the front lawn. Rich blue velvet linens make the perfect backdrop for the punchy florals and wooden touches throughout. Guests are always blown away when they sit down to our velvet or suede linens.
Tabletop details include composed blends of florals, a mixed grouping of votive candles, and wooden touches in the chargers and table numbers. And, the place cards, individual blackboards on easels.
We like to make our head tables extra special. So here, a lush lemon leaf and floral garland act as an amazing centerpiece. Varying sizes of candles are perfect for the ambient lighting transitioning from daylight to evening. And, the seating is upholstered benches featuring custom pillows with the watercolor image from the invitation backing.
The after dinner lounge features an upscale natural feel. Bringing in live trees in fun pots helps define the space and create design elements with little effort. Again, linens and pillows are in our favorite suede fabric.
Here, we create a tailored look for the band and stage. We love hiding the front of the stage, and as much as the band equipment we can. We built a custom wooden stage partition and matching backdrop wall. This also helps create a lovely look for the first dance photos, and something interesting for this Fall affair. Also, Jim Smeal’s wedding cake features delicate icing flowers in the wedding palette.
Late night snacks and drinks are always a fun addition. Boozy milkshakes are passed, perfect for dancers working up a sweat. And, an assortment of the couple’s favorite junk foods is served at the “drive thru” station.
The couple says goodbye to their guests to sparklers and departs in a classic car.