Today on the bride to bride series, we have a special “professional” version, as our bride is a photographer in the wedding industry!  We had worked with her on several events, but this was our greatest collaboration to date, and we were so honored that Gayle Brooker entrusted us when planning her big day.  Having also assisted Liz Banfield on many wedding shoots, she couldn’t imagine not having her there to capture it all.

What was your favorite part of planning your wedding?

My favorite part was in the beginning when I was first seeking out inspiration. I looked everywhere and at everything. I found great inspiration from window displays and interior design magazines and books. Then I passed it all over to Soiree and they made the magic happen.

What was the biggest challenge during the planning process?

My mom really wanted to be apart of the planning and I think that was the hardest part. Helping her let go and hand it over to the professionals.

What do you miss the most now that it is over?

Since most of our friends and family live in different cities and states, it was so special to have them all here for our wedding weekend. There was so much love and support that surrounded us all at once.

What is the moment that when you think back on your wedding you remember the most?

Saying my vows and hearing the sounds of the paper butterflies blowing above us and the quiet moment alone Neilson and I took right at sunset.

Is there anything you would do over and what? Would you wear the same dress?

I would make sure my parents were right by the exit car to say goodbye to them and thank them at that last moment for the incredible weekend. Yes, I would probably wear the same dress but I would do my hair differently – closer to how I normally wear it.

Neilson and I were engaged on October 30, 2009. We went out in the morning on the boat to Caper’s Island for a picnic and I thought he was going to ask me out there but he did not. When we arrived back home, I opened the front door and the dogs were jumping all around excited to see us and there sat, in the middle of the foyer, a beautiful wooden box that he had made on top of stool. I picked up the box and turned around and there he was on his knee asking me to marry him. It was a perfect way for him to ask me – in our house, where we fell in love, with our dogs all around. We were married in April of 2010 at Lowndes Grove Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina.