Because we clearly have Spring fever, and we are working on a new and exciting project that the mother of this bride is helping with, (our You Tube channel, stay tuned), today we are sharing this sweet and lovely wedding. The reception was at one of Charleston’s hidden gems, and there was definitely elegance but also graceful casualness that only hometown Charlestonians can offer. Photos are by both Gayle Brooker and Corbin Gurkin.
Traditional engraved invitations were accented with vintage sailing stamps as a nod to the yacht club where the reception was to be held.
A family heirloom locket held photos of the groom, so the bride could “see” him before seeing him at the church. While a mostly pale blue and green palette was chosen to reflect the water and surroundings, the bride wanted some sweet pastel colors brought in to brighten things. White tulips, perfect in Spring make happy boutonierres.
The bridesmaids wore varying pastel silk gowns by Lula Kate (available through Bella Bridesmaid),and carried perfectly plush bouquets of peonies, sweat peas, and tulips.
The bride and her maids got ready in her childhood home, which was a perfect backdrop for pre ceremony photos, especially with the family pup. The bride wore a custom gown by Carol Hannah.
Being a proper 6pm church ceremony, the gentlemen were in white tie and tails. All of the couples’ special little friends were honored as flower girls and ring bearers.
After the ceremony, the bride and groom rode separately to the reception (about 45 minutes outside of town) together to have time to reflect on the ceremony and the day. I love when couples can take some private time together.
Out of town guests were treated to the best of Charleston. The bride, who works for the Charleston CVB included locally made tea and sweet tea vodka minis. Along with cheddar biscuits her mother makes, and Charleston Benne Seed wafers.
Guests were treated to one of the best kept secrets with a reception at the Sea Island Yacht Club in the tiny coastal village of Rockville, SC.
The scenery here is hard to beat, river views, coastal marshland, and ancient live oaks.
A coastal map of the Lowcountry served as the couple’s guest book. Guests could sign well wishes, and the map is now framed and hanging in the couple’s home.
Bright greenery was used to cheer up the floral arrangements, as well as some of the quirky parts of the old yacht club. The mantles were such a great focal point, but obviously in warm months we didn’t need a fire, so we covered in lush greenery for more decor.
This cocktail reception offered local favorites like Crab cakes, mini chicken tarts, and a nod to the couples Mexican favorites- mini margaritas and tuna tacos.
Not being a seated dinner, displaying the food needs to be as thoughtful and elegant as the food itself. Stations on the grand porch had marsh views, and were tailored with lamplight and handmade signage. Our shadowbox bars were filled with gardenias, which all of the ladies just loved!
A floral cake by Jim Smeal was a show stopping centerpiece accented with family silver vessels of different spring flowers.
As the sun set, guests enjoyed the party both inside and out.
Wishing lanterns were released over the water as the couple left off of the dock by boat.
For a small luncheon or dinner party at home or elsewhere this set up would be most appropriate. I love using different style glassware for water, wine, etc. For our tables at many of our events, I don’t like the tables to seem too crowded, so we often eliminate the bread plates. Also, if the glasses start to seem crowded as well, you can find a glass that can be used for water, and then a “universal” wine glass vs. having one for red and white. 
