Navy Dunes West Club Wedding from Monika Gauthier Photography

We fell in love with Lauren a few weeks ago when we featured her dreamy Middleton Place bridal session that the wonderful Monika Gauthier Photography captured.  Well, as luck would have it, her gorgeous Dunes West Club wedding made it's way to my inbox and it's everything I thought it would be.  With a navy and silver color palette, this Lowcountry celebration includes a gorgeous bride, hand painted programs, lovely natural light!

Tell us a little bit about how you guys met…

Dave and I met at college our freshman year at University of South Carolina. The girl that lived in the room next to mine, my freshman year, was a friend from his hometown in Massachusetts. Throughout freshman and sophomore year we would run into one another, but it wasn’t till junior year that we started dating.

Over break our junior year Dave randomly called me to see if I would look at an apartment for him. Since he was in Massachusetts and I was in Columbia I told him I would. As a “thank you” he took me on a date to California Dreaming and we were inseparable ever since.  We have been dating going on eight year now and we are loving it!

Let's hear all about the engagement!

We got engaged in the Dominican Republic on October 18^th, 2012. We were vacationing at a resort in the Dominican Republic and having a wonderful time. The second night of our vacation we went to dinner at the most beautiful restaurant at the resort, La Yola. The restaurant was on a dock over the water with no walls. There were only a few people at the restaurant, probably four other tables.  The restaurant had a four-piece Dominican mariachi band that played for us all night. We had great food and awesome wine, and as the night went on I kept asking Dave if we could get up and dance. Finally after we had eaten our dinner, Dave caved to my persistent request ;-) and we went to the dock near the water and slow danced to the music from the band. While we were dancing Dave was saying the sweetest things and he got on one knee and asked if I would be his wife. I cannot express my sheer happiness at that exact moment and of course I said yes! While we were hugging, crying, laughing, and kissing, our server brought over some champagne, and the few people in the restaurant all cheered. Our server even took pictures of Dave proposing to me! I later learned that Dave arranged pretty much the whole night... the music, the dancing, the camera, our server, and the delicious champagne.  It was so absolutely wonderful.

We LOVE your beautiful Lowcountry Wedding Venue!  What was it about Dunes West that sealed the deal?

We loved the view of the marsh!  We also liked the style of the club house, the walled garden for the ceremony, and the customer service from Jason Hanson.  They made the wedding planning process at the venue very easy, and were super accommodating about which vendors we brought in, decorations, etc.

Out of the entire day, what was the most memorable moment?

Walking down the aisle towards Dave for sure! There was so much emotion on Dave’s face and I couldn’t look away!  He was getting teary eyed and it took everything in my power not to “ugly cry” right then and there.   It was also an amazing feeling to walk towards the person I’m going to marry and be surrounded by all of the people we love and who love us.

What’s your favorite picture from your wedding and why?

                To be honest I have several favorite pictures! It’s hard to choose just one, so I’ll give you my top three.

• While we were getting ready, Monika captured a picture of my mother hugging me. I love this picture because it captures the emotion of my mom beautifully. I’m so happy to have this picture.
• After the ceremony, Monika captured a picture of me and Dave walking back down the aisle. I love the one of us both looking at the camera. We are both so happy and this picture shows it! When I look at this picture I can feel exactly how I felt that day! It’s an amazing feeling.
• For the portraits there are so many I love!  One of my favorites is the one where I’m wearing the fur and Dave is whispering in my ear. I’m looking up slightly and smiling. I love both the back and white and color version. Brings back good memories!

To have and to hold in case you get cold – Since our ceremony was outside and in February, we offered to the guest blankets, pashmina wraps, and hand warmers.  That way they could snuggle up during the ceremony outside in the walled garden.

new:  My dress and earrings.  The earrings were a gift from Dave.

Something old and borrowed: For Something the ceremony I borrowed my friend’s, Ashley Lyles, silver fox fur.  The fur was also used at my friend, Amber Maeda’s, wedding.

Something blue: My shoes.  They were navy blue Badgley Mischka.

Tell us all about the details!  Did any have special meaning? What was your favorite?

                We had many details at our wedding, and listed below are a few of our favorite:

• Jalapeno Pepper Jelly – These were the party favors (and we had NONE left!).  As a hobby Dave grows a vegetable garden, so we used the jalapeno pepper he grew to make this jelly.  The recipe was Dave’s grandma, who is no longer with us, so we labeled the jars “Mama Frances Jalapeno Pepper Jelly”.  Jalapeno Pepper Jelly is amazing on pork and brie.

• Coloring Books – We had a lot of kids at our wedding, so we wanted to do something special for them. I created a coloring book (including drawing all of the illustrations) and published it through the company I work for, CreateSpace. We were able to dedicate the coloring book to our four nephews and niece.

Guest count:  We had 185 guests attend

Color Palette:  Navy and silver

Programs – Dave’s mother is a local artist, and she painted in water color of our wedding venue.  We used the painting on the front of the programs. We wanted to be able to incorporate a piece of her beautiful artwork into our wedding.

Tell us a little bit about your menu…

                The menu included:

• Apps: Sausage stuffed mushroom caps, Silver dollar ham biscuits, Baked brie and crackers and a Vegetable display

• Dinner Stations: Shrimp and Grits, Carving station with sirloin steak and ham, Pasta station with penne with red sauce and tortellini with cream sauce,  Caesar salad station

 Most valuable piece of advice you’d give to a newly engaged bride:

Even though your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, it’s only one day.  Do not get too stressed over the details of the day, it’s only one day!  Even if things don’t work out like you planned it’s okay and it will still be perfect because you are marrying the love of your life.

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Venue:  Dunes West Golf & River Club  /  Photographers:  Monika Gauthier Photography & Design  /  Reception Band:  The Coastal Breeze Party Band  /  Ceremony Music:  John Wiley  /  Bridal Shop: Jo-Lin’s Bridal  /  Cake:  Jaclyn Story  /  Bar & Catering:  Dunes West Golf & River Club  /  Florist: Pretty Petals and Jenny McCullough  /  Wedding Favors:  Homemade  /  Programs:  Homemade + Artwork by Jeny McCullough  / Make-up: JONNY COSMETICS  /  Hair: Lo's Hair and Makeup  /  Invitations:  Morgan East, Bridesmaid  /  Planners, & Rentals: Jessica Martin, Wedding Planner  /  Rehearsal Dinner:  Water's Edge Restaurant  /  Officiant: Kevin Roberts from VOW – He was absolutely FANTASTIC! We receive so many compliments on how amazing he was.

Middleton Place Bridal Session from Monika Gauthier Photography

We're gearing up to start Volume 2 of A Lowcountry Wedding Magazine, which is scary and exciting all at the same time.  So, for all of our favorite vendors, keep shooting these beautiful Lowcountry weddings and prepare to get your submission on!  We're in the market for the perfect Coastal weddings, awesome Southern details and jaw-dropping photography.  Photography like you'll find in today's dreamy Middleton Place bridal session from the talented Monika Gauthier Photography.

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Monika Gauthier Photography  /  Venue: Middleton Place  /  Florist: Pretty Petals of Charleston  /  Makeup: JONNY COSMETICS   /  Hair: Lo's Hair and Makeup

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Dying to see more Lowcountry Wedding inspiration?

Check out the premier issue of A Lowcountry Wedding Magazine featuring 13 of our favorite coastal celebrations including:

-Christine + Derek’s Elegant Omni Hilton Head Wedding

-Jennifer + Carl’s Grande Dunes Ocean Club Wedding

-Brian + Ashley’s Creek Club at I’On wedding

Harbour Club Wedding {Jenny + Jim}

For the sake of everything taking place in the Lowcountry this weekend, I’m crossing my fingers that the weatherman’s right and we’ll be knee deep in some sunny, Spring weather!  To cap off this first week in April, we’re bringing you a Downtown Charleston wedding at the one-and-only Harbour Club photographed by Kayla Jones Photography.  Jonny Cosmetics made sure the bride and her maids were all dolled, while Charleston Flower Market created heavenly bouquets of sunflowers and calla lilies.

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer:  Kayla Jones Photography  /  Floral Designer:  Charleston Flower Market  /  Makeup Artist:  Jonny Cosmetics  /  Event Venue:  Harbour Club

Lighthouse at Shem Creek Wedding {Jennifer + Dane}

A few of our favorites, Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt and Sweet Grass Events by Stephanie Gibbs, teamed up for a rustic affair on Shem Creek that is sure to have every Lowcountry lady pinning away all these Southern details!  Thanks to Jonny Cosmetics and Wedding Hair by Charlotte, Jennifer dazzled in a strapless ballgown from Amy Lee Bridal.  The adorable couple tied the knot at the stunning Cathedral of St. John the Baptist before heading over to the Battery to capture some frame-able images of the bridal party.  The celebration kicked off at the Lighthouse at Shem Creek where guests were greeted to a pink and white color palette with touches of birch and sweetgrass roses.  They sipped on pink lemonade, dined on cuisine from Cork Bistro, raved over the boiled peanut bar and enjoyed a few rounds of cornhole!

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt  /  Hair Stylist:  Wedding Hair By Charlotte  /  Caterer:  Cork Bistro   /  Event Planner:  Sweet Grass Events By Stephanie Gibbs  /  Reception Venue:  Lighthouse at Shem Creek  /  Dress Designer:  Amy Lee Bridal  /  Cake Designer:  P.I.E. Bake Shoppe  /  Ceremony Location:  Cathedral of St. John the Baptist  /  Makeup Artist:  Jonny Cosmetics  /  Tuxedo and Mens Attire:  Joseph A. Ban

Charleston Bridals {Shannae}

We are counting down the minutes until our Fourth of July celebrations get started and to kick off this extra long, holiday weekend here in the Lowcountry, we're sharing Shannae's Downtown Charleston bridal session from Nadean of Gene Ho Photography.  She donned a breathtaking, Maggie Sottero gown from Bridal House of Charleston that boasted a timeless silhouette and gorgeous, lace sleeves...that we just can't get enough of!  The talented duo of Affair Hair by Tanesha and Jonny Cosmetics made sure this Southern Belle looked her best with the perfect combination of hair and make up.

Middleton Place Bridal Session by Monika Gauthier Photography

Monika Gauthier always does a fabulous job of making our hearts skip-a-beat, and this time she's done it again with Lauren's Lowcountry bridal session.  Bride Lauren is breathtaking in a strapless gown with a soft sweetheart neckline.  Her hair was pulled back into a soft up-do by Lauren Campion, while her makeup was done by Jonny Cosmetics and Jonathan Sherwood.  Pretty Petals designed a beautiful white bouquet to accent one gorgeous bride!

Charleston Wedding Vendors Photographer: Monika Gauthier Photography | Florist: Pretty Petals | Makeup: Jonny Cosmetics, Jonathon Sherwood | Hair: Lauren Campion

Dying to see more Lowcountry Wedding inspiration?

Check out the premier issue of A Lowcountry Wedding Magazine featuring 13 of our favorite coastal celebrations including:

-Christine + Derek’s Elegant Omni Hilton Head Wedding

-Jennifer + Carl’s Grande Dunes Ocean Club Wedding

-Brian + Ashley’s Creek Club at I’On wedding