If you're considering keeping your guest list short and sweet (think under 50 guests), then we suggest you take a peek at Shannon + Adam's destination wedding. The Knoxville, TN couple made the trek to Charleston, SC and invited forty of their nearest and dearest to enjoy the late Summer afternoon. They relied heavily on Charity Honeycutt of Honeybee Events to design an intimate, outdoor affair and the end product was the perfect August day with a coastal-inspired, neutral color palette. They met under the oaks (where close friend and NASCAR driver Trevor Bayne was on hand) to exchange vows before an open-air celebration at The River House! Thanks to Red Boat Photography for snapping all the details.
Tell us how you met: We met in college while attending our last year of nursing school. We both have a passion for helping other people, and the medical field was a perfect fit for both of us. Adam now does pediatric surgical nursing, while I do adult emergency and trauma nursing.
Proposal Details: We knew shortly after we began dating that we would get married some day. Adam proposed in a restaurant that I had been asking him to take me to. He reserved a private room for just the two of us. I was so surprised!
How did you select your venue? My mother and I traveled to Charleston from Knoxville, TN to select a venue. We knew that we wanted a coastal wedding, and Charleston was the perfect fit for us. We had appointments to view several different properties, but cancelled all of them as soon as we went to Lowndes Grove. It was everything I had dreamed of and more.
Describe your hair and makeup: Both my hair and make up were done by a local artist, Alicia Piper Bryant. She is a cutting expert at Salon Visage located in Knoxville, TN. She has been my life long friend through many trials and triumphs, and I wouldn’t have trusted anyone else.
Tell us how you found your dress... My mom and a few other family members accompanied me to a store called White Lace and Promises here in Knoxville. I tried on a Stella York gown and was immediately in love. I have chosen to keep my gown to this day.
Did you decide on a first look? Why or why not? We did not. It was important for Adam to see me just as I was walking down the isle. I am so glad we did this. We have spent a majority of our time together not getting caught up in fads, and we appreciate doing things “the old fashioned way”. All photos together were done after the ceremony.
Ceremony Site + Personal Details: Our ceremony site was on the lawn directly in front of the river house, with the reception inside the river house. It was an amazing set up with the river directly in our background. Adam’s father married us, which was beyond special for both of us.
How did you decide on your aesthetic + color palette: We wanted Neutrals that would compliment the coastal setting.
Tell us all about the décor: The décor was all made possible by our lovely wedding coordination, Charity Honeycutt with Honeybee Events located in Knoxville, TN. Every piece at our wedding was carefully pieced together by Charity.
What was on the menu for the evening? Lowndes Grove caters it’s own food, which is a plus! We had butter pecan shrimp skewers, crab dip, fried chicken, a mustard barbecue, along with a variety of side dishes for our guests.
Describe your flowers and the blooms that were included: Floral arrangements were made by, Gathering Floral and Event Designs. Hydrangeas, peonies, roses, and other seasonal greenery used.
The Favors: Our favors were a tribute to Shannon’s only son that passed away in 2011. Each guest had a card at their place setting that stated, “Shannon and Adam have made a donation in your name to the Tim Tebow Cure Hospital in memory of Shannon’s son, Brady.”
Best Piece of Advice for Brides-to-be: ALWAYS hire a wedding planner. I would have been so overwhelmed without one. She made my day flawless.
What are you plans and goals as a newly married couple? We have had an abundantly blessed marriage this year, and are now expecting a little boy!
Love the look of Shannon + Adam's Lowndes Grove Plantation wedding? Check out the CHARLESTON WEDDING VENDORS who created it...
Venue: Lowndes Grove Plantation ll Photographer: Katie Sams with Red Boat Photography ll Event Planning & Design: Honeybee Events ll Florist: Gathering Floral + Event Design ll Videographer: Justin Johnson ll Catering & Cake: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group ll Gown: Stella York ll Hair & Makeup: Alicia Piper Bryant with Salon Visage ll Accessories: White Lace and Promises ll Shoes: Ralph Lauren ll Tuxedo: Saks fifth ave. ll Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals ll Ceremony & Reception Music: Jay Maxwell's Music by Request ll Rehearsal Dinner: Hymans ll Officiant: Todd Clapp
Having your wedding in Charleston, SC? Check out our favorite vendors and venues? Oh, and if you need help securing guest rooms for your wedding, let us help you secure your hotel group blocks!
