LAUREN & JUSTIN
A Thomas Bennett House wedding in Charleston, SC
Lauren & Justin were both in the finance industry, working for the same bank in 2010 when they found themselves in a week-long training session in Brooklyn. As the class drug on throughout the week, Justin couldn’t help but notice the beautiful brunette in the front of the classroom, and during a quick break, he introduced himself in the hallway. Later that evening, the entire class headed to the Empire Hotel for happy hour and, as luck would have, the two shared their first kiss. Even though sparks flew that fateful summer week, Lauren & Justin took the time to get to know each other before making things official. In fact, it wasn’t until months of casually meeting for dinner and drinks that they officially became a couple.
In November of 2013, the travel-loving pair made their first trip to The Holy City and immediately fell for the city’s spellbinding charm, so much so, that they tossed around the idea of eventually marrying in Charleston. They returned again in 2015 with the hopes of enjoying the historic architecture, friendly locals, and Southern cuisine but left with so much more. To Lauren’s surprise, Justin popped the question on November 11th at Waterfront Park, followed by celebratory rooftop drinks at The Market Pavilion Hotel.
As for their wedding, the New Yorkers considered keeping the festivities close to home but the Lowcountry was calling them back South. So, two months after their engagement they embarked on a venue-scouting trip in South Carolina and quickly knew it was where they were meant to be. Hoping to find a venue that embodied their vision of Charleston, they selected The Governor Thomas Bennett House to host their fall wedding. On November 11, 2016 (exactly one year after they became engaged), the destination duo returned to The Thomas Bennett House, this time with 120 guests in tow, for their perfect Lowcountry wedding.
While some decisions, like city and venue, were easy to make, Lauren struggled when it came time to find her perfect gown. “I felt that my venue allowed for any style which was a blessing but also made my search more difficult,” explains Lauren. After trying on more than 80 dresses, she finally decided on an Ines di Santo design that she customized to her liking. “When I put it on the morning of my wedding, I felt like I was glowing,” describes Lauren. She paired the sleek silhouette with soft curls, natural makeup, and a soft pink lip. Her nine bridesmaids wore their choice of gown in a neutral color palette of gold, champagne, or rose. Forgoing the first look, the couple stuck with tradition and opted to see each other at their ceremony. For their vows, the couple selected St. Patrick’s Catholic Church — a historic church in Downtown Charleston — where Lauren’s hometown priest flew in to preside over their nuptials.
To create her garden-inspired vision, Lauren enlisted the talents of Lindsey Boyce and Abby Frye of A Charleston Bride. Together, they used a color palette of grey, dusty blue, and cream, dotted with copper accents and greenery details, to create the ethereal atmosphere Lauren had in mind. “Choosing the décor was probably my favorite part of the wedding,” recalls Lauren. Vintage lounge furniture set the stage for the romantic evening while hand-lettered signage and organic centerpieces continued the airy vibe. As guests arrived to the reception, they were greeted by a slew of miniature passed hors d’oeuvres from Cru Catering, including clothespin charred octopus tacos, lobster rolls and fried green tomatoes with smoked tomato caramel and pork belly, as they sipped Prosecco and Rosé. The couple skipped the traditional guest book in favor of an old card catalog which guests stuffed with loving responses for a happy married life. In addition to the crowd-pleasing, dinner menu of short-rib beef wellington and pan-seared grouper, the crowd indulged in a Southern-style bourbon bar — a favorite of the groom. After a beautiful rendition of the Lumineers “Hey Ho” for their first dance, the party was off and running with the help of the couple’s band, A-Town A-List. “We still have guests telling us they were the best band they’ve ever heard,” remembers Lauren. “We knew our guests had the time of their lives, just like we did, and we could not have asked for anything more!”
To create her garden-inspired vision, Lauren enlisted the talents of Lindsey Boyce and Abby Frye of A Charleston Bride. Together, they used a color palette of grey, dusty blue, and cream, dotted with copper accents and greenery details, to create the ethereal atmosphere Lauren had in mind. “Choosing the décor was probably my favorite part of the wedding,” recalls Lauren. Vintage lounge furniture set the stage for the romantic evening while hand-lettered signage and organic centerpieces continued the airy vibe.
As guests arrived to the reception, they were greeted by a slew of miniature passed hors d’oeuvres from Cru Catering, including clothespin charred octopus tacos, lobster rolls and fried green tomatoes with smoked tomato caramel and pork belly, as they sipped Prosecco and Rosé. The couple skipped the traditional guest book in favor of an old card catalog which guests stuffed with loving responses for a happy married life. In addition to the crowd-pleasing, dinner menu of short-rib beef wellington and pan-seared grouper, the crowd indulged in a Southern-style bourbon bar — a favorite of the groom. After a beautiful rendition of the Lumineers “Hey Ho” for their first dance, the party was off and running with the help of the couple’s band, A-Town A-List. “We still have guests telling us they were the best band they’ve ever heard,” remembers Lauren. “We knew our guests had the time of their lives, just like we did, and we could not have asked for anything more!”
The couple skipped the traditional guest book in favor of an old card catalog which guests stuffed with loving responses for a happy married life. In addition to the crowd-pleasing, dinner menu of short-rib beef wellington and pan-seared grouper, the crowd indulged in a Southern-style bourbon bar — a favorite of the groom. After a beautiful rendition of the Lumineers “Hey Ho” for their first dance, the party was off and running with the help of the couple’s band, A-Town A-List. “We still have guests telling us they were the best band they’ve ever heard,” remembers Lauren. “We knew our guests had the time of their lives, just like we did, and we could not have asked for anything more!”
CHARLESTON WEDDING VENDORS - Ceremony Venue: St. Patrick Catholic Church ll Reception Venue: The Governor Thomas Bennett House ll Photographer: TIMWILL Photography ll Event Planning & Design: A Charleston Bride ll Floral Design: Stephanie Gibbs Events ll Gown: Ines di Santo ll Hair & Makeup: Charlotte Belk ll Groom’s Attire: Enzo Custom ll Catering: Cru Catering ll Cake: Cakes by Kasarda ll Tent: Sperry Tents ll Rentals: Snyder Events, Ooh! Events ll Invitations: Sweet Magnolia Paper ll Calligraphy: J.Lily Design ll Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen, Nüage Designs ll Lighting: AV Connections ll Ceremony Music: Jessica Minahan White ll Band: A-Town A-List from Sam Hill Entertainment ll Transportation: Charleston Style Limo, Lancaster Bus ll Videographer: Inkspot Crow Films ll Officiant: Father Ravi Dasari ll Rehearsal Dinner: Poogan’s Porch
