Southern Wedding Engagement {Brittany + Skylar}

I always enjoy when couples include their pups in the engagement photos.  My two boys are like my kids and I really regret not having them join us...even though I'm pretty sure they would not have been half as well behaved as these two sweethearts.  But luckily for all of us, Brittany + Skylar just had to include theirs.  Our new friend, Southern wedding photographer Meg Baisden, spent a gorgeous New Orleans afternoon with the couple as they made their way through City Park.  They were blessed with beautiful weather, perfect light and a nice helping of Spanish moss (which any good Southerner can appreciate).  Hope everyone has a fabulous Charleston weekend! 

Kristeen + Rob {South Surrey Wedding}

I'm excited to share Kirsteen + Rob's lovely rustic wedding from Bella Johnson Photography ALL THE WAY from South Surrey, British Columbia!   On this cloudy Canadian afternoon, Kirsteen wore a simple yet classic gown (I love that neckline) that she matched with a pearl necklace and a spring-y bouquet of tulips (I love those, too.).  The couple married in a small ceremony at First United Church, White Rock and followed it up with a gorgeous photo session in Elgin Heritage Park.   Bella captured some truly beautiful and timeless images (I'm a sucker for black + white!).  You can see the pure emotion between Kirsteen + Rob.  They both look so genuinely happy and in love :)

wedding vendors

photographer: bella johnson photography  / location: elgin heritage park  /  ceremony venue: first united church, white rock

Hair {Lowcountry Wedding Style}

I would have to say our Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach brides know how to do wedding hair right.   They work with some of the Lowcountry's fabulous hairstylists to create soft, sophisticated wedding do's that have knack for looking perfectly effortless and timeless.  So if you're in need of some inspiration, check out A Lowcountry Wedding's favorite Wedding Day Hair Styles...

Jennifer + Jonathan {Southern Engagement}

Even though I have always been a fan of their old school bottling, I'm slightly ashamed to admit that I've never, EVER, tasted the inherently Southern concoction, Cheerwine.  Somewhere along the way my Southern upbringing seemed to miss that one which I think is only fair to blame on my parents' Midwestern roots.  Unlike yours truly, today's outdoorsy couple, Jennifer + Jonathan, have had many-a Cheerwine. 

The couple both hail from Salisbury, North Carolina (Cheerwine's birthplace) and decided to combine their love of their hometown, Cheerwine and canoeing in this gorgeous rustic engagement session.  Thanks  to our friends at Connection Photography, Joseph and Andrea, for sharing!

Lowcountry Weddings {Catering}

Is it just me or does mini food taste better?  Bite sized hors d'Oeuvres are the perfect sized morsel to serve your guests during cocktail hour.  They'll leave your guests with a taste of Lowcountry cuisine and have them begging for more by the time the main course rolls around.   We've rounded up some of our favorite appetizers to kick off your wedding reception and even a few late night snacks.  Jazz up your menu by adding a few of these options and your guests will be raving about it for years to come!

Charleston Engagement {Jeana + Stan}

This past Fall, our friends over at Chi Photography spent a lovely afternoon with Jeana + Stan as they gallivanted around Charleston's Waterfront Park.  With the Lowcountry as the backdrop, and Jeana + Stan front in center, Chi captured some truly Charleston-esque elements in these wonderfully vivid and perfectly photographed shots.   From the famous Pineapple Fountain and cobblestone roads, to the Cooper River Bridge and Charleston Harbor, we hope you enjoy this beautiful Downtown Engagement Session.

Inspiration Board: For Like Ever

Good morning to my Lowcountry ladies!  I've always loved the 'For Like Ever' poster (and what's not to like about it?), especially in these fun colors.  It's bright and cheery and would be so fitting for a jazzy Charleston affair.   It's the perfect palette for a lively, summer wedding...

Images via (1) Green Wedding Shoes, (2) Apartment Therapy, (3) Our Labor of Love, (4) DIY & Hair Dye, (5) Green Wedding Shoes, (6) Samantha Wills (7) Tilly and the Buttons, (8) My Sweet and Saucy, (9)The Sweetest Occasion (10)Gideon Photography via Amorology Weddings, (11) Samanthat Wills

Stevie + Trevor {Southern Wedding}

I can't wait for you guys to check out these vivid images the talented Evan of Purus Wedding Studios recently sent over.  The loving couple, Stevie + Trevor, wed this past Memorial Day Weekend in Luling, Texas (right outside of Austin) at the picturesque Hillview Ranch.  The combination of their rustic color palette, her stunning Alfred Angelo gown and perfect Summer light made for a day of enviable wedding photos.  I just can't properly put into words how beautiful all of these shots are, particularly the ones of Stevie + Trevor surrounded by the gorgeous Texas landscape as the sun begins to set.   Enjoy...

Images via Two Bright Lights

Southern Wedding Vendors

photographer: purus wedding studios  / gown: alfred angelo /  reception venue: hillview ranch   

Lowcountry Weddings {Specialty Drinks}

I'm a big fan of specialty drinks.  If done right, they're the perfect welcome to your reception, especially on a hot, Lowcountry evening.  The key is to find an appealing beverage that both women and men can enjoy but also something that won't scare off who usually aren't big drinkers.  Go for a cool drink with a little color (not to matchy-matchy) and something that is easy to produce in large quantities.  Take a look at some of our favorite Lowcountry concoctions from Charleston and Hilton Head and all the way to Myrtle Beach...

For those that may want to skip the alcohol, try one of these oh-so refreshing bevs...

Southern Wedding {Kate + Scott} Part II

If you missed Part I this morning, let me fill you in...Kate + Scott were wed on May 28, 2011 at the beautiful St. Patrick's Catholic Church followed by a perfectly Southern reception at Richwood Plantation in Milton, Kentucky.  While the men donned grey tuxes, the girls sported navy bridesmaids dresses accented with beautiful purple and white bouquets by In Bloom Again.   Oh, and my favorite part...the picture of Scott's impressive headstand and Kate's backhand spring, mind you! That would have ended in two faceplants if my husband and I would have attempted that!

Special thanks to Josh from Sunlit Images for sharing this sweet Kentucky Wedding!

Southern Wedding Vendors

photographer: sunlit images  / floral designer: in bloom again /  reception venue: richwood plantation   /  cake designer: mert's cakes / hair + makeup: blush on main /

Southern Wedding {Kate + Scott}

I'm in love.  Josh from Sunlit Images recently sent over Kate + Scott's sweet Kentucky Wedding and I could barely contain my excitement...and, actually, I may have gone a little overboard.  I love when photographers take advantage of the outdoor natural light and Josh did just that on this perfect Kentucky Day.  Sunlit Images captured so many darling shots of precious Kate and her handsome groom that I just HAD to turn it into a Two Part-er!  The couple were wed on May 28, 2011 at the beautiful St. Patrick's Catholic Church followed by a perfectly Southern reception at Richwood Plantation in Milton, Kentucky.  While the men donned grey tuxes, the girls sported navy bridesmaids dresses accented with beautiful purple and white bouquets by In Bloom Again.

Check back later this afternoon for Part II!

Southern Wedding Vendors

photographer: sunlit images  / floral designer: in bloom again /  reception venue: richwood plantation   /  cake designer: mert's cakes / hair + makeup: blush on main /

Brittney + Jarrod {Southern Wedding}

Brittney + Jarrod were married last October on a seemingly perfect day in Granbury, Texas.  Photographer Stephania Whitfield captured the charming couple say 'I do' in front of family and friends on the boardwalk at the Hilton Garden Inn Granbury.  Brittney went with a classic color palette of brown and pink and chose a flawless mix of calla lillies and hydrangaes for her bouquet.  Her chic David's Bridal gown was accented with a vintage birdcage veil while Jarrod looked sharp with a white tux jacket.  To see more of this wedding, check out Stephania's blog...

Special thanks for Stephania for sharing!

southern wedding vendors

photographer: stephania whitfield photography  / ceremony and reception venue: hilton gardon inn granbury   /  gown: david's bridal

Happy 4th of July!

A Lowcountry Wedding and this awesome guy want to wish you and your family a happy and safe Fourth of July!  Whether you're spending the weekend in Hilton Head, Charleston or Myrtle Beach, enjoy the water, have a fruitty beverage (or two!) and stay safe.  We'll see yall on Tuesday!

Shauna + Jeremy {Picnic Engagement}

In honor of the upcoming Fourth of July weekend here in Charleston, we wanted to share Shauna + Jeremy's picnic-inspired wedding engagement session.  The couple's love for ice cream (join the club!) and the perfect Ohio Summer day made for these beautiful vintage images by Connection Photography.  This shoot is pouring with flawless details.  From the red and white picnic cloth, the fitting book titles,  scrumptious cupcakes and oh-so perfect sunlight, this session captures Shauna + Jeremy's timeless love for each other.  Oh, and I just can't get enough of the over-sized letters in the field... precious.

Special thanks to Joseph of Connections Photography for sending these over!  Best of luck to the happy couple for a wonderful marriage and stress-free engagement!

Southern Wedding {Heidi + Aaron}

Recently, Raleigh photographer Carolyn Scott sent over Heidi + Aaron's April nuptials and I just couldn't wait to post this charming Spring wedding.  The couple said 'I do' at the Raleigh Rose Garden and couldn't have selected a more beautiful ceremony location.  With the gardens in full bloom, Kellie looked stunning in her strapless gown accessorized with a sweet birdcage veil, while the maids donned apple green dresses that perfectly complimented this springtime affair.  From there, they moved the party to lovely Sheraton Raleigh Hotel where they enjoyed the rest of the evening surrounded by the Raleigh skyline. 

The groom's mother and uncle were dealt the colossal task of arranging the bouquets and flower arrangements after a storm in the South delayed the shipment of the wedding flowers..I think they did a fabulous job!

Carolyn captured the happy couple perfectly throughout the day with refreshing, vivid images.  Check out her informative blog post on the big day.  She gives great tips on location selections and the best time of day to take pictures.

Southern Wedding Vendors

photographer: carolyn scott photography  / ceremony venue: raleigh rose garden /  reception venue: sheraton raleigh hotel   /  music: paul fitts /

Part II: Lowcountry Plantations

  In our effort to better assist Charleston brides in choosing the perfect vendors and venues for their big day, we've started rounding up a list of the local  Lowcountry Plantations (see Part I here).   This week we're highlighting properties from Pawleys Island down to Yemassee...a few that even date back to pre-Civil War days.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Situated on the banks of the Ashley River, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens offers three beautiful venue options, as well as, two sites for outdoor ceremonies and multiple spots to tent.  The different locations welcome parties ranging in size from 50-400 guests.  With an array of flowers in bloom every season, the Gardens  provide a breathtaking backdrop for a picture perfect wedding day

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens 3550 Ashley River Road

Charleston, Sc 29414

843.277.0167

Jessica Cruz - Event Sales Manager

events@magnoliaplantation.com

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Litchfield Plantation

 If you are looking for a venue that can provide the quintessential Lowcountry cuisine, a healthy dose of Southern hospitality and grounds lined with majestic live oak trees, Pawleys Island's Litchfield Plantation is calling your name.  Dating back to the 1750's, this coastal rice plantation sits on 650 beautiful Lowcountry acres which lends itself to gorgeous images and a relaxed environment.

Litchfield Plantation

24 Avenue of the Oaks

Pawleys Island, SC 29585

843.543.3146

Terry Belanger - Sales Manager

admin@litchfieldplantation.net

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Turkey Hill Plantation

This family-owned 5th-generation plantation, is widely known as a "sportsman's paradise".  Nestled deep in the Lowcountry, Turkey Hill Plantation and the surrounding area are entrenched with American history from Revolutionary War to Civil War and even lending a hand in WWII.  With its luscious scenery and versatile venues, this secluded plantation makes for a stunning backdrop.

Turkey Hill Plantation

2215 Long Haul Road

Ridgeland, SC 29936

 Courtney Smith - Hospitality Directory

courtney@turkeyhillplantation.com

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Richfield Plantation

Built in 1875, Richfield Plantation has been immaculately restored by the great-great-grandsons of original owner, John White Gregorie.  Located in Yemassee, South Carolina, the large oaks make for a beautiful, laid back scene and help to keep the grounds cool even on a hot summer day.

Richfield Plantation

25481 Pocotaligo Road

Yemassee, SC 29945

843.200.5065

Gail Lane - Sales

info@richfieldevents.com

Around the Blogs

After a featuring some gorgeous Charleston weddings this week, we are looking forward to a beautiful weekend here in the Lowcountry.  Take a look at some of our favorite posts on our weekly blog round-up...

Todd and Cyndi's gorg wedding via Love and Lavendar.   Loving the bridal party's attire and this soft color palette.  Check out more here.

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Over on Ruffled, this inspiration shoot was featured full of homegrown wedding ideas.  I can't get enough of these rustic paper goods by Magpie Paper Works.  They would be perfect for a Hilton Head wedding, don't ya think?

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Our friends over at One Stylish Bride featured Beth and Dan's Australian Peacock Farm wedding.  I love the girls' brightly colored dresses and the guys' casual but stylish attire...perfect for a coastal, Myrtle Beach wedding!  Besides being gorgeous, this wedding seemed so effortlessly cool.

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I'm a big fan of this preppy, coastal inspiration board I ran across on Postcards & Pretties.   It's all about the stripes!

Lowcountry Wedding {Cakes}

I love how wedding cakes are the focal point of a reception.  It's like they're that final piece that ties everything together and I've been running across some truly beautiful ones recently and I just had to share with my favorite Lowcountry brides.  The South Carolina coast is home to some of the most-sought after cake designers in the country and we're glad they choose to bless Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach weddings with their masterful creations.  There are some that are classic, some that are fascinatingly intricate and a few I've never seen before....Enjoy!

Lowcountry Weddings {Charleston Wedding Weekend Venues}

We've been getting loads of questions from Lowcountry brides-to-be asking for local venue recommendations, not only for their ceremony and reception (check out last week's post on Lowcountry Plantations), but also for different properties that can accommodate your wedding weekend events (think bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners, the post-wedding Bon Voyage brunch...oh, and let's not forget showers and engagement parties).  So, to better assist our Lowcountry ladies, we'll be posting weekly on different venues around town...

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We're going to kick off this series by highlighting our friends over at Maverick Southern Kitchens who, in addition to the restaurants we'll highlight below, are the brains behind Charleston Cooks! and Slightly North of Broad, which is lovingly referred to as S..N.O.B. The team at Maverick's pairs high-end food with Lowcountry charm for a one-of-a-kind Charleston wedding celebration.

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Old Village Post House

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Located just over the Cooper River Bridge, in the cozy Old Village of Mt. Pleasant, the Post House prides itself on being "As comfortable as your best friend's home."  Pair that feeling with flavorful food, a great cocktail and Southern hospitality and you're bound to have a memorable Lowcountry affair.  With two separate dining areas, ranging in capacity from 20-75, and a relaxing courtyard area, the Post House can accommodate any of your Charleston wedding weekend venue needs with style.

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101 Pitt Street

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

(843) 388-8935

kschebil@mavericksouthernkitchens.com

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High Cotton

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Maverick's second gem, High Cotton, is found in the heart of Charleston, off East Bay Street, and is known for its distinctive cuisine, impeccable decor and remarkable wine list.  Its ability to show guests what Charleston dining is all about doesn't hurt either.  With three stunning dining rooms ranging in capacity from 32-150, High Cotton is sure to provide your Charleston wedding guests with a truly sophisticated Lowcountry experience.  

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199 East Bay Street

Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 724-3815

jstjohn@mavericksouthernkitchens.com