Yellow and Blue Chesapeake Bay Wedding from Britt Croft Photography

There are two things I really like: 1)Weddings (obvi!) and 2) The coast.  So, when I get to combine both I'm a pretty happy gal and, luckily for me, that happens on a regular basis and today it's no different!  Our pal Brittani of Britt Croft Photography recently shot Lindsey + Chris' Chesapeake Bay wedding and has ever-so graciously decided to share this gorgeous eye candy with us!  The couple tied the knot on The Pier at North Beach this past October under a clear blue sky in front of all their friends and family.  After, they kept the party going at a private residence with a tented reception decorated in a preppy yellow + blue color palette.  If this doesn't make you want to head to the water then I don't know what will!

Vendors

Photographer: Britt Croft Photography  /  Catering: Wyvill Catering  /  Ceremony location: The Pier at North Beach  /  Reception location: A private home in North Beach  /  Bride's dress: David's Bridal

Pink + Green South Carolina Wedding from Emily Lapish Photography

It's Friiiiday and we're wrapping up this week with an effortless Carolina Lowcountry wedding from the talented Emily Lapish Photography.  The bride, Crystal, went with a preppy, Southern color palette of pink and green for her Fall affair.  Her maids were outfitted in pink, strapless gowns that were accented with soft, green hydrangea bouquets.  The couple tied the knot in a sweet outdoor ceremony in front of friends and family before continuing the celebration with fabulous music, food and adorable burlap details! Crystal + Nat's love story spans eleven years and includes many tales of missed chances and attempted introductions. Thanks to Crystal for filling us in on all the details: "2010: the year God changed my life forever. I had been on more dates that I could count with dismal results to say the least. I had cried myself to sleep more nights that I care to admit to anyone and I was slowly slipping into the abyss of despair. One Sunday morning at church something changed. I saw Nat. I knew who he was and I desperately wanted to go over and say something. I called a friend the next day and casually asked about him. She took it upon herself to give him my number, but I didn't hold my breath that he would call...they never called. This time was different, he did call. He wanted to meet me for dinner. "At the end of the best date of my life - full of laughter, conversation and, to put it mildly, magic - he said the words I had always wanted to hear: "Can I see you again?" The next couple of months were like nothing I had ever experienced. He was what I had always dreamed of. Kind, attentive, fun. Everything I needed and had ever wanted. In November, after 6 months of bliss, my fairy tale came true. Nat Dinkins got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. Through the tears and laughter I, of course, said yes!! In October 2011, I put on the white dress and veil that every girl dreams of wearing. I walked down the aisle to the man of my dreams. A man that loves me, protects my heart, and gave me the love I felt was out of my reach. In front of our family, friends and God, we began our life together. With God as center, we'll embark on the journey we call life. Our happily ever after."

South Carolina Wedding Vendors

Photographer:  Emily Lapish Photography  /  Caterer:  Catering For All Occasions  /  Musicians:  Jennie Eggleston, My Gentle Harp  /  Invitation Designer:  The Ink Basket  /  Dress Store:  Southern Brides

Red and Teal Wedding Inspiration from Jeray and Kim Weddings

Even though the weather has been overly fabulous the last few months (poor Winter barely got to say hi this year!), we officially welcomed Spring this week (along with loads of pollen!). While Spring has made itself nice and cozy, I have a feeling our hot, humid friend Summer we'll be setting up shop in the Lowcountry before we know it.   Which I'm okay with because you know what comes with Summer months?!  Bright, spunky colors!  Our friends over at Jeray and Kim Weddings teamed up a newlywed couple for a fun, vintage day-after session designed by Brier Rose Design.  With a vivid red + teal color palette, the couple was able to relax for an easy going inspiration shoot filled with darling props and beautiful natural lighting!  We're kind of obsessed with a red and teal wedding palette!

Hair {Wedding Details}

It's no secret that I'm a little obsessed with Pinterest  and once a week I like to share some of my favorite finds with all of you beautiful Lowcountry brides!  We're pretty blessed with a slew of talented hair designers who regularly create soft, elegant  wedding do's that are always very fitting of our brides and with all the buzz around Charleston Fashion Week, I can't help but daydream about all the stunning hairstyles we'll see this Saturday at the Charleston Weddings Bridal Show.   So to prepare everyone for what's to come this weekend, have fun drooling over this fabulous round up!

Danielle + Adam {Jekyll Island Wedding} Brooke Roberts Photography

Who's up for a little slice of Lowcountry wedding heaven? Anyone? Anyone?...Bueller?  Well don't worry your pretty little heads because, as usual, the talented team at Brooke Roberts Photography has quite the treat for us today.  After Adam popped the question to his beautiful bride-to-be Danielle, the Chicago residents jumped right into the mix of wedding planning.  They quickly settled on an intimate Summer affair off the stunning Georgia coast.  They said their 'I do's' in a quaint ceremony at the Faith Chapel on the grounds of the Historic Jekyll Island Club.  After, the newlyweds slipped away for some images along the shores of the dreamy Driftwood Beach.  They continued the celebration at Latitudes 31 Restaurant on the Jekyll Wharf as guests enjoyed the jaw dropping surroundings and fabulous food!

Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Brooke Roberts Photography  /  Ceremony:Faith Chapel at Jekyll Island Club  /  Florist: Winn Dixie  /  Hair Stylist: Studio 412  /  Dress: David's Bridal  /  Reception Venue: Latitude 31 Restaurant  /  Cake Designer: mary a daniels

Lowcountry Centerpieces {Wedding Details}

I think it's the warm weather, or maybe it's the fact I tend to get lost in a sea of Pinterest pinning amazing one-of-a-kind centerpieces like a crazy person. Either way, now that Spring wedding season is upon us, I just had to share some of these beauties with yall,

Heritage Plantation Wedding in Pawleys Island from Richard Ellis Photography

Pawleys Island is a hidden gem on the Lowcountry coast.  It's a short drive from Myrtle Beach and just North of Charleston.  It's home to the stately Heritage Plantation, a beautiful wedding venue situated between the Atlantic coast and the laid back Waccamaw River and it was the perfect spot for Ashley + Scott's Fall affair.  Ashley went with a classic neutral color palette that florist, Tommy Newman, translated into gorgeous ceremony and reception decor.  The Plantation was a picturesque backdrop for their dreamy day and our fab friends at Richard Ellis Photography were on hand to capture every single moment.  After a touching ceremony, the guests were treated to dazzling evening under the Spanish moss with a cool Lowcountry breeze.   Thanks for sharing your beautiful Heritage Plantation wedding!

Myrtle Beach Wedding Vendors

Photography: Richard Ellis Photography  /  Florist: Tommy Newman  /  Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Heritage Plantation  /  Planner: Jennifer Aiken  /  Cake Designer: Pawleys Island Bakery  /   Entertainment: Heartbeat of Soul

Coastal Folly Beach Wedding Engagement from Chi Photography

Alright, who's up for a gorgeous Lowcountry engagement session at the beach?!  This girl!  Then let's get started with the latest and greatest in all things Lowcountry weddings!  Head on over and check out the premier issue of A Lowcoountry Wedding where you'll find the top 13 Weddings from Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach, so head on over and enjoy every minute of it here.  Our lack of winter has me yearning for Summertime and long days relaxing on Folly Beach, so what better way to satisfy my craving (and probably yours, too!) than with an easy-going session along the coast!  Folly is a casual, coastal town just minutes from Downtown Charleston and is the perfect spot for bride's looking for a laid back beach wedding.  Blessed with a perfect day by the water, the talented Chi Photography captured Haley + Robert in their element with stunning oceanside views.  What a Beautiful Folly Beach Wedding Engagement!

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Venue: Folly Beach, South Carolina  /  Photographer: Chi Photography

Specialty Drinks for Southern Weddings in Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach

Wedding season is upon us and for all of you Spring and Summer brides looking for the perfect tasty libation to welcome your guests, look no further!  We've rounded up plenty of options.   Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach are blessed with the beautiful Lowcountry landscape that lends itself way to jaw dropping wedding venues that offer one-of-a-kind views on the water.  These coastal spots will naturally put wedding guest into a celebratory mood, so your choice of food and beverage needs to share the same spirit.  Welcoming your guests with a killer specialty drink will get the party started!

Blood Orange Margarita

The Brooklyn Beauty

Raspberry Beer Cocktail

Pineapple Mint Rum Punch

Pomegranate Spritzer

Meyer Lemonade with Rosemary

Blackberry Sage Cooler

...and who could forget our favorite Lowcountry specialty?

A John Daly - Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka and Lemonade

Oceanside Edisto Beach Wedding from Julie Napear Photography

Hope everyone enjoyed a rainy weekend with friends at the Charleston Wine + Food Festival!  We're back at this week with a laid back, oceanside Edisto Beach wedding from the talented Julie Napear Photography.  Edisto is a beautiful coastal jewel that is about an hour from Charleston and two from Hilton Head...it's the perfect location for a low-key affair with some seriously breathtaking views.   The couple, Adrienne + Sean, met while living in the Bay Area and decided a Lowcountry wedding was a must for their August nuptials.  They wanted something simple and touching and that's exactly what they got!  Their ceremony was held on the beach with standing room only before they headed back inside for an evening of dancing.

Megan + Steve {Charleston Engagement} Emily Horton Photography

To put it simply, T. G. I. F.   The Lowcountry's in for quite the weekend; Spring is unofficially here, the temperature's clocking in around 80 and the Charleston Food + Wine Festival has set up shop in Marion Square...is it 5 o'clock yet?  I can barely contain my excitement.  To get this party started, we're riding off into the weekend with this smashing Charleston engagement session from the talented Emily Horton Photography.   The couple, Megan + Steve, reside in Washington D.C. but couldn't think of a better place to have their wedding then beautiful Charleston, South Carolina.  They spent the perfect Fall afternoon gallivanting around the Battery and Waterfront Park to capture some gorgeous, sun-drenched images.  BTW,  if you’re in the market to be inspired, and we mean REALLY inspired, then you’ll love the 13 real weddings we’ve featured from Hilton Head, Charleston and Myrtle Beach!   So, mosey  on over and swoon over all that the Fall/Winter edition has to offer.   Check it out and get your copies here.

Charleston Weddings {A Charleston Bride} Brittani

So our friend Brittani, a Charleston Bride, of Britt Croft Photography, is planning her big Charleston wedding this coming September.  I asked her if she'd take us on the journey as she blogs her way through all things wedding planning, right up until her fabulous Lowcountry Wedding!  Today, it's all about her photographer.  Take it away, Britt...

"Hi ALW! It's been a while, but I've been truckin' along with my wedding to do list! Last time I wrote, I chatted about selecting our Charleston wedding venue.  I get so excited when I think about it because I just know it's so "us" and will set the perfect mood and backdrop for our big day.

Probably the most important thing to me, naturally, was the photography. Everyone has different priorities, but for us, the photography is what will take us back years down the road. It's how we'll remember so many of the thing that flew by that day, or that we were too busy to think about. Our wedding album will become a family heirloom that we will pass along to our children and grandchildren. Photography was definitely at the top of the list in terms of importance. Along with the venue and food (also so important to us), the photography was also a big chunk of our budget.

As a wedding photographer myself, people have asked me from day one of our engagement who would shoot our wedding. "Surely you must have chosen that first!" people would say. Nope. Sure didn't. In fact, the decision stressed me out A LOT. It was SO important to me that I was terrified of making the wrong decision...so I put it off and put it off, but after we booked our venue, I really had to buckle down and discuss it with Dustin before the awesome photographers I loved booked up for our date.

I spent a ton of time thinking about it. There are so many photographers whose work I love that I didn't know how I could choose. I finally narrowed it down to three. I thought some more. I browsed portfolios, blogs, etc. I tried to get a feel for personalities and such. I thought about it even more. I wanted someone with us on our big day that I felt I could relate to. I know that on your wedding day, you spend a lot of time with your photographer. I wanted someone who used light beautifully...that is SO important to me! I wanted someone who told a story, who would appreciate us wanting to do a first look, would pay close attention to details and the personalization we plan to add to our Southern wedding, and who put a lot of emphasis on bride and groom portraits. Portraits of my handsome southern man and I on our big day is so important to me because I know those will be some of the most powerful and intimate pictures from the day. Just us...loving being in love. I thought some more. I figured I needed a plan of action...I needed to prioritize my list and see who was available. Well, I decided who was my number one choice and emailed yer. Yup! She was available for September 15th! Yay! We chatted a bit about the day and soon after were officially booked!

So...who'd we choose? Well, the sweet Katelyn James. After doing all that thinking...this wedding in particular really sold me: Buddy & Jill . There was SO much that was just so relatable about it. Buddy's looks and handiness reminds me of Dustin in a lot of ways...and of course the whole cozy country theme and "farmers wife" thing was perfect. We knew from the beginning we wanted our whole wedding party to wear boots, too, and I just loved the whole mood and vibe of this wedding. We really felt like Katelyn would know how to work with us and shoot our kind of wedding. We can't wait to see how she tells the story of a day we are so eager to be here. Anddddd...we are getting super excited about our engagement session! It'll be here before we know it in April and it will be so special to have some truly authentic professional portraits of us just being us.

So what happened next? Well, we booked our caterer, DJ, AND I just recently found my dress!!! I thought the latter would be a stressful and exhausting experience, but it was anything but. I can't wait to share about those next two steps with y'all in the next few weeks! :)

Seersucker {Wedding Details}

We're in the midst of gearing up for quite the wedding season here in the Lowcountry and with that comes one of our favorite Southern elements...seersucker!   When the weather gets warmer, seersucker is the fabric of choice along the coast and it's no wonder brides feel the need to doll up their Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach and Charleston weddings with this classic material into their wedding day decor.  You'll most commonly find our Southern grooms donning a seersucker suit but it's not unusual to see it accessorizing lovely invitations or gorgeous bouquets.  From favors and gowns to bridesmaids dresses and linens, we've rounded up a sampling of our favorite ways to include seersucker in your Lowcountry wedding!

Southern Weddings {Leigh + Doug} Texas Women's University

So, first thing's first, Charleston Fashion Week is right around the corner and you know what comes with CFW!?!  The Spring Bridal Show, of course!  Saturday, March 24th, Charleston Weddings Magazine is bringing to life all of our favorite gowns from the top local and regional designers.  Doors open at 10:30 am (and don't be late because complimentary cocktails are only from 10:30-11!) and the show begins promptly at 11:15.  Not only will you be privy to all the latest fashions, but you'll have the opportunity to tour the lounge where you can sip cocktails, sample sweets from some of Charleston's most sought-after wedding vendors and shop, shop, shop!  Tickets start at $45.00 and can be purchased online here.  If you are newly engaged this is THE place to be! I know you gals all love your Southern weddings, so go ahead and get your Pinterest ready because Leigh + Doug's big Texas bash will have you pinning like crazy...and it doesn't hurt that the amazing LongBrook Photography hit this one out of the park!  Bride Leigh is just adorable.  I love everything about her.  The dress, the hair, the bouquet...everything is spot on. They held their big Southern wedding at Texas Women's University which they filled darling personal touches.  Leigh enlisted the talents of Lyons' Share Weddings to pull off a fabulous affair with tons of elegant details with a sweet vintage aftertaste.

Southern Wedding Vendors

Photographer: LongBrook Photography  /  Event Designer: Lyons' Share Weddings  /  Event Venue:Texas Women's University  /  Video, DJ, Lighting: A Very Special Day  /  Photo Booth: 4 Flashes Photo Booth

Southern Weddings {Burlap} Wedding Decor

Who's got two thumbs and like a little burlap wedding decor!? THIS GIRL!  I mean, isn't it obvious? :)  I remember the first time I saw this Burlap + Bling inspiration shoot (see above and below!) from Nashville Photographer, Kristyn Hogan and the team at Cedarwood Weddings, my jaw dropped right to the floor.  Ah-maz-ing!  I remember thinking, if only I had seen this before I got married.  I'm pretty sure I would have translated every ounce of this shoot into some aspect of my Charleston wedding decor.  There's just something about burlap all dressed up that I can't get enough of.  It's easygoing, classic, beautiful...it just screams Lowcountry.  From serving trays to invitations, I've bundled up some of my favorite ways to incorporate burlap into your fabulous Hilton Head wedding.  Hope you enjoy!

{Katie + Allen} Charleston Wedding Engagement

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend and was able to take in a few SEWE events!   Our friends over at MCG Photography sent over Katie + Allen's classic Downtown Charleston wedding engagement session and it's just the thing to kick off this sunny Monday morning.  Katie is a student at the College of Charleston and just had to incorporate her love for the Holy City into lifelong memories with her soon-to-be husband, Allen.  The couple started the afternoon on campus, steps from the historical Cistern, then continued throughout the city as they stopped at Hank's Seafood Restaurant (where they had their post engagement celebration!), and up on a rooftop overlooking the Lowcountry.  Best of luck on the upcoming wedding!

I love this one.  Perfect weather, smiles and a steeple in the background...

Fly Home Married {Destination Wedding Contest}

Ok, so how does this sound?  Reserve your dream Charleston, Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach wedding venue (think Lowndes Grove, Hibernian Hall, Cassique, William Aiken...the list goes on!), buy your fabulous gown, one that will make any Southern bride swoon, book your plane tickets and then...FLY HOME MARRIED!  Not bad, eh?

Well, you're in luck.  Nathan Peel Photography has rounded up a group of truly talented vendors to offer you the destination wedding of your dreams and all you have to do is enter (check out the rules below).  That's it. But don't wait, the deadline is this Friday, February 17th.  So, get crackin'to win your free Lowcountry wedding!

The lucky couple will receive...

Photography – Nathan Peel Photography ($8500 value)

• 12 hours of coverage on your wedding day by 1 photographer
• Day After Session for perfect couple/bridal portraits
• 10 spread leather album
• Digital Negative DVD of wedding and portrait session
• Up to $1500 paid travel budget for photographer

Stationery – Five Dot Design ($1000 value)

• A credit will be applied to the final balance of your wedding stationery package.
• This can be used towards Save the Dates, your invitation suite, reception pieces like programs, favors and thank you notes.

Planning – Blue Dahlia Events ($750 value)

• 3 sessions of expert planning advice to assist you with your destination wedding planning: budget, style + design, travel, timeline, etc.

Makeup - Brideface ($125 value)

• Custom DIY makeup consult to help you create two looks.
• *if couple isn’t local or plans to hire an artist on location then a gift basket with product of equal value will be sent.

$10,000 toward the destination wedding of your dreams…not too bad, huh?

Here’s how to enter:

Round 1:

1. Send an email to contest@nathanpeelphoto.com. Round 1 entries will be accepted through email only. All Facebook, Twitter, blog comments, etc will be disregarded.
2. Include couple’s names, wedding date, wedding location and wedding venue. (A booked wedding venue and date will be valued highly.)
3. Include a 100-200 word blurb (keep it short!) about you guys as a couple. We’re looking for insight into your personality.
4. All Round 1 entries must be received by noon on February 17, 2012.

Round 2:

1. 10 finalists will be selected and contacted by February 18, 2012.
2. Finalists will be asked to submit a picture and a short description of their wedding.
3. Voting will be opened to the public via online poll.
4. Voting will close at noon March 1, 2012. The finalists with the most votes wins.

Fine Print:

1. All finalists will be selected by Nathan Peel Photography.
2. A wedding will be considered as a “destination” wedding at the sole discretion of the photographer.
3. If you have already contracted a photographer please consider your contractual obligations before entering.
4. Current NPP couples are not eligible.
5. Votes will be handled via secure online poll.
6. Photographer travel will include 1 coach plane ticket, 3 nights of lodging on site, transportation and food.
7. If $1500 budget is exceeded the winning couple will be responsible for extra expense.
8. Wedding date availability will be taken into consideration when selecting finalists.
9. To protect the integrity of the contest wedding vendors above reserve the right to disqualify any entry at any time