Kristen + Jonathan {Hawkesdene House Wedding}

Before we jump right in today fabulous Southern affair, we had to tell you about a new resource for all things travel in Charleston.  Our friends over at the uber-luxurious Charleston Place Hotel have started up a new blog, Hidden Charleston.  Whether you're a lifetime local or Lowcountry newbie, this is your guide to the most talked about dining establishments, favorite watering holes, one-of-a-kind events and all the historic hotspots.

Normally, I like to write a little somethin' somethin' about the weddings that we post but  I just love what Louisiana photographer Claire Elyse had to say about Kristen + Jonathan's destination wedding that I thought I'd let her share today.  So, from Miss Claire Elyse herself...

"Kristen and Jonathan’s wedding was one of those where I found myself counting down the days ‘til show time! It may have been because the wedding took place in the mountains of North Carolina, or perhaps because the bride and groom brought all the best of Louisiana to meet those mountains. It was all that and more. The details of this wedding were stunning, and even the vendors were the perfect mix of fun-loving South Louisiana meets breath taking North Carolina mountain highs. Jonathan proposed to Kristen in Andrews, North Carolina, so it was only appropriate to pack up the dress, cake, family, and bar and make a vacation out of it. The Hawkesdene House was one of my favorite venues to work with. The owners matched elegance with comfort. From the flowers, to one of Zoe’s Bakery’s masterpieces, to Abita Blues playing the requests of the bride and groom mixed with their own style. Kristen dreamt an amazing day into reality."

 

Vendors

Photographer: Claire Elyse Photography  /   Venue: Hawkesdene House  /   Floral Designer: An English Garden  /   Hair Stylist: Barbers and Bombshells  /  Dress Store: Southern Bridal  /   Band: Abita Blues Band  /  Cake Designer: Zoe's Bakery 

Stripes {Wedding Decor}

We've been loving how many brides have incorporated stripes into their wedding color palettes.  Stripes are the perfect preppy and coastal addition to any girl's wedding decor...and let's face it, we love all things coastal and preppy here in Charleston.  We've rounded up quite a few of our favorite ways to incorporate some stripped accessories into your Lowcountry Big Day!  They range from linens and invitations to bridesmaids dresses and favors...

Image by Brooke Images via Southern Weddings

Image by Jesse Leake via Style Me Pretty

Image via Once Wed Photography by Erin Hearts Court
Event Design and Flowers by La Partie Events

 

Image via Rifle Paper Co.

 

Image by Kellie Kano Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image by Anne Marie Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image via Coco + Kelley
 
Image via Martha Stewart Weddings and Ocean House Weddings

Image by Agnes Lopez via Style Me Pretty

Image by Jose Villa via Southern Weddings

 

Images by One and Only Paris Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image by Genevive McKeiver via Style Me Pretty

Image via M. Robin Cakes

Image via Southern Weddings and Matchbook

Image via Anne Robert Photography

Samantha + Scott {Pawleys Island Wedding}

Just up the road from Charleston, on the South Carolina coast, there's a little gem of town called Pawleys Island.  It's the epitome of a Lowcountry lifestyle...fresh seafood, laidback locals, Southern charm and the perfect mix of the ocean and marsh.  It's those qualites that Northeastern natives Samantha + Scott wanted to share with their wedding guests.  The couple had recently relocated to Myrtle Beach and wanted their wedding to reflect their love for their new Lowcountry home.  Samantha looked like the perfect Southern bride thanks to her gorgeous strapless gown from The Little White Dress and her fabulous up-do from R. Lozier Signature Salon.  They selected the Reserve Harbor Yacht Club to host their ceremony and reception and this new wedding venue did not disappoint.  One of our favorite photographers, Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt, did her usual fabulous job capturing the Lowcountry entire affair.  Their elegant poolside reception looked stunning with the help of a talented team of vendors, Greenskeeper Florist and The Trestle while Steve & Company kept the guests up and moving all night long!

Vendors

Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt  /  Reception Venue: Reserve Harbor Yacht Club  /  Hairstylist: R. Lozier Signature Salon  /  Floral Designer: Greenskeeper Florist  /  Dress Store: The Little White Dress  /  Cake Designer: The Trestle  /  DJ: Steve & Company  /  Transportation: Carolina Limos  /  Officiant: Simple Wedding Day