Google+ Real Wedding: Kristen + Charles - Southern Weddings

Southern Weddings

We have a gorgeous classic South Carolina wedding for you today.  The two were married at the {First Baptist Church} in Charleston with a reception at the {William Aiken House}.  The delicious dinner was catered by the {Fish Restaurant} with wedding cake by {Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal}.  The beatuiful floral arrangements were created by {Gathering Events}, Kristen’s bridal gown by {Melissa Sweet} and bridesmaids gowns from Charleston’s {Bella Bridesmaid}.  This wonderful wedding was planned by the amazing {Kristin Newman Designs}. Photography by {Marni Rothschild Pictures}. Thanks to Marni for sending these amazing images our way!  Happy Monday y’all!

How did the two of you meet? A lazy summer day on South Carolina’s Lake Murray turned out to be a recipe for romance! I was in graduate school at the University of South Carolina and Charles was living and working in Columbia. A mutual friend organized an outing on his boat and invited both of us; we’ve been inseparable ever since.
Describe the proposal: After a two-year courtship spanning Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, we became engaged in Charleston on September 20, 2006. We were living in Charleston at that time, and we frequently enjoyed taking long walks along the historic Battery (best known for its bevy of stately Southern mansions). Our walk in White Point Gardens that afternoon ended with a sunset proposal in the beautiful gazebo, one of my favorite places in Charleston. Charles had planned a romantic horse and carriage ride around the historic district to follow the proposal, and we toasted with champagne before the carriage dropped us off for a romantic dinner at my favorite restaurant, Magnolia’s. It was a perfect evening.
What attracted me to my husband was: His kind eyes, gorgeous smile, sense of humor, intelligence, and the fact that he was a total gentleman.
Why do you love your husband? He is incredibly respectful, loyal, honest, sensitive, and motivated, and he makes me feel like the most special, important and beautiful woman in the world.
A date we went on that we’ll always remember: We drove to Charleston from Columbia to have steamed oysters at Bowen’s Island restaurant. I had frequented the restaurant when I was in college, and I couldn’t wait to share it with Charles. To say that it’s a “dive” is a huge understatement, but luckily, Charles is up for any challenge! This was such a special date that I honored it by surprising Charles with an oyster-shaped groom’s cake, complete with a pearl. Next to the cake was this phrase: “Sometimes a gem is found in the most unexpected places.”
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? When the church doors swung open, I stood for a second with my Dad, took a deep breath and drank it all in; the music, the flowers, and my handsome husband-to-be at the other end of the aisle. I did not take my eyes off of his the entire trip down the aisle, and I will never forget the look on his face. Thinking of those few minutes of still makes my heartbeat accelerate!
The weather on our wedding day was: Scary at first, but ended up being perfect! When I woke up, I was disappointed that it was cloudy, but my photographer reminded me that it was the best light for photos. She was right—no squinting in any of the photos!
What was the design inspiration for your wedding? Just like the 19th century estate where our reception would be held, I wanted our wedding to be tailored and elegant, featuring polished Southern details with a vintage twist. A crisp color scheme of navy and white set the backdrop for shining crystal, all-white flowers and candles galore. In the early stages of planning, I told my amazing wedding coordinator Kristin Newman that I liked the feeling of beautiful things collected over time; she absolutely nailed it.
Favorite design element of your big day: The estate’s lavish dining rooms looked absolutely exquisite. Our “tablescape” was breathtaking; navy and white linens set off extraordinary all-white floral centerpieces enhanced by the soft glow of antique chandeliers. After dinner, the gardens were transformed into lounge-like “rooms” with vintage furniture, lots of white flowers and candles; from the tents hung glowing chandeliers and artistically draped luxurious fabrics.
Describe your wedding flowers: From the wedding party’s flowers to the centerpieces and site décor, all of our wedding flowers were white. The brisk whiteness of the French tulips was warmed by the almost-golden ivory of the roses and peonies; the subtle green tones of the sweet pea and hydrangea provided depth.
Describe the menu: Cocktail hour was held in the estate’s garden and featured various raw bar displays, a signature blueberry champagne cocktail, and scrumptious passed hors d’oeuvres including bacon-wrapped quail, tenderloin with horseradish cream, parmesan artichokes, fried oysters and bruschetta. After cocktail hour, guests moved inside the mansion for a three-course dinner of lobster ravioli bisque, pear and gorgonzola salad, and filet and crab cake duet with asparagus and risotto. After dinner, guests gathered around the estate’s gorgeously decorated pergola for the father of the bride’s toast and the cutting of the cake. Guests then enjoyed wedding cake, a gelato bar, an Italian dessert display and cordials as they danced the night away.
Describe your wedding cake: Wedding cake designer and baker extraordinaire Jim Smeal recreated the intricate pattern of my gown’s lace on the 5-tier cake; cake layers alternated between almond amaretto butter cake and white chocolate butter cake laced with raspberry. The cake sat on an heirloom silver cake stand in the estate’s pergola under a glowing chandelier.
Some special details of the wedding: At cocktail hour in the gardens, a charming table displayed beautiful navy and white note cards decorated with our custom monogram and stamped envelopes already addressed to us. Guests were invited to “send their thoughts and wishes to the newlyweds;” our wonderful wedding planner put them in the mail, and when we returned from our honeymoon in Napa Valley, our mailbox was full of beautiful, heart-felt notes. It was so special and uplifting to read through them together!
Also, our welcome gifts were spectacular. Upon arrival in Charleston, guests were greeted with a handsome wooden box burned with our custom monogram and the phrase “Welcome to Charleston.” The box was filled with champagne, Charleston pralines, key lime pound cake and other goodies tied with navy blue raffia. Also inside was a navy and white welcome booklet offering information about local restaurants and attractions and a hand-drawn map to the wedding events.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? Five months before the wedding, I accepted my current job, which required us to relocate to Florida … so our wedding became a destination wedding. Planning from afar was intimidating, but Kristin Newman and her team were my right hand, and they put my every concern to rest. My only worry then became keeping my gown clean as I traveled to and from Charleston for my bridal portrait sitting and then the big weekend.
Funniest moment? My sister and Matron of Honor told me about this later: at one point during the ceremony, she turned to hand her bouquet to another bridesmaid so she could fix my train, and when she turned around my flower girl was already fixing it! I guess she had been paying attention to what the “big girls” were doing!
Hardest decision you made in planning? My husband would say choosing the menu (all the food at our tasting was delicious!), but for me it was choosing the bridesmaids’ gowns. I knew I wanted a deep blue (I was afraid true navy would look like black in the photos), but choosing a style that everyone would be happy with was tricky! I chose Jenny Yoo because I had worn her pieces in other weddings and was pleased with the universally flattering designs.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Romantic, timeless and elegant.
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding? Make a list of things you love, even if they are not wedding-related. My inspiration list included books, movies, people
and places. It’s amazing how thinking out of the “wedding décor” box (beyond colors and flowers) can inspire you!
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? We just returned from a wonderful trip to Italy, and we’re planning a 1-year anniversary trip to Charleston. Other than that, we are enjoying life in south Florida and exploring its fantastic beaches, waterways and parks. We look forward to starting a family and one day returning to South Carolina.

Congratulations to Kristen + Charles.  We wish you the best and hopefully one day you two will end up back in South Carolina!

Written with love by Southern Weddings
16 Comments
  1. avatar Flower Design Jane reply

    I really love the choice of colour, everything looks so perfect, Congratulations to all involved

  2. avatar Teresa reply

    Wow, what an event! I love the idea of having guests send notes. So sweet.I’m trying to figure out what is pictured on the left, one row up from the bottom row. Is that an oyster?

  3. avatar Allison reply

    Absolutely love the decor!

  4. avatar GiGi reply

    I love the bridesmaid dresses, who is the designer?

  5. avatar Meg reply

    I love the bridesmaid dresses! Do you know the designer of them by chance? Thank you so much!

  6. avatar Elizabeth reply

    Quintessentially southern … gorgeous.

  7. avatar Anthony reply

    Wow, absolutely fantastic. Everything is stunning. Congratulations.

  8. avatar Laura E @ Southern Weddings reply

    Hi Gigi and Meg,The bridesmaid dresses are Jenny Yoo! Aren’t they fabulous?Laura E

  9. avatar Laura E @ Southern Weddings reply

    Hi Teresa,I am going to agree with you and say its an oyster! There even is a pearl in it. Anyone else have an idea?Laura E

  10. avatar Elizabeth reply

    I would assume that the picture is of the "oyster" groom’s cake that the article references. :)

  11. avatar Jamie T. reply

    One of the most elegant weddings…..and yes, the grooms cake was an oyster with a pearl….great symbolism!!

  12. avatar L reply

    Refreshing color scheme and design!!!! Bored with all the pink/green/orange.

  13. avatar Danielle reply

    This was a beautiful Wedding, with a beautiful bride and groom. Very elegant. I think that other brides to be would like to read about this Wedding.

  14. avatar Jessica reply

    As a couple this wedding truly defines them. They are elegant and Southern to the bone. Being able to share this day with them is something I’ll never forget!! I’m glad others are responding so well to my beautiful cousin’s big day!! Love you Krissy!!

  15. avatar Brittany reply

    Your wedding is absolutely beautiful! The bridesmaid dresses are exactly what I am looking for — especially the color! Does anyone happen to regognize the color or designer of these dresses? I see their from Bella, but I know they have a lot of designers. If anyone knows, please pass on the great tip!Congratulations!

  16. avatar Lindsey @ Southern Weddings reply

    Hi Brittany, Jenny Yoo designed the gorgeous bridesmaid dresses! I just love the jewel blue with crisp white. So elegant!Lindsey

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