In June, Jules and I headed back down to idyllic Palmetto Bluff, SC to begin installation of a true southern-style wedding that has been a year-and-a-half in the making. We are happy to say that everything went just about perfectly, and are still reeling with good vibes from such a warm celebration of friends and family.
It is impossible not to be inspired by the rustic charm that Palmetto Bluff exudes, so we set about to harness that organic beauty in our design concept for Lauren and Dave. We knew right away that it would have to be all natural and indigenous materials: birch bark, cotton pods, magnolia leaves, and lots and lots of moss.
We accented the quaint chapel simply with white floral wreathes on the doors and small bouquets of cotton on each pew to keep the focus on the bride and groom. Sweet personal touches like the flower girl basket fashioned from the mother-of-the-bride's wedding gown, and musical selections that mirrored the bride's parents' wedding made the ceremony feel intimate and special.
Post-ceremony, a traditional Gullah Choir led the guests the short distance to the reception belting such Gospel standards as “Oh Happy Day” and “This Little Light of Mine” while Lauren and Dave rode off in their Cinderella Carriage for photos.
Our gorgeous sailcloth Sperry tent, set among the ruins of an old plantation home showcased at its center a 20’ live southern oak dripping with Spanish moss and hanging votives. After the wedding, the tree was donated by the bride and groom to the Palmetto Bluff conservancy to be planted on the property, forever bearing the "L +D" we carved into its trunk in their honor.
True to the southern way, guests were encouraged to graze and mingle leisurely throughout the evening by a mix of lounge vignettes, pub seating and traditional tables topped with birch containers and cut logs bursting with white flowers and magnolia leaf atop moss runners. Throughout the tent, framed photos from generations of family weddings adorned the tables as fun conversation starters and a sentimental tribute to the bride and groom's loved ones.
Elaborate food stations with wine pairings surrounded the tent, including an Italian station featuring heavenly mozzarella and sopresatta made fresh that day by a family friend. Each buffet was finished with a hand-drawn menu created by the wonderfully talented Nicki Sebastian to add a personal touch and reference the pen and ink drawings used on our invitation.
The fabulous Heather Hayes Experience (Heather is Isaac Hayes’ daughter!) had the dance floor packed throughout the entire reception and several encores, as guests traded their heels for white flip flops and danced the night away.
While the satisfaction of seeing it all come together so well is immense, it is often bittersweet to part ways with clients after such a long process. We enjoyed every minute of working with the sweet Daniels family, and wish Lauren and Dave a lifetime of beauty and love!
xo C.
photos: Clay Austin Photography
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