Carolyn + Alex met in Washington D.C., they both grew up in different areas of Virginia, but now Charleston is home for good! Because of this, they wanted to show all their friends + family the beauty, charm, and history of downtown Charleston, while still adding their own unique style. So, to the Governor Thomas Bennett House they went and put their own spin on everything, with the help of Rebecca Woodland Weddings.
Carolyn shares: Charleston is unique in that it is steeped in history, maintains its traditions and old school appeal, but also has an undeniably fresh, modern, and laid-back approach. We LOVE this. It’s what drew us here and what we tried to capture and share with the modern, organic design touches layered on top of a historic venue. We specifically brought in the coastal and garden themes to represent the two of us. Alex is a surfer and grew up around beaches and water his whole life, so we made sure to include watercolor tones of blue and green.
Let’s take a peek at all the snaps Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay captured!
The Details
Caitlin Alderfer captured the beauty of the venue in this darling invitation suite.
Would you take a look at those glam Joie kicks?!
The Wedding Party
Babes in blush, neutrals and pastel hues! Who else adores this look?
Carousel
Carousel
Elizabeth, the photographer shares: A little note/shout out to the wedding planner, Rebecca—at the last minute, Carolyn realized they were short one bridesmaid bouquet. Rebecca is a quick thinker + pulled some extra pampas grass leftover from the altar design and made (or had the florist on site make) a bouquet with that.
Since it was totally different than everyone else’s, she suggested the MoH carry it, so it looked like it was purposefully setting her apart rather than a last-minute whoopsy. I personally thought that bouquet was a super cool touch and am glad it worked out that way. Happy little accidents! :)
The Ceremony in the Garden
You’ve probably already gathered this, but we’re BIG fans of pampas grass here at GWS!!
The Governor Thomas Bennett House in Downtown Charleston is a unique antebellum venue that encompasses all the charm the historic city has to offer. Dating to 1825 the home boasts a beautiful one-story piazza to take advantage of the ocean breezes, an oyster tabby reception lawn with a walled fountain, and stunning gardens surround the property.
Processional: Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
Recessional: You Are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
First Dance: River by Leon Bridges
Oh, and that STUNNING dress? It’s the ‘Geneva’ gown by Katie May Brides from Lovely Bride Charleston.
Flowershop put together brilliant bouquets with soft orange pops and a little bit of playful texture with the pampas grass.
The Newlyweds
How dreamy is this swing lined with greenery?
Carolyn shares: Our first look was the most emotional moment of the day. The Thomas Bennett house has an incredible, unique, staircase which I walked down. I could then see Alex out the main door to the piazza, facing out towards the garden.
I walked through the parlor and onto the piazza, tapped him on the shoulder, and as soon as he turned around his reaction was just amazing. Seeing him tear up was crazy! (This man is not a crier). It was also so hard to keep my dress a secret, that the final reveal was just amazing!!!!
Plan the day for yourselves, and don't hesitate to go for each and every special detail that makes the wedding feel like "you!" My favorite things looking back are the little details that felt personal and fun and unique to us, like our friend's sunglass company, Nectar, gave all the groomsmen matching shades, the groomsmen's linen ties and shark clips, individually chosen bridesmaids dresses, my crazy velvet and rhinestone shoes, the surfboard guestbook, the pampas grass "altar," mixed, patterned tablecloths, and magical hanging chandeliers over the dance floor!
The Garden Party
The signage was simple + chic with acrylic plates and darling white lettering.
How gorgeous are the tables with that blue linen and soft orange pops from the florals?
Brushstrokes mixed with a splash of gold, and a pop of florals for good measure…isn’t this cake creation from ABCD Cakes a delight?
Plan the day for yourselves, and don't hesitate to go for each and every special detail that makes the wedding feel like "you!" My favorite things looking back are the little details that felt personal and fun and unique to us, like our friend's sunglass company, Nectar, gave all the groomsmen matching shades, the groomsmen's linen ties and shark clips, individually chosen bridesmaids dresses, my crazy velvet and rhinestone shoes, the surfboard guestbook, the pampas grass "altar," mixed, patterned tablecloths, and magical hanging chandeliers over the dance floor!
Congratulations to the two of you!!
photography: Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay // venue name: Governor Thomas Bennett House, Charleston, South Carolina, USA // event design: Rebecca Woodland Weddings // planning: Rebecca Woodland Weddings // florals: Flowershop // wedding dress: Katie May Brides 'Geneva' // wedding dress boutique: Lovely Bride Charleston // bride's shoes: Joie // bride's ring: Diamonds Direct // hair stylist: Paperdolls // makeup artist: Paperdolls // groom attire: Generation Tux // groom's ring: Manly Bands // videography: Artifice Films // paper goods: Caitlin Alderfer // catering: Salthouse Catering // cake: ABCD Cakes // desserts: Browns Court Bakery // furniture rentals: Ooh Events // linen rentals: La Tavola Fine Linen // music: High5 Band // officiant: Gracefully Wed Officiant // lighting: AV Connections // escort sign + table numbers: J Lily Design // tent: Skyline Tent Company // transportation: Charleston Rickshaw
I am trying so hard to find these shoes. UGH! anyone have a name of the style? I really REALLY love them and can’t find them on Poshmark!
What a beautiful location for a wedding ceremony