Jacque {Inn at Palmetto Bluff Bridals}

I've said it before, but one of my biggest wedding regrets is not having bridal portraits taken.  It's just so necessary.  You get one good run thru of how you're going to look the day of.  You can test out your hair, your shoes and get a feel for your photographer.  It also gives you the time to capture some really beautiful (and frame-able) images and will free up precious wedding day minutes.  So, when my baby sister gets engaged one of these days, girlfriend's getting bridal portraits taken whether she likes it or not 

(Sorry, Emma, but it's happening!).

Jacque teamed up with destination wedding photographer, Kristin Vanzant for a gorgeous coastal bridal session at one of the Lowcountry's most stunning venues, The Inn at Palmetto Bluff.  The Inn's located in Bluffton, South Carolina which is just south of Charleston and right outside of Hilton Head Island and Savannah...and it is a sight!  It's the definition of the word 'Lowcountry' and is the perfect retreat for a destination bride looking for joyous weekend long wedding celebration.  On this low-key day in March, darling bride-to-be Jacque and Kristin Vanzant toured the expansive property from the tides to the Waterside Chapel for a timeless afternoon of photographs.

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 

Terrilyn + Scott {Naples Wedding}

The Charleston area is home to countless destination weddings every year.  

Couples are drawn to the city's rich history, timeless beauty, heavenly food and the indescribable Lowcountry ease.  A certain excitement and build up comes with a destination wedding, not just from the bride and groom, but the guests as well.  From the save-the-dates and weather to the local cuisine and stunning scenery, a destination wedding is a memorable occasion for all involved!

Destination photographers Luminaire Foto sent over Terrilyn + Scott's fabulous destination affair at the swanky Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida and we just couldn't wait to post it.  Terrilyn was glowing in her strapless gown and makeup from Hope Henderson Artistry that she accessorized with pearl jewelry and a gorgeous bouquet.  They used a vibrant palette of pinks and oranges that seemed very fitting of their palm tree rich venue.  Guests were treated to a sweet outdoor ceremony followed by a dazzling reception with amazing decor, lively entertainment from RW Music and a killer cake!

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

 

 Vendors

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, Naples  /  Photographer: Luminaire Foto  /  Makeup Artist: Hope Henderson Artistry  /  Entertainment: RW Music

Chelsea + Ryan {Florida Wedding}

I'm loving Chelsea + Ryan's classic Southern wedding at the rustic Lange Farm in Dade City, Florida. 

Lange Farm is a 233 acre horse farm with beautiful open fields and stunning oak trees...all of which provide the perfect backdrop for a charming wedding with that laidback Florida ease.  After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their bridal party toured the farms as Scott Kelsey Photography captured some droolworthy images.  Don't you just love this natural setting?

Vendors

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Lange Farm  /  Photographer: Scott Kelsey Photography

Britt Croft Wedding Photography Giveaway!

Our friend Brittani, of Britt Croft Photography, is in the midst of a huge wedding photography giveaway, and boy do I mean huge! (First place wins 8 hours of wedding day coverage, DVD, an online gallery AND an engagement session...yes,please!)  Entering is simple, just send Brittani an email telling her a little bit about yourself (see complete details here) and a sweet story about why you two deserve to win.  Myself and Sarah of Dodeline Design have been dealt the challenging task of helping Brittani determine the winner (and we couldn't be more excited)...so show us what you've got!

 

So here’s the nitty gritty:

To enter: Between December 19th and January 5th, send an email to britt@brittcroft.com with the subject: 2012 Wedding Giveaway and include the following information…

- You and your fiance’s name (or a friend and his/her fiance’s name! You can absolutely enter on a friend’s behalf so long as they are getting married in 2012!
- A short but sweet story about you two as a couple, something that makes you unique, something funny or special, or just flat out why you deserve to win
- Up to 3 photos of the two of you together
- Wedding date & venue/location(s)
- Just for fun: Your favorite way to spend your time together on the weekends?
- Contact information (email and phone)

How it works: Up to five finalists may be chosen by Brittani, Erin from A Lowcountry Wedding, and Sarah from Dodeline Design based off of their story submitted. A blurb from each story accompanied by an image will be put into The 2012 Wedding Giveaway album on the Britt Croft Photography Facebook page, and you send your friends to “like” your image between January 10th and January 24th. Remember they must first “like” the Britt Croft Photography page! The picture with the most likes by 6 p.m. on January 24th wins, the picture with the second-most likes wins 25% savings, and the following morning, one finalist couple will be chosen for a free engagement session!

What you could win:

1. First Place: 8 hours of wedding day coverage with Brittani, an online gallery for sharing with friends and family, a DVD of all final high-res images (500-800) with a personal print release, a complimentary engagement session

2. Second Place: 25% savings on wedding day coverage and add on’s if booked within 3 months

3. All finalists: 10% savings on wedding day coverage if booked within 3 months and one free engagement session given away to a randomly chosen (using random.org) finalist couple

Charleston Welcome Guide {Wedding Details}

When planning a Charleston wedding, more often than not, you'll probably be expecting quite a few out-of-town guests who aren't too familiar with the area.  To assist your wedding travelers, it's important to make sure they are aware of all the best attractions: restaurants, historical sites, shopping...you name it!  They can google the Holy City all day long but it's important to hear your recommendations to ensure they really get to experience everything Charleston has to offer.  It's your chance to show them why Charleston was your city of choice! Kristie from Say LULLOW Creative assisted Meghan + Jon in creating the perfect Charleston guide to welcome their guests.  The couple compiled some of their favorite places to "eat, drink and be merry" in varying price ranges that they thought their guests would enjoy.  Kristie has kindly offered our A Lowcountry Wedding readers a 10% discount on their very own Charleston guide.  To receive the discount, enter the coupon code SAYLULLOWLOWCOUNTRY at the Say LULLOW Creative Etsy Shop and make sure to contact Kristie for any custom products.

 

 

 

All images via Say LULLOW Creative