Where do I even begin?! Kara and I hit it off from the get-go. Like myself, she is in the event planning industry, so her Type A personality was the perfect person to work with. She stayed on top of due dates and followed my 12 month check list to a T. She was such a wonderful bride to work with throughout the 10 months of planning!
Kara and Andrew met the summer before Freshmen year of Highschool, yes, they were high school sweethearts! Growing up in the same hometown in Massachusetts, the two began the start of an amazing relationship. As they grew up -- graduated high school, college, and then found their jobs, they moved to New York, where they currently reside. However, they knew they wanted the sweet Southern Charm of Charleston for their wedding festivities.
The day started off a little gloomy, but Kara's beaming personality didn't let that ruin her day. In fact, the rain barely showed that day and the sun came out to play. The girls started off their days getting pampered by Lashes & Lace and then hopped into their floral robes and headed out to drink mimosas -- poolside! Could that sound any better?
While the girls were finishing up their final touches, Andrew and the boys were enjoying a morning reminiscing on memories together, drinking some cold ones, and getting dressed and ready for pictures!
Charlie Martin Photography took Andrew and Kara near the water on the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina property, where the two exchanged the most epic First Look looking over the Charelston waterway -- the sky cooperated, with it's overcasting shadows making for some of the most beautiful First Look and Bride & Groom portraits I've ever seen!
The two romped around the resort for their portraits and enjoyed spending the day together. I love when couples opt to do a first look -- it gets all the nervous jitters out of the way, creates the most intimate moments together, and best of all, it allows for so much more time for all your portraits -- bride and groom, wedding party and family portraits. That way, after the ceremony, y'all can begin partying the night away!
Kara and Andrew had a large wedding party -- Kara's girls consisted of seven bridesmaids and Andrew's men consisted of thirteen groomsmen. The girls were adorned in pale blue dresses with different shades, styles and patterns that made for an amazing bridal party group. The men dressed in black tuxes, while Andrew stood out where a deep navy tux.
The two exchanged their vows and promises to one another looking over the water with the boats and docks in the background. Their families and friends traveled near and far to witness this celebration and everyone completed the ceremony with a loud holler and applause!
Cocktail hour to follow on the outside lawn of the Pavillion, where guests were welcomed with drinks at the bar and hors d'oeuvres. Some of the most tasty food was passed around at cocktail hour by the amazing catering staff at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina -- it consisted off: Fried Mac & Cheese Bites, Charleston Lump Crab Cakes, Seared Ahi Tuna, BBQ Pork Sliders, and Fried Oysters on the half shell. Yeah, I don't know about you, but my mouth is watering.
Inside the Pavillion, the room was adorned with dusty light blue linen napkins and linens draped on the tables, provided by La Tavola Linens. Candle lights, hydrangeas, and gold accents -- such as gold chivari chairs, votives, and chargers gave the room the perfect tough of metal accents. Duvall Events providing the mixture of light blue and white hydrangeas paired with tall heightened palm arrangements, really gave the room an overall fantastic dimension and design. This reception was screaming Charleston Charm.
The two finished up dinner, and then joined Charlie Martin Photography and Palmetto Coast Media out on the main dock for some sunset pictures as one last few moments of just the two of them, before they headed back inside to begin a night of dancing and partying.
DJ Wade with Other Brother Entertainment, kick started the reception and the dancing begun. The dance floor was packed all night long and by the end of the night, Kara and Andrew were lifted up in chairs by their favorite people. To conclude the night, was topping it off with sparklers down the pathway. Congratulations to Kara & Andrew, I wish you nothing but the best. XO
To check out an amazing video created by Palmetto Coast Media, see below!
THANK YOU TO THE INCREDIBLE VENDOR TEAM FOR MAKING THIS DAY POSSIBLE:
PLANNER: Nicki Paige Collection
VENUE: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina PHOTOGRAPHER: Charlie Martin Photography VIDEOGRAPHER: Palmetto Coast Media ENTERTAINMENT: Other Brother Entertainment | DJ Wade FLORALS: Duvall Events CAKE: Duvall Events RENTALS: Event Haus
LINENS: La Tavola Linens
HAIR AND MAKEUP: Lashes & Lace