Is it just me or does it look like this wedding was a rocking good time? Huge smiles, fresh mint mojitos and a grit bar are also major indicators that this was an affair not to be missed. J & J Photography captured all of the Southern festivities that were comprised of a ton of fabulous DIY details and ended with horse-drawn carriage riding off into the night. You know we love a great exit around these parts and there is more, more, oh so much more in the gallery so hightail it on over there stat.
Click here to see the entire gallery of images!
From the Bride…He was right under my nose! Traxler and I met multiple times growing up. Our parent’s were friends and every once in a while we crossed paths. The last time we saw each other, it was apparent that fate had something much stronger in mind for the two of us. After one year of long distance, and two more years in Charleston, SC, Traxler asked me to marry him. And I said, “Yes!”
Traxler and I collaborated, and with our North Carolina upbringing, our new home in Charleston, and our love for the mountains, we figured it out. A southern wedding in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina all with a rustic/elegance theme. That’s right, tuxes and horses! Although we had a strict budget to stick to, I remained optimistic. For I am a bargain hunter! My ultimate goal was to obtain all the extravagant details for a third of the cost…or something close to it.
After checking the big items off the list, the event site, the church, the photographer…it came down to fitting in all the details. I scoured magazines, books, and blogs (thanks SMP!), to find the perfect final pieces to our matrimonial puzzle. Etsy became my new best friend, where I found all of my jewelry, gifts, and accessories. My aunt was the florist, the cinematographer was my theatre teacher from high school. The gorgeous cake was made by a very close family friend, who also DIY’d the table numbers, and helped me with my DMOIY “Do Most of It Yourself” invitations, from Lani Blue Stationary. My sister’s talented artistry was seen on many of our DIY projects as well, like the mirror which she transformed into the dinner menu, and the river rock table numbers. We were truly amazed at everyone’s phenomenal talent, and are beyond thankful for their love and hard work!
Some of my favorite touches of the day included: Mason jars, mojito’s (worth every effort for bulk fresh mint), grit bar complete with shrimp and andouille gravy, church ceremony, a “grooms-lady” live mountain music , LED hoola hoops, and a horse-drawn carriage exit under the stars. We had hope and perseverance, and yes there were quiet a few bumps along the road, but to our delight, it truly was the best night of our lives. Everything we wished for, tied together with music, dancing, and our favorite people. What a great time!
Wedding Photography: J & J Photography / Wedding Cinematography: Dreamlight Films / Event Planning + Design: The Bride + Groom / Flowers: Beverly’s of Midway (Brides Aunt) / Event Day Coordinator: Hidden River Events / Ceremony Location: All Souls Cathedral / Reception Location: Hidden River / Invitations: Lani Blue Stationary + Etsy / Bride’s Shoes: Benjamin Adams / Wedding Dress: Watters via White on Daniel Island / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Hair: Adorn Salon and Boutique / Make-up: Makeup at the Grove Arcade / Catering: Caroline Allured / Wedding Cake: Family Friend / Jewelry, Gifts, Guestbook + More: Etsy / LED Hoola Hoops: Cosmic Hooper’s Emporium of Bliss (Family Friend) / Music: Dr. Robert Gant (Organ), Jay Brown (Cocktail Hour), + DJ Ozzie