Tradition, Style, and FUN Reigned Supreme at This Springtime Charleston Wedding
Today's fashion-forward Lowcountry wedding is a Southern Belle's dream! Bright colors, classic blooms by Vero Designs and joy jumping off the page are just a few things you can expect to find at the full gallery of inspiration, all captured by the always fabulous Anne Rhett Photography! 💕
How did you meet?
From the Bride… Connor played soccer at College of Charleston with a lot of boys from Charleston, where I (Katharine) am from. Connor and I had lots of mutual friends, and I always had a crush on Connor. When we finally went on our first date after college, I learned that he is so much more than a handsome face. We fell in love fast.
Tell us about the proposal!
Connor works out at Kiawah River, which is a beautiful area of land along the Kiawah River on Johns Island, SC. The land was privately owned, then purchased to build on so a lot of the land is still natural. We love to take our dog, Bourbon, out there to run around in the woods and find trails along the river to explore. One Saturday morning, Connor said he had to go out there to do a few things from work so suggested we take Bourbon out to run. I happily agreed as it was a beautiful fall day and we love to take him there when we can. I put on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and duck boots, thinking we would be frolicking through nature for a couple of hours. He walked out in a nicer outfit because he was going to have to "see" a few homeowners, took one look at me and said, "you also may see some homeowners, maybe put on something a little bit nicer?" So I went for a shirt I hadn't worn in 8 years, my grubby jeans and a pair of tennis shoes not knowing what the heck was in store. We get out to Kiawah River and head to the area where we love to walk along the river, and he proposed! Looking back, I absolutely wish my hair had been washed and that I was wearing something different, but I love that it was a total surprise! I still smile thinking back on it : )
From the Bride… Connor played soccer at College of Charleston with a lot of boys from Charleston, where I (Katharine) am from. Connor and I had lots of mutual friends, and I always had a crush on Connor. When we finally went on our first date after college, I learned that he is so much more than a handsome face. We fell in love fast.
Tell us about the proposal!
Connor works out at Kiawah River, which is a beautiful area of land along the Kiawah River on Johns Island, SC. The land was privately owned, then purchased to build on so a lot of the land is still natural. We love to take our dog, Bourbon, out there to run around in the woods and find trails along the river to explore. One Saturday morning, Connor said he had to go out there to do a few things from work so suggested we take Bourbon out to run. I happily agreed as it was a beautiful fall day and we love to take him there when we can. I put on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and duck boots, thinking we would be frolicking through nature for a couple of hours. He walked out in a nicer outfit because he was going to have to "see" a few homeowners, took one look at me and said, "you also may see some homeowners, maybe put on something a little bit nicer?" So I went for a shirt I hadn't worn in 8 years, my grubby jeans and a pair of tennis shoes not knowing what the heck was in store. We get out to Kiawah River and head to the area where we love to walk along the river, and he proposed! Looking back, I absolutely wish my hair had been washed and that I was wearing something different, but I love that it was a total surprise! I still smile thinking back on it : )
How did you choose your wedding venue and aesthetic?
Connor is from Atlanta, so I wanted to use this opportunity to show his guests the true Charleston experience that I grew up loving. We got married at the St. Phillips Church, a gorgeous historic building with the oldest congregation in the state. More importantly, this is the same church where I was baptized and confirmed as a child and where my whole family has been married (and buried!). It was so special to have my own milestone moment in a space with such familial significance. We hosted our rehearsal dinner and reception at private local clubs that also carry lifelong memories for me, and I hope our guests loved seeing these venues.
What was the date of your wedding? April 23, 2022
Can you walk us through your thought process for clothing, jewelry, wedding ring/bands and beauty for rehearsal and wedding?
I wasn't sure what I wanted but "knew" I did not want a strapless dress. I made my debut in college and remember the girls that chose strapless dresses were constantly pulling them up and readjusting. I walked into Maddison Row South and was helped by the lovely Michelle and she said, "would you just try one dress on for me that I don't think you would pull from the rack yourself?". I put it on and my sister and mom both said, "Katharine!!!" and I agreed, the dress was so much more than just strapless. The structure and detail, the fit - it was stunning. I tried on several styles after and kept thinking about that one dress, I came back a second time just to be sure and it confirmed that I had fallen in love with the dress. I owe it all to Michelle.
For jewelry, I wore my late maternal grandmother's diamond earrings in classic diamond jackets, my late maternal grandmother's sapphire ring that was my something blue, my sister's dainty necklace dusted with diamonds that was my something borrowed, and a collection of pearl bracelets that were given to me by my now late fraternal grandmother. (My something new was my dress, my something old was the family veil I wore). My jewelry was simple, but special and meaningful. Connor created my engagement ring around my maternal grandmother's diamond, he could not have done a better job (especially since we had never talked about it and I didn't even know what I preferred! It turns out he has great instincts.) We picked our bands out at Croghan's Jewel Box and I wanted something that would not take away from my engagement ring. I chose a small diamond infinity band and he chose a classic gold band.
Connor wore a custom black tux, suspenders, velvet loafers and custom, gorgeous Brackish bowtie that he also gifted to all his groomsmen. I may be biased, but I think he was truly the most handsome groom I have ever seen!
The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos and all had the matching Brackish bowties. My friends have great style, so I let my bridesmaids wear what they wanted. They blew my expectations away!
Connor is from Atlanta, so I wanted to use this opportunity to show his guests the true Charleston experience that I grew up loving. We got married at the St. Phillips Church, a gorgeous historic building with the oldest congregation in the state. More importantly, this is the same church where I was baptized and confirmed as a child and where my whole family has been married (and buried!). It was so special to have my own milestone moment in a space with such familial significance. We hosted our rehearsal dinner and reception at private local clubs that also carry lifelong memories for me, and I hope our guests loved seeing these venues.
What was the date of your wedding? April 23, 2022
Can you walk us through your thought process for clothing, jewelry, wedding ring/bands and beauty for rehearsal and wedding?
I wasn't sure what I wanted but "knew" I did not want a strapless dress. I made my debut in college and remember the girls that chose strapless dresses were constantly pulling them up and readjusting. I walked into Maddison Row South and was helped by the lovely Michelle and she said, "would you just try one dress on for me that I don't think you would pull from the rack yourself?". I put it on and my sister and mom both said, "Katharine!!!" and I agreed, the dress was so much more than just strapless. The structure and detail, the fit - it was stunning. I tried on several styles after and kept thinking about that one dress, I came back a second time just to be sure and it confirmed that I had fallen in love with the dress. I owe it all to Michelle.
For jewelry, I wore my late maternal grandmother's diamond earrings in classic diamond jackets, my late maternal grandmother's sapphire ring that was my something blue, my sister's dainty necklace dusted with diamonds that was my something borrowed, and a collection of pearl bracelets that were given to me by my now late fraternal grandmother. (My something new was my dress, my something old was the family veil I wore). My jewelry was simple, but special and meaningful. Connor created my engagement ring around my maternal grandmother's diamond, he could not have done a better job (especially since we had never talked about it and I didn't even know what I preferred! It turns out he has great instincts.) We picked our bands out at Croghan's Jewel Box and I wanted something that would not take away from my engagement ring. I chose a small diamond infinity band and he chose a classic gold band.
Connor wore a custom black tux, suspenders, velvet loafers and custom, gorgeous Brackish bowtie that he also gifted to all his groomsmen. I may be biased, but I think he was truly the most handsome groom I have ever seen!
The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos and all had the matching Brackish bowties. My friends have great style, so I let my bridesmaids wear what they wanted. They blew my expectations away!
Describe the ceremony!
We got married at St. Philip's Church, which is where my sister, parents, grandparents and every member of my family on my father's side were married. The preacher we asked to marry us grew up in Charleston and also went to Porter-Gaud (where I and my very talented photographer cousin, Anne, went) and his father and my mother grew up together. It was such a full circle moment.
How did you feel during the ceremony? To be honest, the adrenaline was pumping and totally took over, I don't remember all that much of the ceremony. Having those doors open and every single pair of eyes on you is quite the experience. I hope my mother understands why I needed a sneaky shot of tequila before heading to the church : )
And how about the reception details?!
The reception was at The Carolina Yacht Club. We served three passed items: bacon wrapped quail with a balsamic bbq sauce, a pimento cheese and pickled okra crostini, and fried chicken sliders with bread & butter pickles and sweet hot sauce. We had two chef attended stations: braised beef short ribs with herbed polenta, wild mushroom & tomato ragout, parmesan, gremolata and fried shallots, and then also a ricotta gnocchi florentine with creamy presto, spinach, roasted tomatoes, parm and toasted brioche crumbs. And then we had a delicious display of sushi from our favorite sushi restaurant, Zen. Our band was ATL Groove Factory and oh. my. goodness. were they good! People were dancing from start to finish, abd I wish it had lasted another four hours! The band was our number one priority so it makes me beyond happy to still hear comments about how good the band was and how much fun people had.
What song did you dance your first dance to? You're All I Need to Get By by The Queen, Aretha Franklin
What was your favorite part of the reception? Pure happiness and non-stop dancing!!! Our biggest wish was for all the people we love to be in one room and have fun together, the band (and alcohol) was the most important part! Having all of your best friends and family together to celebrate you, add in a bomb a** band, what else could you want in life? My cheeks hurt the next day from so much smiling, the word fulfilled was given a new meaning <3
We got married at St. Philip's Church, which is where my sister, parents, grandparents and every member of my family on my father's side were married. The preacher we asked to marry us grew up in Charleston and also went to Porter-Gaud (where I and my very talented photographer cousin, Anne, went) and his father and my mother grew up together. It was such a full circle moment.
How did you feel during the ceremony? To be honest, the adrenaline was pumping and totally took over, I don't remember all that much of the ceremony. Having those doors open and every single pair of eyes on you is quite the experience. I hope my mother understands why I needed a sneaky shot of tequila before heading to the church : )
And how about the reception details?!
The reception was at The Carolina Yacht Club. We served three passed items: bacon wrapped quail with a balsamic bbq sauce, a pimento cheese and pickled okra crostini, and fried chicken sliders with bread & butter pickles and sweet hot sauce. We had two chef attended stations: braised beef short ribs with herbed polenta, wild mushroom & tomato ragout, parmesan, gremolata and fried shallots, and then also a ricotta gnocchi florentine with creamy presto, spinach, roasted tomatoes, parm and toasted brioche crumbs. And then we had a delicious display of sushi from our favorite sushi restaurant, Zen. Our band was ATL Groove Factory and oh. my. goodness. were they good! People were dancing from start to finish, abd I wish it had lasted another four hours! The band was our number one priority so it makes me beyond happy to still hear comments about how good the band was and how much fun people had.
What song did you dance your first dance to? You're All I Need to Get By by The Queen, Aretha Franklin
What was your favorite part of the reception? Pure happiness and non-stop dancing!!! Our biggest wish was for all the people we love to be in one room and have fun together, the band (and alcohol) was the most important part! Having all of your best friends and family together to celebrate you, add in a bomb a** band, what else could you want in life? My cheeks hurt the next day from so much smiling, the word fulfilled was given a new meaning <3
