Vibrant Patterns and Pops of Spring Florals at Lowndes Grove
I'd describe my vibe as a blend of classic and whimsical. Initially, I envisioned a timeless wedding, hence the choice of the beautiful Lowndes Grove venue, the elegant black & white checkered dance floor, and the stylish tuxedos. However, when we settled on a springtime celebration in Charleston, I knew I wanted to incorporate some whimsical elements, such as a floral arch, a dance floor ceiling installation, and mixed floral bridesmaids' gowns. With the expertise of Christina Baxter Weddings & Events and a team of talented vendors, my Pinterest board dreams were brought to life.
Stu proposed to me on the rooftop deck of our Hoboken apartment building, with a breathtaking view of the Hudson River against the backdrop of the New York City skyline. Despite the freezing temperatures, it was a stunningly clear November day in 2021. After a sweet proposal, we headed to Stingray Lounge, our favorite local spot, where our family and friends were gathered to celebrate with us. Stu did an incredible job! I was completely surprised and overwhelmed with joy! As a fun detail, one of the signature cocktails at our wedding was "The Stingray," an extra dirty martini named after our favorite drink at our favorite spot.
My dress, a Carolina Herrera strapless gown, featured a floral lace bodice, silk skirt, and a long train. Mindy from Mark Ingram Atelier selected it for me, and the moment I tried it on, I knew it was the one. Despite my initial hesitation about the strapless neckline, as I desired sleeves for the ceremony, Mindy suggested a custom topper made from the same floral lace as the bodice. Deb, a master seamstress, seamlessly constructed the topper to blend with the dress. I was blown away! Completing the ensemble were my Loeffler Randall shoes (my something blue), my late grandmother’s pearl earrings (something old/borrowed), and the engagement ring and wedding bands from Brent Miller Jewelers. For my second look, I opted for a cream, feather-trimmed mini dress, which I found on Etsy. Pairing it with pearl Jimmy Choo platforms, my all-time favorite shoes, created a stunning ensemble change for the reception.
I opted against traditional matching bridesmaid dresses, preferring a mix-and-match look that would also allow the girls to wear their dresses again. The ensemble featured an array of pinks and yellows, including solids and prints, sourced from various designers such as Agua Bendita, Alexia Maria, and Fame and Partners. The result was stunning, with everyone looking beautiful and comfortable, and I loved how all the dresses complemented each other. My mom's dress was equally impressive. Designed by Monique Lhuillier, we discovered it at Bergdorfs in NYC. Despite being the last one, it fit her perfectly. We both agreed it was the ideal "springtime in Charleston" dress and served as inspiration for much of the wedding's design, colors, and florals. Her shoes were Sarah Flint, her feather purse was from J Crew, and she adorned herself with sunglasses from Krewe.
Stu treated himself to a custom-tailored tuxedo from Suit Supply. Despite not being a huge fan of shopping, he actually enjoyed the process. Everything fit him perfectly, and we were so pleased!
The hors d'oeuvres featured spicy tuna tartar in a cucumber cup, mini chicken and waffles, crispy miso pork belly, truffle arancini, and fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese. Additionally, there was a raw bar with oysters and shrimp cocktail. For dinner, guests had a choice of sea bass, short ribs, or chicken breast, accompanied by Boursin whipped potatoes and asparagus. The drink selection included three signature cocktails (a spicy margarita, a Manhattan, and "The Stingray"), along with a full bar and wine served during dinner. The quality and variety of food and drinks were exceptional, and I highly recommend PPHG to any couples getting married in Charleston.
The flowers truly stole the show! Ally from Blossom Bay Design is a true artist. From the stunning bouquets to the gorgeous dance floor installation with floating "orbs," every detail was perfection. Her creation of a breathtaking floral arch for the ceremony and the lush aisle decor added was pure magic. Each individual flower was exquisite, and the way she curated them together was beyond compare. Ally's creativity extended to the escort board, where she surprised me by adding real flowers alongside the printed ones on the seating cards. Additionally, Ally and Christina adorned the getaway car with flowers, which made for some unforgettable photos! Their attention to detail truly made our day even more special.
For the wedding cake, we opted for a four-tier vanilla cake filled with coconut cream and adorned with cream cheese frosting. Laney from Delicious Desserts delivered exceptional work, crafting a cake that was as delectable as it was stunning. I can hardly wait to enjoy the top tier of the cake on our anniversary! Alongside the cake, we treated our guests to a variety of passed desserts, including confetti cookies with cereal milk, mini ice cream sandwiches, key lime tarts, and peanut butter mousse cups.
