A Bridgerton-Meets-Grandmillenial Wedding Weekend in Charleston!

Lauren Megerdichian
September 6, 2024
Categories: Real Weddings, Romantic, The Blog

[section title=”The Planning”]

[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Pink, green, purple, yellow, orange, white, and blue in pastel hues adorned this gorgeous Charleston wedding weekend! [/field]

[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Molly and Evan’s Charleston wedding weekend, inspired by a maximalist fusion of preppy patterns and the enchantment of Bridgerton, exuded sophistication and charm under the guidance of planner and designer Baylye Burnette of Burnette Events. With a desire for an unforgettable guest experience, the couple orchestrated a multi-day affair filled with historic Lowcountry backdrops, sentimental touches, and vibrant florals by Festoon Charleston. The festivities culminated in an al fresco wedding day celebration under Spanish moss, followed by a lavish Italian honeymoon in Lake Como at Villa Del Balbianello.

For Molly and Evan, creating a fun wedding weekend of events was paramount to ensure quality time with their guests, who traveled from across the United States to celebrate their nuptials. Over three days, they treated their beloved 100 attendees to a series of curated events, each brimming with personality and thoughtfully designed details. They began their weekend with an intimate church ceremony on Thursday, followed by a private vintage car transfer to a family dinner at Charleston’s chic Gingerline restaurant. On the eve before their wedding day, they welcomed all their guests for an evening of lawn games and delicious food and drink under cafe lights at one of their venue’s accompanying properties.

From custom invitation suites, to intricate monogram motifs, to a playful assortment of patterned linens by Stradley Davidson and Lola Valentina, to vintage embroidery-inspired wallpaper by Danika Herrick, every element of their wedding day was meticulously chosen to weave a cohesive narrative throughout the celebration. Fashion also played a pivotal role in the weekend’s festivities. Molly was at the helm when it came to intentional, unique attire incorporated into each day of their wedding.

Choosing the historic Naval properties in North Charleston’s Riverfront Park provided the ideal canvas for their Grandmillenial-chic wedding. The Eternal Father of the Sea chapel set a picturesque scene for their ceremony, with its vaulted white cathedral-style ceilings and antique wooden pews. Guests were ushered from the front steps of the chapel to the nearby Admiral’s House property, a recently restored neoclassical home built at the turn of the twentieth century. The reception, situated on the front lawn under the Spanish moss and bathed in the glow of cafe lights, embraced Charleston’s perfect autumn weather, inviting guests to dine and dance beneath the stars. The couple’s custom monogram thoughtfully adorned many of their details, from embroidered napkins to charming matchbox favors, culminating in the form of a large floral monogram at the altar of their ceremony, adding a personalized touch to the grandeur of the affair, as well as an element of visual consistency to tie everything together.[/field]

[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the bride, “It was the weekend of our college graduation from Virginia Tech, so both of our families were in town and all staying at the same resort, Mountain Lake Lodge (where Dirty Dancing was filmed), just outside of Blacksburg, Virginia. On Thursday night, we had a scheduled dinner with all our friends and family back at one of the cabins. Twenty minutes before dinner was supposed to start, Evan called me in a panic that we needed to go to the store to get steak sauce for dinner for the family. After a few minutes of convincing me that this was a necessary trip (we were at least 30 minutes from a grocery store, so this would definitely delay dinner in my mind), Evan and I left to “go to the store.” About halfway down the mountain, there was an overlook where we had a picnic on our six month dating anniversary, when we had actually been asked to leave by a photographer because a couple was going to get engaged there. As we started to approach this spot, Evan “heard a rock in the tire” and insisted that we stop to check it out so we “don’t get a flat tire on the mountain”. When we parked he suggested that we just stop for a minute as well to enjoy the view that was so beautiful as the sun was about to set. Next thing I know he is grabbing a picnic basket out of the back of the car and walking to the overlook. Shortly after, he proposed and I was overjoyed! The scenery truly made it feel like a fairytale. After this, we went back to the cabin and the “dinner” party was truly, all along, a secret “engagement” party!”[/field]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]

[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride’s keen eye for fashion-forward, unique attire played a key role in each event throughout their Charleston wedding weekend. From a chic strapless number by Solace London for their church ceremony paired with elbow-length white gloves and a fun veil by Tailored Tulle and Prada sunglasses, to a shimmering silk maxi dress by ALC for their welcome party, there was no shortage of incredible bridal looks! But Molly’s stylistic pièce de résistance came in the form of a stunning long-sleeved Reem Acra lace ball gown for her wedding day look that incorporated a high neckline and pearl buttons throughout.

From the bride, “The process of choosing a wedding dress was quite a journey for me. Originally, I thought I wanted something strapless with very clean lines and a modern twist. I was actually specifically saying “no lace” when I went to appointments! After seeing Naomi Biden’s wedding and the elegance of the high neckline and the softness the lace added, it began to change my mind. After trying over 100 dresses, I finally found the beautiful Reem Acra dress I chose. My consultant at Kleinfeld listened to everything I was asking for and was conflicted about, and saved this one for last so we could work through and rule out other concepts I was thinking about. Sure enough, she was right! This was the perfect look for the wedding vision I had been developing for years. We added length to the train and I loved it! Because of the intricacy of the lace on my dress, I wanted my veil to be simple but yet still defined, so I went with a royal length horsehair trim veil. The horsehair added a lovely shape to the edge for definition against the dress. I chose simple white Amina Muaddi pumps because I loved the shape of the heel. The journey of my second dress was just about as complicated as my first, but from the beginning, I knew I wanted to have an outfit change for the reception. Through @littlewhitelooks on Instagram, I found the dress that ended up being perfect! It was so fun and unexpected, but still felt bridal. I loved the beading and architectural element of the sleeve. I paired it with Prada satin platforms to dance the night away!”[/field]

[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]To accentuate the colors, patterns, and motifs throughout their wedding’s design, and to stand out amongst the gorgeous historical property draped in Spanish moss, the couple opted for both themselves and their wedding party to wear white for the occasion. From the bride, “We wanted white to be the emphasis so that our party really stood out as well, and for the florals and other design elements to be the moments of color! All of the bridesmaids chose their own floor-length white dress in various fabrics, styles, and designers.”[/field]

[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]In a similar fashion to the ladies, the groom and groomsmen also donned white for the wedding day, pairing black tuxedo pants with white dinner jackets from The Black Tux. From the bride, “I always knew I loved the idea of (the groom) wearing a white tuxedo, so once he was on board, I was so excited! I loved that it was an unusual version of the classic tux, and also gave him a moment to stand out as well. We decided on several custom suits throughout the wedding weekend. But the real showstopper was his custom white tuxedo from Hive and Colony for our wedding day.” [/field]

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[section title=”The Details”]

[field title=”Food & Drink”]In keeping with the theme of their Lowcountry wedding weekend, the couple worked with local Charleston caterer Harvest Catering and Spike Bar Service to concoct a modern, South Carolina-inspired menu for their guests. Stations were selected to feature local favorites such as shrimp and grits, and passed hors d’oeuvres including chicken & waffle bites. For their signature drinks, Molly & Evan chose cocktail favorites that they typically made at home together, including an Aperol Spritz, an Old Fashioned, and midnight Espresso Martinis to keep the party going. Late night snacks were also an important culinary feature for the couple, who chose hand-cut french fries served in paper cones made from the very same signature wallpaper motif that was featured throughout the day’s design. [/field]

[field title=”Florals & Decor”]From the very beginning of the design process, the bride was keen to include multiple complementary patterns, colors, and motifs that were woven together to help tell the story of their wedding weekend. From a custom invitation suite designed by the bride herself, to patterned linens from Stradley Davidson, BBJ La Tavola, and Lola Valentina, to a signature wedding monogram from Shuler Studio, each element was thoughtfully selected and included.

The couple ultimately chose the stunning historical Naval properties nestled in North Charleston’s Riverfront Park as the perfect blank canvas for their Grandmillenial wedding day, utilizing the breathtaking Eternal Father of the Sea chapel for their secular ceremony, as well as the gorgeous and newly renovated Admiral’s House for their getting ready and reception locales.

From the bride, “Our Shuler Studio monogram was one of the first things we invested in in the wedding planning process, and I am so glad we did. I loved finding thoughtful ways big and small to incorporate it throughout the wedding weekend for an element of visual consistency to tie everything together.” Working with their planner and designer, Baylye Burnette of Burnette Events, they leveraged the monogram to help cohesively tie the visuals of the day together. The floral design team over at Festoon Charleston created a unique rendition of the monogram in the form of a floral and moss ceremony centerpiece that hung behind the couple at the altar of the chapel. Their gorgeous monogram made more appearances at the reception on the head table in the form of embroidered white hemstitch napkins, gathered and tied with a dainty blue velvet bow, as well as matchbox favors held in an apothecary jar on the bar. This added an extra layer of refined, personalized charm to the grandeur of the reception.

Florals and patterns were deeply important to the couple. Festoon Charleston concocted a whimsical, Bridgerton-inspired floral design and aesthetic through the use of an assortment of pastel colors, textures, and buds. Bursts of pink, orange, yellow, blue, and purple blooms were expertly woven together throughout the day’s design. Overflowing, organic compotes big and small were featured at the head table and bar, and square tables featured glass vases filled with the same varietal of flowers grouped together at the center of each table. Various patterns were leveraged to create a feast for the senses for guests. From the planner, “we loved incorporating several distinct surface patterns through wallpaper and fabric into guest experience touch points. We used a vintage embroidery-inspired pattern by Danika Herrick for wallpaper on the white circular reception bar, as well as for printed fabric sewn into waist aprons worn by the catering and bar staff. We also utilized a bold botanical pattern created through a collaboration between Neely & Chloe and Inslee Fariss as wallpaper on the escort card wall of custom die-cut cards with tassels, echoing the same charming design guests first encountered in the invitation suite’s envelope liner. We incorporated both fabric patterns into the lounge by crafting custom pillows, creating a pervasive infusion of ornate and romantic aesthetics throughout the wedding design.”[/field]

[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Not one but three petite wedding cakes were selected by the couple from Charleston bakery Sugar Bake Shop, the largest of the three saved for their cake cut. A cake table adorned in Stradley Davidson art deco inspired linens was placed alongside their al fresco dinner reception, and the petite cakes were surrounded by floral compotes and champagne. Flavors of strawberry, lemon, and chocolate were selected to offer guests multiple dessert options to choose from. [/field]

[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]In keeping with their gentle nod to the Regency era, the couple chose to have a string trio from Charleston Virtuosi play for their ceremony and cocktail hour. From modern covers to classical masterpieces, strings were the audible background for their guests’ arrival to the wedding day. As the sun set, the music transitioned to a DJ at the helm. The couple’s outfit change and entrance into their dance party was introduced by playing their alma mater Virginia Tech’s fight song, “Enter Sandman” by Metallica. As the espresso martinis flowed and the music went on late into the night, a dance floor grand finale was created by hype song favorite “Mr. Brightside” and silver streamers popped by all their guests.[/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Before their entire guest count arrived in town, Molly & Evan chose to have an intimate Catholic wedding service with only their families and wedding party members. From the bride, “We were going for a very classic and chic look. Evan wore his favorite black suit with a white tie, and I wore a gown from Solace London. I wanted something that was chic and simple since my wedding dress was all lace. I loved the neckline and chic silhouette of this gown! Evan gave me the Prada sunglasses as a wedding gift, which made them such a special accessory to incorporate. I looked for weeks for shoes that would tie the look together and found the most perfect pumps from Something Bleu.”

After their church service concluded, the couple was whisked away in a vintage cream-colored Rolls Royce to downtown Charleston, where they stopped for their first round of wedding portraits at the iconic Zero George. A private family dinner was held at stylish local restaurant Gingerline, where guests were treated to craft cocktails and joyful speeches from close family and friends.[/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Friday’s events consisted of a welcome party with dinner and drinks for everyone invited to the wedding, complete with lawn games, a local bespoke food truck, and hints of their wedding day’s design, it was the perfect opportunity for the couple to see family members and friends alike, and mingle once everyone was in town. The couple chose one of the accompanying Naval properties, the Lawn of H&I, that was just across the street from their primary venues for their wedding day. From the bride, “Friday we wanted to be dressed up, but still feel more fun and casual than our church ceremony. I loved the movement of the dress from ALC and the metallic pleats added such a beautiful element of dimension. I fell in love with the Cult Gaia clutch, and really built the outfit around it to really play with textures. Evan’s light blue suit brought out his eyes, and was a great soft addition of color.”[/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #3″]A month after their gorgeous Charleston wedding weekend, the couple embarked on a lavish Italian honeymoon. Their first stop upon arriving in-country was the gorgeous Lake Como. To commemorate the occasion, the couple opted for an adventure honeymoon portrait session on the lake for the day, complete with a classic wooden boat for transportation from Cantiere Nautico Cadenazzi to explore the vast lake on. The groom, a huge fan of the Star Wars prequels, helped choose the primary location of their honeymoon portraits at the iconic Villa Del Balbianello. The Villa’s grounds created the perfect Italian backdrop for the couple as the sun set over the lake. [/field]

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