Hidden Bees and Whimsical Blooms in The Lowcountry
The Planning
Design / Vibe / Vision
The wedding was an elegant garden-inspired affair, blending upscale sophistication with whimsical touches. Lush florals and intricate details created an enchanting atmosphere, while the soft, natural color palette added a timeless charm. Every moment felt like a fairytale, beautifully capturing the couple's unique vision.
Proposal Story
It was the middle of COVID and Jack and I were both living in Charlotte, NC. A mutual friend set us up during the middle of the pandemic but because we were all working from home Jack returned to where he is from (Richmond, VA) and was living at his family's River House. We texted back and forth a little here and there but it didn't lead anywhere. Finally, Jack returned to Charlotte and we organically ran into each other at our apartment building's pool. We went on a group date, then went on a date alone, then we were suddenly attached at the hip. Fun fact: we quickly found out that Jack was living in the unit above mine all along and we had zero idea! A year flew by, then another year, and Jack got an amazing opportunity for a job back in his hometown in Richmond, VA. Knowing he wanted to eventually move back to Richmond he took the job and moved from Charlotte. We tried the long distance thing for a few months and realized we really wanted to be in the same city again. Liz was looking for a bit of a career change and moving to Richmond gave her an opportunity to do just that. We picked a move date, Liz started looking for jobs, and it all happened in a blink of an eye! Liz was now in Richmond, VA with Jack and working her dream job as a wedding florist for Petals & Twigs and absolutely loving every second of it! Life truly couldn't get any better until one day while on a routine walk with their dog, Harleigh, Jack popped the question on the front porch of their home. Liz knew a proposal was coming but certainly wasn't expecting it that particular day or even month! She of course screamed yes and as she walked into their home both Liz's family and Jack's family all were standing there screaming "surprise"!. It was the most perfect day and we were so happy and lucky to be able to share it with our families!
Getting Ready
Bridal Portraits
Flat Lays
First Look
The Fashion
Wedding Gown
The bride's gown, a breathtaking masterpiece by Lazaro, featured delicate floral appliqués on the off-the-shoulder sleeves and a voluminous tulle skirt in a soft blush hue. This exquisite dress from Gamberdella Bride in Baltimore, MD, perfectly embodied the whimsical and elegant essence of the day. Capturing her poised in this stunning gown, the moment felt like a scene from a romantic fairytale.
Bridesmaid Dresses
The bridesmaids' unique choices in green-toned dresses added a personalized touch to the wedding's aesthetic. Each dress complemented the lush, garden setting beautifully, enhancing the overall whimsical and elegant vibe. The harmonious blend of styles and shades created a cohesive yet individual look, reflecting the effortless grace of the day.
Groomsman Attire
Groomsmen all wore black tuxes.
Wedding Party
Ceremony
Cocktail Hour
The Details
Food & Drink
The wedding menu features an array of delectable dishes, starting with passed hors d’oeuvres like mini seafood cakes with smoked tomato aioli and bourbon glazed pork belly crostini. Guests can indulge in stations offering delights such as smoked turkey breast with white BBQ sauce, marinated flank steak, seared local shrimp with andouille sausage gravy & grits, and cavatelli pasta with wild mushrooms and spicy tomato sauce. Complemented by artisanal breads, vibrant salads, and more, this culinary experience promises to be both elegant and unforgettable.
Florals & Decor
The designs and florals in these images beautifully embody an ethereal, romantic aesthetic. Delicate blooms in soft pastel hues are elegantly arranged, complemented by lush greenery cascading gracefully. Hidden bees can be found throughout the design, adding a whimsical touch. Custom watercolor pillows, echoing designs from the couple's invitation suite, enhance the personal and intimate atmosphere. The thoughtful placement of florals and the incorporation of natural elements create a seamless blend between the enchanting garden setting and the sophisticated decor, making the overall ambiance both timeless and enchanting.
Wedding Cake
The wedding cake design is a stunning blend of elegance and whimsy. Adorned with intricate white roses and delicate green vines, the cake exudes a timeless beauty. Hidden bees nestled among the floral details add a playful touch, making this confectionery masterpiece both visually enchanting and uniquely personal. It's flavor was Vanilla with Raspberry!
Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs
Newlywed's first dance was to Into the Mystic by Van Morrison. The bride & father's dance was to I Loved Her First. The groom and mom's dance was to I Hope You Dance by LeeAnn Womack which the bride & her mom joined in after a minute!
Special Detail #1
The bee: I knew I wanted a small little detail to make it from the invitation suite all the way through to the reception. The bee was perfect as this was a garden inspired wedding and I am a florist (without our bees we'd have no flowers) :) ... You will see the bee throughout the entire wedding from the invites, to the cake, to physical fun bee's placed on the bar areas, to jack's cufflinks which were a wedding gift from me to him
Special Detail #2
Grandmother's Ring: On my right ring finger I wore an antique ring that came from my grandmother. This was my "something borrowed" and I love that it was from my grandmother who sadly is no longer with us but was with us in spirit and would have loved that I chose to wear her ring. I also loved how it went with my dress and the overall feel of the day.
Special Detail #3
Bracelet: I wore a bracelet that Jack's parents graciously gave to me the week before our wedding. Jack's mom was given a diamond necklace when Jack was born and she had the diamonds taken from the necklace and made into a beautiful bracelet for me. This is so special and heartfelt as they are an ode to Jack and the love his mom and I both share for him.
Couple Portraits
Reception