A Breath of Fresh Spring Air at This Ocean Course Wedding on Kiawah

The setting is anchored by a graceful sailcloth tent, which allows sunlight to filter through, creating a soft, romantic atmosphere. The floral escort table is a showstopper, brimming with seasonal white flowers and greenery, serving as both a functional element and a stunning piece of decor. Rattan lighting accents, suspended from the tent's ceiling, cast a gentle glow, adding warmth and a touch of bohemian elegance to the space. Hints of yellow in the patterned plates add a cheerful pop of color, perfectly complemented by custom green bird linens that bring a playful, whimsical touch. The overall vibe is one of relaxed sophistication, where natural elements meet thoughtful, curated details, creating a serene and inviting ambiance that celebrates the beauty of the season.

Kiawah Island has been our annual escape since 2020. In 2022, during a vacation with friends, Zack suggested him and I go on a pre-dinner sunset stroll by the Ocean Course. The previous night’s storm had left the path to the beach a mess. As we walked down to the shore, I noticed a photographer taking pictures of the scenery. Initially, I dismissed him as a casual bystander, but little did I know he was part of Zack’s proposal plan. As we walked past him he asked, "Are you John and Kelly?" – a code name Zack and him had secretly arranged. Zack said "no" and continued toward the water, only to turn and drop to one knee, completely surprising me. Even after 8 years together Zack was a great actor, maintaining his composure throughout the trip so that I would have no idea of this plan. The stormy weather actually worked in his favor because it distracted me from any potential signs of nervousness. Kiawah has always held a special place in our hearts, so it was the perfect setting for this momentous occasion. After our private moment watching the sunset, our closest friends and family surprised us back at the hotel - it was a weekend filled with celebration, love, and unforgettable memories. And so, our Kiawah love story continued, culminating in our wedding at the very spot where he proposed after 10 years together. Our friends now jokingly refer to us as "John and Kelly," - a humorous reminder of that day.

My wedding dress was by Katherine Tash (the Adele Gown). I went to a beautiful bridal boutique in Chicago called Belle Atelier, owned by an amazing woman, Giselle. I originally went there searching for a different dress, but their talented team pulled the Adele gown and it was simply perfect. I was able to customize and swap to a silk fabric and extend the train - the final dress exceeded my expectations. To complete the look, I paired it with the beautiful Vatican veil by Toni Federici. Its lace detailing complimented my bridal shoes flawlessly, creating the elegant and timeless look I envisioned.

Our oceanside ceremony inspired a soft, but elegant look for the bridal party. To compliment the natural greenery and subtle gold accents in our decor, I chose a timeless champagne hue for the bridesmaids’ dresses. I wanted the girls to be excited and choose their favorite style, so I chose Bec + Bridge and Shona Joy dresses for them to choose from.

For the groomsmen, we opted for classic black tuxedos with a touch of personality. Zack's thoughtful gift to them of feathered bow ties added a unique and stylish element to their formal attire.

A seated dinner on the South Carolina coast offers a dining experience that is both elegant and deeply connected to the region’s natural beauty. Guests are treated to a coastal feast beneath a canopy of stars, with the sound of waves gently lapping nearby. The tables are dressed in soft linens that echo the hues of the surrounding sand and sea, with centerpieces featuring local flora and subtle nautical touches. As the sun sets, the warm, golden light transforms the scene, casting a romantic glow over the gathering. To begin the evening, Aperol Spritzes are passed as a specialty cocktail, adding a vibrant, refreshing touch that perfectly complements the coastal ambiance. Two specialty cocktails, each named after the couple’s beloved dogs, add a personal touch: an Aperol Spritz, light and refreshing, and a rich, classic Old Fashioned. These signature drinks are a charming nod to the couple’s life together, delighting guests with both their flavors and the story behind them.

White flowers paired with seasonal greens and rattan accents offer a perfect blend of sophistication. The purity of white blooms, such as garden roses, and peonies, creates a timeless look, while the addition of lush greenery adds a fresh, organic feel that captures the essence of the season. Rattan elements, used as decorative accents in centerpieces, bring a touch of earthy texture, enhancing the overall aesthetic with an Italian flair.

The buttercream wedding cake was delightful in both taste and design, embodying timeless elegance with its intricate details. The smooth buttercream icing serves as a canvas for delicate lace imprinting, which adds a touch of vintage charm and sophistication. Each tier is adorned with this subtle lace pattern, creating a soft, textured effect that is both refined and romantic. Accentuating the lace are 3D florettes, carefully piped in buttercream to resemble blooming flowers. These florettes cascade down the cake, adding depth and a natural, organic feel to the design. The combination of lace and florals results in a cake that is not only a visual delight but also a fitting centerpiece for a wedding, blending tradition with artistic flair.

We wanted to incorporate our dogs on our special day since they couldn't be there, so they were celebrated through little details. Their playful personalities were captured on our signature cocktail bar signs and stir sticks - it was such a hit! To share our favorite cocktail with guests, we passed around Aperol Spritzes at cocktail hour accompanied by adorable, branded arm towels for the servers. Our decor was Inspired by the Ocean Course's natural beauty, with a fresh and elegant palette of whites and greens, accented with gold for a touch of sophistication.