Carolina Bride, summer 2017 by The State Media Company

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From the Editor

I didn’t do this on purpose: Our two main features this issue are opposite weddings from opposite brides. But both are gorgeous events with beautiful details and lots of ideas for all different types of personalities. Margaret and Matt had a formal, elegant indoor affair – an evening ceremony at Eastminster Presbyterian Church and a reception at Forest Lake Club. Bridesmaids wore long matching gowns, Matt and his groomsmen wore tuxes, and a bagpiper wore a kilt. Margaret, whose mom describes her as “very traditional,” wore a fit-and-flare gown with lace and beading and a cathedral veil. She did a first look with her dad, but Matt saw her for the first time walking down the aisle. Mary Kathryn and David had a relaxed outdoor ceremony at the Millstone at Adams Pond and an indoor-outdoor reception following. Her bridesmaids

Our cover bride is Margaret Strom, who married Matt Williams on Feb. 18 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, with a reception at Forest Lake Club. Read their story on page 10. Photo by Gordon Humphries

wore short white dresses they chose themselves, David wore a suit, and groomsmen wore sport coats and khaki pants. The bride’s mom said, “Mary Kathryn goes with the flow.” Greenery and hiking rope were included in the outdoors lovers’ decor, and family and friends signed a pair of skis instead of a guest book. Mary Kathryn wore a flowing strapless gown, and she and David did a first look because they wanted photos “out of the way” so they could get to the reception. In our shorter features, the weddings all seem to have been a long time coming. David liked Corina immediately – and it was no secret – but Corina “friend-zoned” him. Addison and Chris started out as friends at the University of South Carolina. Caroline and TJ, her brother’s roommate, had known of each other for years – even serving in a mutual friend’s wedding

together as children. And while Virginia Boyd and John started dating soon after they met, their relationship was long-distance for nearly two years before they

Volume 13, Number 2

Summer/fall 2017

Sara Johnson Borton President and Publisher publisher@thestate.com Bernie Heller Vice President of Advertising bheller@thestate.com Kathy Allen Director of Marketing kallen@thestate.com Rebekah Lewis Hall Special Projects Coordinator rhall@thestate.com Questions about content in Carolina Bride? carolinabride@thestate.com or 803-771-8624 Questions about advertising in Carolina Bride? 803-771-8372

married. All four had beautiful colors and details, not to mention sweet stories.

Carolina Bride, a publication of The State Media Company, is not associated with the editorial department of The State Media Company. Carolina Bride is printed twice yearly. All contents © Carolina Bride magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents, in whole or in part, without prior written permission of the publisher, is strictly prohibited. The magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, or artwork.

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Contents

in this issue Margaret & Matt......................... 10 Mary Kathryn & David............... 18

Lowcountry insert

Callie & Nick............................... 26 Corey & Marquel........................ 30 Wedding Belles........................... 32 Lowcountry Reception Venues.34 Corina & David ........................... 36 Addison & Chris ......................... 40 Caroline & JT.............................. 44 Virginia Boyd & John................. 48 Advertiser Index......................... 55 Reception Venues...................... 56

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Matt

Margaret

Photos by Gordon Humprhies, Jacqueline Male, David Owens Photography and Caroline Weaver for Gordon Humphries Photography gordonhumphries.com

Friends find their fairy tale By Lezlie Patterson

Special to Carolina Bride

att Williams and Margaret Strom’s lives were entwined since their childhoods, but growing up they didn’t know it – or each other. They lived in the same area of Columbia, knew some of the same people, and both were active at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. But they didn’t meet until they were in law school at the University of South Carolina. “We were two years apart, and our paths just never crossed,” Margaret says. Then on October 1, 2011, both were tailgating at the same place before the USC-Auburn football game. The Gamecocks, who finished 11-2 that season, lost to Auburn 16-13. But while the game was disappointing, their meeting was not. They ran into each other at school soon after, and a friendship-at-first-sight quickly grew into a relationship. They dated 4½ years, during which time they graduated from law school, passed the bar exam and found jobs that eventually landed them in Beaufort. And that is where Matt proposed. Margaret, an assistant solicitor for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit in Beaufort, knew the day was coming, but she had no idea it would be on the cloudy March evening it occurred. “I had some requirements I had to follow,” Matt said with a chuckle. “We had to have pictures, she wanted our families there … and she wanted it to be a surprise.” He also knew that Margaret would want to be dressed up for the photos. Leaving nothing to chance, Matt – a private practice attorney in Beaufort – asked his new boss to send him an email inviting Matt and Margaret to dinner. He accepted the fake invitation and sent Margaret a screen shot so she realized they were committed. “That way I knew I could get her dressed up,” Matt said. Family members waited at a restaurant on the Beaufort waterfront. A photographer hid. Then he convinced Margaret to stroll down the waterfront with him. When he reached the

pre-arranged place, he dropped to one knee. “I was in total shock,” Margaret said. “I thought it was a totally normal evening. I was looking forward to having dinner with Matt’s boss.” In fact, after the proposal, she wondered: Were they still meeting Matt’s boss? And she was surprised again when their families greeted them outside the restaurant.

hey got married 11 months after the proposal, on Feb. 18, 2017. With Matt and Margaret living in Beaufort juggling demanding careers, and the wedding in Columbia, they had to have help. They found that with Margaret’s mom, Donna Strom, a family court judge and mediator in Columbia; Margaret’s sister and maid of honor Caroline; and wedding planner Meagan Warren of Meagan Warren Weddings. “She was fabulous,” Donna said of Warren. Margaret concurred. “The wedding would

not have happened without her,” she said. Margaret had always wanted a formal wedding, her mother said. So that is what she and Matt had – a formal, elegant fairy tale wedding. Matt and his 10 groomsmen wore midnight blue tuxedos that perfect complemented the 10 bridesmaids’ gray Jenny Yoo dresses and the red, pink raspberry and white flowers in their bouquets. Maid of honor Caroline selected the dresses – color and style. Bridesmaid Meg Thompson, Margaret’s lifelong best friend and matron of honor, hosted Margaret, Donna, Caroline, and fellow bridesmaid Kristen Coble at her home in Atlanta to shop for Margaret’s dress. They went to three different shops, and found the perfect dress at the final stop, The White Magnolia. “It was a style she had not envisioned for herself,” Donna said. But as soon as Margaret

stepped out wearing the dress, Margaret and her mom both knew that was the one. It was a fitted lace dress with a rhinestone illusion neckline – perfect for an elegant fairy tale wedding. It was important to Margaret to use vendors familiar with her family when possible. Gordon Humphries, who photographed the wedding, has taken pictures of Margaret and Caroline “from the time I was a baby,” Margaret said. “We have pictures of me that Gordon took all over the house. “It was important to me that we had people we knew be part of the wedding.” Chad Ridenour was the florist for the wedding. Ridenour provided flowers for the Stroms when he owned Rosewood Florist, and even though the business is no longer there, she still hired him for the wedding. Gualberto “Nick” Nicolau, of Nick’s Tailoring, took care of the alterations to Margaret’s dress. “I have gone to him for years and know what

amazing work he does,” she said. “I was told that I would have to go to Atlanta, Charlotte, or even New York for alterations because of the intricate beading on the top of the dress. I wanted the top to be basically completely redone from the original style. I had complete trust in Nick, and he was able to redesign the top exactly as I envisioned.”

couple of weeks before the wedding, Margaret traveled to Columbia to have her bridal portrait taken. She had planned to borrow a veil, but that didn’t work out. So with the help of Margaret’s godmother and Donna’s longtime best friend, Holly Dyar, they took the cathedral veil from he morning of the wedding, Margaret Donna’s dress and the lacy veil from Matt’s and her bridesmaids gathered at mother’s veil and combined them into one Donna’s home for a bit of pampering, that worked perfectly with Margaret’s dress. and a bridesmaids luncheon hosted by “I wanted to entwine our families as much Donna’s college friends. as possible,” Margaret said. Joye Fowler styled Margaret’s, Donna’s and

Caroline’s hair, and Keri Bailes fixed the other bridesmaids’ hair. Pout did the girls’ makeup. Margaret had always dreamed of getting ready for her wedding at her mother’s home. Knowing that, Donna had a big project. Donna’s house was severely damaged in the October 2015 flood. The lower level of her home had not been restored, but once Margaret and Matt got engaged, she knew she needed to complete the renovations. “The house was fully restored two days before the wedding,” Donna said. “It was nipand-tuck, but it was done.” The day began with the champagne brunch hosted by Donna’s longtime friends from their days at Salem College. That included a champagne bar and Moravian sugar cake, a staple in Winston-Salem, N.C., where Salem is located. “We had a delightful day,” Donna said. Southern Valet picked up the female por-

The rehearsal dinner was held at the Palmetto Club. After the dinner for the wedding party and family, a cocktail party included more out-oftown guests. The groomsman cake was decorated with a conglomeration of Matt’s favorite things. It had a representation of his and Margaret’s two dogs, the Gamecocks, the Dreher High School Blue Devils (Matt’s alma mater, where he played football and baseball), the Carolina Panthers, the Atlanta Braves, a golf bag, clay pigeons, a bucket of beer, and a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit. “All of Matt’s favorite things,” Margaret said.

tion of the wedding party and chauffeured them to Eastminster for the 5 p.m. ceremony. Many of the photos were taken before the wedding – but only the ones without both Matt and Margaret in them. Margaret did not want Matt to see her before she walked down the aisle. “She is very traditional,” Donna said. Margaret did do a “first look” photo with her father, local lawyer and former South Carolina U.S. Attorney Pete Strom Jr. The wedding went off with just the smallest glitch, and even that gave the family a unique wedding story. Margaret had wanted peonies in her bouquet. With the February wedding, the flowers had to be ordered from Israel and, of course, they needed to arrive as close to the wedding day as possible. They were to be flown into Charleston. Unfortunately, they were due to arrive there the same day President Donald Trump visited, and the presidential visit caused some air traffic issues that caused the peonies not to arrive. “They probably sat wilting on the tarmac somewhere,” Donna said. Otherwise, the wedding was flawless. Alison McGowan was the director and Kathleen Muthig the assistant director. Josh Evanovich played the organ, Jody McArthur the bagpipes and Eastminster pastor Mark Durrett officiated. “It was a very traditional Presbyterian wedding,” Donna said. “The minister had gone through premarriage counseling with Margaret and Matt, so it was personal.” Even Hayes Williams, Matt’s nephew and the youngest member of the wedding party at just over 12 months old, performed his duties of ring bearer flawlessly – particularly impressive since he only learned to walk a couple of months before the wedding. Matt surprised his mother, Stephanie Williams, by escorting her down the aisle. When she got to her seat she found an embroidered handkerchief Margaret had left for her. Margaret also left one for her mom. Matt and Margaret included some special women in their lives by giving them mentions in the program: Matt’s

aunt Dottie DuBose-Blum, and tried to talk to everybody but felt Tina Williams and Levet Allen, like I was floating through it.” While the decorations at the were honorary special guests. church were intentionally minimal to highlight the beauty of hen Margaret and Matt Eastminster’s sanctuary, the arrived at Forest Lake Forest Lake Club reception room Club for the reception, was decorated to enchant. they were escorted to a private Ambient Media set the mood with area with a buffet set up for them elegant lighting; Party Reflections for a few minutes of solitude. provided furniture and bars and The reception, Donna said, with Ridenour’s flowers. was “a great party.” It also was a I Love This Band! helped probit of a blur. vide the fun. Matt and Margaret “Margaret wanted a fairy tale selected “You Are The Best setting, and it was beautiful,” Thing,” by Ray LaMontagne for Donna said. “It was surreal. I their first dance.

“The reception was a blast,” Matt said. “It was the best part – other than marrying the love of my life.” Even months later, friends come up to them and tell them how much fun they had at the reception. The five-tier cake by Bonnie Brunt sat in the foyer, and Forest Lake Club catered an elegant affair with stations offering delectables such as roast beef, crab cakes, oysters and shrimp. At the end of the reception, guests were offered hamburger sliders and fries. After leaving in a flurry of sparklers, Matt and Margaret

were driven to the Hilton hotel in a red vintage Cadillac provided by Ann Lyons. They honeymooned in Italy for 10 days, visiting Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Matt set the stage for the honeymoon on their wedding night, in a hotel room just a few miles away from where they met. “He had rose petals scattered in the room, and in the shape of a ‘W’ on the bed,” Margaret said. “And there were chocolatecovered strawberries.” And while they weren’t requirements, those touches definitely made his bride happy.

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&David

Mary Kathryn

Partners in adventure By Lezlie Patterson

Special to Carolina Bride

ary Kathryn Taylor was knocked off her feet when David Olsen proposed. Literally, and quite dramatically. Mary Kathryn and David met when they both worked at a Wyoming ranch one summer, and a mutual enjoyment of the outdoors helped nurture their relationship.

So it wasn’t too surprising that David proposed to Mary Kathryn while they were rock climbing in the Grand Teton National Park. “I kind of knew something was up,” Mary Kathryn recalls. “My parents were being weird. They can’t keep secrets.” But she didn’t know she would accept a wedding proposal while ascending one of the most challenging climbs either had attempted. “He went first and belayed me from the top,” Mary Kathryn said. “When he got to the

top, he asked me to send him his backpack.” Mary Kathryn thought it was a bit strange, especially when whatever he was doing with the backpack seemed to take a long time. But eventually, David signaled for Mary Kathryn to ascend. As she did, David told her to look up. After a bit of are-you-crazy reluctance, Mary Kathryn looked up – and saw colorful flowers stuck in a crack in the rocks. Mary Kathryn thought it was sweet but, “I

Photos by Ashley Seawell, Ashley Seawell Photography www.ashleyseawellphotography.com

was holding on for dear life.” Then David told her to look again, and she saw a ring clipped on a carabiner hanging from a rock. Hanging. From. A. Rock. “I grabbed it and clipped it to my harness,” Mary Kathryn said. Then she fell, and was hanging upside for a few minutes until she righted herself, and said yes. David thought about proposing on the summit, but decided do it on a less popular route. “I wanted to do something special, and what better way to propose than in our favorite national park doing our favorite activity,” David said. But that day, the proposal trumped the climb. “We never made it to the top that day,” Mary Kathryn said. “We rappelled down and called our parents and friends.” They sent out a photo, wearing their helmets and gear and said “climbing partners forever.” That was in June 2016 and on April 15, 2017, they married at The Millstone at Adam’s Pond in Columbia. Their story actually began five years earlier, when Mary Kathryn drove 2,000 miles west from her Columbia home in search of adventure. After graduating from the College of Charleston in 2011, Mary Kathryn and her dear friend and eventual maid of honor Sallie Marchant decided to drive to Wyoming to work on a ranch in Grand Teton National Park. “I had every intention of going out west for the summer and coming back to MUSC for a nursing program,” Mary Kathryn said. One of the first people she met was David, who was also working there.

hey hit it off right away, but Mary Kathryn was reluctant to start a relationship. “I wanted to have an adventure,” she said. But a few weeks later, they were inseparable and they knew they would be spending the winter in Wyoming as well. And a lifelong adventure with the love of her life had begun. Marchant realized her friend was smitten, and knew she and David would end up together soon after they met. “She’s been one of my best friends since preschool almost, so I could tell that she cared way more about him than any other guy she’d ever known,”

Marchant said. The summer after they met, David and Mary Kathryn worked at a ski resort, but Mary Kathryn found herself with a lot of free time after surgery for a torn ACL and Meniscus. During that time, she rediscovered a passion for sewing and changed career direction. She now works in the fashion industry. “I didn’t really make a decision,” Mary Kathryn said. “It just happened.”

fter spending another summer on the Wyoming ranch, David went to nursing school in Minnesota and Mary Kathryn returned to Columbia for six months. Mary Kathryn joined him in Minnesota for the next year, and then both moved back to Jackson. David returned home for the final part of his school tenure then joined Mary Kathryn in Wyoming. “I knew MK was the one after she continuously supported me through going back to With David and Mary Kathryn living in school, made it through a brief period of long distance, and sharing many hobbies and Wyoming, David’s family in Minnesota and interests together,” said David, now an oper- Mary Kathryn’s in Columbia, they had to decide where to have the wedding. They ating room nurse. “She’s also a total babe!”

chose Columbia because it seemed to be the most practical, and they knew an outdoor wedding in April should have good weather. And of course they wanted an outdoor wedding. The Millstone at Adam’s Pond provided a perfect setting, with an old home sitting on a pond with a working mill and water flowing. “Mary Kathryn and David are both lovers of being outside and exploring beautiful locations, so an outdoor wedding with a woodsy backdrop of trees covered with Spanish moss overhanging a pond was fitting,” Marchant said. “And although they’ve both lived in Jackson for a few years, Mary Kathryn is true to her Southern roots so saying ‘I do’ in her hometown surrounded by family and friends seemed right.” Mary Kathryn wasn’t worried about being 2,000 miles away from her wedding site. “I knew my mother would be able to handle anything you threw at her,” Mary Kathryn said. Indeed, she handled it. But it wasn’t easy. “The planning was the most stressful thing I have ever done,” said her mom, Kathy Stewart. “She flew home mid-February for a

week and during that week we had to have her dress fitted (we only had one time for that), finalize and meet with the caterer, photographer, makeup and hair folks as well as shop for all of the clothes she would have to wear for the wedding week. We had to find a ceremony musician and she decided on all of the songs. We picked out and ordered all of the bridesmaids and groomsmen things and what they were to wear and went all over Columbia finalizing hotels, valets, DJ, designing the programs, ordering notes, etc., etc., etc. “But it all fell into place, and my sweet girl had the most beautiful wedding.” Mary Kathryn stayed calm through it all. “Mary Kathryn goes with the flow, and if a hiccup occurred, she just said ‘oh well,’ and we moved on,” Stewart said. “That pretty much sums up her personality!”

ary Kathryn and David’s friends from Wyoming were excited about being able to explore Congaree National Park – and to escape the snow for some Southern spring weather. “The best part of our wedding was having our best friends and family members there to celebrate,” David said. “It didn’t hurt that it was 80 and sunny every day we were there.” Mary Kathryn and David wanted a very casual wedding. They set that tone with a Wyoming-style barbecue hoedown rehearsal dinner at 701 Whaley. They had gingham tablecloths, climbing rope decorations and a mechanical bull for entertainment. The morning of the wedding, Mary Kathryn and her bridesmaids went to Pout to get their hair styled and makeup done while many out-town visitors went hiking at Congaree National Park or visited Soda City Farmer’s Market downtown. Mary Kathryn wanted to use friends as vendors when possible. Julianne Sojourner, who attended Columbia College with her mother, did the flowers. Family friend Ashley Seawell was the photographer. Seawell’s mother went to medical school with Mary Kathryn’s father, Dr. Caughman Taylor, chief medical officer at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital. Seawell took all the group shots before the 6 p.m. ceremony.

“I wanted it out of the way and done so we could go straight to the reception,” Mary Kathryn said. She did a “first look” photo with David, where she stood behind him and tapped him on the shoulder.

dgewire String Trio provided music for the ceremony. Zach Braddock, who met David and Mary Kathryn that first summer at the Wyoming ranch, officiated the wedding. “He had us write letters about why we wanted to be with each other, and he read some of what we wrote at the wedding,” Mary Kathryn said. “That made it personal and fun.” The ceremony was one of Mary Kathryn’s mother’s favorite parts of the wedding weekend. “The actual ceremony was the sweetest and most tender,” Stewart said. “Their friend Zach performed the ceremony, which reflected MK and David to a T. He used analogies of their love of rock climbing and how had

he reception, which was catered by Southern Way Catering, was also at The Millstone at Adam’s Pond. They a mashed potato bar, crab dip, chicken

paninis, roasted beef tenderloin and bruschetta. They used the rope from the proposal climb in wedding decor. Guests signed a pair of skis instead of a book, and parts of tree trunks were gave the reception an outdoorsy, rustic feel. PartyTime DJs provided the music for the reception, with a lot of festive dancing. David and Mary Kathryn elected to have cupcakes by Cupcake Down South rather than a cake. “We didn’t want a big cake,” Mary Kathryn said. The goal was to have fun – so it was a perfect reception. The wedding was a perfect reflection of Mary Kathryn and David, Marchant said. “The wedding was beautiful, fun, and easygoing,” Marchant said. “Just like the bride and groom!” David and Mary Kathryn left beneath a canopy of sparklers. They returned to Wyoming after the wedding, and they plan a 20-day European honeymoon in October.

each part represents a part in marriage as well. “It was so touching to see David cry and MK wipe his tears during the ceremony.” Mary Kathryn bought her dress at Emma and Grace Bridal Studio in Denver, and she let her seven bridesmaids select their own dresses, only specifying that they be short and white. The seven groomsmen wore khaki pants and navy jackets with matching steel blue ties. “Everything about the entire wedding reflected both their personalities,” Stewart says. “It was very casual and natural. The minute she tried the wedding dress on in Denver, it set the tone. From using climbing ropes as décor to having her grandfather’s pin on her bouquet, she made every decision to reflect her personality.”

An estate that dates back to the 1700s,The Millstone at Adams Pond provides an enchanting setting for elegant Southern garden weddings, receptions, casual barbeques, oyster roasts and other special occasions.

5301 BLUFF RD, COLUMBIA, SC • 803.783.5732

M I L L S TO N E ATA DA M S P O N D. C O M

A GORGEOUS HISTORIC BUILDING WITH A SPACIOUS INTERIOR LOCATED IN THE HEART OF COLUMBIA’S VISTA Perfect for intimate wedding receptions, private parties & rehearsal dinners

705 B. Gervais Street 803.250.9995 Complimentary valet parking

DELIGHTFUL FOOD IS ONLY A PART OF THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE WE PROVIDE

Alive with love and personality &Nick

Callie

Shoots The World, Destination Wedding Photography

{ Hilton Head Island • Bluffton • Beaufort • South Carolina }

allie Lamb and Nick Brantley are huge Carolina Panthers fans. So much so that the couple made the trip last February to California to watch their team in the Super Bowl. And while the Panthers fell to the Denver Broncos, the couple brought home a win of their own. “I had no clue he was going to propose there in the hotel room,” said Callie. “He had told my parents, his parents, my sister. Everyone knew but me.”

Nick, a foodie, wanted the evening's menu to be delicious and memorable. For dinner, guests helped themselves to any of the seven serving stations that were open all night and offered entrees such as carved pork loin, Adobo grilled chicken, red snapper, filet mignon, baked ziti, and eggplant and chicken Parmesan. When guests worked up an appetite from dancing, the couple served a late-night menu of braised short rib mac and cheese and a variety of flatbreads.

Callie and Nick exchanged vows outdoors on the lawn of the middle peninsula at The Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island under an arch made of beach glass. A reception followed at the resort's Beach Pavilion. “We liked how the venue was so open that we could really make it our own,” Callie said. “I like so many bright colors that the orange tulips, yellow button mums, red and outdoor scenery was the perfect backdrop.” orange gerbera daisies, and vibrant pink hyInstead of flower girls, each of their drangeas. Overhead hung a chandelier made grandmothers led the way, dropping petals of sea glass, driftwood and live flowers. down an aisle studded with bright flowers. Guests signed sea glass and wrote “messagCallie wore a Haley Paige floor-sweeping es in a bottle” for the couple to read on their chiffon dress with a delicately sheer bodice one-year, five-year, and 10-year anniversary. embellished with beads, sequins and crysPicking up the watercolor theme from their tals, a T-strap, and plunging neckline. Bridesmaids wore long coral dresses, while invitations, Callie and Nick had an artist paint the groomsmen wore khakis, white shirts, welcome signs and portraits of their three custom Sperry shoes, and colorful Vineyard French bulldogs. Even their four-tier cake looked like it was swept with a paint brush Vine ties that matched their personalities. and offered layers of banana foster, white “Nick and I have such distinct personalities with lemon raspberry filling, chocolate with and I wanted the wedding to have a memorable chocolate chips, and a dulce de leche. feel. It was an amazing day,” Callie said.

One thing Callie did know, was that the first thing on her wedding to-do list was to hire a planner. “I’m so detailed-oriented that if I was doing it myself, I would drive myself crazy,” she said. Callie worked with Stephanie Douglas from Verge Events in Asheville, N.C., to put together a vibrant, memorable April wedding that captured their fun-loving personality. “I love bright, bold colors, lots of textures and patterns,” Callie said. What took shape was a celebration bursting with aqua and coral, sea glass and driftwood, and layers of color, texture and pattern (think bohemian style meets watercolor painting). Tables were set with clear chairs and three different linens. Some had a rippling silver and white tablecloth topped with bright color paisley runners. Others had an aqua linen with a white dot strand pattern. Centerpieces included groupings of aqua vases with bright flowers that mirrored the bridal bouquets – stargazer lilies, pink and

By Cate Fitzpatrick

cfitzpatrick@islandpacket.com

{ Hilton Head Island • Bluffton • Beaufort • South Carolina }

Photos courtesy of The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

Westin unveils ‘stunning’ new venue By Cate Fitzpatrick

cfitzpatrick@islandpacket.com

here’s a new beachfront wedding venue in town, and it is something out of a Lowcountry fairy tale. “There really isn’t anything quite like this in the Lowcountry,” said Gail Wargo, director of sales and marketing for The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. The Grand Ocean Terrace, a 5,000-square-foot climate-controlled special event space, caps off the resort’s $40 million renovation project that spanned nearly five years. “The new venue is stunning. It took two years to plan and is the final piece of the puzzle,” Wargo said. Built nearly eight feet above beach level, the Grand Ocean Terrace offers

The bar area features custom oyster shell light fixtures.

unobstructed Atlantic views through floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a full-length balcony. The private wrap-around porch features an adjacent stone patio with lounge area and fireplace, and beach access is mere steps away.

The venue’s coastal chic styling reflects the natural colors and textures of the Lowcountry, including tabby walls, oyster shell chandeliers, sconces that mirror the dune grass, and rustic trusses that run the length of the space. “Most of the materials are sourced locally and we worked with local artisans and designers to bring the space together,” Wargo said. “It’s so expertly styled that it doesn’t require many decorations.” The Grand Ocean Terrace can hold up to 220 guests and opened for its first wedding Memorial Day weekend. With three pools, five venues, a fullservice spa, and more than 400 guest rooms and suites, the resort’s allinclusiveness makes it very attractive for destination weddings, Wargo said.

{ Hilton Head Island • Bluffton • Beaufort • South Carolina }

&Marquel

Corey

Heather Cahoon Photography

{ Hilton Head Island • Bluffton • Beaufort • South Carolina }

Forever and always

orey Fedor and Marquel Sims were high school sweethearts whose relationship is like a story line from “Friday Night Lights.” The two were one grade apart at Hilton Head Island High School and complete opposites. Marquel the quiet freshman football player, Corey the outgoing sophomore cheerleader. “He was friends with a girl I cheered with. I remember telling her that he wasn’t my type,” Corey said, thinking back to 2004 when she met her now-husband. “Well, 13 years later I guess he turned out to be my type.” After high school, Corey moved to Spartanburg to attend nursing school. In 2012, Marquel followed, and three years later, on Valentine’s Day, he proposed. “I guess I had it in the back of my mind that he was the one I would be with,” Corey said. “It was just us in our house. I was pregnant and feeling very sick. I can’t remember what he said because I broke out crying. I had waited for this day for so long.”

The couple chose to have their April 8 celebration outdoors on the grassy lawn overlooking the ocean at The Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa. And with the help of Corey’s mom and sister planned a “very pink, very girly” wedding for 50 people. “I’m a flower girl. I wanted a good amount of flowers everywhere,” Corey said. Corey’s bouquet was packed with roses and peonies in varying shades of pink and peach, and skirted in greenery. Similar lush groupings were attached to the wedding arbor, which was draped with white linen. Shades of blush and gold were woven throughout the reception. On the tables, wooden lanterns were surrounded with soft pink rose petals and gold votive candle

holders, while slender gold vases held bunches of white baby’s breath. Instead of a formal wedding party, Corey and Marquel shared their nuptials – and a memorable family dance (“Isn't She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder) – with their daughter. Hand-painted signs quoting 1 Corinthians lined the aisle as Corey made her entrance. She wore a long, silky gown with a straight silhouette, lace sleeves and a lace bodice. Her daughter also wore a little white dress with puffy tutu and lace sleeves. Holding tight to tradition, Corey kept both their dresses a secret from Marquel and forewent the "first look" photo session with long-time friend and photographer Heather Cahoon. “I'm very glad we skipped it because it was so worth it to me to have our first look walking down the aisle,” Corey said. “While we were saying our vows, Marquel whispered to me, ‘You look beautiful,’ and that made it all worth it.” For dinner, guests enjoyed an open bar and an “I Do” barbecue buffet with macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, and coleslaw. Flowers and greenery adorned the two-tier cake which was iced in white frosting with fresh strawberries inside. As the sun set, tall heaters were brought out to take the chill out of the evening as guests danced into the night. At the end of the evening, the newlyweds exited under a shower of sparklers.

Three months later, they welcomed their daughter, Audrey. As new parents, priorities shifted and wedding planning was pushed to the back burner. It would be a year before Corey and Marquel would revisit the thought and start the planning process. “I knew I wanted to get married back home (on Hilton Head) either at the beach or on the beach. That had always been my dream,” she said.

By Cate Fitzpatrick

cfitzpatrick@islandpacket.com

{ Hilton Head Island • Bluffton • Beaufort • South Carolina }

TREND

ALERT

All photos courtesy of Dennis Stokely

Wedding Belles Celebrity hairstylist Dennis Stokely shares his favorite bridal looks

By Dennis Stokely

Special to Carolina Bride

rom the first look to the last dance, hairstyles with great texture and structure have the staying power to look polished and sophisticated for your entire wedding. I consider brides to be the celebrities of the South, and I've always said that walking down the aisle to get married is like walking the red carpet in Hollywood. After years of creating hundreds of hairstyles for brides in New York and Los Angles, returning to my Southern roots and

working with wedding belles throughout the Lowcountry is a dream come true. From the mountains of the upstate to the laid-back sophistication and natural beauty of the Lowcountry, the Carolina bride has a bounty of choices for what might be the most spectacular place in the world to get married. Whether it is a casual beach ceremony, a posh affair in a grand ballroom, or an intimate gathering in a centuries-old chapel, a hairstyle that can withstand the elements is the secret to show-stopping photos. Christine's look, shown

above, is a half up, half down style with soft romantic waves and it is one of the most requested hairstyles year after year. Similar to building a lasting marriage, the key to creating a successful hairstyle begins with a strong foundation. Prepping your hair with a flawless blowout set with large, Velcro rollers will create a smooth texture and give you the volume needed to create any look that will hold up and look great. I always love giving my two cents about all-things-hair, especially wedding hair. Here are four favorite looks I created.

Dennis Stokely is a top celebrity hairstylist and the Artistic Director at the Salon Montage in Palmetto Bluff. His work has appeared on "American Idol," and on red carpets at the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Golden Globes. www.dennisstokely.com

{ Hilton Head Island • Bluffton • Beaufort • South Carolina }

THE TOP KNOT

The top knot is the "it-girl" hairstyle of the moment and Erin nailed this look. She had a beach wedding on Hilton Head and her reception was indoors and outdoors. She wanted a hairstyle that would survive the elements and look amazing in pictures. I prepped her hair with a tight ponytail on the top of her head, then took sections of her hair and pinned them into a beautiful shape. I used a serum around her face and neck for sleek texture, and a firm-hold hairspray to lock in the bun.

LOW MESSY BUN

MODERN BOUFFANT

Carrie requested a modern bouffant with cascading curls. I created lots of volume in the crown by teasing the entire top section of her hair. I smoothed the hair back off of her face and pinned it into place. Using a medium-sized curling iron, I set the bottom sections of her hair in lots of tight curls. I fingered the curls into a loose texture, added a little medium-hold hairspray and finished with a misting of spray polish.

SIDE-SWEPT PONYTAIL

The low messy bun is one of my all-time favorite wedding day hairstyles. Suzanne requested the look for her Savannah wedding, but her hair was only chin length. We were able to achieve her desired look with the help of clip-in extensions. Then, I teased the top of her natural hair and brushed it down into the ponytail and wrapped it into a messy bun. Her husband loved it.

For her Hilton Head wedding, Kelly wanted something that was carefree and unique, and not another “prom” hairstyle. I decided to braid the hair across the back and sweep it across one shoulder. I secured the braid with half of the hair in her ponytail, leaving a lot of hair to fall to one side. For something different, I placed the gorgeous headband in the part of her hair.

{ Hilton Head Island • Bluffton • Beaufort • South Carolina }

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{ Hilton Head Island • Bluffton • Beaufort • South Carolina }

Photos by Katie Hart and Dave Gilbert, Palmetto Duo www.palmettoduo.com

MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS

Corina David

C: I knew something was up because he seemed nervous and D: I never really had that “aha” kept asking me how he looked. C: I guess I wasn’t interested bemoment; I just sort of always D: We went in through the garage cause I was afraid that if it didn’t knew how I felt toward her. so she wouldn’t see the backyard. work out, I’d lose a good friend. I got two beers out the fridge and Tell me about the proposal. In 2014, I experienced the death told her we needed to talk outside. C: It was a wet, rainy Monday. of my grandmother, and David C: I thought, “Oh no, he has some Before I got home from work, he experienced the death of his best called asking how far away I was. kind of bad news to tell me.” friend, Patrick Allen – which was He seemed anxious, but I brushed We got outside, and I saw white also hard for me because Patrick it off because I knew he wanted lights and candles everywhere. and I grew up together. David D: When we got to the gazebo, I to have dinner. We were going by and I grew closer, and in 2015, we his mom’s house before dinner started playing Train’s “Marry Me” started dating. I’ve watched David because she’d had knee surgery. and was on my knee as she turned grow into a wonderful man. around. With ring in hand, I asked It was raining on and off, and he Corina to marry me. She was David, at what point did you kept changing his mind about already crying and told me yes. realize you had a shot? stopping before dinner or after. C: We ended up having spaghetti D: I’m not going to lie; it was eviD: The weather was not my best dent to everyone that I had a thing friend that day. I had started setting at his mom’s house instead of going out. It was the most spefor Corina. We shared a special up with white lights around the cial night of my life! connection when a mutual friend porch, fence, and gazebo in my passed. She was there for me and mom’s backyard with teacup canWhat was your favorite part of made sure I was handling it well, dles everywhere. I had a friend light the wedding day? the candles and stay on standby as C: Walking down the aisle toward and I knew that this was going to the weather kept changing. grow into a relationship. him was a culmination of marriage

Corina, David had a crush on you long before you were ready to date him. What changed?

Corina Ellison and David Loan have known each other since 2006. They went to the same high school and had many of the same friends. When they met during college, David was smitten, but Corina wasn’t interested. “Definitely got friend-zoned,” says David, an operations manager. He proposed a decade after that first meeting, and they married April 8, 2017, at Capital City Club in Columbia. Corina, a special education teacher, says her best wedding advice is to remember that the marriage is the part that lasts. They live in Northeast Columbia. Answers have been edited.

When did you know your spouse was the one?

planning, not wedding planning. D: When I first saw Corina coming down the aisle with her father, all done up with tears of happiness running down her cheeks and smiling ear to ear. I was shaking with some tears to see the woman I had loved for so long to be coming toward me to be my wife.

Corina wore David’s mother’s veil. Whose idea was that?

C: David’s mother considered me her daughter long before we said “I do.” Not long after we got engaged, she pulled out a box and said, “You can have my old dress; maybe you could wear it!” I was honored. I decided that the veil was my favorite, so I picked my dress to go with it. I wore the veil to symbolize the love David’s parents had for one another and how much David’s mother means to me – and I can’t wait to pass it down to my daughter one day!

BRIDE’S ATTIRE Bride Beautiful (Atlanta) • GROOM’S ATTIRE Men’s Wearhouse • WEDDING PARTY ATTIRE David’s Bridal • CAKE Silver Spoon • CATERER Capital City Club • DJ Kevin Snow, Events by Snow • FLORIST Kroger Florists • HAIR John T. Elliot Professional Hair Salon • HONEYMOON Cancun, Mexico • HOTEL BLOCK Marriott Downtown USC • INVITATIONS/PAPER GOODS theamericanwedding.com • JEWELRY Blue Nile • MAKEUP Kione Taylor-Williams • MUSICIANS Regina Ellerbe, soloist; Idris Chandler, cellist• OFFICIANT Rev. Kevin Roberts, VOW • PHOTOGRAPHY Katie Hart and Dave Gilbert, Palmetto Duo • PLANNER Georgette Hartselle•REGISTRY Bed, Bath & Beyond; Amazon • REHEARSAL DINNER River Rat Brewery • RENTALS Palmetto Party Booths • VENUE Capital City Club

ADVERTORIAL

More than a ‘couple’ of reasons

ou and your fiancé are the reason for this special celebration. For a memorable experience that reflects the day you’ve anticipated and an event your guests will

never forget, the Orangeburg Country Club is your ideal choice. Whether you envision an intimate plated dinner for a few, a lavish party for many, or something in between, our experienced on-site planner will be there every step of the way. Your day is our top priority. Booking Orangeburg Country Club is open to nonmembers. We offer indoor ceremonies, as well as the option to wed on the lawn overlooking the scenic 18th green or beside the picturesque banks of the Edisto River. • Grand Ballroom • Tourville Room • Covington Room • Green Room

• Creative menu options • Bridal and groom suites • Audiovisual equipment • Indoor and outdoor options

The reasons to choose Orangeburg Country Club are indeed abundant. Visit www.orangeburgcc.com to learn more or call 803-534-5988 and speak to our private event coordinator to set up a personal tour. It’s time to start envisioning your magical day. LIFES TREASURES PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

Capital City Club

Your Perfect Wedding in the Clouds

1201 Main St., Suite 2500 | 803-256-2000 capitalcolumbia.com | mikaela.freeman@clubcorp.com

ADVERTORIAL

n the top floor of the tallest building in South Carolina, we have a saying: “The only thing we overlook is the view.” The Capital City Club is the peak of elegance and sophistication with stunning views. Our Governor’s Ballroom has a panoramic view of Columbia, the Congaree River, and the State House. We pride ourselves on personalized service and sophisticated Southern charm. Our experienced team and delectable menus will give your guests with an event to remember! Adding to a long history of beautiful weddings, our new private events team assisted in the planning and coordination of over 50 weddings last year alone. We would be honored to help you bring your vision of your perfect wedding day to life! We go the extra mile to make sure every detail of your wedding is perfectly and uniquely you. From personalized menus to unique décor and special requests, we consistently go above and beyond to make your dream a reality! Although Capital City Club is Columbia’s premier private club, you don’t have to be a member to host a private event. Contact Mikaela Freeman to plan your special day.

Wedding Album

Ann Li and Rory Bailey were married Feb. 19, 2017, at the Capital City Club in Columbia. Photos by Laura Effinger, Lola Dee Photography

ADVERTORIAL

Buck Ridge Plantation: We make weddings memorable

BUCK RIDGE P L A N TAT I O N

JULIA FAY PHOTOGRAPHY

estled among a picturesque forest of old-growth pines and hardwoods, Buck Ridge Plantation is an oasis of natural beauty and peaceful tranquility. For a picture-perfect bridal shower or a venue for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception, Buck Ridge offers several scenic choices. If your heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire is a small, private occasion celebrated with your family and closest friends, host the entire weekend at the intimate Edisto Manor. Buck Ridge can just as easily host a lavish wedding weekend for large groups and anything in between. We can happily create personalized weekend packages that cater to your guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interests. Besides the many on-site activities Buck Ridge offers including fishing, swimming, and sport shooting, we can also set up golf or tennis outings at our sister property, the Orangeburg Country Club. Buck Ridge can accommodate groups of up to 400 guests and lodge up to 80. We are conveniently located between Columbia and Charleston, near Orangeburg, and have over 15 years of experience in creating memorable celebrations. For more information, visit buckridge.com, or give our event planner, Melissa Clarke, a call at 803-531-8408. Melissa can show you around the property and help you every step of the way.

Photos by Roxanne Still, Still Co. still-co.com

MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS

&Chris

Addison

Addison Hendrix and Chris Frank met at the University of South Carolina. “We started out as friends,” Addison says. After college, Addison, who is from Lexington, moved with self-described Army brat Chris (who calls Summerville his hometown) to the St. Louis area, where they still live. They returned to Columbia for their March 18, 2017, wedding at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church and reception at Pine Island Club. Chris, 25, is an electrical engineer with Boeing; Addison, 24, is an office and project coordinator with the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition. Answers have been edited.

When did you know your spouse C: That’s when South Carolina was the one? was recruiting a new head football A: Honestly, after our first date. We went to see the midnight premier of “Skyfall,” and after the movie, I told him that I could see myself loving him. Bold move, but it didn’t scare him away! C: When Addison moved her whole life out to St. Louis for me after spending her whole life in South Carolina.

Tell me about the proposal.

C: I bought her ring on Labor Day weekend 2015 and started planning. I called her mom in October to ask her to help with my plan. A: Chris proposed the day before Thanksgiving. Each year we switch off so it’s Thanksgiving with one family and Christmas with the other. Just so happens we come visit my family for Thanksgiving when South Carolina plays Clemson at home.

coach, so my mind was in another world. The moment I got nervous is when I was about to ask her dad for her hand in marriage. Asking any dad’s permission to marry their daughter can be awkward, but it helps to have college basketball on. A: My parents took us to the Vista for dinner. The Carolina campus has changed so much since we graduated, so my dad drove through to show us all the new features. At the Horseshoe, my mom asked my dad to pull over so we could get some Christmas card pictures. I thought this was weird, but I went along with it. At the statue in the middle, my mom snapped a photo. Before she could take a second, Chris said, “Wait, I think I may have something to make this picture better.” That is when he got down on one knee and asked. Total

surprise! What made it even more special was our best friends were hiding behind the statue! C: She had no idea it was coming.

read them before the ceremony. Now, whenever I open my Bible, I am reminded of that day and the marriage God blessed us with.

What advice would you give a bride or groom planning a wedding?

Tell me about your special reception guest and the rally towels.

A: Perfect is boring. C: Just say “yes” to the bride. Makes it so much easier.

Tell me about the Bibles you exchanged before the ceremony.

C: It was all Addison’s idea. It was a practical gift that we can use for a long time. A: Chris and I didn’t care to exchange fancy gifts but wanted to exchange something. We believe that for a marriage to hold true, God must be the center of the relationship. We both picked out the Bible we liked best and got our names engraved on the front, then wrote messages to one another and

C: Cocky was a surprise from Addison’s mom. A: You know your mom loves you when she gets her school’s rival mascot to come to your wedding! We had Gamecock rally towels printed out for our exit, which was to “Sandstorm.” We wanted to do something different from the traditional sparklers or bubbles.

Newlywed life is...

A: Like a never-ending sleepover with your best friend. C: Really not much different from before. We work really well together as a couple.

BRIDE AND BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE Evelyn’s Bridal & Formal Wear • GROOM AND GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE Men’s Wearhouse • CAKE Parkland Cakes • CATERING Hudson’s Classic Catering • DECOR Alisha Millwood, Amazing Moments Weddings • DJ TJ McKay Entertainment • FAVORS/GIFTS Northeast Trophy & Awards, green koozies; Safeguard Solutions, rally towels • FLORIST Amazing Moments Weddings • HAIR Process Salon • HONEYMOON Antigua • HOTEL BLOCK Wingate by Windham Columbia-Lexington • INVITATIONS/PAPER GOODS Invitation Station, invitations and programs; Shutterfly, save the date cards • JEWELRY Kay Jewelers, wedding rings • MAKEUP Brittany Curtis • OFFICIANT Rev. Scott Smoak (bride’s cousin) • PHOTOGRAPHER Roxanne Still, Still Co. • PLANNER Alisha Millwood, Amazing Moments Weddings • PRESERVATION/ALTERATIONS Evelyn’s Bridal • REGISTRY Bed, Bath & Beyond; Belk • RENTALS Amazing Moment Weddings • TRANSPORTATION Southern Valet • VENUE, CEREMONY Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church • VENUE, RECEPTION Pine Island Club

Wedding Album

300 Spring Valley Rd., Columbia, SC 29223 (803) 788-3080 • www.springvalleycc.com

Katie Jumper and David Harley were married May 13, 2017, at Jackson’s Landing in Batesburg. Photos by Sarah D’Attoma D’Attoma Studios Photography, dattomastudios.com

Your event, ourbackdrop • Ceremonies • Receptions • Corporate Events • Catering • Lodging 231 Gundog Trail Neeses, SC 29107

Phone: (803) 531-8408 www.buckridge.com Find us on Facebook.

Photos by Julia Murray, Julia Fay Photography juliafayphotography.com

MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS

&TJ

Caroline

What was Al’s reaction to you dating and getting married?

C: I knew TJ must be a great guy if Al was OK with him taking me out. Al was excited and supportive about us getting married. TJ: I think I threw him a curve ball when I asked for his permission to take Caroline out, but he was awesome about the whole thing, and it made us even better friends.

Caroline Arnette and TJ Asbill were in the wedding of a mutual family friend as young children and attended the same high school. But they cite a lake day much later as the beginning of their story; Caroline’s brother and TJ’s college roommate, Al, invited both. “My first impression was, ‘Wow, she’s extremely out of my league,’ ” TJ says. Caroline, 27, a pharmacist, and TJ, 28, an agronomic sales representative, married May 6, 2017, at Buck Ridge Plantation in Neeses. The Leesville residents are working on a year one bucket list they made on their honeymoon. Answers have been edited.

ball game taking a stroll around the dark baseball stadium, and I knew there was something special about her. The fact that she wore orange that whole weekend just for me sealed the deal.

Tell me about the proposal.

C: It was a chilly December night when I went to his house to meet him to go eat with some friends. I pulled into the dark driveway, When did you know your spouse and as I was walking toward the was the one? front door the words “Will you C: A few months after dating, marry me?” appeared in beautiwe had many long talks and ful twinkling Christmas lights on moments where we were able to the front lawn. He then walked open up and really get to know out (from hiding in the bushes), each other. I could tell we had got down on one knee and asked similar morals and values. From these moments, I knew he was an me to marry him. He knows how much I love Christmas! honest, respectful, loyal, loving What was your favorite part of man I would love to spend the the wedding day? rest of my life with. C: The special moments during TJ: We really connected emotionally one night after a Clemson foot- our ceremony – vows, rings, and

there one day. Years later, TJ and prayers – and being surrounded I were looking for the perfect by friends and family. TJ: Saying “I do” to my best friend. venue, and someone reminded me of Buck Ridge Plantation. I reWhat advice would you give turned there for a visit, and it was a bride or groom planning a more beautiful than I rememwedding? bered. It captured both of our C: Try and enjoy every little personalities perfectly – his love moment. You work so hard to for the outdoors and my vision prepare, and it goes by so fast. for a Southern plantation-style TJ: The best advice I can give the wedding. We were so pleased groom is to just shake your head with our decision. The entire staff yes and agree with everything the was phenomenal and provided us bride says during the wedding with an exceptional experience. planning process. T: I was sold on Buck Ridge when Why did you choose Buck Ridge we walked into the lodge for the Plantation? first time and saw all the deer, duck, and turkey mounts on the C: My best friend’s dad sent my friend and I to Buck Ridge Planta- wall. tion for “outdoor camp” when we What part of marriage are you were about 12. I remember my looking forward to? friend and I discussing how the C: Sharing life’s greatest moments. pond at Buck Ridge would make T: Growing old together and going the perfect setting for a wedding through this thing called life as a and we should both get married dynamic team.

BRIDE’S ATTIRE The White Magnolia (Greenville) • GROOM/GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE JoS. A. Bank • BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE azazie.com • CAKE Bonnie Brunt Cakes • CALLIGRAPHY Mendee Shealy • CATERING Buck Ridge Plantation • DJ Dave Gilbert, Partytime DJs• FAVORS/GIFTS Jake’s Boiled Peanuts; Pine Press Printing; The Nut House • EMBROIDERY Caroline’s grandmother hand-stitched and applique inter her gown with two bluebirds and the wedding date • FLORIST Woody Worthy, Worthy’s Florist; additional designs by Debbie Taylor, Gail Asbill and Hope Childers• HAIR Chelsea Calvert, Upper Cut; Teresa Easler • HONEYMOON Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort (Aruba); Brian McPhillips, Forest Lake Travel • INVITATIONS/PAPER GOODS Pine Press Printing; Bravery Design Co. • JEWELRY Lexington Jewelers • MAKEUP Megan Hannigan (Myrtle Beach) • MUSIC, CEREMONY The Jackson Sisters String Quartet; Bailey Slice Parker and Brian Parker, vocalists; Philip Harrison, trumpeter • OFFICIANT Revs. Matthew Rucker and Lisa Isenhower • PHOTOGRAPHER Julia Murray, Julia Fay Photography • PLANNER Tina Sheets, A Simple Affair Events (Huntersville, North Carolina) • REGISTRY Amazon; Bed, Bath & Beyond; Belk; Target; Crate and Barrel • RENTALS Ruth’s House Event Rentals (Charleston), vintage furniture; Something Borrowed, lighting and tents; T&S Farms; King of Carts • TRANSPORTATION Fun Tours (Orangeburg), shuttle • VENUE Buck Ridge Plantation • VIDEOGRAPHY Thomas Kemp, 326 Films

ADVERTORIAL

Modern Southern brides register at Belk

ADVERTORIAL

oko Manor offers an elegant, serene setting for a wedding. The unique facility is set in a 25-acre park and boasts fantastic customer service and attention to detail. The Manor offers indoor and outdoor spaces at reasonable rates – which include tables and chairs, setup and tear-down, a bridal room, Wi-Fi and on-site attendants. Clients may choose their own decorators and caterers, and a full catering kitchen is available. Adjacent to Blythewood’s Town Hall, Doko Manor is easily accessible from Interstate 77. The venue is an easy drive from two metropolitan centers – 30 minutes from downtown Columbia and 75 minutes from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Contact director Steven Hasterok or assistant manager Johna Sutton at 803-754-0501, or find Doko Manor on Facebook. www.dokomanor.com | (803) 754-0501 facebook.com/dokomanor | Instagram: @dokomanor.

or Southern brides, a Belk registry is a longstanding tradition. Belk Columbiana’s bridal registry specialists, Brenda Thomas and Amanda Cato, take that tradition seriously, helping couples navigate the store’s extensive selection of products – including those exclusive to Belk – and listening to what’s important to them. “We consider it a privilege to assist couples in creating such an important part of their new world together,” Thomas said. “... We throw all of our experience into carefully crafting a bountiful bouquet of options for them.” The bridal department hosts bridal parties with vendors and prize giveaways and provides registry completion discounts several times a year, as well as brand-provided prizes for completing portions of the registry. Best of all, Thomas and Cato – who have a combined 14 years of experience working with brides – provide friendly, personalized and professional service. Start your Belk Columbiana registry today.

100 Columbiana Centre Circle | www.belk.com | (803) 781-4100, ext. 295

ADVERTORIAL

xperience Southern hospitality and fantastic customer service in a grand historic setting at the Francis Marion Hotel. Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, the Francis Marion is walking distance to restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Built in 1924, the Francis Marion boasts historic ballrooms in a historic city. Ready to plan your wedding? Contact Gillian Crum at 843-937-8699 or gillian.crum@thefrancismarion.com.

387 King St., Charleston | 843-722-0600 | www.francismarioncharleston.com

The Perfect Place for Weddings, Meetings, and Social Events • Seating Capacity for up to 250 • Tables and Chairs Inside Included • Set-up & Tear-down Services Included • Attendant On-site • Dance Floor & Stage Available • State-of-the-Art Audiovisual Equipment • Free Bridal Dressing Room • Free Catering Kitchen • Abundant Free Parking • Free WiFi

Located in Doko Meadows Park | 171 Langford Rd | Blythewood, SC Contact Steve Hasterok for rates, information and tours.

803-754-0501 | hasteroks@townofblythewoodsc.gov www.dokomanor.com

BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS. Every Moment. Every Detail.

Capture the spirit of historic Charleston and experience her grandeur complete with antique chandeliers, soaring ceilings, marble ﬁreplaces and monumental windows. Beautiful wedding reception and banquet rooms for the most intimate celebration. Creative menu options. Expert catering executives to help you plan every detail. Honeymoon suites. Ample parking. We invite you to experience Charleston’s grand hotel.

McBee Photography

387 King Street | Charleston, SC 29403 FrancisMarionCharleston.com 843.722.0600 Chris & Cami Photography

Member Historic Hotels of America

McBee Photography

Photos by Liz Roberts, Liz Roberts Photography lizroberts.com

MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS

&John

Virginia Boyd How did you meet?

VB: We met on Valentine’s Day, of all days! J: My best friend and college roommate introduced me to Virginia Boyd. He encouraged me to ask her out at the Double Decker Festival in Oxford, Mississippi, an annual arts and music fest.

It’s a good thing Virginia Boyd Tyson and John James enjoy traveling – they spent nearly the first two years of their relationship long-distance, with some time on different continents. They married April 1, 2017, at Shandon United Methodist Church in Columbia, with a reception at Forest Lake Club. Now, John, 27, is assistant vice president of Commerce Bank, and Virginia Boyd, 25, is development director for The Alliance – both in Corinth, Mississippi. They enjoy kickball, trivia and cooking at home, and they look forward to traveling more, but together. Answers have been edited.

the hour or so we had to FaceTime. Toward the end of her time in Ireland, I visited her for a week, and I had no doubt she was the one.

Tell me about the proposal.

VB: My family spends a week in August in Hilton Head Island, and John was invited last year. I am one of four girls, and boyfriends When did you know your spouse had only made rare appearances was the one? at the beach, so this was a big deal. VB: I moved to Ireland to be an au J: We got engaged on Aug. 9, 2016, pair right after we started dating in Hilton Head during the Virand had no idea where our relaginia Boyd’s family’s annual beach tionship was going to go. When I trip. The plans had been in the got back and started figuring out works well before, as her mom, my next move, I just realized that Mrs. Irene, helped guide me to I loved him and really wanted to find the perfect ring, and her start a life with him. I knew that dad, Mr. Rob, helped orchestrate he was going to be my future. the proposal day by keeping it a J: I knew she was the one after surprise that my family would be she moved to Kinsale, Ireland, there for the proposal as well. half a world away, and eight hours VB: It was that perfect time of difference in time zones, and my day on the beach – late afternoon favorite part of the day was still right before the sun sets. I was

throwing the football with my dad and sister, and he asked me to go on a walk. In a cleared-out spot, he stopped and gave me the sweetest letter anyone has ever written me. The last line said, “Now I just have one more question to ask you…” Then he got on his knee and proposed! J: Her oldest sister had been following us and took pictures. When we got back from our walk, her family and my family were waiting with a champagne toast.

What was your favorite part of the wedding day?

VB: Before the ceremony, being outside with my family and John’s family and all of our best friends enjoying the day and taking photos. It was a blue-sky day and 72 degrees, so it was just perfect, and I knew the day was going to end with me marrying my best friend. J: Virginia Boyd and I got to slow

down and eat dinner before we walked upstairs to celebrate with everyone.

What advice would you give a bride or groom planning a wedding?

VB: Get the guest list out of the way as soon as possible! Every part of the wedding planning process is so fun and exciting and magical, except for the guest list! J: Don’t get caught up on small things. Your wedding day will be the best day of your life and everyone there loves you and is there to celebrate with you.

Newlywed life is...

VB: Amazing. It is so nice to finally be able to live life with John in the same state, town, and house! J: Fun. No more FaceTiming, eight-hour drives, flights, or planned weekends; we can just take like as it comes each day.

BAND The Tony Howard Band • CAKE Parkland Cakes • CATERER Forest Lake Club • DECOR Cricket Newman Designs •FLORIST Cricket Newman Designs• HAIR Blue Orchid Salon • HONEYMOON Cocobay Resort Antigua • HOTEL BLOCK The Hyatt Place Downtown; Springhill Suites • INVITATIONS High Cotton (Birmingham, Alabama) • MAKEUP Pout• OFFICIANT Rev. C.E. Kanipe • PHOTOGRAPHER Liz Roberts Photography • PLANNER Cricket Newman Designs • PRESERVATION/ALTERATIONS Beatrice Licorish • REGISTRY non(e)such; Cottage and Vine; Belk; William Sonoma; Bed, Bath & Beyond; Pottery Barn; Beverly Bremer Silver Shop; Ann’s of Corinth; Ginger’s • REHEARSAL DINNER City Marketplace • RENTALS Party Reflections; Party Tables; Table Wraps • TRANSPORTATION Southern Valet • VENUE, ENGAGEMENT PARTY Row Gallery • VENUE, CEREMONY Shandon United Methodist Church • VENUE, RECEPTION Forest Lake Club

Wedding Album

ADVERTORIAL

Golden Isles: A romantic getaway close to home

Susie Benson and Ryan Young of Columbia were married April 22, 2017, at Wavering Place Plantation near Gadsden. Photos by Jessica Roberts Jessica Roberts Photography, jessicarobertsphoto.com

n the Georgia coast, midway between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida, lie the Golden Isles, made up of four barrier islands – St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and Little St. Simons Island – and the historic port city of Brunswick. The mild climate and southern hospitality, along with fine restaurants and shopping, phenomenal golf and sundrenched beaches unite with modern technology and an array of function spaces to accommodate groups of all sizes and types: destination weddings, honeymoons and more. The Golden Isles create a magical setting for any coastal wedding or romantic getaway. Pristine stretches of beach are punctuated by century-old trees draped in Spanish moss. The breathtaking landscape, historic churches and landmarks define an atmosphere of a bygone era filled with romance. This stunning location will make your special day a memory that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for an on-the-beach, toes-in-the-sand ceremony, or a formal and traditional indoor event, the Golden Isles have plenty of wedding venues to choose from. To learn more about the Golden Isles and available wedding vendors, please visit www.GoldenIsles.com, or call 800-933- 2627.

Wedding Album

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Brooke Dimrock and Ryan Smith of Columbia eloped May 3, 2017, at the Richland County Courthouse. They had a wedding photo shoot at Aeolian Hill Plantation in St. Matthews.

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Jessica Ker and Adam Rafferty of Columbia were married March 5, 2017, at the River Road and Jasmine Houses and Gardens.

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Wedding Album

Jess FitzGerald and Chris Collins were married April 29, 2017, at Buck Ridge Plantation in Neeses, in Orangeburg County.

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VENUES, continued

Advertiser Index

PHOTOGRAPHY

REGISTRY SPRING VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB We believe it’s the details that make the difference.

803-788-3080 x103 300 Spring Valley Road Columbia, SC 29223 www.springvalleycc.com Contact: Rhonda Stone Clubhouse Manager/Special Events Coordinator

VENUES

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231 Gundog Trail, Neeses, SC 29107 Phone: (803) 531-8408 www.buckridge.com

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Cidney Rogers and Tim Williams of West Columbia were married June 3, 2017, at the Springdale House and Gardens. Photos by Laura Effinger, Lola Dee Photography

Reception Venues

1208 Washington Place ▯ 1208 Washington St., Columbia ▯ restored bank building with two ballrooms, twin vaults and a library events1@1208washingtonplace.com  www.1208washingtonplace.com  803-476-0285

403 North Lake ▯ 403 North Lake Drive, Lexington ▯ historic home with 1.5 acres of English gardens Contact Marcie Huber or Rodney Huber  info@403northlake.com  403northlake.com  803-808-2992

701 Whaley ▯ 701 Whaley St., Columbia ▯ flexible space for large and small events Contact Tom Chinn  701whaley@gmail.com  www.701whaley.com  803-771-0101

Agape Conference Center ▯ 1622 Main St., Columbia ▯ restored historic conference center Contact Bob Lane  blane@agapesenior.com  www.michaelscafecatering.com  803-528-9556

The Big Apple ▯ 1000 Hampton St., Columbia ▯ historic grand ballroom, balcony, dance floor and banquet facility; dance lessons available Contact Richard Durlach or Breedlove  bigappledance@gmail.com  bigappledance.com  803-518-6147

Ariel’s Special Events Facility ▯ 1734 Mobile Ave., West Columbia ▯ banquet hall with on-site catering info@arielsspecialevents.com  arielsspecialevents.com  803-936-0505

Brookland Baptist Conference Center ▯ 1066 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia Contact Marnie Robinson or Monique Flowers  www.brooklandbaptist.org  803-744-7909 or 803-744-7927

Buck Ridge Plantation ▯ 231 Gundog Trail, Neeses ▯ banquet hall, covered veranda, gazebo, and picturesque lake Contact Melissa Clarke  www.buckridge.com  803-531-8408

Capital City Club ▯ Capitol Center, 1201 Main St., Columbia ▯ ballroom Contact Pamela Richards  www.capitalcolumbia.com  803-256-2000

City Art ▯ 1224 Lincoln St., Columbia ▯ art gallery Contact Wendy Wells  www.cityartonline.com  803-252-3613

Clarion Hotel Downtown ▯ 1615 Gervais St., Columbia ▯ ballroom and smaller banquet rooms Contact Stacee Davenport  sales@clarionhotelcolumbia.com  www.clarionhotelcolumbia.com  803-771-8711

The Club at Rawls Creek ▯ 2121 Lake Murray Blvd., Columbia ▯ banquet space and outdoor pavilion Contact Jessica Duncan  www.golfrawlscreek.com  803-781-0114

Columbia Conference Center ▯ 169 Laurelhurst Ave., Columbia ▯ ballroom Contact Kelly Beasley  www.columbiameetings.com  803-772-9811

Columbia Country Club ▯ 135 Columbia Club Drive West, Blythewood ▯ wedding ceremony and reception venue with full-service catering Contact Heather Lathrop  heather@columbiacountryclub.com  www.columbiacountryclub.com  803-754-8100

Columbia Museum of Art ▯ 1515 Main St., Columbia ▯ museum, lobby, atrium, conference room, terrace and exterior patio Contact Special Events Office  www.columbiamuseum.org  803-343-2212

Corley Mill House and Garden ▯ 221 Corley Mill Road, Lexington ▯ home with garden space Contact Sheila Hall or Stephanie Hall  info@corleymillhouse.com  www.corleymillhouse.com  803-957-1818

Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC ▯ 630 Assembly St., Columbia ▯ banquet space

Contact events manager  www.marriott.com  803-726-1603

Doubletree by Hilton ▯ 2100 Bush River Road, Columbia ▯ elegant event space with a Southern touch Contact Norine Morris  norine.morris@doubletreesc.com  www.columbiasouthcarolina.doubletree.com  803-744-0141

EdVenture Children’s Museum ▯ 211 Gervais St., Columbia ▯ museum, outdoor terrace, galleries Contact Theresa Dozier  tdozier@edventure.org  www.edventure.org  803-400-1151

Embassy Suites Columbia-Greystone Hotel ▯ 200 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia ▯ two ballrooms Contact Alexa Wegner  alexa.wegner@jqh.com  columbiagreystone.embassysuites.com  803-252-8700

EventUs, LLC ▯ 709 Woodrow St., Suite 307, Columbia Contact Annette Hoover  803-608-2242

A sampling of sites for weddings and receptions near the Midlands The Farm at Ridgeway  3248 U.S. 21 South, Ridgeway  rustic reception hall with outdoor ceremony venues thefarmatridgeway21@gmail.com  www.facebook.com/pages/The-Farm-at-Ridgeeway/57371956941

Fort Jackson Officers’ Club  3630 Semmes Road, Columbia  outdoor wedding venues and elegant reception space Contact Carol Neal  www.fortjacksonmwr.com/o_club  803-782-8761 or 803-751-4906

Fripp Island Resort  2119 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena  indoor/outdoor facilities including screened Creek House and Beach Pavilion Contact Group Sales Department  www.frippislandresort.com  888-741-8974

Gibson Commons  140 Gibson Road, Suite C, Lexington  ballroom and outdoor gazebo Contact Amanda Kammer  www.gibsoncommons.com  803-358-7122

Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens  1615 Blanding St., Columbia  indoor-outdoor ceremony and reception venue rentals@historiccolumbia.org  www.historiccolumbia.org  803-252-7742, ext. 11

Hilton Garden Inn  434 Columbiana Drive, Columbia  ballroom Contact events manager  www.hiltongardeninn.com  803-407-6640

Historic Lace House at the Governor’s Mansion  800 Richland St., Columbia  historic home with garden area Contact Michelle Langdon  michellelangdon@gov.sc.gov  www.lacehouse.sc.gov  803-737-2235

HoFP Gallery  2828 Devine St., Columbia  urban art gallery with outdoor terrace Contact Tensia Cassinetti  info@hofpgallery.com  www.hofpgallery.com  803-799-7405

Inn at USC  1619 Pendleton St., Columbia  elegant boutique hotel on USC’s historic campus Contact Ashley Foster  events@innatusc.com  www.innatusc.com  803-231-3606

The Lake House at Lake Carolina  100 Lake Carolina Blvd., Columbia  open-air space with screen windows and doors Contact Julia Burley  jburley@lakecarolina.com  www.columbialakehouse.com  803-461-0915

Leaside  100 E. Exchange Place, Columbia  ballroom, Florida room and secluded patio Contact Alex Cebry  sales@thesouthernway.com  www.thesouthernway.com  803-783-9136

Lourie Center  1650 Park Circle, Columbia  flexible space in Five Points with two ballrooms and six classrooms louriecentersc.com  803-779-1971

The Manor at Doko Meadows  100 Alvina Hagood Circle, Blythewood  banquet and reception rooms and a lakeside pergola Contact Steven Hasterok  hasteroks@townofblythewoodsc.gov  www.dokomanor.com  803-754-0501

Marriott, Downtown  1200 Hampton St., Columbia  two ballrooms and a tremendous two-story atrium Contact sales director  www.marriott.com  803-771-7000

McCutchen House  University of South Carolina campus, Columbia  restored home with Horseshoe as backdrop Contact Carolina Catering  sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/hrsm/for_the_community/mccutchen_house_dining

 803-777-7919

The Medallion Center  7309 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia  banquet space with pavilion, grand ballroom, salons and spacious entry Contact Brandi Owens  www.medallionconferencecenter.com  803-256-1222

Robert Mills House and Gardens  1616 Blanding St., Columbia  outdoor event rental space with beautiful gardens rentals@historiccolumbia.org  www.historiccolumbia.org  803-252-7742, ext. 11 Contact Alex Cebry  sales@thesouthernway.com  www.thesouthernway.com  803-783-1061

Mitchell House and Gardens  421 North Lake Drive, Lexington  historic home with covered patio pavilion; full-service facility Contact Phyllis James  www.mitchellhouseandgardens.com  803-359-5325

Mossy Oaks Farm  2986 S.C. 174, Edisto Island  creekfront pecan plantation info@mossy-oaks.com  www.mossy-oaks.com  803-414-2898

Orangeburg Country Club  2745 Griffith Drive, Orangeburg  grand ballroom, banquet facilities and scenic ceremony options Contact Lauren Gray  www.orangeburgcc.com  803-531-9673

Millstone at Adams Pond  5301 Bluff Road, Columbia  home with tentable areas, covered back porches and dining rooms

Palmetto Collegiate Institute and Leonard L. Price Gardens  104 Hendrix St., Lexington  renovated school and gardens Contact Jennifer Dowden  www.lexsc.com  803-356-8238

Pine Island Club  331 Pine Island Road, Columbia  reception hall on Lake Murray 803-781-6491

River Center at Saluda Shoals Park  5605 Bush River Road, Columbia  park area, conference center and wedding gazebo Contact Jennifer Cantey (River Center) or Angie Senn (outdoor space)  www.icrc.net  803-731-5208

The River Road & Jasmine Houses and Gardens  2204 North Lake Drive, Columbia  homes with garden space Contact Sarah Christmus or Elizabeth Christmus  riverroadjasmine@gmail.com  www.riverroadjasmine.net  803-315-4953 or 803-781-3315

Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens  500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia  botanical gardens, unique animal houses, Magnolia Room, Ndoki Lodge planyourevent@riverbanks.org

 www.riverbanks.org/planyourevent  803-602-0900

Rock Bottom Pond  1530 Buck Hill Road, Ridgeway  outdoor ceremony area overlooking pond and enclosed reception shed with fireplace rockbottompond.com  803-438-9788

Seawell’s  1125 Rosewood Drive, Columbia  banquet hall Contact Cal Seawell  www.seawellscateringsc.com  803-771-7385

Seibels House and Garden  1601 Richland St., Columbia  indoor-outdoor ceremony and reception venue rentals@historiccolumbia.org  www.historiccolumbia.org  803-252-7742, ext. 11

Senate’s End  316 Senate St., Columbia  hall, manor house, reception area and garden in unique Vista location on the Congaree River info@duprecatering.com  duprecatering.com  803-748-4144

South Carolina State House  1100 Gervais St., Columbia  grounds, gardens, steps and rotunda Contact State House events coordinator  scstatehouseevents@gs.sc.gov  803-737-3880

South Carolina State Museum  301 Gervais St., Columbia  main and planetarium lobbies, mezzanine, observatory, Vista Room Contact Margaret Farish  facilityrental@scmuseum.org  www.museum.state.sc.us  803-898-4901

Southern Oaks  2401 U.S. 378, Gilbert  rustic home and barns; new 5,600-square-foot reception area; antique furniture and decor Contact Pamela Reeder  southernoaks378@gmail.com  southernoaks378.simdif.com  803-647-4518

Spring Valley Country Club  300 Spring Valley Road, Columbia  country club and reception venue Contact Rhonda Schock Stone  rhonda@springvalleycc.com  www.springvalleycc.com  803-788-3080

Springdale House and Gardens  3150 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia  house and garden pavilion Contact Kathy Wright  facebook.com/pages/The-Historic-Springdale-House-and-Gardens/246450802864  803-794-5557

Stone River  121 Alexander Road, West Columbia  event venue, wedding planning Contact Patti Ginther or Lindsay Colvin  events@stonerivercolumbia.com  facebook.com/StoneRiverColumbia  803-727-8047

T&S Farm  3500 Pond Branch Road, Leesville  banquet hall with beautiful grounds

Contact Sherrie Jumper  sherrie@shealysbbq.com  tsfarmweddings.blogspot.com  803-532-8135, ext. 213

Wavering Place Plantation  427 Adams Hayne Road, Eastover  house and gardens info@waveringplaceplantation.com  waveringplaceplantation.com  803-269-7761

The Windermere Club  1101 Longtown Road East, Blythewood  ballroom and patio on golf course

Contact Bill Chandler  www.windermereclubsc.com  803-786-6088

Wintergreen Woods  1032 Corley Mill Road, Lexington  reception hall, covered veranda and two courtyards Contact Casey Covell or Dixie Covell  www.wintergreenwoods.com  803-957-8888

Woodlands Country Club  100 Norse Way, Columbia  private dining rooms and banquet space Contact Derrick Owens  www.woodlandscc.com  803-602-0253

Woodrow Wilson Family Home  1705 Hampton St., Columbia  outdoor event rental space with beautiful gardens rentals@historiccolumbia.org  www.historiccolumbia.org  803-252-7742, ext. 11

To request that a venue be included in future publications, or to update information for a venue listed here, contact marketing@thestate.com.

FOR ALL YOUR WEDDING EVENTS,

we’ve got you covered!

The only thing we overlook is the view! • CEREMONIES

• BRIDESMAID TE AS AND LUNCHEONS

• RECEPTIONS

• BRIDAL SHOWERS • REHEARSAL DINNERS

• A F T E R PA R T I E S • FA R E W E L L BRUNCHES

8 0 3 . 2 5 6 . 2 0 0 0 | C A P I TA L C O L U M B I A . C O M © C l u b C o r p U S A , I n c . A l l r i g ht s r e s e r v e d . 2 9 9 4 6 1215 S S

• E N G A G E M E N T PA R T I E S

You picked the perfect day.

We have the perfect venue.

Plan your wedding, rehearsal dinner or other special event at the perfect Columbia venue.

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The USC Alumni Center offers breathtaking views, exceptional menus and a professional staff thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prepared to help make your wedding day a relaxed, unique celebration.

The Alumni Center stands majestically on the corner of Senate and Lincoln Streets in the Vista and is conveniently located near Interstates 26 and 77. Call 803-777-4111 or e-mail sales@mycarolina.org to check date availability or arrange a complimentary consultation.