Carolina Bride, winter 2018 by The State Media Company

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From the Editor

This issue of Carolina Bride has the largest number of weddings we’ve ever been able to feature! I’m so excited for you to see all the ways these couples have personalized their special days. Both grooms in our featured weddings already had a child. You might want to read about how the couples included the children with a box of tissues handy. And a fun trend I noticed in the Q&As: bridal jackets! Perfect for the unpredictable weather of fall and spring in South Carolina! Elizabeth and Julia show you how it’s done.

Evergreen Plantation Weddings & Events

Our cover bride is Ashley Beaman, who married Britton Knotts on Aug. 26 at Shandon Baptist Church, with a reception at the Forest Lake Club. Read their story on page 10. Photo by Katie Hart, Palmetto Duo

4800 Highway 187 South • Starr, SC 29684 • www.evergreen-plantation.com

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Volume 14, Number 1

Winter/spring 2018

Lauren Libet Vice President of Advertising llibet@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

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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.

Certified Wedding Planner Shawn Mohammed has the unique ability to create glamorous, one-of-a-kind weddings. His modesty is charming yet his talent is overwhelming. 803-550-9229 | shawn_weddings@platinumlabelweddings.com | www.platinumlabelweddings.com

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Contents

in this issue Ashley & Britton......................... 10 Laura & Tim................................ 18

Lowcountry insert

Benita & Ryan ............................ 24 Erin & Dave ................................26 Mandy & Adam.......................... 28 Lowcountry Reception Venues.29 Elizabeth & Jeremy ................... 32 Hope & Jermaine ....................... 36 Katie & Sam ............................... 40 Sarah & Ben................................44 Lauren & Daniel ......................... 46 Kirby & Dandrell......................... 48 Julia & Trent ...............................50 Rosemary & Brian ..................... 52 Advertiser Index......................... 55 Reception Venues...................... 56

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&Brandon

Amanda

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8 inches by 5 inches 2 photos 3.5 inches copy

&Brandon

Amanda

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

Full-page package* •

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aut vellupturit qui doloria prestiis id untesequi aceaquidel est rem entintis sed millabo. Nam, suntend ebitaquam rescipsunt, quatem dus volupitas nos nus dolut quae sapitatur, con eost offic to magnat. Everat unt dit por sit, oditassit mossin praeperunt odiat que serit voluptas utem facearum ea sedisin ni alicatiurent occae nimilignam nim seque pe quae volorum autemod ex eum, conest mil endandusa cusanimil ipsandam quia voluption nus maxime omni cupta alisquiassed moluptas quis ea int modiciet quia con nos int, sequatq uibusciet facia as ratur autempo rrovitatur? Lorepudit, utem fugit odita net et quas voloreste pernam nonsequ iassus aut aut as derit veligenis reped ex etum que nos exere molorem quasperum sundae. Ibus dit, aut alis inisit, quidunt, earum,Alibus ut ad ut eos adi cum repudias iliam, sus pa pore venianditi

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8 inches by 10 inches 4 photos 7.75 inches copy

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&Brandon

Amanda

July 19, 2014

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16 inches by 10 inches 7 photos 10.5 inches copy

*Packages not drawn to scale. Pricing for full-color announcements in Carolina Bride magazine: half page, $500; full page, $800; 2-page spread, $1,500. Contact 803-771-8624 or marketing@thestate.com.

• • •

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Photos by Katie Hart and Dave Gilbert Palmetto Duo

palmettoduo.com

Ashley

Britton

Finally a family

By Lezlie Patterson Special to Carolina Bride

shley Beaman Knotts knew she wanted a traditional wedding in her family’s church. She knew several other things she wanted: to include her new stepdaughter, for family and friends to have fun, and to have vibrant color. She got all of that and more at her wedding to Britton Knotts on Aug. 26 at Shandon Baptist Church. “Ashley has always dreamed what a fairy tale wedding would be like and she experienced it first-hand on her special day,” her father, Palmetto Health CEO Chuck Beaman Jr. says. “We are so happy for her and Britton and the life they will make together.” Indeed, Ashley’s wedding wish list was all scratched off in an event that mixed the formal, traditional aspects they wanted with informality that had guests enjoying french fries and pizza, and boogying into the night in colorful wedding finery. “I wanted to do things that were fun and nice, things people would enjoy,” Ashley says. “I always knew I wanted a big wedding, in a church – both of us are traditional Baptists.”

shley and Britton were friends at Brookland-Cayce High School, and although Britton secretly wanted more, they stayed that way until Ashley’s freshman year at Lander College – on Sept. 18, 2005 when they started dating. “The saying, ‘you should date and marry your best friend?’ Well, that is what I wanted to do,” Britton says. “... She was different from everyone else in my eyes. She stood out. Our friendship just kept growing, and we had fun talking and being around each other.” When she asked him to take her to her senior prom, Britton saw his chance. “Our feelings literally just continued to grow because we started talking and hanging out more,” he said. After what “seemed like forever,” he asked her to be his girlfriend. They dated while Ashley earned a mass com-

munications and journalism degree at Lander and Britton built his business as a franchise owner with Matco Tools. Britton proposed on Sept. 18, 2016 – 11 years to the day after they started dating. Britton had wanted to make sure his business was financially secure before he became her husband. And even though they had been dating for 11 years, he managed to surprise her with his proposal. Ashley and Britton had gone to her parents’ mountain house in North Carolina for the weekend. Just as they were about to leave to return home, Britton lured her to a barn on the property so he could allegedly look at a tractor for Ashley’s father. “He was fidgeting with the tractor, acting like he was looking at it,” Ashley says. “After a while, he said he thought he knew what it was and said, ‘Now let’s go back up to the house.’” The strange behavior didn’t register to Ashley until on the walk back, Britton dropped to his knee and started telling her

how much he loved her and what she meant to him. He presented the ring Ashley’s mother, Joni Beaman, and Britton’s mother, Brenda Griffin, had helped him select. “I got up, and we hugged and kissed, and I cried,” Ashley said. She asked Britton if he had asked her father (her traditional side showing). He had asked her entire family. He told her to look up at the house. Her parents; her brother, William; and his fiancee, Maria, were waving, smiling and taking photos.

mom, it would have been tough. Kudos to my mother … She was with me the whole entire time. My mom ended up helping me with all the decisions. I could get it down to two or three things, but just couldn’t make a final decision. I relied on my mom to do that.” Joni refuses to accept all of her daughter’s praise. She says Ashley deserves credit for planning her beautiful wedding. “She thinks I’m the one who did it, but she really did,” Joni says. “I’d give her hints and advice, but when it came down to it, she made the decisions and I think that’s why it ended up being so beautiful.” Joni treasures the memories of planning her only daughter’s wedding. “I wanted this shley wanted a year to plan her wed- to be all about Ashley,” Joni says. “This was ding, so they decided to marry on her time … and everything fell into place.” Aug. 26. One of the first things she One of Joni’s suggestions was not to did was hire Cricket Newman Designs as make a final decision on a wedding dress. her wedding planner. Ashley had narrowed her selection to two. “And thank goodness we did,” Ashley says. But the dresses were very different. One was an Allure Couture strapless “If it wasn’t for Cricket Newman and my

ding party was leaving David’s Bridal after trying on several dresses. Joni commented on a strapless mermaid-style steel slate blue dress with a Mikado fabric she had noticed on a mannequin. It was paired with a light grey tuxedo, which was similar to the tuxedos the men in the wedding wore from the Men’s Wearhouse, and Joni thought it would look pretty paired with the bright flowers Ashley wanted. Once again, Mom knew best. “It was a unique color, not one I would have picked out growing up, but it really worked,” Ashley says.

At the rehearsal dinner, Ashley and Britton gave Kailyn, now 13, a special ring to represent her importance in their relationship and her place in their family. “She’s always been a big part of our relationship,” Ashley says. “I wanted something memorable for her. She was a junior bridesmaid; we wanted her in the wedding. But we still wanted to do something special.” The ring has the August birthstone, a peridot, to commemorate the month of the wedding. To accompany it, Ashley wrote Kailyn a three-page letter telling the teenager how much she meant to her, what a big part she played in their lives and how happy she was to be her stepmother.

hen Ashley began dating Britton, she also began “dating” his daughter, Kailyn. ricket Newman provided the vibrant “Ashley ... loved both of us,” Britton says. flowers Ashley wanted, creating bouquets with bold colors that “... She adores my daughter like she is her matched the arrangements at the wedding own. ... She betters me.”

mermaid style with lots of beading that “sparkled so good in the church with the great lights that they have,” Ashley says. The other dress also had a mermaid silhouette, but it was a form fitting dress at the bottom, with ivory satin silk and sheer mesh on the back and beading along the sides. The front came up to her collar bone with mesh and beading. Ashley couldn’t decided between them. Joni’s suggestion: Get both. Ashley wore the first dress at the wedding, and changed into the second dress at the reception. She bought them both at Demetria Emporium in Greenville, and Hattie Zimmerman took care of the alterations. “They were two totally different looks, and I loved both of them,” Ashley says. “It was my mom’s idea to buy both of these. And it was perfect.” Joni also found the bridesmaid dresses Ashley and her bridesmaids ended up selecting. The female portion of the wed-

and at Forest Lake Country Club, where the reception was held. The night before the wedding, at the Capital City Club rehearsal dinner, Ashley surprised Britton with a custom groom’s cake by Bonnie Brunt Cakes in St. Matthews. It was a perfect replica of the Can-Am Side x Side ATV that the couple enjoy riding. The next morning, the bridesmaids gathered at the Beamans’ home, where Chuck Beaman had delivered Ashley’s requested breakfast – biscuits and gravy from Hardee’s. “I wanted the bridal party with me that day,” Ashley says. “We were just all hanging out. It was a blur … it went by so fast.” Makeup artist Brandi Miles and hair stylist Paige Ellinger arrived to apply makeup and fix hair for the bridal party. Ellinger stayed with Ashley throughout the day to make sure her hair stayed perfect and to change her hairstyle to an updo when she changed dresses at the reception. A trolley took the bridal party from the Beamans’ house to Shandon Baptist Church.

hile Ashley says she started planning her wedding from scratch after Britton’s proposal, there were two things she had known for years that she wanted: First, she wanted her wedding to be at Shandon Baptist, where her family attends, and second, she wanted Shandon’s pastor, the Rev. Dick Lincoln, to officiate. As it turned out, Ashley and Britton’s wedding was Lincoln’s last. Shortly after agreeing to officiate, he announced that he would retire after 38 years at Shandon. He was quick to assure the Beamans and Knottses that he would still officiate their wedding. “It was such an honor for us,” Ashley says. The first time Britton saw Ashley on their wedding day was when she appeared on her father’s arm. That was a special moment for Ashley’s father as well. “When Ashley and I were standing at the doors to the sanctuary waiting to walk down the aisle, I will

always remember the sparkle in her eyes and the genuine happiness she felt to be married to the man God had sent to her,” Chuck says. Ashley remembers when her father got his first look at his daughter as a bride as photographer Katie Hart of Palmetto Duo took pre-wedding pictures. “It was when we had to do family pictures before the wedding and my mother and my daddy came down at one time,” Ashley says. “That was Daddy’s first time seeing me all put together and in my dress. He walked towards me and gave

me a kiss on my cheek and said, ‘You are absolutely beautiful.’ I could see his eyes water. “That was such a special moment for me because I knew he thought that and that he was proud and a little bittersweet because he was about to give his only daughter away.”

orest Lake Country Club catered the reception, and the menu (which wasn’t exactly formal wedding fare): french fries, chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, pizza, barbecue

shooters, squash, zucchini and onions, and skewers of strawberries, grapes and watermelon (Ashley’s favorite fruits). Parkland Cakes provided banana pudding along with the five-tier cake. “We wanted food that everyone loved,” Ashley says. “We didn’t want people having to guess what they were eating.” Cameron Glover of Big Time Entertainment provided music for lots of dancing. After the reception, a classic, red Cadillac provided by Ann Lyons drove them to the hotel, where spent the night before departing for a Montego Bay,

Jamaica, honeymoon. “(The wedding) was absolutely perfect, and I wouldn’t have changed anything. That day will always be a day I will remember for the rest of my life,” Ashley said. The newlyweds live in West Columbia, where Ashley works at South Carolina Oncology Associates and Britton is a franchise owner for Matco Tools. “I believe God brought us together and I couldn’t be happier,” Britton says. “I am definitely blessed to have Ashley as my wife.”

Southern Way Catering, our philosophy is to provide our guests with the most delectable food, the most attentive service, the most memorable presentation, and the most pleasurable event experience. “I can’t speak highly enough of our experience with Southern Way Catering,” said Cate Mongell, one of our brides from this summer. “Their attention to detail is unmatched, their service is impeccable, and their menu choices are by far the best. From the first tasting to tweaking our menu a few months before our big day, every step of the process was easy and fun. Most importantly, the food is absolutely delicious! I have never come across a Southern Way dish that I didn’t love, and our wedding guests are still commenting on how amazing each course tasted. Our menu was most certainly a highlight of our wedding!” Together with Cate and her groom, Nick, we curated a menu that sourced local, fresh, and sustainable ingredients to bring an exquisite culinary experience to their guests. Each menu item was carefully chosen from

the Fresh Fruit Bars in Vino specialty drink during the cocktail hour all the way through to the Duck Confrit Fried Wonton passed hors d’oeuvres, the Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese Bar, and the Texas Toast Patty Melts, which were served as a late-night snack. Come see, taste and discover the difference at Southern Way—you will be sure to leave with an unforgettable impression!

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&Tim

Laura

Photos by Sarah Kehl and Eric Hindman for Neva Loftis Photography www.nevaloftisphotography.com

A new beginning

By Lezlie Patterson Special to Carolina Bride

aura and Tim Cumalander are married today by the grace of God – and because of a lot of nudging on his part. Both had suffered heartbreak and accepted what they believed was fate: to spend the rest of their lives without a mate. God had other plans, they say. A widow since 2013, Laura had spent three years on grief’s roller coaster. “I had reached a low point,” Laura recalls. Encouraged by friends and family, Laura forced herself to “get to a better place” by adopting healthier habits that included training with a friend for a 10K run. But dating? She tried, “but my heart was not really in it. I had kind of given up. I thought, ‘I had one great love, and that’s more than a lot of people get. I’ll get a lot of cats and become an eccentric cat lady.’”

Tim was a divorced, single father who was perfectly happy with the life he and his son, Colt, now 7, had created. “I had been single for a while,” Tim says. “It was me and Colt, and I was perfectly content and happy. I had no intentions of having any other serious relationship. ... Me and Colt, we were doing guy stuff.” But then he began getting what he calls nudges from God. He would hear messages that he needed to find a wife in songs on the Christian radio station he listens to, and in church sermons. “(God) was like, ‘Trust me, I hung the stars in the sky. I can bring you the perfect partner.’” In the summer of 2016, Laura also began to see “messages” that hinted being single wasn’t God’s plan for her. Perhaps the most blatant one came on social media. Laura logged onto Instagram one day and was prompted to follow Tim, with whom she attended school in Chapin. She remembered him – both graduated from

Chapin High School in 2002 – but they had moved in different circles. “We’ve known each other forever, since grade school; we knew of each other, but never really knew each other,” Tim says. “Tim was a quiet country boy, and I was an outgoing theater nerd,” Laura says. Their unfamiliarity with each other changed quickly when Laura accepted that Instagram prompt. “A little voice said, ‘You should reach out to him,’” Laura says. “And I thought, ‘That’s silly. He’s not going to want to hear from me.’” Besides that, she thought she had heard he was married. Then she found out from a mutual friend that Tim was divorced. So when Tim posted a photo of a valley in Jenkinsville where he hunted, Laura commented on it. “It was in the bottom of a valley,” Tim says. “It was really green, really pretty. Laura messaged me, and I read it while I was stopped at a stoplight. She said, ‘Where

is this picture? It’s so green, and lush.’” Tim replied it was where he was turkey hunting, and Laura responded by asking, “How is the turkey hunting out there?” “And I thought, ‘I know good and well the Laura DuBose I knew in high school was not a turkey hunter’,” Tim says. Later, he asked her if she had been flirting with him. “Of course I was,” she said.

he flirtation on Instagram evolved into a texting courtship. Tim said he really had to get up his nerve – and ask permission – to call Laura. “She’s beautiful,” he explains. “She’s out of my league, really.” Laura loved that he asked permission to call her. “He was such a gentleman” Laura said. “He asked if he could call me on a phone one night, a Sunday evening. That was the first time I had ever heard his voice. He has such a kind voice. We talked for three hours that night.” Both were a little surprised by that. “I’m not a talker,” Tim says. About a week later, they went on their first date to M Kitchen. “He knocked on the door. ... We were both like little kids, just stood there smiling at each other. Then Tim said, ‘I’m a lot shorter than you remember, aren’t I?’” They talked for almost two hours at M Kitchen before they realized they hadn’t ordered their food. When Tim drove Laura home, they looked at old yearbooks. (Later in their courtship, they found a class picture from fourth grade and realized both had been Mrs. Nell Cannon’s class. They were actually standing beside each other in the class photo.) After dating for a month, Laura met Colt. “I fell in love with him,” Laura says. “A couple of months later, Tim had planned to take Colt to Disney World for his birthday, and asked me if I wanted to go. “After that, the three of us were inseparable.” She dubbed them the “terrific trio,” and even turned it into a hashtag for them. That was the final sign for Tim. “That was confirmation that she was supposed to be in our lives,” he says. “It was a short period of time, but it was from the get-go like it was supposed to be.” A bit shy of a year after they began dating, Tim planned his proposal.

had something in his hand and he was saying these really sweet things, about what a difference I made in his and Colt’s lives, and how it was God’s plan. ... It was a perfect moment.” The ring, Laura says, is “beautiful, simple, and classic, just like our relationship.” It’s an oval-cut diamond set in a four-prong white gold solitaire mounting. And while Laura admired her ring, Tim ate his protein bar.

aura and Tim’s relationship blended humor, spirituality, support and love from the beginning. They love to tease each other. At Laura’s birthday party, she took a gaudy ring off a cupcake and jokingly proposed to Tim. “She got down on her knee and proposed with a cupcake ring, in the middle of room, with a crowd of people,” Tim says. Tim, who doesn’t like being the center of attention, promised he’d get even. They decided on a short engagement and planned a small, simple wedding that

Laura works at her family’s business, Sylvan and DuBose Jewelers. So he had to plan his visits to the store to collaborate on her ring with Laura’s father, Bruce DuBose, on Laura’s days off. “I had no idea,” Laura says, still surprised that Tim and her father were able to keep the secret from her. Tim would tell Laura he was going hunting on those days he ventured to Sylvan and DuBose Jewelers and because he refused to lie to her for any reason, he actually went to Jenkinsville for quick hunting trips before going to the store in Columbia. He proposed a camping trip – and to divert suspicion, had Laura plan it. They went to Caesar’s Head State Park, and hiked to a waterfall. “We were taking selfies, and Tim said, ‘I’m really hungry. I wish we had made sandwiches.’ I said, “Get a protein bar out of the bag.’” After digging around in the bag a bit, Tim called out to her. “I turned around and looked at him, and he’s on his knee. I had no clue, and for a moment I thought, ‘What is he doing?’ I saw he

suited them, skipping several traditions; they had no rehearsal dinner, no bridal showers. “The only thing I wanted was for us to get married,’ Tim says. “I said, ‘this is about you and me and Colt. Let’s not overcomplicate it and focus on us. We kept it simple.” Laura walked down the aisle alone, and Tim and Colt were the only ones waiting for her with the pastor, Bishop Randy L. Caulder of Irmo Church of God. “We did not have a wedding party,” Laura says. “After Tim and I exchanged vows and rings, there was a special part of the ceremony where Tim, Colt and I exchanged vows.” They did adhere to some traditions; Laura wore her aunt’s earrings and her grandmother’s ring, and her greatgrandmother’s brooch was on her bouquet, arranged by American Floral. Laura’s dress, which she found at David’s Bridal, had an invisible neckline with lace and was fitted at the top and flowed at the bottom. The lace fit in perfectly with their wedding decor of “burlap and lace.” “Tim was burlap, and I was lace,” Laura says. They married at the Millstone at Adams Pond in Columbia at 10 a.m. on Oct. 15, a Sunday morning. “I really wanted a morning wedding,” Tim says. “We’re morning people. Morning is the beginning of a new day, a new life. Every day starts off fresh. ... It’s a new beginning. So we wanted a morning wedding because it’s the beginning of a new life for both of us.” A foggy mist enhanced the morning wedding. Laura says her dad told her “it looked so magical” as she was walking through the fog. Laura’s mother, Neva Loftis, was worried about the pictures; her company, Neva Loftis Photography, was naturally in charge of the photography. But the mist only enhanced the photos. “I am not a crier, but when I turned and saw her coming through the fog, I lost it,” Neva says. “And so did everyone.” They also had many lighthearted moments. While Laura was getting dressed, she looked out and saw Tim and Colt walking around the grounds. She tapped on the window and waved at them. Colt mooned her. During the ceremony, when it was time to exchange rings, Laura opened the ring box to get her wedding band, only to find the gaudy cupcake ring

she had given Tim months earlier. He had gotten even. “I opened the box, and there is the dang cupcake ring in there,” Laura says, laughing at the memory. “I had totally forgotten about it. I lost it, I was laughing so hard.” Tim shared his plans with Colt right before the ceremony, and with the pastor who “gave me one of those ‘are-you-sure-you-want-todo-this looks.’ I said it was going to be one of two ways: She was going to be really mad, or she was going to think it’s hilarious.” Hilarity won. “Everyone started laughing because we were laughing,” Tim says. Laura wore the ring on her right hand for the rest of the day.

ith the morning wedding, Tim and Laura opted for a reception brunch, catered by Southern Way. The menu included shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, quiche, mimosas, bloody marys and – rather than a wedding cake – a tier of mini cinnamon rolls from The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli.

After the reception, they headed straight to Blue Ridge, Georgia, where they spent their honeymoon in a secluded cabin on top of a mountain. They made their escape from the reception in a Lexus sports car, on loan from Tim’s employer, Jim Hudson Lexus. Now, they’re living in Chapin, enjoying a life together that includes hectic mornings getting themselves ready for work while getting a first-grader ready for school. It also includes busy evenings, coming home from work and attending Colt’s rec-league athletic events, getting homework done, family dinners, putting Colt to bed and collapsing on the couch for snuggles and quiet conversations that often focus on upcoming school functions, a family gathering, or going to church on Sunday. These are things Tim and Laura don’t take for granted; they’re happily doing them together. “God knew that we each needed to suffer the heartaches we did in order to become the man and woman we needed to be for each other,” Laura says. “We definitely don’t take each other for granted. And God’s timing is perfect.”

MARRIED IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

Benita

& Ryan

Michel Berda, King Street Photo Weddings

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

Benita Patel and Ryan Denney are proof that you don’t need a year to plan a beautiful wedding. The couple, who were married Oct. 14, 2017, at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa, originally planned to wed in Puerto Rico but Hurricane Maria had other plans. “Initially, we were in complete denial about the extent of the damage,” Benita said. “Slowly over the next several days it became clear that we would need to change venues and start over.” Benita’s responses have been edited. Your original wedding was a year in the making. What was it like to have to scrap everything and start again?

What was your favorite part of your wedding day?

As much as we loved the ceremony, given the meaning behind it, it would be impossible not to say the reception was our favorite part. It gave us a chance to have an amazing few hours with our best friends and family, and we had an absolutely fantastic time on the dance floor.

We had been planning to get married at El Conquistador Resort, but Hurricane Maria came through about three weeks before our scheduled wedding. We definitely shed a few tears over the loss of the venue and for the people in Puerto Rico, but we quickly realized that our situation was by far not the worst thing that people were going through.

What were some of your wedding must-haves?

How the heck did you plan an entire wedding in 19 days?

Luckily, we have some amazing friends who helped us find a new venue and start over. Honestly, I was so tired of wedding planning at that point that I let Ryan and my mother take the lead on reorganizing. They did a wonderful job!

You both live in North Carolina. Why did you choose a venue on Hilton Head Island?

How did you incorporate your Indian heritage into your wedding day?

Our colors were blush, gold and an accent of red. We wanted to incorporate red and gold since it is a traditional Indian wedding combination. We also did henna on the hands of all the ladies, and my father and I did a choreographed dance to an Indian song. At the reception, we served a buffet that included half Indian-style food and half American-style food.

What advice would you give to couples planning a wedding?

We were able to plan a wedding in three weeks, after planning a different one for a full year. My best advice is to just breathe Ryan's father passed away through it. Don't stress the small before your wedding. How did details. A wedding can be put you honor him? together very quickly. It is not He was the most amazing and worth stressing out over every supportive man. We had a candle detail for a year.

We chose the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa because it

was a central point for both my family in Florida and Ryan's family in North Carolina. It was also the perfect venue, allowing us to get married outside, overlooking the beach like we had originally planned in Puerto Rico. It also became clear that the resort was willing to go out of their way to be accommodating and help us plan a wedding almost exactly like the one we had originally planned.

I would never have thought of this as a must-have (it was Ryan's choice) but a live band was absolutely amazing for the energy levels at the reception. It got everybody out on the dance floor and made it so much fun. Another thing high on our priority list was an open bar. We had initially scheduled a destination wedding and wanted to be able to treat our guests. This was a non-negotiable for me.

at one side of the arch that was lit in his memory. We also had a moment of silence and we just knew that he was at the ceremony with us. It was very special.

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

Britt Croft Photography

in Sea Pines Plantation has been a tradition in Erin Gaebe’s family for more MARRIED IN THE LOWCOUNTRYVacationing than 40 years. It only took one visit for her husband, Dave Herman, to also fall in love

Erin

& Dave

Tell me about the proposal?

We had gotten back to Dave’s home after a trip to London and went for a walk. It was getting cold and almost dark, so we took a shortcut through the woods on the way back. In a clearing where we were all alone he got down on one knee and proposed.

ers. The reception was held in the club’s Atlantic Room which overlooks the ocean. We enjoyed filets and crab cakes, a buttercream, chocolate and raspberry ganache cake, and open bar.

Your wedding theme was Southern effortless elegance. How did you carry out that feel?

I used a lot of Southern greenery and flowers in the bouquets and centerpieces. On the tables we incorporated We were married on the beach and had flip-flops and sunglasses magnolia blossoms and greens for the guests. Dave's best friend wrapped into wreaths and used floating candles for a romantic served as our officiant and we wrote our own vows, which made feel. I wore a Waters Taylor dress it even more personal. When we that was elegant and classic, but also fit the beach setting. The were finished, Gullah singers sang “Oh Happy Day” and led the men wore navy morning jackets guests to cocktail hour, complete and the bridesmaids wore long, blush dresses. with Mint Juleps and appetiz-

Take me through your special day. What were some of the memorable moments?

with the area. So when it came time to plan their wedding, the couple knew the Sea Pines Beach Club – with its open beaches and moss-draped live oaks – would make a beautiful backdrop for their Oct. 14, 2017, nuptials. Erin's responses have been edited.

What were some of your wedding must-haves?

What was your favorite part of your wedding day?

Great food, a fun and upbeat band, and a relaxed atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable and could walk away with good memories. We had an amazing live band, glow sticks for dancing, and a photo booth.

Getting all of the special people from various parts of our lives together under one roof. It was amazing to have everyone you love in one place. That never happens and it was almost overwhelming in a good way.

Your mom helped with a lot of the little details. Where did her handiwork shine?

What advice would you give to a couple planning a wedding?

It was her idea to have mini Harbour Town Lighthouses as table markers at the reception, and she made the direction sign at our ceremony that listed the home city of the guests and how far away it was. She also made welcome bags for guests complete with champagne, grits crackers and pralines.

Try not to stress too much and stay organized. Make an Excel spreadsheet early on with multiple tabs to keep track of your wedding budget, vendors, guest addresses, menu options etc. This helps keep everything organized — and you can share it with other people and make it a working document.

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

Susan DeLoach Photography

MARRIED IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

&Adam

Mandy

Tell me about the proposal.

We were near the pineapple fountain in Charleston. Adam is a welder and he pulled out a beautiful stainless steel ring box he made. I never told him yes, but I did promise to spend forever with him.

Why did you choose The Tabby Place as your venue?

I was born and raised in Beaufort and I always wanted a wedding where the location added to the beauty of the celebration. Beaufort is full of natural beauty and elegant charm. Another priority was to have the ceremony outside and at a separate location from our reception. The Tabby Place was perfect for this. When Adam and I toured the venue, we both could envision our outside ceremony

Mandeline Mahan and Adam Calton were married Oct. 28, 2017, at The Tabby Place in Beaufort. The two began chatting one day while waiting in a long line at a Starbucks in Charleston and it was an instant connection. “We both felt like we had known each other forever and were just catching up,” Mandy said. “I knew Adam was the one the moment I met him.” Mandy’s responses have been edited.

under the beautiful oak trees in the courtyard and our reception inside with dark marble floors, elegant chandeliers, beautiful wooden doors, and a huge space for the dance floor.

floor-length satin ballroom gown with a lace top, jeweled belt, and cathedral-length veil. Our wedding theme was elegant ballroom. Our colors were blue, burgundy and cream. The tables were covered with blue What was your favorite part of satin and topped votives and floyour wedding day? ral centerpieces of hydrangeas, Seeing the look on Adam's face astilbe, baby's breath, lilies, and when I walked out of the wooden roses. Adam and the groomsmen wore slate blue aspen tuxes and doorway and down the aisle. I the bridesmaids wore floorenjoyed every single part of our length burgundy chiffon dresses. wedding day and wish I could For dinner, we had a barbecue relive it again. Everything was buffet with pulled chicken, perfect pulled pork, house salad, corn bread, macaroni and cheese and Tell us about some of your green beans. Our cake was made wedding details. by my grandmother, a long-time We exchanged vows outside wedding caterer. It was a fourunder a large oak tree adorned tiered marble and fondant cake with lanterns and a string quartette provided the ceremony with a lace design. music. My dress was an elegant,

A lot of people might not think to play a game during their wedding reception, but you did.

Adam and I played The Shoe Game during our reception It was a great time to give our guests a chance to know us better. (The game is played by asking the newlyweds questions and the bride and groom hold up the shoe of the person who best matches the answer.)

What advice would you give to couples planning a wedding?

Make sure you have the photographer of your dreams. Mine was worth every penny. Also, it's wise to have a day-of coordinator and a planner if you can afford it. It will take away a lot of the stress of making sure things go as planned.

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

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MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS

&Jeremy

Elizabeth

Tell me about the proposal.

E: Our proposal was Feb. 17, 2017, at Bistro on the Boulevard in Irmo, the same restaurant where we had our first date. J: I figured if I planned anything around Feb. 20, she would think it was for her birthday. When we pulled in, she started seeing friends’ cars and knew something was up but thought it was just a birthday party. E: Jeremy told me I had to stand up because he had a gift for me from everyone. I noticed the gift was in an Amazon box, so I thought everyone must have pitched in and gotten me a big Amazon gift card. J: Elizabeth loves, loves, loves Amazon. She orders from Amazon a few times a week. E: I was so nervous I didn’t even realize it was an old Amazon box of mine that he had taped back together! When I opened the box,

Elizabeth Turner and Jeremy Priddy had known each other for years through mutual friends. Finally, after they started chatting on social media, Jeremy asked Elizabeth to dinner. After that first date, they both knew they’d found something special. Elizabeth, 30, grew up in Columbia and works as an accounts payable associate; Jeremy, 33, grew up in Irmo and serves as executive director of an assisted living facility. (He previously worked with Elizabeth’s dad at BB&T.) They were married Oct. 28, 2017, at Buck Ridge Plantation in Neeses. They live in Ballentine. Answers have been edited.

there was a letter on Amazon letterhead signed by the CEO. J: I wrote the letter. E: Jeremy asked me to read the letter out loud. I got through the first sentence and started crying, so I handed it to him to read. He read a couple more sentences before he got emotional. J: It eventually said something like, “Act now, and we can officially change your title from girlfriend to fiancee.” E: It wasn’t until that line that I realized what was happening. As our friend read that line, Jeremy got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!

What was your favorite part about the wedding day?

J: The best part was seeing how happy Elizabeth was. She looked beautiful. When her dad was walking her down the aisle, she was so stunning.

E: Our first look and the wedding ceremony. Those were two very intimate, meaningful times.

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

J: Ask for help. Delegate to family or friends who you know will follow through with a task. E: Plan for a first look, to look around and notice the people and the decorations, and don’t forget the reason for the celebration!

Your flower girls and ring bearers are the cutest. Were there any surprises with four kids?

E: Weren’t they precious!? There weren’t really any surprises! J: The biggest surprise was how well-behaved they were for such a long day of festivities. I think the girls felt like little princesses.

What drew you to Buck Ridge Plantation?

J: We saw advertisements for Buck Ridge Plantation numerous times one rainy Saturday while watching TV. We both took off one afternoon and met her parents out there. The place was beautiful, and the customer service was above excellent. E: Besides that, it was a place where everyone could go and stay for the entire weekend! So all of our family and close friends got to Buck Ridge on Friday and we didn’t have to leave until Sunday. The rehearsal dinner, wedding, and reception all took place there.

Elizabeth, what was tied around your bouquet? E: The handkerchief wrapped around my bouquet was a gift given to my mom from a dear friend to use when celebrating special milestones. When my brother got married, my dad had my sister-inlaw’s rings wrapped in it.

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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.

S • Bridal dressing room at no charge • Dance ﬂoor, stage, sound system, & projectors available • Abundant free parking, free Wi-Fi • Attendant on-site

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hawn Mohammed’s story began 13 years ago, when he took on the role of wedding planner and coordinator for his brother’s wedding. On top of the challenge itself, he had to plan a wedding in Trinidad from his residence in New York City. From thousands of miles away, he successfully coordinated and planned every detail of their day – leading to rave reviews from guests, as well as the Trinidadian talk show “Community Dateline.” Born and raised in Trinidad, Shawn came to the U.S. to continue his education. He worked for luxury retailers in New York City including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Ralph Lauren's Black and Purple labels. His exceptional customer service led to celebrity clientele. Now, he has tailored his luxury fashion retail experience toward weddings. Shawn attributes the success of his business, Platinum Label Weddings, to his attention to detail. Shawn ensures that the client always comes first, so listening is key for planning their special day. He believes every client deserves the height of customer service and professionalism. Shawn creates a planning experience that caters to every aspect of the wedding process, giving the bride a day she and her guests will always remember. www.platinumlabelweddings.com | (803) 550-9229

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MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS

&Jermaine

Hope

While Hope Williams and Jermaine Andrews initially “weren’t feeling it” when friends tried to set them up, that changed at a tailgate in 2014. Hope, 32, is from Chapin and works as chief engagement officer with Chick-fil-A West Columbia and Chick-fil-A Saluda Pointe. Jermaine, 35, is from Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. He works as an assistant power plant operator. The two were married Oct. 21, 2017, at 1208 Washington Place and now live in Chapin. Answers have been edited.

to be recently done. Hope loves to dance and had taken ballroom dancing as a hobby in the past, so for her birthday, I got her dancing lessons at Blue Moon Ballroom. A month before, I had met with How did you meet? the owner and a photographer to Through mutual friends. They tried to hook us up for quite some let them know what I was planning and that I needed it captured time, but we weren’t feeling it. It happened at a South Carolina without her knowing. The owner vs. Georgia game in 2014, where came up with the idea that he we happened to be tailgating would tell us that photographer together. would come in during the lesson When did you know your spouse to take pictures of the studio for his website. Hope had told me was the one? J: It was early in our relationship. in the past that she wanted “A I can’t say a specific day, but I can Thousand Years” by Christina say that I wouldn’t have told her I Perri played at her wedding. was in love with her (which I did So we went to the dance lesson on May 5, 2015) if I didn’t know I shortly after her birthday, we did was planning to marry her. a few dances, the photographers came in as planned (did a great Tell me about the proposal. job selling the plan). J: I was informed early in our They were going inside and relationship that if I was to propose, I better have a photogra- outside taking pictures, and pher there, and her nails needed the instructor said he had one

J: Saying our vows and the surprise cigar bar Hope created for me.

You might know me if:

H: You come into the Chick-fil-A West Columbia or Saluda Pointe. (She’s the chief engagement officer.)

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

Make a to-do list, budget, and start early. I can honestly say we were not stressed at all about anything starting Oct. 1.

Jermaine’s expression during the first look is so joyful. What were y’all thinking?

H: Jermaine’s smile was so bright! Even before he opened his eyes! We were so excited! more song to dance to which was “A Thousand Years.” Halfway through the song, I got on one knee and asked her to marry me. Photographers captured the moment.

What was your favorite part of the wedding day?

We don’t see a burgundy and dusty rose palette very frequently. How did you land on it?

H: The wonderful help of my wedding planner, Taylor Self of Endless Events. I knew the colors I liked but did not know how to execute it and not be tacky.

Newlywed life is...

Beautiful! Life is great!

BRIDE’S ATTIRE David’s Bridal • GROOM’S ATTIRE Men’s Wearhouse • WEDDING PARTY’S ATTIRE Azazie.com; Men’s Wearhouse • BARTENDING Ed’s Bartending • CAKE Made by a friend, Claire Pjetraj • CATERER Blue Marlin • DECOR Tara Williams of Explicit Kreations, draping • DJ Michael Joye • FLORIST Joby Smith of DeLoache Florist • HAIR Dana Gainous • HONEYMOON Marquis Los Cabos Resort & Spa (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) • HOTEL BLOCK Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel • INVITATIONS & PAPER GOODS Paper Pro • JEWELRY Amazon.com; Sandler’s Diamonds & Time • MAKEUP Yasmeen Kpan • MUSICIANS Matthew Hill, violinist; Dantae Turner, pianist • OFFICIANT A friend, Mike Clonts • PHOTOGRAPHY Patty Hallman, Studio Two One Two • PLANNER Taylor Self, Endless Events • PRESERVATION & ALTERATIONS David’s Bridal • REGISTRY Bed, Bath & Beyond; Belk • REHEARSAL DINNER The Carolina Strip Club • RENTALS Party Reflections, dance floor; Noble Rentals, Chiavari chairs; Lake Murray Event Rentals, table, linens, bar • TRAVEL Tiffany Heinisch, AAA • VENUE 1208 Washington Place

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MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS

&Sam

Katie

How did you meet?

Tell me about the proposal.

S: I proposed on Dec. 18, 2016. Katie’s family took a Christmas vacation to New York and invited me. On the last day, we went to Central Park to take pictures. It was freezing! Katie’s nieces, 4 and 1, wanted nothing to do with the cold. K: They were crying, and the rest of my family were purposely wandering around trying to give Sam space to propose. I was When did you know your spouse oblivious, wondering why no one was “the one”? was cooperating. Sam suggested K: We were “just friends” for two that my brother-in-law take a few years before we started dating my photos of the two of us. senior year. But we were hardcore S: She was concerned about getcrushing! By the end of my junior ting the pictures just right, and year, I was not only convinced that I wondered how I was going to he was the one, but I was also anx- be able to get her attention and iously awaiting Sam to ask me out. pop the question. I thought, “I’ll S: During this pre-dating phase, drop the ring box and tell her I we truly grew to be best friends. dropped something by mistake.” About four months into dating, I K: I leaned down to pick it up and thought, “Yes, this is her.” realized it was a box I’d never seen. K: It’s impossible to not see God in our story. A stadium full of 80,000 people, and the only reason we met was bad weather. S: All the students in the upper deck were told to head for cover. While we were waiting to exit, I said hello to a friend of a friend. She introduced me to her sorority sisters, one of whom was Katie.

Katie Vause and Sam Orr wouldn’t have met without a storm during a University of South Carolina football game. During the delay, they exchanged numbers so Katie could connect Sam with her campus ministry. “Looking back, we laugh at our story, but at the time, it was so dramatic!” says Katie, now 23. Though they liked each other, Sam, now 22, took his time asking her out. “I knew I needed to grow up,” he says. They married July 29, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia with a reception at Stone River. Both work with Campus Outreach at USC. S: I proceeded to say some sweet things, which I realized were going straight over her head since she knew what was coming. So I shut up, got on one knee, and told her, “I don’t want you simply to marry me; I want you to be my wife.”

What was your favorite part of the wedding day?

K: The moment right before I walked down the aisle. The doors opened, the organ was blasting, I saw Sam at the far end of the aisle, and I started crying!

What advice would you give about planning a wedding?

K: Don’t let the details distract you from what really matters. But having the details worked out really does set you up for a seamless day. S: The wedding is only a big kickoff to the real treat – being married!

Katie, I love your gown, particularly the train. Tell me about it.

K: I told Jasmine, the sales associate at Dimitra Designs in Greenville, what I liked and didn’t like, and she listened so well. The third dress she brought out was still in its bag, and I was not impressed. She urged me to try it on anyway, and when I stepped out in front of the mirror, I audibly gasped, and so did the rest of my family with me. I loved the lace, the two tones (blush and ivory), and all of the details at the bottom of the dress, including the train.

Why did you choose to do the either-side-of-the-door meeting?

S: I didn’t want to see her until she came down the aisle at 5 p.m.! I didn’t even watch her walk down during the rehearsal! But we believed it would be a real treat to pray together and share some personal notes before the wedding since we would repeat traditional vows in the ceremony.

BRIDE’S ATTIRE Dimitra Designs Bridal Emporium (Greenville) • GROOM’S ATTIRE Men’s Wearhouse • WEDDING PARTY ATTIRE David’s Bridal• BACHELORETTE WEEKEND Seabrook Island Resort • BAND Mayberry • CAKE Silver Spoon Bake Shop • CATERING Doc’s Barbeque • DECOR “My amazing momma!” • FAVORS “My mom!” Chocolate-covered almonds put in little boxes from Amazon.com • FLORIST Jimmilib Harrison, Garden Tapestry Events • HAIR & MAKEUP Angela Clark • HONEYMOON Sandals Royal Caribbean (Montego Bay, Jamaica) • HOTEL BLOCK Hampton Inn Columbia Downtown Historic District, Hilton Columbia Center, Columbia Marriott • INVITATIONS & PAPER GOODS Wedding Paper Divas, invitations; Jordi Sears, printed hymns, “reserved” and “in memory of” signs • JEWELRY Unforgettable Jewelry, wedding rings; Foxy Lady (Myrtle Beach), earrings; family heirloom, gold ring; Tiffany, silver ring • OFFICIANT Rev. Josh Squires • PHOTOGRAPHER Roxanne and Trent Still, Still Co. • PLANNER “Me and my mom!” • PRESERVATION & ALTERATIONS Foxy Lady • REGISTRY Bed, Bath & Beyond; Pottery Barn • RENTALS Ambient Media, lighting• VENUE, CEREMONY First Presbyterian Church • VENUE, RECEPTION Stone River

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MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS

Sarah Ben You might know me if...

B: ... You ever come to Art Bar. (He’s a bartender and assistant manager. He’s also pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.) S: ... You’ve attended medical school at USC in the past 10 to 15 years. My dad teaches gross anatomy and uses our family pictures in lectures. I’ve been identified by his students more than a couple of times.

Is it true y’all met at Art Bar? Who came onto whom? Was a robot involved?

B: Sarah was a regular at Art Bar when I was a doorman there. I would attempt to be suave and flirt with her, but she didn’t seem terribly receptive. I bought her a PBR one time, thinking, “Yeah! Now she HAS to talk to me!” S: He thought it was my drink of choice, but really I was just broke. B: She waved and walked away. S: One day in 2006, Ben sent me

Sarah Wells and Ben Boatwright went on their first date Nov. 1, 2006, and married on May 27, 2017 — on the birthday of Ben’s father, who had died unexpectedly nearly two years before. Of the 101/2 years they dated before Ben proposed, Sarah says, “Ben and I prefer not to say ‘it was about time’ because it was the perfect time for us.” Fittingly, the dress she wore had been in stock at White on Daniel Island for 10 years. “Jodi, who owns White, pulled the dress on the off chance I would like it,” Sarah says. “It fit me like a glove.” Answers have been edited.

(yes, ninth) dating anniversary. I had worked the bar the night before and Sarah had been out for Halloween, so we had both gotten home late. Sarah was asleep, so I took pictures of us and hung them all over the house. I put the ring (my grandmother’s) in a box, inside another box, inside another box and then wrapped it like a present. S: I woke up earlier than I would have liked, dying of thirst. I saw a piece of paper on the kitchen floor and was confused to see a photo of us. In the dining room, scatWhen did you know your spouse tered on the table, taped on the was the one? walls, and all over the house were B: I knew early on that as long dozens of printed photos. Then I as I didn’t do anything stupid to saw a present on the table, picked screw it up, we’d go the distance. it up and shook it (I always shake S: I don’t remember when he presents and Ben knows that). wasn’t the one. B: After we finished a pizza brunch, Tell me about the proposal. Sarah opened the gift, finally B: I had planned for months to reaching the ring box. Her eyes began to well up as I took it from her propose on Nov. 1, 2015, our ninth a message on MySpace (oh yeah, MySpace) that said his mom gave him a $500 gift card or something like that. Knowing he likely got hacked, I sent him a message poking fun. For weeks, we messaged each other, talked on the phone and finally went on our first date. B: I guess you could say there was a “bot” involved. S: While an Art Bar robot wasn’t involved in setting us up, some spam bot definitely was, which should count for something.

and opened it. I got down on one knee and told her all of the things I loved about her: her intelligence, her honesty and ideals, and her concept of justice. We kissed and held each other and then began to freak out all over Facebook.

Please explain your cake topper.

S: So it turns out that cake toppers are really difficult to find, at least for me. I couldn’t find anything that felt like us until I saw the horse and unicorn. I’m a huge fan of horses (huuuuge fan), especially unicorns. I showed my mom, and she totally vetoed it. It didn’t exactly fit in our whole elegant, chic theme. Our real cake topper was a beautiful arrangement of white roses and hydrangeas. I asked Josh and Aaron to make sure the horse and unicorn were still a part of the day. B: If I were a horse, my name would be “Sugarcube.”

BRIDE’S ATTIRE White on Daniel Island • GROOM/GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE Men’s Wearhouse • BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE Adrianna Papell • BARTENDING Ed’s Bartending • CAKE Michelle’s Cakescapes • CATERER Scott Hall Catering • DECOR By Invitation Only• DJ Tony Signorino, Partytime DJs• FAVORS black and white cookies • FLORIST Something Special Florist • HAIR Janet Doyle • HONEYMOON Toronto, Canada • HOTEL BLOCK Hilton Columbia Center; Hampton Inn Columbia Downtown Historic District; Aloft Columbia Downtown • INVITATIONS & PAPER GOODS By Farr Graphic Design • JEWELRY family heirlooms • MAKEUP Jennifer Nolan Beauty • MUSICIANS Edgewire Music • OFFICIANT Henry Well • PHOTOGRAPHER Joshua Aaron Photography • PLANNER Melanie Murphy, By Invitation Only • REGISTRY Zola.com • RENTALS Party Time Reflections; Ambient Media • TRANSPORTATION First Class Limo • VENUE, CEREMONY AND RECEPTION The Lace House • VENUE, AFTER-PARTY Art Bar (“fitting, right?”) • VIDEOGRAPHY Anchor Films

MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS

&Daniel

Lauren

Lauren Murphy and Daniel Ott first met in 2014 at Embark, the Orangeburg church Lauren helped start, but she wasn’t ready for a relationship. When Daniel returned in August 2016, she greeted him by name. Eight months later, he proposed, and six months after that, on Sept. 30, 2017, they married at Orangeburg Country Club. Lauren, a 34-year-old physician assistant originally from Sarasota, Florida, and Daniel, a 41-year-old software engineer for a cancer research company, live in the Rowesville home Daniel’s father built, where he grew up. Answers have been edited.

When did you know your spouse me (even the vein on my forehead was the one? that pops out when I get excited).

D: We were in the process of getting passports for a trip to France and started talking about future trips. I realized that I couldn’t imagine a future without Lauren.

Tell me about the proposal.

L: We were visiting my little brother in France, and I had to fly out of Orlando. So we decided to make a trip to Disney, my favorite place! Daniel was rushing to get to the Polynesian Village Resort for fireworks. He was acting so strange that I thought he was sick. D: I’m normally a pretty calm guy, so I was surprised at how nervous I was. One of my brothers had told me that I should be sure I know what to say. He said I’d be speaking gibberish if I tried to wing it. L: On the beach as the fireworks started, Daniel awkwardly told me all the things he loves about

Then he got on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so shocked that I just got down and hugged and kissed him and asked for some time to pray on it and process the whole thing. After several days of prayer, I told Daniel I definitely wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. I felt such peace about it.

D: If you’re not too traditional, I recommend the first look. Also, we took 10 to 15 minutes between the ceremony and the reception to have a bite to eat. I didn’t have a chance to think about food once we entered the reception. L: Have grace with each other when emotions run high. And people are dying to help; you just need to ask them.

so it worked out perfectly.

Lauren, your dress is fantastic. Tell me about it.

L: At the end of a long shopping day in Charleston, my roommate’s 13-year-old niece, Kierra, picked out a blue Allure dress for me to try on. I was like, sure. Well, to all our surprise (except Kierra’s), it was the dress – I couldn’t stop smiling and twirling. My roommate said it You had groomsmen and flower best: It just fit my personality, and What was your favorite part of girls, but no bridesmaids or ring she could see me running down bearers. How did that happen? the aisle blowing bubbles. The the wedding day? L: I kept thinking, who really wants ivory version of the dress wasn’t D: The moment at the end of the to be in a wedding? Little girls! So available to try on within 100 ceremony when I dipped Lauren when I told my mom that I didn’t miles! But I ordered it. I loved the and kissed her as my new wife. see myself having bridesmaids, skirt! I even had the seamstress L: Then, we raised our hands in she suggested that I have my two add more tulle! It was an actual the air and walked down the aisle. brothers stand up there for me miracle I didn’t trip on the skirt. We spontaneously decided to run and Daniel’s two brothers stand down the hill and behind a big up there for him. I loved that idea! What part of marriage are you bush to smooch for a minute! looking forward to? I have three “nieces,” girls who What advice would you give on practically are family and call me D: I look forward to raising seven planning a wedding? “Aunt Lauren,” and has one niece, children with Lauren!

Photos by Jessica Roberts, Jessica Roberts Photography jessicarobertsphoto.com

BRIDE’S ATTIRE Bridals by Jodi (Charleston) • FLOWER GIRLS’ ATTIRE Amazon.com • CAKE Bonnie Brunt Cakes (St. Matthews) • DJ TJ McKay Entertainment • FLORIST Melissa Cook, The Flower Gallery (St. Matthews) • HAIR Lauren Rice, LA Hair (Orangeburg) • HONEYMOON Anse Chastanet Resort (St. Lucia) • INVITATIONS & PAPER GOODS Iris & Marie Letter Press • JEWELRY “my Aunt Lisa’s earrings” • MAKEUP Merit Sander, Makeup by Merit (Mount Pleasant)• OFFICIANT Rev. Jud Jordan, Embark (Orangeburg) • PHOTOGRAPHY Jessica Roberts, Jessica Roberts Photography; ShutterBooth• PLANNER Alisha Millwood, Amazing Moments Weddings • REGISTRY Bed, Bath & Beyond; Amazon.com; Honeyfund.com • REHEARSAL DINNER Antley’s BBQ (Orangeburg) • VIDEOGRAPHY Adam Siegel, Siegel Films (Charleston)

Photos by Andrea Fabian and Melissa Gardipee, Trevor Mercer Photography www.trevormercer.com

MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS

Kirby Dandrell

How did you meet?

K: We met on St. Patrick’s Day in 2013. My friends and I were getting ready to hit the town and realized we didn’t have on any green. We noticed a guy on the balcony outside of the apartment across from mine with tons of green beads! We asked to borrow them, and the guy agreed. When we went up to get them, Danny answered the door. I had been living across from him for a little over a year and had never seen him.

When Kirby Norris met Dandrell Middleton, he’d already had his eye on her for a while. “Every time I walked outside, I would hope to see her so I could introduce myself,” says Dandrell, who lived in the apartment across from Kirby while they were in college. They were married Nov. 11, 2017, at Stone River. Their 2-year-old son, Hayden, served as ring bearer. Kirby, 25, is an account service representative with Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union. Dandrell, 27, owns Middleton Mowing Company. They recently bought their first home in Columbia. Answers have been edited.

days of TV watching, pigging out and snow fights, I realized I could spend the rest of my life with him because he was my best friend! D: Kirby and I were friends before we started dating. There would be times when she didn’t even text me back. I had never worked so hard to prove how much I liked someone.

Tell me about the proposal.

K: Every year, Danny’s family spends Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach. Dandrell’s birthday was that Sunday, and since we were When did you know your spouse leaving the beach Sunday morning, I wanted to celebrate Saturwas the one? K: In 2014, there was a horrible day, so I got him a cake and some snowstorm. The streets were fro- presents and the family sang and zen over, and the entire city shut celebrated with him. After cake, down for about four days! Day Dandrell was very distant the rest one of the storm, Danny brought of the day. I was coming down some spaghetti sauce, because with a cold so I was super upset. spaghetti is my fave, and when he D: Proposing was the scariest was ready to leave, the roads were thing I have ever done! I am a iced over! During those three quiet guy and hate being in the

spotlight. I had been trying to get in touch with her father all day to make sure I got his blessing. You could tell she was upset that I was so preoccupied. K: That night during dinner, his sister said, “Let’s go outside and take pics while the sun sets.” She’s the family photographer, so I didn’t think much of it. We got out on the beach, and I heard his other sister say, “I’m in charge of video,” and I knew what was happening. I stood on the beach in an oversized pullover, leggings and my hair in a hot mess bun and watched my best friend get down on one knee. He said marrying me was all he wanted for his birthday!

What was your favorite part of the wedding day?

D: My favorite part about our day was sharing the vows we had written. I spent hours trying to

put into words how amazing she was, how much I loved her and how much our family meant to me. Finally making promises to her was the best feeling ever. I wanted her to know that she is safe with me, both physically and emotionally. I love her more than anything in this world, and I wanted her to know that.

Your cake looks amazing.

K: People are still raving about our cakes! We decided not to have a large cake because Dandrell loves cupcakes! So we opted for three cakes – strawberry, lemon blueberry and red velvet – along with cupcakes in all sorts of flavors. Selina Ruffins is the only person we trust with sweets! I saw a “drip cake” on Instagram, sent the picture to her, and she made it happen! All of her cakes are delicious, but I must say the lemon blueberry is the bomb.com!

BRIDE’S ATTIRE Elegant Bridals (Augusta, Ga.) • GROOM’S & GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE Men’s Wearhouse • BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE Carolina Couture • CAKE Selina Ruffins, The Dessert Bar Boutique Bakery & Catering • CATERER Capital City Catering • DJ Mitchell Reid, aka DJ Nyce, Kinfolk Entertainment Company •FLORIST White House Wedding Flowers• HAIR Sharon Richardson, Miracles Hair Studio • HONEYMOON Royal Caribbean • INVITATIONS Kirby designed herself • MAKEUP Chrisla Wooden, Glow by Chrisla• OFFICIANT Rev. Kevin Roberts, VOW • PHOTOGRAPHER Andrea Fabian, Trevor Mercer Photography • PLANNER Jessica Kingery, JWK Weddings • REGISTRY Bed, Bath & Beyond; Target • RENTALS Something Borrowed • VENUE Stone River

Photos by Patty Hallman, Studio Two One Two www.studiotwoonetwo.com

MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS

&Trent

Julia

Julia Riesenberg and Trent Mobley met while they were stationed in Guam with the U.S. Navy. “He was the hottest beach babe I’d ever seen,” says Julia, 25, who is originally from Warsaw, Kentucky. She’s now pursuing her bachelor’s degree. Trent, 23, grew up in Lugoff and says what drew him to Julia is that she’s “always looking for adventure. I’m always excited to see what she comes up with next. There’s never a dull moment.” They married Oct. 28, 2017, at Rock Bottom Pond in Ridgeway, and they’re looking forward to a trip to New York for their first wedding anniversary.

When did you know your spouse was the one?

J: He told me he secretly liked Kentucky basketball. T: That definitely never happened and never will. (He’s a Duke fan.)

Tell me about the proposal.

J: He took me to the Asan Bay Overlook in Guam. We could see the whole island; it was perfect. T: She thought we were just going out to eat one random night and I was “stopping by” to look at the sunset. Then, next thing ya know, we’re getting married.

What was your favorite part of the wedding day?

J: We had our first look before the wedding because it would be too dark to take pictures after. Trent had called me a couple of hours before and said his shirt was too big on him and he was worried. It was perfect! He looked so good! T: Definitely being introduced for the first

time as husband and wife. The entire bridal party was introduced one by one into the reception to “Sandstorm.”

What advice would you give someone planning a wedding?

J: Check out thrift stores and antique shops! We had a Bohemian-themed wedding, and we found most of our things at a good price. T: Spend your money in the right places. For us, the flowers were a huge focal point, and it really was the make-or-break element. Had we gone cheap on that, the look just wouldn’t have been complete. For me, food is something that you can kind of go light on pockets with. My goal wasn’t to have the guests leave saying, “That’s the best food I ever had,” rather, “that was the best time; what a beautiful celebration.” So definitely pick and choose where to spend the money.

Julia, what instruction did you give your bridesmaids on their dresses? Were you at all nervous about mixing prints? J: Oh, man! We’re still so surprised every-

thing came together so perfectly! Since everyone lives so far away from one another, we found it easiest to shop online. We gave everyone a specific color at the beginning, and I think each person shipped back at least two dresses apiece. By the end, my sister and I bought two dresses at Target just a couple nights before.

Tell me about the Polaroids.

J: We did the Polaroids as an alternative to a guest book! We had everyone take a picture when they got there and sign it. Years from now, we’ll have pictures along with those signatures!

Julia, tell me about your bridal jacket.

J: My dream was long lace sleeves, but I couldn’t find a dress like that within my budget. We found my dress in Cincinnatti and then realized we could create the same look with the jacket!

What are you looking forward to?

T: Traveling and adventuring! We love doing new things together!

BRIDE’S ATTIRE European Bride (Cincinnati) • GROOM AND GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE JoS. A. Bank Clothiers • BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE “LOL. One dress was from Nordstrom, one was Billabong, Lulus.com, Target...” • CAKE Candyland Bakery & Party Place• DECOR Amy Dickerson • FLORIST Longleaf Flowers, Plants & Gifts (Camden) • HAIR & MAKEUP Kylie Robertson • HONEYMOON Cancun, Mexico • INVITATIONS & PAPER GOODS Monica Lonneman • OFFICIANT Greg Dickerson • PHOTOGRAPHY Patty Hallman, Studio Two One Two • PLANNER Trent• REHEARSAL DINNER At home

Photos by Jessica Roberts, Jessica Roberts Photography jessicarobertsphoto.com

MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS

&Brian

Rosemary

Columbia natives Rosemary Watts, 27, and Brian Robinson, 29, had such a quick first meeting that she didn’t remember him at their second. “If Brian tells the story, he had charm and great jokes, and that’s why I hung out with him for the rest of the (second) night, which is 100 percent correct. The part he leaves out is that I wanted to give him at least five minutes because I didn’t remember him,” says Rosemary. “He was hilarious and – let’s be honest – absolutely gorgeous.” They were married April 15, 2017, at 701 Whaley and in August finished building a house in Lexington. Answers have been edited.

When did you know your spouse got back to the cabin, he was on was the one? the back porch and asked me to

R: I don’t have a specific memory; I just knew that I did not want to live without him. He had become my entire world. B: My roommate at the time had just moved out of the apartment we were renting, and it was just me for about a month. I enjoyed living alone, but something was missing. I’d come home, and nobody was there. I realized I loved Rosemary and wanted her there.

Tell me about the proposal.

R: For Labor Day in 2016, we went to the mountains with my parents and Brian’s mom. We all went to breakfast that morning, and I was wondering why Brian was barely eating. B: Everyone was raving about how good the food was, but I couldn’t eat because I was so nervous. R: About an hour later, when we

come look outside because he thought he saw a moose! I ran to look over the balcony but didn’t see anything. B: She said, “ You better not try and push me over this rail!” R: When I turned around, he was on one knee! B: I was overwhelmed with emotion, and my planned speech went out the window. I started crying and said, “I had something planned! Umm... umm... I love you. Will you marry me?”

What was your favorite part of the wedding day?

R: Definitely the “I do” part. After that, all the nerves went out the window, and it was just my husband and me enjoying the night. B: Seeing Rosemary walk down the aisle.

Tell me about the dress.

R: I wanted a wedding dress that showed my curves yet had some character to it. One of the employees at a bridal store told me to try on a dress no one has dared to purchase. When I looked at it, I thought, “No way. This dress looks like a tutu on steroids at the bottom.” And it didn’t help in my mind that the dress was pink! But I tried it on since they brought the dress to the dressing room and instantly knew it was the dress for me! Of course I ordered it in ivory instead of pink, and I did have them remove a bit of fabric so it wouldn’t be so overwhelming, but it was just a beautiful dress.

What was in the favor bags?

R: We wanted to add a little bit of fun in our gift bags for our family and friends so we put in a dollar scratch-off lottery ticket and some candy. Who doesn’t love

the thrill of potentially winning money and eating candy after a night of partying?

What drew you to 701 Whaley?

R: What is there not to love about the ambiance of 701 Whaley?! It has a historic, classy feel wherever you are in the building. Our ceremony was upstairs in the Olympia Hall, where they have beautiful hardwood floors, and our reception was in the Grand Hall downstairs with the unique stairwell entryway and oversized windows wrapping around.

What part of marriage are you looking forward to?

R: The next step, which is making our family of two into a family of three. B: Thirty years from now, seeing what our family looks like at Christmas – kids, grandkids, etc. Seeing the power of what two people can create.

BRIDE’S ATTIRE Evelyn’s Bridal • GROOM’S & GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE Men’s Wearhouse • BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE David’s Bridal • BARTENDING Ed’s Bartending• CAKE Bonnie Brunt Cakes (St. Matthews) • CATERER Vegetable Medley • DECOR “The beautiful wooden tables and the wooden end tables with marble tops were my parents’. The mirror upstairs along with the cross, lantern, candles and wooden box with blanket were ours as well.” • DJ Sound Quest • FLORIST Blythewood Gloriosa Florist • HAIR & MAKEUP “Did it myself.” • HONEYMOON Cruise and Travel VIP (traveled to Cancun, Mexico) • INVITATIONS & PAPER GOODS vistaprint.com • JEWELRY “Wore my mother’s jewelry.” • OFFICIANT Rev. Glen McGugan Sr., regional presbyter of the Church of God of Prophecy • PHOTOGRAPHY Jessica Roberts, Jessica Roberts Photography • REGISTRY Bed, Bath & Beyond; Target • REHEARSAL DINNER The Vista Room at Blue Marlin • TRANSPORTATION “We borrowed my parents’ 2015 Corvette.” • VENUE 701 Whaley

Wedding Album

ADVERTORIAL

icture a storybook wedding on an intimate island against the backdrop of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean with a pristine beach and lush, subtropical surroundings, where wildlife runs free. Add to that everything you and your guests could possibly want to enjoy as you prepare for that magical day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; two championship golf courses, tennis, pools, chartered offshore fishing and even cocktail sunset cruises. This is Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort, casual elegance in the beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry. It all starts with a phone call to our wedding team at 1-866-522-4399. They would love to help you plan the most important day of your life.

James Ash III and Brittney Skinner were married Aug. 11, 2017, at the Farm at Ridgeway. Photo by Laura Effinger, Lola Dee Photography; www.loladeephotography.com

ADVERTORIAL

Everything under the sun!

e offer a wide range of rental facilities, from beachfront shelters, to indoor and outdoor park facilities, to lake houses, to historic plantations. Charleston County Parks truly offers something for everyone, with venues to suit all price ranges and tastes. Options include indoor and outdoor venues, secluded areas, and natural settings. Some of our venues offer very unique amenities. Our Lake House at Bulow offers on-site overnight accommodations. Our Pelican Watch Pavilion offers beachfront access on beautiful Folly Beach. We make weddings special through our customer service. We truly care for our clients and their guests and try to go above and beyond to make each event memorable.

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.

Visit CharlestonCountyParks.com | 843-795-4386

387 King St., Charleston | 843-722-0600 | www.francismarioncharleston.com PHOTO BY RICK DEAN

VENUES

A step beyond your expectations. • Ceremonies • Receptions • Corporate Events • Catering • Rehearsal Dinners • Lodging

DJs • Musicians • Decor Lighting • Photo Booths “The wedding was a great success!

Advertiser Index

AUDIOVISUALS

THANK YOU!

Even the venue staff said you were the best entertainment & lighting company they had ever worked with.”

2017

6 years straight!

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

803.429.6001 www.WeAreBigTime.com

CATERING Unique indoor, outdoor and garden venues for ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners.

387 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403 FrancisMarionCharleston.com

316 Senate Street, Columbia (803) 748-4144 • duprecatering.com

843.722.0600

Happily ever after comes naturally here. 1-866-522-4399

FrippIslandResort.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

REGISTRY

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 info@403northlake.com  403northlake.com  803-808-2992

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

Agape Conference Center ▯ 1622 Main St., Columbia ▯ restored historic conference center 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 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 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 www.buckridge.com  803-531-8408

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

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

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

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

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

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center ▯ 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia ▯ bright, modern event space with in-house catering team events@experiencecolumbiasc.com  www.columbiacoonventioncenter.com  803-545-0181

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

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

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

www.marriott.com  803-726-1603

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

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

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

Evergreen Plantation ▯ 4800 S.C. 187, Starr ▯ a 7,300-square-foot events facility built around a 190-year-old farm jessica@evergreen-plantation.com  www.evergreen-plantation.com  864-437-3400

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 www.fortjacksonmwr.com/o_club  803-782-8761 or 803-751-4906

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 www.hiltongardeninn.com  803-407-6640

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

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

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

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

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

Historic Leitner House  7302 Woodrow St., Irmo  banquet rooms, wrap-around porch and surrounding garden info@historicleitnerhouse.com  www.historicleitnerhouse.com  803-603-8838

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

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

McCutchen House  University of South Carolina campus, Columbia  restored home with Horseshoe as backdrop 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 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 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 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 www.orangeburgcc.com  803-531-9673

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

The Palmetto Club  1231 Sumter St., Columbia  warm, comfortable location for events of all scales cateringdirector@palmettoclub.org  www.palmettoclub.org  803-771-8767

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

River Center at Saluda Shoals Park  5605 Bush River Road, Columbia  park area, conference center and wedding gazebo www.icrc.net  803-731-5208

The River Road & Jasmine Houses and Gardens  2204 North Lake Drive, Columbia  homes with garden space 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 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 scstatehouseevents@gs.sc.gov  803-737-3880

South Carolina State Museum  301 Gervais St., Columbia  main and planetarium lobbies, mezzanine, observatory, Vista Room 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 southernoaks378@gmail.com  southernoaks378.simdif.com  803-647-4518

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

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

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

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

www.windermereclubsc.com  803-786-6088

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

Woodlands Country Club  100 Norse Way, Columbia  private dining rooms and banquet space 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.

SOUTHERN STYLE

WEDDINGS | SPECIAL EVENTS | MEETINGS | REHEARSAL DINNERS

803 771-0101

701WHALEY.COM

Photo credit: Heather Payne Photography

Charming. Captivating.Romantic. A picturesque stage for your wedding.

Ceremonies

Receptions

Catering

Lodging

231 Gundog Trail, Neeses SC 29107 | 803.531.8408 | www.buckridge.com