Intimate Charleston Upstairs at Midtown Wedding
Regarding intimate soirees, I simply adore this Upstairs at Midtown wedding with its charm and warmth. Nestled in the city’s heart, this venue offers the perfect blend of elegance and —precisely what Whitney and Chris envisioned for their big day.
When I met these two, I knew their love story would be a joy to capture. Their journey, filled with friendship, growth, and serendipitous moments, came full circle here in Charleston, surrounded by close family and friends.
A Love Story Rooted in Friendship
Whitney and Chris’s story is the kind that feels like it belongs in a movie. They met years ago through mutual friends in Jacksonville. They shared a connection early on, though it remained platonic for the first couple of years. But one day, that all changed.
Whitney, who describes herself as the “bubbly twin,” recalls what she calls a “divine intervention.” One night during Christmas break, she decided to give it a shot with Chris, and, as Whitney puts it, “the rest is history.”
Whitney’s twin sister, Renee, has always been a significant part of her life, making Whitney’s transition to this next chapter bittersweet. At the same time, Chris’s journey—shaped by growing up as an only child in Orlando—meant he brought a unique perspective to their relationship.
The pair’s shared values, Chris’s passion for running and projects, and Whitney’s curiosity about design and creativity made them a dynamic duo. Their connection felt natural, and their story only got sweeter with time.
The Proposal: An Intimate Evening at Home
Chris’s proposal to Whitney was what she had always hoped for—personal, meaningful, and away from the crowds. They had discussed marriage before, but Whitney never felt rushed. She made it clear she wanted a proposal in a quiet, intimate setting with just the two of them.
One morning, Whitney’s mom invited her for a manicure and pedicure. While they were out, Chris stayed home, preparing a romantic dinner. When Whitney returned, she knew something was off—Chris was wearing a button-down shirt, which wasn’t his usual “Friday” look. But he brushed off her teasing and led her to a beautifully decorated dining room table with flowers, candles, and a bottle of Dave Matthews wine (Whitney’s favorite).
They sat down for dinner, and as they ate, Chris made a heartfelt toast, sharing how much he loved Whitney and how grateful he was to have her in his life. Overwhelmed with emotion, Whitney interrupted him with tears, thinking the special moment might be over. But Chris had other plans.
Chris followed as she excused herself to check her reflection in the bathroom. Nervous energy filled the air, and Whitney sensed something big was about to happen. Chris guided her back to the table, sat her down, and, with sincerity in his voice, told her how much he loved her. Then, he dropped to one knee. In disbelief, Whitney covered her face with her hands, overcome by emotion. Chris laughed and told her, “Whitney, just look at the ring!” Of course, her answer was an enthusiastic “Yes!”
A Surprise Celebration to Remember
The surprise Whitney didn’t see coming made the night even more special. Whitney had been struggling with the recent move of her twin sister, Renee, to Louisiana. Missing her sister deeply, Whitney had no idea that Chris had arranged for her family and friends to fly in and celebrate with them that night.
After the proposal, Chris suggested they call everyone to share the good news. But Whitney, still overwhelmed and wanting to savor the moment, insisted they finish their wine first. Little did she know, her sister, mom, and closest friends were just down the street, waiting for the call. Moments later, the back gate opened, and out walked Renee, along with Whitney’s mom and best friends. It was the perfect ending to an already magical night.
Destination Nuptials for an Upstairs at Midtown Wedding
Fast forward to their Upstairs at Midtown wedding, and it was clear that every detail reflected Whitney and Chris’s style. The venue’s exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and vintage chandeliers added a timeless charm. The couple wanted an intimate and authentic day, with their closest family and friends sharing in the joy.
Whitney and Chris chose not to have a large wedding party, opting for simplicity. Whitney looked radiant in a sleek, modern gown, her smile lighting up every room she entered. Chris, dashing as ever, couldn’t keep his eyes off his bride. How they looked at each other throughout the day spoke volumes about their love.
The ceremony was heartfelt, filled with personal vows and moments of laughter. With Charleston’s history as their backdrop, the couple exchanged promises, committing to a lifetime of love, friendship, and partnership. Guests wiped away tears as Whitney and Chris shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
Wedding Style and Design at an Upstairs at Midtown Wedding
Whitney and Chris’s Upstairs at Midtown wedding beautifully reflected their unique personalities and shared vision. They created an intimate “cocktail lounge” atmosphere, with subtle touches of old-time bluegrass music playing softly in the background. This relaxed yet sophisticated vibe set the perfect tone for the evening, creating a space where guests felt comfortable mingling, laughing, and sharing special moments.
Whitney’s vision for the Upstairs at Midtown wedding was understated elegance. “Simple yet elegant” was the theme, focusing on meaningful details that felt personal rather than over-the-top.
The couple’s color palette of blush pink, champagne gold, and coral added warmth and romance to the space. Big, fluffy flowers filled the room, adding a sense of softness and whimsy. The floral arrangements were artfully scattered throughout the venue, from delicate bouquets on cocktail tables to lush centerpieces. Candles—lots of them—cast a warm, flickering glow, enhancing the intimate atmosphere of the evening.
Candid Photography at an Upstairs at Midtown Wedding
The thoughtful emphasis on candid moments set Whitney and Chris’s wedding apart. As Whitney described, they loved documentary-style photography that captures life as it happens—simple, beautiful, and authentic. For them, the magic of the evening wasn’t in posed portraits but in the spontaneous expressions and quiet interactions between loved ones.
Guests sipping champagne, a heartfelt embrace, or a shared laugh on the dance floor—these moments truly mattered to Whitney and Chris. The people in attendance were the ones they held closest to their hearts, and the photography needed to capture these unique connections.
This emphasis on storytelling photography allowed for a relaxed flow throughout the night. Rather than following a rigid timeline, the couple let the evening unfold naturally. Guests gathered in cozy corners, chatting over cocktails and enjoying the music, while others danced under the soft glow of candlelight.
Chris’s energy kept the mood light, while Whitney’s warm, bubbly personality radiated joy. It was clear that they wanted their wedding to be a celebration of love, friendship, and the connections they had built over the years.
All About Balance for an Upstairs at Midtown Wedding
The thoughtful balance of simplicity and elegance was reflected in every design choice. Every detail contributed to the cohesive style without feeling fussy or overdone, from the blush-hued table settings to the champagne accents. The ambiance felt effortless, yet every element had a purpose, creating a beautiful backdrop for meaningful moments.
The music selection—blues and Rat Pack classics—added a nostalgic touch to the evening. It perfectly complemented the vintage charm of the venue and underscored the relaxed, lounge-like feel Whitney and Chris wanted. Guests swayed to the soulful tunes, their conversations and laughter mixing with the rhythm of the music, creating a lively and intimate atmosphere.
This wedding was a testament to how simplicity, when done with intention, can create a magical and personal experience.
A Celebration Full of Meaning
The reception was everything they dreamed of—an intimate gathering filled with laughter, good food, and heartfelt toasts. The atmosphere was relaxed, with guests enjoying each other’s company and celebrating Whitney and Chris’s love.
Whitney’s twin sister, Renee, gave a moving toast, sharing memories from their childhood and the joy of seeing her sister find someone as wonderful as Chris. Laughter and tears filled the room as stories were shared and glasses were raised.
A New Chapter Begins at the Upstairs at Midtown Wedding
As the night ended, Whitney and Chris stood hand-in-hand, surrounded by their favorite people. They had created a day that reflected who they were—down-to-earth, fun, and deeply connected to the people they love.
Their Upstairs at Midtown wedding was a celebration of their relationship and a tribute to the journey that brought them here. From friendship to romance, Jacksonville to Charleston, their story is about growth, patience, and divine timing.
Whitney and Chris are starting their new chapter just as they had hoped—surrounded by love, with a solid foundation built on friendship and mutual respect. It was an honor to capture their special day and witness their forever beginning.
Whitney and Chris, thank you for letting me be part of your beautiful story. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Cheers to you forever!
NOTE: This amazing venue is under renovation and will be reopening under the name Surcee’s. I cannot wait to see what this beautiful event space has in store!
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