Annie and Kevin’s spring Charleston Lowndes Grove wedding is bursting with vibrant florals perfect for the season. The couple selected a timeless venue for their nuptials and celebration. Lowndes Grove is voted the number one wedding venue in Charleston. Another venue has yet to break Lowndes Grove’s winning streak. Though Charleston is known for as many wedding venues as churches, Lowndes Grove stands out among its competitors.
Lowndes Grove, A Historic Wedding Venue
Lowndes Grove is a wedding venue that embodies what people love most when they think of the South. It sits on fourteen acres of sprawling grounds. Majestic oak trees line the dirt path. Architectural touches, from the lanterns to the spiraling staircase, are enchanting period elements. The Ashley River lazily flows beside the lush bank of the property. Lowndes Grove feels as if you are living in a romantic film. Perhaps it’s no wonder why Outer Banks includes this gem in its series.
In addition to being a pop culture phenomenon, Lowndes Grove has long been distinguished. The venue is on the National Register for Historic Places. Its historic main house boasts architectural wonders circa 1786. With formal rooms, a glass-enclosed portico, and a grand piazza with views of the Ashley River, it is no surprise that Lowndes Grove continues to win couples’ hearts.
Champagne Celebration
Annie and Kevin’s wedding was a festive affair from the start. The bridesmaids and bride wore matching PJs. The bubbly flowed, and the bridesmaids couldn’t help but cheer Annie on her special day. The ladies laughed and enjoyed the morning of a memorable day. Before changing into their wedding day looks, we captured a playful series of photos with the bridesmaids and Annie. If time permits, I always encourage fun interactions during this part of the day. It’s easy to facilitate candid moments with flutes of champagne and a bridal party filled with excitement for the upcoming ceremony.
Whimsical Bridal Style
Annie’s bridal look includes a strapless a-line gown with lace overlay. This pairs perfectly with her whimsical braided half-up hairstyle, adorned with flowers tucked in her flowy tresses. Her bridal bouquet is a collection of wildflowers that highlights a giant sunflower and is accented with such flowers as white ranunculus, pink astilbe, and light blue delphinium.
Annie’s bridesmaids are dressed in uniquely styled gowns, but all in the shade of powder blue. Not to be outdone, Kevin and the groomsmen sported blue suits with the addition of suspenders. This large wedding party of 20+ was a burst of joy and color, perfect for a May wedding.
I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying!
Annie and Kevin’s first look is a sweet moment where he sees his bride-to-be for the first time. It is always a moment to treasure and document. I see the evolving reaction from joyful surprise to the realization this is his wife-to-be. It is in that latter moment that all the feelings are brought out. It is equally important to capture Annie’s reaction. Before seeing Kevin, she was going through the motions of getting ready. But at first sight, everything is brought back into perspective. She sees her love and husband-to-be, and today is the next chapter in their love story.
I am excited for couples when they opt for a first look. Why? Because I have never had a groom run up the aisle to his bride and embrace, hug, or kiss her. That interaction is only seen with a first look. I also require that it remain as private as possible. This isn’t always a hit with bridesmaids or mothers, but it’s not their day. It can be challenging for couples to react naturally when they have an audience. This is why I am adamant that they are given space. People can watch from afar, preferably with a window between them and the couple. But this moment isn’t for them. It is for the bride and groom to have a few minutes alone. To be joyful together without the distractions of others. To love and be loved before several hours surrounded by friends and family.
Portraits, Portraits, and More Portraits
The soon-to-be newlyweds enjoyed a few minutes alone before taking portraits with everyone. To maximize their time at the reception and spend plenty of time with guests, the couple opted to complete all formal portraits pre-ceremony—except for some additional wedding portraits at sunset, which are stunning and my favorite portraits of the day.
This is another reason why a first look is a great idea. It is the only way to ensure spending the most time with loved ones during the celebration. Once the vows are exchanged, most couples are ready for a cocktail and to hit the dance floor. Spending up to an hour on photos is no longer appealing. This is understandable because it’s time to celebrate!
We always try to find the balance between capturing the portraits requested and not stealing the couple away from the festivities for too long. More portraits that can be taken before the ceremony are the best way to ensure this happens. Also, limiting the number of requested formal portraits is recommended. Only some combinations are needed. How can I say such a thing?! After sixteen years of photographing weddings, I can attest that most couples only print 25-to-50 photos from their wedding. The rest remain digital keepsakes they are grateful to have accessible but did not meet the requirements to be framed and hung on their walls. So, as you draft your formal portrait list, consider what matters the most to each of you. Prioritize those photos and know that more casual group photos can happen during the reception.
Lowndes Grove Riverside “I Do”
Guests were seated at the waterside with an altar of wildflower sprays. It made for a beautiful altar. Annie and Kevin exchanged vows in front of their closest friends and family. A few tears, plenty of laughter, and a kiss sealed their new beginning as husband and wife.
The reception design was a whimsical garden-inspired setting. This unique and festive design centers around a family-style table for the wedding party. The tablescape features a cascading mossy centerpiece with teal votives and floating candles. Instead of place cards, guests’ names were etched onto glass jars and filled with petite fuchsia wildflowers. The table design is rounded out with blue goblets and powder blue napkins tied with mint velvet ribbon. Overhead is an eye-catching, rustic hanging timber feature with various colored bottles and flowers hanging from the wood. The motif of glass bottles and spring florals is highlighted on every centerpiece after that.
When not dining, guests could lounge riverside on a vintage furniture suite of a powder blue sofa paired with yellow and celeste blue accent chairs. This spring fling inspiration spread to the signature drink – a watermelon margarita cocktail made up of tequila, watermelon puree, and triple sec garnished with fresh lime and a sliver of fresh jalapeno. For even sweeter treats, the couple had a 1-tier cake with hand-brushed painting of flowers accompanied by miniature peach blueberry cobblers and coconut layer cakes.
Party the Night Away at Lowndes Grove
The newlyweds danced into the night on a packed dance floor. As their perfect spring wedding came to a close, Kevin danced with his bride, twirled and dipped her, and ended the night with a kiss. Congratulations to the couple! Thank you for having the PTP team document your Charleston Lowndes Grove wedding!
VENDORS
Venue, Cake, & Catering: Lowndes Grove | Coordinator: Elevents & Co. |Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab
Dress Designer: Enzoani | Hair & Makeup: Ash & Co. Bridal | Floral Design: Branch Design Studio
Rentals: Snyder Events & Ooh! Events | Lighting: Lowcountry Entertainment | Band: Emerald Empire Band
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