William Aiken House Wedding Photography
Few places are as charming as the William Aiken House in Charleston, SC. Its blend of historic beauty and elegant architecture makes it a dream venue for capturing unforgettable moments during a wedding at the William Aiken House.
Katelyn and Ben’s wedding was a perfect example of how this venue can bring a couple’s vision to life. Their celebration was filled with love, joy, and unique touches, making it truly special. This is one reason why I love coming back to create William Aiken House wedding photography.
The William Aiken House Wedding Venue
The William Aiken House’s vibrant yellow facade, lush gardens, piazzas, and majestic ballrooms provide a picturesque backdrop for wedding photography. This 19th-century historic home resides on Upper King St. in Downtown Charleston. Its bygone-era aesthetics is nestled in the heart of a bustling city on a peninsula.
Walking through its formal ballrooms and parlors is like stepping back in time. Its vibrant green, red, and yellow rooms are dotted with historic artwork and antiques. The architectural elements are a dream. The main house features Adam style architecture, while the addition of the ballroom wing is designed in Greek Revival style. The carriage house reflects a Gothic style design, highlighting a third style.
A William Aiken House wedding can host up to 500 guests, which is a rare venue in the Charleston area. Though historic, it includes modern features such as handicap accessibility and WiFi. These upgrades make the William Aiken House a perfect balance of historic charm and modern amenities.
Romance in the City of Light
Katelyn and Ben’s love story begins at a bar in the Hamptons. This chance meeting would happen again a few weeks later when they reconnected at a mutual friend’s birthday party. Embracing the signs from the universe, Katelyn and Ben went out the next night in SoHo. The two quickly became inseparable, so it is no surprise that a proposal and future marriage came next.
Katelyn details the romantic abroad proposal:
“We were in Washington, DC, for an alumni event for Ben’s high school class. We spent most of the weekend with close friends, eating our way through the city, and were having brunch at Le Diplomate, a French restaurant in DC.
I was talking about how much I enjoyed French food, and he looked at me and said: ’Well, I’m glad you do because we are boarding a plane to Paris in three hours.’ Ben is not one for surprises, so when he told me this I knew he had something up his sleeve!
We arrived in Paris on a Sunday morning, and the next day we ate lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower before going on an afternoon walk. Ben proposed to me as we crossed Pont de Bir-Hakeim – he even had a photographer waiting to capture the special moment with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop! The entire experience was extremely romantic – it was just the two of us, which made it incredibly intimate and special.”
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the garden, under a stunning white pergola adorned with a hanging chandelier. As Katelyn walked down the aisle, accompanied by her father, her smile radiated pure happiness. Standing at the altar, Ben couldn’t take his eyes off her. It’s moments like these that remind me why I became a wedding photographer.
The bride reminisces about the couple’s favorite moments from the day, “Ben’s favorite part of the day was standing at the altar with me, knowing that when we left, I would be his wife. My favorite was when my cousin sang, ‘It Feels Like Home to Me,’ right after my dad shook Ben’s hand. At that moment, I was like, ‘Ok, this it. This is what you have been waiting for.’ It was such a special moment of the day.”
Wedding Fashion
Katelyn looked absolutely stunning in her elegant strapless gown. The intricate details of the gemstone belt and the flowing layered skirt added a timeless elegance to her look. Her bridal hair of flowing tresses is a look that I adore for William Aiken House wedding photography. I always tell brides that a down hairstyle is more dramatic (in a good way!) for wedding photos. The final touch of a cathedral-length veil completes the timeless romantic look Katelyn was envisioning.
Ben was quite dapper in his classic black tuxedo, complete with a Brackish bow tie. A final adornment of a white rose boutonniere rounded out his groom attire.
The two of them together were the epitome of grace and style. One of my favorite shots of the day was the couple standing against the iconic yellow wall of the William Aiken House, their golden doodle Teddy by their side. Teddy, with his playful demeanor and fluffy fur, added a touch of whimsy to the sophisticated scene.
Bespoke Details
One key aspect of William Aiken House wedding photography is capturing the bespoke details that make each wedding unique. Katelyn and Ben’s wedding was filled with such thoughtful touches.
The powder blue bridesmaids’ dresses were a beautiful contrast to the white bouquets they carried. The reception area, set under a clear tent, was decorated with elegant white and blue table settings. One tablescape that stood out was a cascading floral arrangement of white flowers and greenery on a high-top table. Other centerpieces included a lush all-white floral spray in silver mercury vases. Guests could also enjoy vintage lounge sets in powder blue beneath cafe lighting.
The wedding cake was a true masterpiece – a three-tiered confection adorned with gold leaf and delicate white flowers. Katelyn adds, “The gold leafing is so different and really gave it a ‘Wow’ factor without being over the top.” It was almost too beautiful to cut into, but it made for some incredible photographs.
Another delightful detail was the signature cocktail named after their dog, Teddy. “The Teddy” was a refreshing beverage that guests thoroughly enjoyed, and it was a sweet nod to their beloved pet.
Celebrate Good Times
The reception was lively, filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt toasts. One of the highlights was a live painter who captured the scene on canvas, providing a unique and lasting memory of the day. Katelyn emphasizes this unique keepsake, saying, “Jennie Lou Art live-painted the ceremony and reception. The finished piece is now hanging in our home – definitely my favorite gift!”
Katelyn and Ben’s first dance was magical, set against the backdrop of twinkling fairy lights and the historic charm of the William Aiken House. After a sweet toast from the bride’s parents, the dance floor opened, and everyone was ready to show their best moves. Live bands are always great at getting a hoppin’ dance floor going. Atlanta Rhythm and Groove was no exception, even enlisting the wedding party to dance along on stage. It was a festive evening celebrating Katelyn and Ben for sure!
When Sparks Fly
As the night drew to a close, the couple made their grand departure under a canopy of sparklers held by their guests. This is always a timeless moment to capture. The combination of the warm light from the sparklers, the joy on everyone’s faces, and the couple’s love shining through creates a magical scene. Katelyn and Ben’s sparkler sendoff was no exception. The image of them sharing a kiss amidst the sparkling lights is one that will remain etched in my memory.
Final Thoughts
Katelyn and Ben’s wedding at the William Aiken House was a perfect blend of elegance, fun, and personal touches. The venue’s historic charm and beautiful gardens provided a stunning backdrop for their special day. As a photographer, it’s always a pleasure to capture such moments in a place as magical as the William Aiken House.
For couples looking to create unforgettable memories, I highly recommend considering this venue. The combination of its beauty, history, and the unique charm of Charleston makes it a truly special place for a wedding. William Aiken House wedding photography offers endless captures of the love and joy of your special day in a setting that is both timeless and enchanting.
From the tender moments during the ceremony to the lively celebration at the reception, every detail of Katelyn and Ben’s wedding was thoughtfully planned and beautifully executed. It was an honor to be a part of their day and to capture the memories that they will cherish for a lifetime. Congratulations, Katelyn and Ben, on your beautiful wedding, and thank you for allowing my team and me to be a part of it.
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