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Earthly Delights

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Megan Sones & Marty Clapton; June 17, 2006, Mingo Point, Kiawah Island

Photographs by:

Squire Fox

AISLE BE SEEING: you At evening’s end, the couple exited to their suite at the Sanctuary (where Soirée had plates of food and champagne from the reception waiting) cheered on by guests holding sparklers. “We were touched that everyone traveled so far and took the time to support us and share such an important day,” says Megan.

NATURAL SELECTION: Each element of the wedding, from the color scheme to the programs to details such as the seagrass rug lining the aisle, was chosen in deference to the expanse of marsh that served as a romantic backdrop for Megan and Marty’s nuptials. Bella, the couple’s white German shepherd, smiled for a photo op in her wedding-day finery. Sentimental touches and meaningful mementos defined the day: the piece of slate on which the bride and groom stood to exchange their vows now graces their back garden, and Megan’s childhood pastor, also a close family friend, officiated.

The Families

SWEETEST THING: Adorned with the day’s signature yellow daisies, Jim Smeal’s coconut cake for the bride and groom topped the guests’ tiers of coconut, lemon, and chocolate cupcakes. The reception also featured covers of music, from Johnny Cash to the Grateful Dead, performed by the Travis Allison Band, as well as singer Ann Caldwell’s soulful vocal stylings. Megan’s dad (previous page) surprised her with Ann’s a cappella version of Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful” for the father-daughter dance.

AU NATUREL: Instead of numbered seating, each table was identified with a botanically themed placard bearing the names of local places—islands, beaches, tidal creeks—with sentimental significance to the couple. Coffee-colored leather loveseats, rattan ottomans, and handsome lamps with custom ecru lampshades comprised the comfortable outdoor seating vignettes, which took their cue from the nature-driven décor. Of the look Soirée achieved for the celebration, Megan says, “We really wanted to use all the natural elements of Mingo Point: the sunset, the marsh—a pelican even flew by during the ceremony.”

NEW BLOOM: To complement the two-piece dress with lace halter and ballerina-length tulle skirt she found in New York (“It was the last one I tried on!”), Megan’s bouquet was a tumbling profusion of Icelandic poppies, dahlias, daisies, and a touch of lily of the valley (since it had also been in her mother’s wedding bouquet) that effected a field-fresh look. In lieu of a veil, the bride wore a garland of miniature daisies circling her crown. Just like the wedding itself, Megan’s look was formal yet subtle. She was careful to not be overdone, and even wore jeweled flip-flops. “I wanted to look like me, not a dressed-up version of me,” she says.

Earthly Delights

Earthly Delights

Earthly Delights

NATURAL SELECTION: Each element of the wedding, from the color scheme to the programs to details such as the seagrass rug lining the aisle, was chosen in deference to the expanse of marsh that served as a romantic backdrop for Megan and Marty’s nuptials. Bella, the couple’s white German shepherd, smiled for a photo op in her wedding-day finery. Sentimental touches and meaningful mementos defined the day: the piece of slate on which the bride and groom stood to exchange their vows now graces their back garden, and Megan’s childhood pastor, also a close family friend, officiated.

DELIGHTUL DETAILS: Fitting with the Southern-inspired menu, the signature “teatini” cocktail was made of sweet tea and peach Schnapps. In a lovely gesture, guests snapped Polaroids of themselves and affixed them to handwritten notes for the newlyweds. A second photo, which was attached to a card indicating a donation made by the couple to Mississippi Hurricane Relief, went home with guests as a touching favor. “It’s hard to celebrate when so many people are still suffering. This was our way of making even some small contribution,” says Megan.

DELIGHTUL DETAILS: Fitting with the Southern-inspired menu, the signature “teatini” cocktail was made of sweet tea and peach Schnapps. In a lovely gesture, guests snapped Polaroids of themselves and affixed them to handwritten notes for the newlyweds. A second photo, which was attached to a card indicating a donation made by the couple to Mississippi Hurricane Relief, went home with guests as a touching favor. “It’s hard to celebrate when so many people are still suffering. This was our way of making even some small contribution,” says Megan.

NATURAL SELECTION: Each element of the wedding, from the color scheme to the programs to details such as the seagrass rug lining the aisle, was chosen in deference to the expanse of marsh that served as a romantic backdrop for Megan and Marty’s nuptials. Bella, the couple’s white German shepherd, smiled for a photo op in her wedding-day finery. Sentimental touches and meaningful mementos defined the day: the piece of slate on which the bride and groom stood to exchange their vows now graces their back garden, and Megan’s childhood pastor, also a close family friend, officiated.

AU NATUREL: Instead of numbered seating, each table was identified with a botanically themed placard bearing the names of local places—islands, beaches, tidal creeks—with sentimental significance to the couple. Coffee-colored leather loveseats, rattan ottomans, and handsome lamps with custom ecru lampshades comprised the comfortable outdoor seating vignettes, which took their cue from the nature-driven décor. Of the look Soirée achieved for the celebration, Megan says, “We really wanted to use all the natural elements of Mingo Point: the sunset, the marsh—a pelican even flew by during the ceremony.”

TABLE TALK: Each simple but elegant place setting was enhanced by the earthy burlap table covering finished with yellow watermark taffeta. The bride’s Southern roots were celebrated in Cru Catering’s menu of Lowcountry staples like shrimp and grits and Southern fare with an elegant twist, such as a pear and candied walnut salad, praline-encrusted chicken with Gorgonzola sauce, and mashed potatoes in a spring roll crunch. Before the seated dinner, guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres including chilled cauliflower soup and shrimp bisque, conveniently served for sipping in espresso cups.

SEEDS OF LOVE: In keeping with the earthy vibe and accents taken from nature, calligraphed place cards also bore the signature botanical motif and were placed in a tray of golden-hued millet.

AU NATUREL: Instead of numbered seating, each table was identified with a botanically themed placard bearing the names of local places—islands, beaches, tidal creeks—with sentimental significance to the couple. Coffee-colored leather loveseats, rattan ottomans, and handsome lamps with custom ecru lampshades comprised the comfortable outdoor seating vignettes, which took their cue from the nature-driven décor. Of the look Soirée achieved for the celebration, Megan says, “We really wanted to use all the natural elements of Mingo Point: the sunset, the marsh—a pelican even flew by during the ceremony.”

DELIGHTUL DETAILS: Fitting with the Southern-inspired menu, the signature “teatini” cocktail was made of sweet tea and peach Schnapps. In a lovely gesture, guests snapped Polaroids of themselves and affixed them to handwritten notes for the newlyweds. A second photo, which was attached to a card indicating a donation made by the couple to Mississippi Hurricane Relief, went home with guests as a touching favor. “It’s hard to celebrate when so many people are still suffering. This was our way of making even some small contribution,” says Megan.

HERE COMES THE SUN: A sunny palette was the order of the day for Megan, who asked for simple white and yellow daisies to dominate the design scheme, which harmonized with the rustic setting of Mingo Point on Kiawah Island. Shades of buttery yellow and subtle green complemented the location’s lush, natural ambience. From the invitations to the programs and place cards, the wedding stationery by the Lettered Olive featured a botanical motif based on an antique print that Megan liked. Delicate loops of yellow double-faced satin Midori ribbon accented by a single white daisy marked the seats reserved for the couple’s families.

TABLE TALK: Each simple but elegant place setting was enhanced by the earthy burlap table covering finished with yellow watermark taffeta. The bride’s Southern roots were celebrated in Cru Catering’s menu of Lowcountry staples like shrimp and grits and Southern fare with an elegant twist, such as a pear and candied walnut salad, praline-encrusted chicken with Gorgonzola sauce, and mashed potatoes in a spring roll crunch. Before the seated dinner, guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres including chilled cauliflower soup and shrimp bisque, conveniently served for sipping in espresso cups.

NATURAL SELECTION: Each element of the wedding, from the color scheme to the programs to details such as the seagrass rug lining the aisle, was chosen in deference to the expanse of marsh that served as a romantic backdrop for Megan and Marty’s nuptials. Bella, the couple’s white German shepherd, smiled for a photo op in her wedding-day finery. Sentimental touches and meaningful mementos defined the day: the piece of slate on which the bride and groom stood to exchange their vows now graces their back garden, and Megan’s childhood pastor, also a close family friend, officiated.

Earthly Delights