Backyard Bash

Though Kiften Stephens and William Carroll met in Spanish 101, the interests they shared outside of the classroom truly brought the Davidson students together: both were athletes (lacrosse and soccer, respectively), had a soft spot for board games, and were fond of camping. Six years later, the duo was playing “Memory” during a cabin retreat when Kiften flipped over a card bearing an image of an engagement ring. Following his planted prompt, Will produced the real thing and popped the question.

The playful and outdoorsy sides of their personalities easily translated to a wedding theme. “I envisioned an elegant take on a cookout,” says Kiften, whose favorite childhood memories are of just such neighborhood gatherings. WED’s Hannah Alexander suggested the Legare Waring House as the perfect “backyard,” and Kiften fell for it—and its oak allée—easily.

When fall rolled around, the al fresco shindig was a hit. Florist Sara York Grimshaw placed cream-colored blooms and greenery in Mason jars and burlap-wrapped vases to lend a mellow and homespun grace to the setting. Then, after the “I dos,” the bride challenged her groom, family, and friends to lawn games like ladder golf and croquet. Lanterns and candles glowed softly as evening set in, and guests sat down to a hearty Southern meal by Cru Catering, served family-style. “Everything turned out above and beyond my expectations and my husband and I had a blast,” says Kiften. “We would do absolutely nothing different!”

Vendor List

Baker: Sugar Bakeshop; www.sugarbake.com
Bridal gown: Bella Vista Bridal; www.bellavistabridal.com
Bridesmaid attire: J.Crew; www.jcrew.com
Caterer: Cru Catering; www.crucatering.com
Florist: Sara York Grimshaw Designs; www.sygdesigns.com
Groom/Groomsmen attire: Brooks Brothers; www.brooksbrothers.com
Lighting: Technical Event Company (TEC Lighting); www.technicaleventcompany.com
Musicians: DJ Trey, Other Brother Entertainment; www.otherbrotherent.com
Photographer: Joshua Drake; www.joshuadrakephotography.com
Planner: Hannah Alexander, WED; www.charlestonevent.com
Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals; www.snydereventrentals.com; Event DRS; www.eventdrscharleston.com
Stationery: Studio R; www.studio-r-design.com
Transportation: Absolutely Charleston; www.absolutelycharleston.com; Charleston Black Cab Company; www.charlestonblackcabcompany.com