Banking on Good Ideas

Chinyere Stinson & Johnnie Watson, III March 15, 2013 Magnolia Plantation and Gardens San Antonio, Texas, residents Chinyere Stinson and Johnnie Watson, III, are both bankers by trade, but after the two hosted their stylish DIY wedding, they might just want to reconsider their professions. The pair—who met at a networking event when both lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, and fell for Charleston on a romantic weekend trip here—started planning with a questionnaire and a spreadsheet. Since location was a key item to both, they listed pros and cons of several venues, and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens won out for history, ambience, and landscape. From there, they scoured online sources from eBay to Etsy and more for décor, favors, invitations, and everything in between. Johnnie pitched in by sorting out the palette, among other things, and friends spent a night assembling hotel guest gift bags. “There is no way I could have the wedding of my dreams without the help of others,” says Chinyere. When the day came, WildFlowers, Inc.’s Beth LeonGuerrero acted as the day-of coordinator to execute the couple’s vision, and, says Chinyere, “Ultimately, I was completely satisfied.” Vendor List Bar: MIX Premier Bartending, www. mix charleston.com Bridal Gown: Enzoani, www.bluebyenzoani.com Bridal Makeup: Dannon Collard, www.dannoncollard.com Bridal Veil & Accessories: Claire’s Boutique, www.claires.com Cake: Artistic Cakes by Linda, www.ibakecakes.com Ceremony & Reception Location: Carriage House at Magnolia Planation and Gardens, www.magnoliaplantation.com Day-Of Coordinator: Charleston Wedding Studio, www.charlestonweddingstudio.com Draping: Engaging Events, www.engagingeventscharleston.com Florist: Wildflowers, Inc., www.wildflowersinc.com Flower Girls’ Dresses: Pink Princess, www.pinkprincess.com Groom’s & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse, www.menswearhouse.com Groom’s Shoes: Ferragamo, www.ferragamo.com Invitations: Amore Paper, www.amorepaper.com Photography: Richard Bell Photography, www.charlestonwedding.com Rentals: Group Dynamics (lounge furniture, string lights, lanterns, iron pillars,, www.groupdynamics.biz Signage: Elocin Design (reception and bar), nmpomeroy@yahoo.com.au Video: Charleston Video Service, www.charlestonvideoservice.com