Big Day Brunch

Elizabeth Hardwick & Matthew Hannah

May 11, 2013

William Aiken House

When Elizabeth (Liz) Hardwick looks back on meeting—and eventually marrying—Matthew (Matt) Hannah, one line sums it all up: “It came naturally,” she says. And it really did—from how quickly and easily Liz fell in love with Matt after they met in the orientation line at Virginia Tech to how the self-professed Anglophile chose an English garden theme for their wedding nearly seven years later.

For the bride, a Gaithersburg, Maryland, native whose family has a vacation house in downtown Charleston, only one venue would do: the William Aiken House. Beyond that, “I envisioned a small spring wedding,” says Liz, “with brunch food, which is Matt’s and my favorite meal.” To make everything just so, Liz called upon Kristin Newman Designs and Gathering Events.

And while the day Matt proposed was complete with real English weather (read: rainy), the skies were clear and robin’s egg blue on the couple’s Big Day. Following a solitary morning that began with her taking in the sun rise on her own, Liz donned a vintage-inspired Monique Lhuillier lace dress and met Matt under the William Aiken House’s vine- and bloom-adorned arbor, where they traded vows.

After celebrating with guests, dining on Southern brunch specialties (like an eggs Benedict with ham and fried green tomatoes) from Fish Restaurant, and sipping drinks (with properly curled pinkies) from the coffee and tea bar, the couple got one very sweet send-off—literally. The pair made their exit and, as they slipped into a British getaway car, they found goodie bags from Kristin’s crew filled with cookies and tarts for their honeymoon flight to (where else?) London.

Vendor List

Bridal & Bridesmaids Clutches: Nelle Handbags, www.nellehandbags.com

Bridesmaids Dresses: LulaKate, www.lulakate.com

Bridesmaids Earrings: Pearl Paradise, www.pearlparadise.com

Bridal Fascinator: Meyriel Edge from Meriel Jill Millinery

Bridal Going Away Dress: LulaKate, www.lulakate.com

Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier from Maddison Row, www.maddisonrow.com

Bridal Ring: Laurie Sarah Designs on Etsy, www.etsy.com/shop/LaurieSarahDesigns

Bridal Shoes: BHLDN, www.bhldn.com

Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal, www.weddingcakesbyjimsmeal.com

Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones, www.elizabethporcherjones.com

Catering & Bar Service: Fish, Patrick Properties, www.pphgcharleston.com