Call it Kismet

Brooke Grice & Alexander Rogers April 19, 2024 / Lowndes Grove Alex Rogers and Brooke Grice’s paths could have crossed many years before the pair finally met in 2020. He grew up in Charleston, and she spent weekends and summers at a family home in Wild Dunes. Their parents had known one another for 30 years and eventually moved just a couple blocks apart. But it took a pandemic and a dating app to finally bring them together. Following a two-year courtship, Alex surprised Brooke with a proposal during a getaway to the Saluda Mountains. Time and fate seemed to intervene again as both Brooke and her sister found themselves simultaneously engaged and planning nuptials just two weeks apart. The siblings and their mother had a ball tackling the dual wedding process together. Because the events were scheduled so near one another and welcomed many of the same guests, they wanted each to be completely unique. To that end, the sisters intentionally booked different venues and vendors. Brooke selected Charleston planner Christine Baxter to help execute her Old World-inspired vision with reams of roses, peonies, boronias, proteas, and tulips, as well as linens in shades of pink, peach, and red. And she and Alex chose to marry in their hometown. “I love the water, and it’s rare to find a property like Lowndes Grove in the middle of downtown Charleston,” says Brooke, who appreciated the convenience of holding the ceremony and reception at one venue. The florals, created by Blossom Bay, set a lively tone for the day from beginning to end. Bright, over-the-top arrangements looked radiant along the tables, bar, and escort display. A stunning floral installation crowned the custom-wrapped dance floor (a day-of surprise from Brooke’s mom). An asymmetrical ceremony arch mimicked a potted bougainvillea climbing a pergola. And a petal toss symbolized a showering of well wishes and positive energy from guests as the new Mr. and Mrs. made their way down the aisle. Tips Opt for portraits. Brooke hesitated to take bridal portraits after her hair and makeup trials but was so glad she did. During the session, she discovered her dress didn’t fit, so she bought a gown off the rack at Maddison Row South and rushed alterations. Mind the aisle. The bride and groom asked their very closest to stand with them for the ceremony and reserved aisle seats for dear friends. “They enjoyed a great view, had better access to the petal toss, and are in all of our ceremony and recessional photos,” says Brooke. Invite them to dance. Halfway through the father-daughter dance, the duo asked all father-daughter pairs to join. The moment made for a fun and unique segue into the party. Consider Friday. Lowndes Grove books far in advance, so the couple wed on a Friday, The option allowed their vendors to set up the day before and out-of-town guests to enjoy Charleston before heading home. Vendors Planning & Design: Christina Baxter Weddings & Events Venue: Lowndes Grove Photography: Virgil Bunao Catering & Bar: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group Florals: Blossom Bay Stationery, Calligraphy, & Signage: Prairie & Sage Rentals: EventWorks, Snyder Events Linens: Luxe Linen Lighting: Technical Event Company Draping: The Social Spool Entertainment: Tea for Two (cocktail hour & ceremony), Perfect 10 Band (reception) Bridal Attire: Sareh Nouri (gown), Maddison Row South (boutique), Monvieve (veil) Reception Attire: Catherine Regehr (dress), Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant (retailer) Beauty: Patrick Navarro (hair), Cheryl Quinn (makeup) Day-of Coordinator: Cacky’s Bride Aid