Class Act

Jordan Martini & Turner McKinney November 4, 2023 / The Dewberry Jordan Martini, who comes from an Italian family from New Jersey, met her Texan beau, Turner McKinney, at the College of Charleston their sophomore year. That was eight years ago, and they still live in the Holy City, which made planning their November 2023 wedding—with help from Erica Missel of Soeur Events—a piece of cake. They chose The Dewberry for the ease of holding the walled courtyard ceremony and reception and rooftop cocktail hour all at one venue. The couple also had fond memories of relaxing college “staycations” at The Dewberry as well, where they loved hunkering down with D’Allesandro’s pizza and their Nintendo Switch. “I’m obsessed with Nancy Meyers movies,” admits Jordan, who wanted their black-tie soiree to feel like one of the filmmaker’s lavish movie sets, while also paying homage to the Lowcountry, the fall season, and her Italian roots. The formal decor was simple, with handsome black-and-white seating, velvet linens, and clean-lined, classic place settings. Baskets of citrus, potted orange trees, and tall, bountiful arrangements of magnolia leaves brought the fall feels and played to the couple’s ties to Italy, Texas, and the Lowcountry. The ceremony was followed by a rooftop cocktail hour, where signature drinks, custom matches, and fun-fact napkins lent personal touches. Post dinner in the candle-lit courtyard, The Rivertown Band’s brass section ushered guests into the ballroom for passed cannoli, cake, and espresso martinis during an unforgettable night of celebration. Top Tips • Less is more. Jordan and Turner had no bridesmaids or groomsmen, opting instead to have only their maid of honor and best man by their sides. Both looked classy in black. It’s a trend Soeur Events planner Erica Missel admits she’s noticing more and more. “While I do love a large wedding party,” she says, “having fewer people up front can keep the focus on the bride and groom.” • Mind the Season. Autumn in Charleston is idyllic, especially early November, says Missel. Expect temps in the 70s, little chance of rain, and still plenty of daylight. Vendors Venue, Catering, & Bar: The Dewberry Planning & Design: Soeur Events Photography: Marni Rothschild Durlach Florals: Festoon Charleston Stationery & Paper: Sas-E Ink Paper & Press Rentals: Snyder Events Linens: BBJ, La Tavola, EventWorks Lighting: PDA Stage Entertainment: Kiral Artists (ceremony), The Rivertown Band (reception) Bridal Attire: Danielle Frankel Studio (ceremony), Retrofête (reception) Beauty: Charleston Bridal Collab