Close to Home

Alex McClure & Paul Baxter Rodgers IV March 5, 2022 / Private Residence, Wadmalaw Island Alex and Baxter met in college, but love didn’t blossom until years later, in 2017, when they ran into each other at a concert in Colorado. Fast forward to 2020: Baxter proposed on the dock of Alex’s father’s home on Wadmalaw Island. So when it came to choosing a spot for exchanging vows, there was no question that the 20-acre property on the water would be perfect. While the ceremony was intimate, the reception swelled to 260 guests, who gathered under a soaring Sperry tent and spilled out into the sprawling yard—all with a stunning view of the marsh in the golden-hour light. After dark, lights in the marsh and uplighting on the live oaks—created by Francesca DiSalvo Follmer and her team from Pure Luxe Bride—lent a magical air to the evening. Light blue was the primary color, used in specialty rental velvet chairs, candle holders, linens, and florals. Accents of light wood—revealed in the wood-and-white checkerboard dance floor and the raffia lanterns—and lush ferns and greenery captured the spring-forward coastal garden vibe they were going for. It was an elegant yet casual affair, with Alex foregoing a bridal party and inviting her best gals to sport their own blue dresses in an array of patterns and prints. Dinner was stationed to keep a party-like atmosphere. And guests had plenty of seating areas to eat, drink, mingle, and celebrate the newlyweds. Top Tips • Make a statement with your rentals. Using multiple companies to source your rentals can help you achieve an eclectic look with unique patterns and textures. • Just because it’s a “backyard wedding” doesn’t mean it will save you money. It will save you the venue fee, but a wedding on private property means you have to build the space from the ground up. Generators and portable restrooms are among the many considerations. • Want to keep it casual? A stationed dinner works well if you want to strike a party-like atmosphere. It keeps things moving and enables the band to get the party started sooner. And having various seating areas ensures that guests have a place to go at any point, which also keeps the flow easy and breezy. Vendors Planning & design: Pure Luxe Bride Photography: Sloan Photography Videography: Charleston Media Company Catering: Salthouse Catering Bar: Squeeze Baker: Ashley Bakery Florals: Juniper & Jasmine Bridal Attire: Alexandra Grecco Beauty: Wild Ivory Beauty Invitations: Studio R Rentals: EventWorks Specialty Rentals: Curated Events Charleston Linens: Stradley Davidson Lighting: TEC Entertainment: Classical Charleston (ceremony), Right to Party (reception) Transportation: SC Express Specialty Service: Paint by Chloe