Down by the River

Two Christmases ago, Michael Runey tied a ring to the collar of Pawley, the Boykin spaniel he raised with Martha Kent Jenkinson, and aimed the pooch in her direction. Martha Kent caught Pawley, and after 10 years of dating, gave Michael a resounding “Yes!” The South Carolina natives and College of Charleston graduates then planned a fall wedding, as it’s their favorite season, and looked for a waterfront location, because their lives revolve around local waterways. (Michael captains offshore fishing charters.) When the pair visited the newly restored Lowndes Grove on the banks of the Ashley River, its grand lawn, live oaks, river house, and surrounding marsh made it the ideal—and obvious—choice for their special day. Martha Kent signed on Lisa Thomas of Ooh! Events to fashion a reception in green, white, and chocolate with touches of yellow. Lisa credits the bride’s “big picture vision” as a great starting point for their collaboration, and the pair dreamed up lounge areas with slipper chairs and settees, florals paired with heirloom china vessels, and tents lit by dainty chandeliers. The overall look was just the swank-meets-vintage vibe Martha Kent wished for. When the actual day rolled around, golden October light streamed through the windows of downtown’s Church of the Holy Communion as the couple said their vows. Shortly after, the newlyweds arrived at Lowndes Grove and were greeted by the Plantation Singers just as the sun began to set over the reception. “It was unbelievable!” says Martha Kent.