Love at First Site

Shelley McLaughlin may live in New York City, but she says she always knew she wanted to get married under a mossy oak tree.  (Her mother’s from South Carolina, so the woman knows her live oaks and “mossy” to her equals Spanish moss). After a Central Park proposal from beau Kent Scott, the pair flew South and headed to scope out Middleton Place for their special day. It was the first venue on their itinerary, but they were so smitten with it they cancelled all other site visits and headed downtown for celebratory drinks with planner Lauren Fox of Fox Events—a childhood friend of the bride’s. As for aesthetics, “I wanted it to feel like you were in a garden,” says Shelley, who got just that. Tree slab cake stands, wooden lanterns, and leafy garlands wrapped around poles and rafters did the trick in charming, homespun style.

Top Tips
Take It from the Scotts ...
• Cakes from family friend Libby Murdock are a longtime McLaughlin family tradition on visits to South Carolina. The bride enlisted her to bake the wedding desserts.
• While it’s common practice to showcase family wedding photos at a reception, Shelley put a spin on that idea by displaying her mother and grandmother’s wedding gowns.
• The bride was so smitten with her Etsy-found crystal bouquet she skipped fresh flowers for herself. Faux florals are a great option for cold weather months when blooms are priciest.

Vendor List:

Wedding design, florals: Fox Events, www.AFoxEvent.com
Venue, wine, and bar service: Middleton Place, www.MiddletonPlace.org
Greenery: Nancy’s Exotic Plants, www.Facebook.com/Nancys-Exotic-Plants-116283035052515/timeline/
Bouquet: Bridal Bouquets by Ky, www.Etsy.com/Shop/BridalBouquetsbyKy
Photography: amelia + dan, www.ameliaanddan.com
Catering: Cru Catering, www.CruCatering.com
Cake: Libby Murdock (family friend)
Rentals: (chairs, lounge furniture) Snyder Events, www.SnyderEvents.com; (farm tables, bar) Eventhaus; (vintage pieces) 428 Main Vintage Rentals
Tent, stage, dance floor: Sperry Tents Southeast, www.SperryTentsSoutheast.com
Lighting: Innovative Event Services, www.IESProductions.com
Bride’s gown: Jenny Packham, available locally through White on Daniel Island, www.WhiteOnDI.com
Beauty: Meg Workman, Wedding Hair by Charlotte, WeddingHairByCharlotte.com
Bridesmaid gowns: Jean’s Bridal, www.JeansBridalCharleston.com/
Groom’s suit: Charleston Tuxedo, www.CharlestonTuxedo.com
Music: (ceremony) Charleston Virtuosi, www.CharlestonVirtuosi.com; (reception) Drivetrain, www.DrivetrainBand.net
Transportation: LowCountry Valet & Shuttle Co., www.LowCountryValet.com