Ode to Old Hollywood

Andre Mitchell and Dominique Jones met during Charleston’s famed snowstorm of 2018, when she ventured out of the house to run an errand (and avoid going stir-crazy). Their spark was immediate, her vibrant personality the perfect foil to his stoic charm. For their first date, Andre planned a classic: dinner and a movie (Jumanji). While not the most romantic film, Dominique laughs, it was the first in what has become a tradition. After getting engaged, the two scouted venues, but nothing quite suited their story. That is, until stepping inside downtown Charleston’s American Theater. “I’ve always wanted something unique,” she says. “I think that’s why it took me so long to find a venue!” Wanting the Art Deco gem to shine, the couple kept decor to a minimum, complementing the ballroom’s gilded reliefs and milk-glass chandeliers with white tablecloths and elegant floral arrangements. Dominque shared how they captured all the glitz and glam of Old Hollywood with their fabulous black-tie bash. Charleston Weddings (CW): How did your theme play out on your big day? Dominique: We served popcorn in custom tins with glass bottle Cokes, a classic movie snack. We also filmed a video of venue “rules” that played on screen during arrivals—just like the theater— before the ceremony. CW: Even your first dance nodded to cinematography with a spotlight. Dominique: Our AV vendor [Charleston Glow Company] suggested it. That was really special because Andre was nervous about dancing—even I was, and I’ve danced before. But with the spotlight on, it felt like it was just him and me. CW: How about displaying engagement photos as movie posters? Dominique: We took them at the William Aiken House, and they were so beautiful. But beyond the invitations, I didn’t know where I’d use them. (You can only post so many on Instagram!) They were out front and throughout the venue. CW: You opted for a small wedding party. Dominique: I kept it small because my family has a lot of events where everyone is helping out and very rarely do we have black-tie events. So I wanted everyone to feel special and beautiful and be able to dress up and enjoy the day with me, not behind the scenes. CW: What’s your favorite memory of the night? Dominique: We also had a last dance, while everyone prepared for the grand exit. The deejay pressed play and left. The night goes by fast, and it was so special for us to soak it all in. It was just us, like the beginning. Vendors Venue, Catering, & Bar: American Theater/PPHG Planning & Design: Goldbug Events Photography: Olga Chagarov Florals: Modern Floral Linen: Simply Elegant Cake: Rise Bakery Posters: Mr. Sign Videography: Palmetto Wedding Films Bridal Attire: Bridal House of Charleston (first dress), Bridals by Jodi (second dress) Beauty: Valisha Wigfall of Brushed Beauty (makeup), Kalia Pringle (hair) Entertainment: DJ Stix