Pretty In Pink

Maddie Flemming & Austin Murray June 21, 2024 • Lowndes Grove Maddie Flemming and Austin Murray first met in middle school in Columbia, and by sophomore year, their friendship had developed a romantic blush. The two dated throughout high school, where they stayed heavily involved in Young Life. When college brought them both to the Holy City—Maddie to the College of Charleston and Austin to The Citadel—the couple paused their relationship to focus on their collegiate experiences, but the time apart only taught them they didn’t want to do life without one another. A year after Austin graduated, he popped the question in a perfectly simple, breezy beach proposal on the Isle of Palms. After soaking in the moment together, they joined a surprise engagement party at Maddie’s parents’ place on Sullivan’s Island, where heaps of friends and family eagerly waited to toast to the newly engaged couple. Having worked in the wedding industry as a freelance event planner, Maddie felt well-positioned to begin plotting their big day. The couple selected Lowndes Grove as the ideal spot to tie the knot. The stately waterfront estate checked all the boxes: central location, a place for bridesmaids to prep, picture-perfect settings across the grounds, and sweeping views of the Ashley River. Maddie also swiftly enlisted the planning expertise of Lauren Fox, whom she’s assisted with day-of setup and more for many years. “I knew I was in good hands,” says Maddie, whose design board detailed a bash that was regal, romantic, and unapologetically pink. “My sisters and I outnumber my brother five to one, so there’s lots of pink in our lives,” laughs the bride, who envisioned “a pink explosion.” Love indeed burst forth on this bright June wedding day amid extravagant arrangements of pink and white blooms. Among the 350 friends and family in attendance was Maddie and Austin’s high-school Young Life leader, who served as officiant. The couple’s plans, from espresso martinis poured through an ice sculpture to handmade tambourines as guest favors, were executed to perfection, but the real magic surfaced in the unplanned moments. When a summer storm popped up as Maddie traveled down the aisle, the newlyweds simply exchanged vows in the rain, locking lips as husband and wife beneath clear umbrellas. And guests stayed positive despite the weather, joyously celebrating the bright couple during an unforgettable night under the stars. Vendors Planning & Design: Fox Events Venue: Lowndes Grove Photography: Hope Taylor Florals: Blossom Bay Bar: Top Shelf, Ice Age Ice Sculptures, Icebox, Direct My Bar (mobile bar) Stationery & Signage: Studio R Cake: Vanilla & the Bean Rentals: Snyder, CRUSH by EventWorks, Curated Events Linens: I Do Linens Draping: The Social Spool Co. Entertainment: Station Seven Band (reception), Elevate (dancers), Emma Lang Art (live painter) Bridal Attire: Anne Barge (gown), White on Daniel Island (boutique) Beauty: Meg McMillion Beauty Bridesmaids’ Attire: Show Me Your Mumu (dress), SJ Bailey Co. (earrings) Groom’s Attire: Liam John (tux), Brackish (tie) Day-of Coordinator: Cacky’s Bride Aid Bus: Lowcountry Valet Dance Floor: Charleston Wraps