Romance Reimagined

Elizabeth Hay & William Evans Few February 10, 2024 • Second Presbyterian Church & Hibernian Hall When Evans Few proposed to Charleston native Elizabeth “Libby” Hay, he caught her delightfully off guard. The duo had planned an outing on the boat, but when rainy weather set in, she assumed the afternoon was off. Evans, on the other hand, was adamant they still go. And when they pulled into a creek to catch a break from the ripping wind, she understood why: against the moody Lowcountry sky, surrounded by swaying marsh grass, Evans dropped to one knee, untied the ring from a fishing bobber (a proposal precaution!), and asked Libby to marry him. She had long dreamed of tying the knot in her childhood church in Mount Pleasant, so Libby and Evans began planning their big day in Charleston. For their reception, they zeroed in on downtown’s stately Hibernian Hall. There was no question that Heather Barrie and her talented team at Gathering Events would oversee the planning, design, and florals; having interned and worked with the full-service studio over many years, Libby knew firsthand their knack for creating truly enchanting evenings. And while the Charlestonian had attended more than one event at the Hibernian—including both of her sisters’ wedding receptions—she was confident that Gathering would have no problem transforming the space into an ethereal setting entirely new to the couple and their 300 guests. The bride intentionally gave the planner minimal direction and creative freedom. “I knew it would be better than I could ever imagine,” she beams. Through grand floral installations exploding with bright yellow hues and rich, deep green linens topped with glowing amber glassware, as well as the warmth and energy of the couple’s loved ones, the historic space that has been the site of so many celebrations coursed with new life. The wedding weekend was a delightful reminder of the way things tend to fall perfectly into place even when plans don’t stick to the original script—only a month prior, a burst pipe in the sanctuary of Libby’s home church mandated a last-minute pivot to Second Presbyterian Church. But much like Evans’s windswept proposal, a special kind of magic is found in life’s unexpected surprises. Vendors Venues: Second Presbyterian Church (ceremony), Hibernian Hall (reception) Planning, Design, & Florals: Gathering Events Photography: Virgil Bunao Cake: Bakies at I’On Catering & Bar: Cru Catering Linens: BBJ La Tavola Entertainment: Evolution Party Band Rentals: Snyder Events, Lowcountry Valet, The Photo Booth People Stationery: Arzberger Stationers, Laura Sfiat (custom watercolor) Calligraphy: Gayle Hilton Bridal Attire: White on Daniel Island Beauty: Blushing Brides Jewelry: Croghan’s Jewel Box