Tour de Force

Virginia and Stephen worked for nearly two years with planner Lindsey Boyce of A Charleston Bride on their wedding, so you can only imagine its splendor. To start with, the bride headed down the aisle to a bagpiper playing the “Outlander” theme, a tune from Isle of Skye, Scotland, where the pair got engaged. “[Even] Stephen had no idea that was coming!” Virginia laughs. Other treats? A post-ceremony walking tour-slash-cocktail hour that wound through the boxwood maze and alongside the Ashley River and included drinks based on the cities where the couple met (New Orleans), got married (Charleston), and now live (Dallas); a reception with oyster shuckers moving among the guests; and a magical send-off via a second line parade complete with bobbing parasols and waving handkerchiefs embroidered with the couple’s new crest, no less. Tips • Spray pineapples (a symbol of Charleston hospitality) gold for an inexpensive décor element. • Change your look. Virginia selected a versatile gown with different skirts and toppers to create multiple styles for her photos, ceremony, and reception. • Offset busily patterned dining tablecloths by covering cocktail tables in solid neutrals. • Post signs for the ceremony, reception, parking, powder rooms, and more are if you are hosting your event on a large site. (This especially goes for cool months when the sun goes down early.) Vendors Wedding design, signage: A Charleston Bride, www.acharlestonbride.com Images: Aaron & Jillian Photography, www.aaronandjillian.com Venue : Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, www.magnoliaplantation.com Florals : Out of the Garden, www.shopoutofhand.com/collections/out-of-the-garden Rentals: Ooh! Events www.oohevents.com (lounge furniture, chairs, bars, chandeliers); Snyder Events www.snyderevents.com (chairs, tables, flatware, glassware) Cake: Publix, www.publix.com Groom’s cake: Haydel’s, www.haydelbakery.com Catering, bar service: Cru Catering, www.crucatering.com Stationery: Sweet Magnolia Paper, www.sweetmagnoliapaper.com Linens: Nüage Designs https://nuagedesigns.com/, La Tavola Fine Linen, www.latavolalinen.com Lighting: Technical Event Comapny, www.technicaleventcompany.com Crest: Karli Strohschein, www.karlistrohschein.com Embroidery: Sew Special by V, www.etsy.com/shop/sewspecialbyv Bridal attire: Nardos Design, www.nardosdesign.com Beauty: Ash and Co, www.ashandcobridalhair.com Menswear: Brooks Brothers, www.brooksbrothers.com Ties: The Tie Bar, www.thetiebar.com Bride’s Assistant: Cacky’s Bride Aid, www.cackysbrideaid.com Dancefloor, stagefront: EventWorks, www.eventworksrentals.com Oyster bar: Oysters XO, www.oystersxo.com Band: Musical Fantasy, www.musicgardenbands.com/general-bands/musical-fantasy Ceremony Music: Classical Charleston Bagpiper: The Carolina Bagpiper, www.thecarolinabagpiper.com Dog Nanny: Dog Tired SC, www.dogtiredsc.com Videography: Life in Rewind, www.lifeinrewind.com Getaway vehicle: Carolina Executive, www.celimoline.com Banner: Spoonflower, www.spoonflower.com