Backyard Beauty

Lea McCallum & Cooper Lott

May 2016

Wadmalaw Island Home

When your grandparents’ place on Wadmalaw Island has played host to your love story—from the first utterance of those three little words to the proposal—it’s only fitting to host your Big Day there. “We loved that we would be able to revisit our reception site for years after our wedding, making even more memories with our future family,” says Lea McCallum, who wed Cooper Lott last May. Lea dreamt up an upscale backyard fête, and then partnered with family friend Allison Doares of Callie Weddings & Events, who “led the way while letting me be as hands-on as I wanted,” says Lea. (Allison was also assisted by Lea’s sister, who interned with the planner at the time.) On the day, golden chandeliers and candelabras and the palest of blush linens bolstered the beauty of the land already resplendent with blooming confederate jasmine and towering live oaks. To reinforce the palette, Branch Design Studio added delicate arrangements of pink fluffy blooms and leafy flora. “Twinkling lights, spilling florals, candles, and the sun setting over the creek … It was magical how everything came together,” says Lea.

TIPS TO TAKE IT UP A NOTCH

Keep it classy ... and cool. The couple enlisted Royal Restrooms to set up temporary restrooms, power generators, and fans.

Enlist family. Lea’s landscaper uncle provided ferns and accent florals. “It cut costs while also ensuring that we were working with a team we trusted,” says Lea. Her grandmother had the house power-washed and guaranteed the grounds were immaculate.

Splurge on statements. A sailcloth tent; a sweetheart table with gold-embroidered linens, crystal and brass candle holders, and specialty chairs; chandeliers; and a curved bar took the soirée into sophisticated territory.

Be a fashion director. Guests were instructed attire was “springtime fly,” which the bride translated to linen suits and chiffon frocks. She even shared the wedding palette in case attendees wanted to coordinate.

Vendor List

Wedding design, planning, specialty rentals: Callie Weddings & Events, www.CallieWeddings.com

Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings, www.DanaCubbageWeddings.com

Florals: Branch Design Studio, www.BranchDesignStudio.com

Additional rentals: EventHaus (old Dutch wooden garden chairs, infinity chairs, farmhouse tables, bars, tent), www.EventHausRentals.com; 428 Main (Dorothy gold polka-dot chairs, Herbert bar cart used for cigar bar, coffee table), www.428Main.com; The Rental Center (dance floor, stage, tables, basic linens, glassware, silverware, gold-rimmed china, www.TheRentalCenterSC.com

Linens: Nüage Designs (high top tables), www.NuageDesigns.com; La Tavola Fine Linens (cake table, sweetheart table, and guest table linens), www.LaTavolaLinen.com

Catering, bar service: Corley’s Market & Grill, www.CorleysMarket.com

Cake: Declare Cakes, www.DeclareCakes.com

Stationary, cocktail napkins: Reaves Engraving, www.ReavesEngraving.com

Signage: Cori Steele (bride’s friend)

Calligraphy: Kit Hassold Batson (bride’s friend)

Bridal attire: Watters (gown, available in Charleston through Lovely Bride), www.LovelyBride.com; Voila Bridal & Formal (veil, jewelry), www.VoilaBridal.com

Bridesmaids’ gowns: Nouvelle Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids, www.BellaBridesmaids.com

Beauty: Lashes and Lace, www.LashesAndLaceCharleston.com

Menswear: The Black Tux (tuxes), www.TheBlackTux.com; Brackish (groom’s bow tie), www.BrackishBowTies.com

Ceremony venue: The Citadel’s Summerall Chapel, www.Citadel.edu/Chapel

Ceremony directors: Jean Ann and Keith Polatty

Lighting: Custom Audio and Lighting, www.CustomAudioAndLighting.com

Transportation: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co., www.LowcountryValet.com

Restrooms: Royal Restrooms, www.RoyalRestrooms.com

Koozies: SipHipHorray (Etsy), www.Etsy.com/shop/SipHipHooray

Music: Anna Mills Polatty (ceremony soloist); Nancy Lefter of The Citadel (organist); The Carolina Bagpiper (bagpiper), www.TheCarolinaBagpiper.com; The Jake Bartley Band (reception), www.TheJakeBarkleyBank.com