Rachel + Brandon - A Charleston, SC Wedding

This was not your ordinary destination wedding. This was a week long affair embellished with family, friends, laughter, salty air, great food, and all of the charming southern details that make Charleston, South Carolina so unique. This wedding was especially touching for me because the bride just-so-happens to be my sister-in-law. Whoever said you shouldn't mix business and family, was clearly not a wedding planner. I had so much fun planning this wedding with the mother of the bride (my mom-in-law!), Stacy Dorn, and I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to play such a role in Brandon and Rachel's special day! That being said, let's dive into the details:

The Sand Pit was an incredible beach-home venue with a lush green lawn and breath-taking ocean views. The most amazing part was it's sentimentality; Rachel's grandparents previously owned that exact plot of land on the beach. Throughout the week the family shared memories of visiting the old house that used to sit on the property.... all the while, new memories were being formed.

Friends and family traveled from every corner of the country (and a very special surprise from half way around the world!) to witness Rachel and Brandon's union.
Stacy and Rachel put together welcome bags for all of the guests as a token of their appreciation and a sampling of what Charleston has to offer. As small and intimate as it was, the week was overflowing with love and support for these two.

(Tim Willoughby managed to capture those emotions and moments throughout the week. All photo credits to him!)

A welcome dinner was held for the guests at The Sand Pit on Thursday evening. We strung lights and banners across the lawn and decorated in an airy and elegant beach theme. Erica Davis Catering provided a delicious low country boil, complete with boiled peanut appetizers and pulled pork bbq. It's hard to beat a true lowcountry meal.

The next day was a busy one, but definitely the most rewarding. A breakfast spread was prepared for the
Bride and the rest of the girls as they awoke; cinnamon rolls, brownies, fruit and mimosas to calm the pre-ceremony jitters.

The artists arrived to begin hair and makeup for the ladies at the Sand Pitt, while the guys (groom included) ventured out to the beach for some early morning surf before getting ready. That's one way to calm the nerves!

Soon, a Classic American Trolley provided by Absolutely Charleston arrived to chauffeur the guests to the ceremony.

Guests arrived at the historical Queen Street home known as the Thomas Elfe House and filed into its quaint, yet gorgeous backyard garden as the string trio played elegantly. Once into position, and after a little coaxing of the flower girls, Joseph Dorn began to walk with his daughter down the cobblestone aisle.

True to her garden wedding theme, Rachel's color palate reflected soft green, gray, and blue hues. Her maid of honor, Tiffany, donned a beautiful navy blue dress. Brandon's grandfather stood as his best man and his closest friends followed suit wearing classic gray suspenders. Tiger Lily florist provided a dazzling bouquet for the bride as well as centerpieces for the luncheon. Sweetgrass roses, a tradition found only in Charleston, accented Rachel's bouquet and the men's bouts (that the bride made herself!).

There's something to say for standing ceremonies. It's being completely surrounded by the people closest to you instead of in front of an audience when you say your vows. The garden was definitely thick with emotions of love, support, and joy for Brandon and Rachel's union as husband and wife.

Magnolias Restaurant hosted the luncheon following the morning ceremony. Magnolia's needs no review as they're well known for their exquisite food and Charleston cuisine, however, I must say I wished my stomach was bigger that day.

Wildflour Pastry delivered the Tiramisu wedding cake, raspberry bars, and cookies to the beach house for dessert and after a few toasts and the cutting of cake, everyone slipped away to unwind and change into something a bit more casual.

The guests reconvened at the Sand Pit that evening to celebrate the new Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Amador.
Hosted indoors, Erica Davis Catering provided another delicious meal for the dinner reception. Shortly after, the third floor balcony became the stage for Brandon and Rachel's first dance and of course, the after party.

A week long event, summed up in one little blog. I could only wish to write enough to truly express how beautiful this wedding was. I could not be happier for Rachel and Brandon as they begin their lives together as husband and wife. If their wedding was any reflection of their future together it is going to be filled with elegance, adoration, and beauty.

Congratulations, Rachel and Brandon Amador!

Ceremony Venue: Thomas Elfe House
Photographer: Tim Willoughby
Cakes/Desserts: Wildflour Pastry
Catering: Erica Davis Catering
Luncheon Venue: Magnolias Restaurant
Florist: Tiger Lily
Trolley/Transportation: Absolutely Charleston