Their love story started like something straight out of a romantic movie (seriously), so it only makes sense that these two cuties would host a wedding day that is most definitely cinema worthy. Think lush florals from Branch Design Studio, the perfect stylings of Cibi Events and a stunning lace masterpiece from Gabriella New York. Fall in love with every Southern classic moment captured beautifully by Marni Rothschild in THE VAULT.
From Marni Rothschild… You know that story that starts with, “They both lived in New York, he saw a beautiful girl from afar walking down the street, and he knew he had to meet her. He finds out that they both work in the same office (gasp) and now he has his chance…they end up falling in love, getting married and now they are starting their happily ever after.” This is that story!
Kathryn and Brian live and met in New York, they both work in finance and were office mates long before they started dating. Of course Kathryn remembered notable “firsts” like their first kiss but it wasn’t until their wedding ceremony when she learned that Brian remembered the first time he set eyes on her. He spotted her walking on the street in Midtown in the middle of the morning rush crowd, a tall blonde in a black dress, and much to his relief she wound up walking right into the same office as he did. Eight years later with the help of Cibi Events, they tied the knot at Lowndes Grove under a clear blue sky that made their bright color palette pop even more. All those deep pinks (even her nails!!) and the blue bridesmaids’ gowns from Amsale would leave anyone spellbound with delight. There was the sweetest first dance with Brian and his mom, a flower girl that almost stole the show, a naked cake with luscious cascading peonies and the bride playing an epic air guitar on her leg in 4 inch Jimmy Choo’s. TWICE. Quiana Parler and her band have that effect on people. Finish with a sparkler sendoff in a Bentley = wedding perfection.
Kathryn and Brian chose Charleston for their wedding for two reasons: the magnificent early spring weather and the majestic live oaks.
The design of the wedding was based on the contrast of Black Tie sophistication with the rustic style of the Lowcountry. This made Lowndes Grove the perfect venue for their ceremony and reception.
An illustration of an Oak tree was used as the monogram for their invitation suit. While it is a fairly iconic symbol of the South, Kathryn and Brian also felt that the strength and durability of the Mighty Oak tree was the perfect representation of the profound gratitude they have for their families blended with the hope they have for solidity and fortitude of their future. The Oak’s unwavering stability is reflective of the family values instilled in both Kathryn and Brian and proven by their parents, who act as not only strong supporters of the couple, but also as models for their marriage.
The Oak tree symbol was carried throughout the design elements, including a custom made corn hole toss and hand-stamped mini burlap bags filled with “grits of gratitude” that the guests were given as a takeaway.
Quite fittingly, the ceremony was held under a 300 year old, live oak tree at the river’s edge, and the ceremony was officiated by a dear friend and pastor who sprinkled the service with personal anecdotes as well as words of wisdom. The ceremony was followed by cocktails on the oyster tabby. Guests enjoyed a live jazz trio as they played corn hole on those very same boards that were customized by the bride’s brother and girlfriend. As the sun began its descent, dinner commenced on the tented terrace as Kathryn and Brian kicked off the reception with their first dance to Ray LaMontagne’s “You are the Best Thing”, as sung by one of Charleston’s most definitive Divas- Quiana Parler.
Bright pink floral arrangements with pops of greens filled the tables. Lush Peonies, Ranunculus, Roses, Dahlias and Tulips combined with accents of Anemones, Astilbe, Angels Ferns, and Ivy spilled over the silver footed compotes and candelabras. The bright, colorful flowers were a welcome and uplifting change from the long, gray New York and Boston winter that most of the guests had just left behind. These striking arrangements were off-set by white farm tables, rough-hewn wooden chairs, and a subtle mix-match of petal leaf china and exquisite crystal stemware. Hand calligraphed menus incorporated watercolor art from the Save-the-Date cards, and doubled as a design element and place cards. Tiny, pink Tea Rose posies were placed at each setting at the head table, as crystal chandeliers sparkled above.
For an added touch of romance, we couldn’t resist a Charleston hanging bed- complete with a crystal chandelier, of course! As night swept over the venue, café string lights (the groom’s favorite and a gift from his beloved grandmother “Gummy”) twinkled above the open air bar and illuminated the lounge area as guests relaxed on vintage settees and armchairs. The taffeta-lined tent glowed from the soft amber uplighting and hundreds of glimmering candle-filled mercury votives and glass hurricanes.
The wedding cake was a stunning 4-tiered “naked cake” with an astounding amount of cascading peonies in a myriad of vibrant hues of pink.
When the time came to bid the couple farewell, Kathryn and Brian were given a sparkling Bon Voyage as they were swept off into the moonlight in a white vintage Bentley.
Photography: Marni Rothschild Pictures | Cinematography: Artistic Eye Productions | Event Planning: Cibi Events | Floral Design: Branch Design Studio | Wedding Dress: Gabriella New York Bridal Salon | Invitations: Red Stone Press | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Paige Tanenbaum | Band: Quiana Parler And Friends | Ceremony Music: Peter Kiral | Transportation: Charleston Style Limo | Venue: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Catering + Cake: Fish Restaurant | Getaway Car: Royal Limo | Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals