In 2015 two singles just so happened to move to Omaha, Nebraska around the same time, Rachel for grad school and Michael for his career. As a way to meet new people in a new city, they joined Hinge and their parallel lives collided, never to be separated again.

Drawing closer as time passed, Rachel and Michael could be found often enjoying their favorite activities of traveling and hiking together. After getting engaged, the adventurous couple knew without a doubt a destination wedding would suit their style. After all, neither Rachel nor Michael was a native Omahan, so they had no obligation to wed at home. 

“We chose Charleston because we had both been there separately and loved it,” the couple says. “Michael spent time there over the summers growing up and Rachel discovered Charleston in college and has been going at least once a year since then.”

While the couple knew Charleston enough to love it, they admittedly weren’t that familiar with the area. Luckily, planners Blake and Francesca of Pure Luxe Bride came to the rescue, offering up valuable advice and the perfect vendor suggestions. 

“Choosing the right wedding planners is essential,” the bride says. “Blake and Francesca were always quick to respond with any questions or worries I had, and they created a day that was above and beyond what I ever imagined.”

In order to fully enjoy their wedding away, the couple knew they’d need to prevent logistical fiascos any way they could. To ease worries, Rachel and Michael allotted part of the budget for shuttles to get guests to the ceremony location, from the ceremony location to the reception location, and then back downtown after the reception ended. 

“It was a relief to not have to worry about everyone having to find an Uber or parking to get between the locations,” the couple says.

After experiencing the wonder, excitement, and fun of having a wedding away from home, the couple couldn’t envision their day being any more magical than it was. 

“If we had it in Nebraska,” the couple says, “we may have had a bigger wedding, but we would not have had the beautiful waterfront, outdoor, unforgettable wedding day that we had, that created moments our guests continuously talk about.”

Vendors: Photography: Aaron and Jillian; Wedding Planner: Pure Luxe Bride; Ceremony Site: St. Luke’s Chapel; Reception Venue: Lowndes Grove; Florist: Petaloso; Stationery: Studio R Design; Cake: Jessica Grossman; Hair & Makeup: Slate; Gown Designer: Ti Adora by Allison Webb; Groom and Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Men’s Warehouse; Bridesmaids Dresses: Allure Bridals; Rentals: Nuage Designs Inc & EventWorks Rentals; Lighting: Innovative Event Services; Videography: Dock House Digital