Michael and Olivia love Charleston, South Carolina. It’s not only one of their favorite cities, but the couple also owns a second home on Daniel Island. So, when the couple got engaged, they decided to have a South Carolina destination wedding where they could bring all of their friends and family together in what they call “one of the best places around.”

With the couple deciding to have a wedding in South Carolina at the Daniel Island Club, where the couple are members, it was time to tell their friends and family about their decision. A majority of guests don’t live in South Carolina, so they were bound to travel to get to the couple’s wedding, but luckily, everyone was happy with the decision. “Because everyone had to travel, we held small gatherings each night and some during the day, so that everyone was entertained throughout the weekend,” says the bride. “The wedding was Sunday and by that time, all of our guests had become instant friends because they had been hanging out for a couple days already! It was really cool to see and it made our wedding day much more special.”

Now that guests were aware of the destination wedding location, the couple began planning their dream day. The couple used WED for their wedding planning, which they say was “amazing.” “We highly recommend them,” says the couple. “WED did almost all of the coordinating, which was nice. Since we were in town so often, we were able to meet with a majority of our vendors in person, which was very nice.”

For travel logistics, everything went smoothly. “Everyone was traveling from out of town and they either stayed at the Hampton Inn on Daniel Island or found a hotel downtown,” says the bride. “I’m not aware of any issues.”

Since the couple chose to have a wedding away, the costs of a destination wedding versus a wedding at home can vary, but luckily, the couple didn’t spend that much more on their W-Day. “It was more money, but not by a significant amount,” says the couple. “Some of the additional costs incurred were hosting golf and fishing trips for our guests – costs which we probably wouldn’t have incurred had we gotten married in Ohio. However, if we had gotten married in Ohio, the guest list might have been bigger, which would increase costs.”

In the end, the couple’s wedding was beautiful and the couple was happy to finally say “I do.” For other couples choosing to have a destination wedding, Olivia and Michael offered some advice. “Don’t stress. If you can afford a wedding planner, then get one! On the wedding day, take it all in because it goes by in a flash. Do not skimp on photographers! You want to find the best photographers you can find because in the end, that is what you will have to remember your day.”

Vendors: Photographer: amelia + dan photography, Wedding Location: Charleston, South Carolina, Ceremony/Reception Site: Daniel Island Club, Wedding Planner: WED, Florist: Sara York Grimshaw Designs, Stationery: Studio R Design, Cake: Daniel Island Club, Hair: Stuart Laurence Salon, Makeup: Leslie Moore, Gown Designer: Essense of Australia, Bridesmaids Dress: David’s Bridal, Officiant: George Rossi, Catering: Daniel Island Club, Music: Groovetown