Friday, January 10, 2014

Seaside Vows in South Carolina

Words by Taylor Wilson
Photos courtesy of Priscilla Thomas

Doug and Rachel’s love story began when Doug’s sister, Ruth, introduced the two of them, making Ruth an instrumental part of their relationship. Therefore, it was the couple’s top priority to ensure Ruth’s attendance at their wedding. The couple decided to host a destination wedding in Charleston, South Carolina, where Ruth serves in the Navy, so she could be there.

Doug and Rachel were engaged in April, realizing there was a possibility Ruth would be deployed at the beginning of September. The couple, determined to have Ruth as part of their special day, chose to hold their wedding three months after their engagement. This was short notice for their other friends and family but luckily, it all worked out. “Surprisingly, every person on both sides of the family was able to make it along with quite a few of our very close friends. We really didn’t have too many issues getting everyone there,” explains the bride.

The couple took on the feat of planning their wedding without the help of a wedding planner. With Ruth in Charleston, it was easier to communicate with vendors and she was able to check things out for the couple along the way. Also, every vendor was incredibly professional with plenty of destination wedding experience so they did not require much input from the couple.

Some DIY elements were included like the couple’s centerpieces and gift bags. Rachel and her aunt created the centerpieces with her aunt acting as the florist and Rachel painting and distressing mason jars to hold the flowers. The couple also created their own gift bags, stuffing them with saltwater taffy.

By hosting a destination wedding in Charleston, Rachel and Doug were able to save a significant amount of money. They were so in love with Charleston, they decided to stay the week following their ceremony for their honeymoon, combining travel expenses. “We really made out like bandits now that I think about it!” exclaims Rachel.

Had the couple decided against a destination wedding, hosting the event in their hometown, their wedding would have been much less intimate with more people. Rachel and Doug felt the entire day would not have been as special and it would have cost more money. “All in all, [the wedding] couldn’t have gone better!,” says the bride.

Vendors: Photographer: Priscilla Thomas, Ceremony/Reception Site: Isle of Palms, SC Beach/Beach House, Stationery: The Paper Source, Hair: Lordis Loft Salon, Gown Designer: Mori Lee, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Calvin Klein, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: David’s Bridal/Pants by H&M, Ties by Tommy Hilfiger, Tables: EventWorks, Catering: Mosaic Catering, Violinist: Micah Gangwer