After finishing grad school, Kristen moved to Houston, Texas. She was unfamiliar with the city and hardly knew anyone. Luckily, through mutual friends, she met James who was more than happy to show her around his hometown. From that moment on, their love story began.

When it came to planning their wedding away, they knew Charleston, South Carolina would give them the sweet, Southern charm they were looking for. “Kristen is originally from South Carolina and had always loved Charleston,” says the groom. They visited the city together and instantly fell in love with the idea of having their wedding there.

Thankfully, the couple’s guests were also excited to travel. Most of them used the wedding as an excuse to vacation on the East Coast. The groom says, “The Texas side was excited to see and visit Charleston because some of them had never been.” One hundred and fifty guests witnessed the precious moment when the couple vowed to spend the rest of their lives together.

Come W-day, the ceremony took place on the lawn of the Old Wide Awake Plantation. There, the couple wanted to focus on their faith and love for one another. “Kristen’s father built a cross and our florists hung beautiful flowers that stood behind the pastor,” says James. After kissing for the first time as Mr. and Mrs., the band went into high-gear to get the party started. When the night came to an end, the newlyweds made their exit with waves and kisses as their guests held sparklers to light up their path. Kristen says, “It all went by too fast!”

The couple’s planning experience had its expected bumps in the road, but no major problems arose. Magazines and personal experience from attending other weddings made it easier for the bride to envision her dream wedding. “We were [also] fortunate that Kristen’s parents and maid of honor live in South Carolina and were located not far from the venue,” explains the groom.

Kristen and James loved every minute of their sweet Southern wedding. “The kiss at the end of the ceremony was the best. There was a pond located behind the ceremony location…right as we kissed for the first time the fountain came on behind us,” says the couple.

Vendors: Photographer: Dana Cubbage Weddings, Wedding Planner: Margaret McKenzie Weddings, Ceremony/Reception: Old Wide Awake Plantation, Florist: OK Florist, Stationery: Vera Wang, Gown: Essense of Australia, Groom’s Clothing: Kenneth Cole, Bridesmaids Clothing Designer: Kennedy Blue Bridesmaid Dresses, Groomsmen’s Suits: Kenneth Cole Suits, Caterer: SERVE Charleston Catering, Rentals: Snyder Events, Bar Service: Mix Charleston, Lighting: East Bay Event Lighting, Band: Bobby & The Aristocats from East Coast Entertainment, Transportation: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle, Hair & Makeup: Lashes & Lace, Cake: Sablee Desserts, Lighting: Innovative Event Services & East Bay Event Lighting, Music: Chris Crosby, Music Rentals: Bunn DJ Company.