The bride and groom knew without a doubt they’d get married in Charleston. That’s where Ashley lived when she met Brian, also most of their family and friends live within driving distance from the city. The pair not only made many memories dating and getting to know each other there, but they also got engaged in Charleston. Needless to say, the town felt like home.

With Charleston being a top destination for weddings, the couple knew once they’d have to book their vendors as soon as possible. “We tried to book as many of the bigger items like venue, photographer, catering, and hair and makeup as early as possible,” the bride says. The process of finding their ideal vendors from afar was no small task, however, with the help of family, friends, social media and word-of-mouth referrals, it all came together.

As an additional resource, the couple requested a free copy of The Charleston Area Wedding Guide, a publication put out each year by the Charleston Area Visitors Bureau. After flipping through all of the options for venues, they decided on downtown, specifically Trinity UMC and the Gadsden House.

The couple made it a point to work into their schedules as many meetings as they could each trip they took. “I remember one trip in particular where we crammed in our engagement photo session, a tour of the Gadsden House, a bridesmaid dress try-on with two of my bridesmaids who live in Charleston, an in-person meeting with our planner AND an in-person meeting with our stationery designer.”

Anticipating parking downtown to be a challenge for guests, everything was booked with walking convenience in mind.  Those who did not want to walk from the church to the reception used the couple’s rented Lowcountry Trolley. “That was probably one of the best decisions we made,” the two say, “the trolley was air-conditioned, convenient and allowed guests to get to cocktail hour quickly while we took photos with our family and wedding party.” Also, Each guest received handmade takeaways from the wedding – an oyster shell ornament with a Charleston map on the inside that Brian drew.

The couple admits, planning a destination wedding can be stressful and overwhelming at times, and you give up the convince of having vendors in your own backyard. “But,” Ashley says, “Charleston is our special place, and it was extra special to have our closest family and friends there for our big weekend.”

Ultimately, Brian and Ashley couldn’t have imagined having their wedding anywhere else.

Vendors: Photographer: Jennings King Photography; Wedding Planner: Peper Events; Ceremony/Reception Site: Trinity United Methodist Church & The Gadsden House; Florist: Fresh Weddings & Events; Stationery: Dodeline Design; Cake: Ashley Bakery; Hair & Makeup: Lashes and Lace; Gown Designer: Pronovias; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Jos A. Bank; Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Amsale Nouvelle & Jos A. Bank; Band: Epic Proportion (booked through East Coast Entertainment); Photo Booth: MVP Photo Booth Charleston; Lighting: Lowcountry Entertainment; Videographer: Palmetto Coast Media; Transportation: Absolutely Charleston; Getaway: Charleston Pedicab