Cara and Aaron met as undergrads at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. When the couple got engaged, they concluded that since both of their families would have to travel anyway, a destination wedding made the most sense. They began researching destination weddings and Charleston, South Carolina, kept popping up. “This was a town we had always wanted to visit and thought, ‘What better excuse than for our own wedding?’” says Cara. “The venues in Charleston really spoke to us. They were so unique compared to what we were seeing in other locations.” 

When friends and family found out they would be traveling to South Carolina for the couple’s wedding, they were supportive and encouraging. “We were surprised how open and excited our friends and family were for the idea,” says the bride. “This gave us the last little push we needed.”

The bride and groom said planning their Charleston wedding was especially easy. “Once we booked our major vendors and venue, the rest just fell into place,” says Cara. “We relied heavily on our wedding planner, Amy DeVito. We really trusted in her and she understood our style and elevated what we envisioned.”

The couple had an exciting and full weekend with fond memories they shared with their guests. “There were so many great moments, like our first look where it was just us two and we could spend a few moments together or when our four-year-old cocker spaniel, Ollie, joined us,” says the bride. 

The ceremony took place in a courtyard under trees at the Gadsden House, complemented by boxwood wreaths and a gate covered in greenery and flowers. “The ceremony was short and sweet – just what we wanted, especially so our guests didn’t melt in the Southern summer heat,” says the bride. 

The cocktail hour and reception served as an ode to the destination’s Southern roots with traditional staples for food and drink such as Moscow mules, mini chicken and waffles and fried green tomatoes.  

After the newlyweds danced the night away with their guests, they ended the night with a sparkler send-off and a ride on a pink vintage bus. 

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Spring/Summer 2019 issue. You can order a copy here.

Vendors: Photographer: Dana Cubbage Weddings; Wedding Planner: Mac and B Events; Ceremony/Reception Site: The Gadsden House; Florist: Out of The Garden; Stationery: Minted; Gown Designer: Matthew Christopher; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Indochino and Brackish Bowtie; Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: The Black Tux; Bridesmaids’ Dresses: After Six/Dessy Group; Hair and Makeup: Ash & Co; Transportation: Low Country Valet; Catering: King Street Hospitality Group; Entertainment: Darby Events; Officiant: Richard Burton; Rentals: Ooh! Events; Cake: ABCD Cakes; Hair Vine: Haute Bride; Veil: Hayley Paige; Shoes: Badgley Mischka; Engagement Ring and Bands: A.R. Morris Jewelers; Dog Collar: Crew LaLa