Having grown up both as “army brats” and moving all around the country, Hannah and Christian’s love story isn’t exactly linear. In fact, the couple actually met and started dating in their sophomore year of high school. That is until their families were relocated and the sweet, young couple sadly drifted apart. (Hey, we get it! Long-distance is hard – especially when you’re in high school!) But after reconnecting in college, nothing, not even being in two different states would extinguish their flame.

Scroll to read Christian and Hannah’s wedding story straight from the couple themselves!

Q: Why did you choose to do a destination wedding?
A: Christian attended the Citadel and Hannah attended the University of North Carolina. While dating in college we fell in love with Charleston and each other all at once. The old charm of the city and the history it holds for us as a couple. Our first “I love you” while shag dancing with friends downtown, Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe dates, and sitting on the swings at the pier after a Citadel Navy ball are just a few of our favorite memories in this beautiful city.

Q: How/why did you choose the location/destination? Did you run into any issues specific to this destination and how did you resolve them? 
A: We love Spanish moss and were looking for an indoor-outdoor venue to allow guests to beat the heat and also enjoy the scenery. Legare is a picturesque venue cut from a storybook. The avenue of oaks is stunning and when we saw the bridal and groom’s quarters in the historic home, we knew this was the perfect location for us both to spend our wedding day.

We could both be on the grounds together and still keep separated until the big moment! The patio with the fountain only added to the romance of the location. During summertime in Charleston, you have the heat and evening thunderstorms to contend with, we loved the indoor-outdoor venue for this reason. We had an evening wedding to also help with the heat. We had to make the decision as to whether or not to put a tent up the day before which was stressful as we weren’t sure how that would affect the overall look of the venue. It all looked great in the end and the tent was absolutely the right call!

Q: What helped you the most in the planning process?
A: Having a wonderful wedding planner Lauren Miller on the ground in Charleston helped tremendously with planning and connecting us to vendors within our vision and price range.

Q: Did you include any do-it-yourself projects in your wedding/reception? If so, please describe them.
A: Much of the décor within the house was contributed by the mother of the bride, Kim Neumann. She put together a collage of picture frames and lanterns on the mantle above the fireplace in the house, telling our unique story of dating and getting to wedding day during the pandemic.

Q: Do you feel you spent more or less money by choosing to do a destination wedding?
A: I think that Charleston is one of the more expensive cities to be married in, but we wouldn’t change our choice for the world. There is so much for guests to see and explore before and after the ceremony between historic sites, eateries, and beaches this place has it all. The sentimental value the city holds for us and the added experiences we could offer guests were well worth the added price. Charleston is a city worth traveling to, and our guests agreed!

Q: How do you think your wedding would have been different had you not held it away from home?
A: Coming from military families, our loved ones are scattered all over the country. For us, home is a little bit of everywhere. We picked Charleston to give our family a fun trip to a prime location in addition to celebrating this milestone in our lives with us.

Q: Overall, do you have any special advice you would like to share with our readers to help prepare them for their day?
A: It is your day and it is all about you! Enjoy it for what it is, be in the moment and celebrate your love your way!

Vendors: Photographer: Dana Cubbage Weddings; Wedding Planner: Lauren Miller of Elm Events; Ceremony/Reception Site: Legare Waring House; Florist: Petaloso; Stationery: Dodeline Design; Cake: Ashley Brown Cake Design; Hair & Makeup: Lashes and Lace Charleston; Gown Designer: Winnie Couture; Men’s Attire: Charleston Tuxedo; Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal; Food: Salthouse Catering; Videography: Lowcountry Wedding Films