Rachel and Justin’s Charleston-inspired wedding had so many personal touches – enough to melt your heart!
Of her Easton Skirt, Rachel said “The Easton Skirt from Tara Lauren was love at first sight. I loved the effect it gave when I walk, the way the belted waist flattered my figure, and of course the epic train! The 3D cut flowers were also jaw-dropping.”
Names: Rachel and Justin
Wedding Date: 09/26/2020
Guest Numbers: 150
Wedding Location: Lowndes Grove, Charleston, SC (filming location for Netflix’s Outer Banks!)
Photographer: Katherine Elena Photography with Anchor & Veil
Tell Us Your Love Story
How did you meet?
We met on our very first day of classes at the University of Georgia! We still can’t agree on exactly when and where that day, but a few mutual friends introduced us. We ended up having biology together, which evolved into chemistry, ha!
How did he put a ring on it?
We were engaged in Bellagio, Italy, on the shores of Lake Como! After a two-week long Italian adventure, I had given up my hopes for a ring by the last day (he couldn’t have held onto it for that long, could he??). But on our final day, he got down on one knee in a gorgeous spot overlooking the water. A photographer popped out from behind a boat, a huge group of German tourists took notice and cheered, and we celebrated with a boat ride on the lake and Prosecco.
Where did you draw inspiration from?
The natural beauty of Charleston, of course! I knew we wanted to incorporate oysters, one of our favorite foods, so we included the oyster motif throughout our invitations, hors dourves, and even the place cards were hand-painted oysters depicting each guests’ name! Also, a fun detail pertaining to the dress: we actually used the 3D flowers on the overskirt as inspiration for the sugar flowers on our wedding cake!
What made the wedding personal to you?
Hmm, great question! We really tried our hardest to incorporate fun little details that were very ‘us’, while still making all my pinterest dreams come true. My dad and I love classic rock, so I surprised him with a string trio version of Sweet Child O Mine to walk me down the aisle! Also, we included a signature aperol spritz drink to pay homage to our engagement in Lake Como, Italy. Our band, the Midnight City, played our favorite genre all night, 90s and early 2000s rock, and one of our best friends officiated!
What were you most nervous or excited about?
The ceremony! I was so worried the weather wouldn’t work out for our outdoor plans, or that I would be emotional and cry walking down the aisle (happy tears, of course!). But the weather was beautiful, partly cloudy with a cool breeze off the water, and I was able to hold it together for the whole ceremony. Was definitely relieved once that was over, and it was time to have fun!!
Now, the most important part – the Dress!
Tell us about your dress?
I fell in love with a simple, form fitting dress from designer Louvienne. However, I felt that it didn’t have the wow-factor that I was going for for that walk down the aisle moment. My stylist at Lovely Bride ATL, Susan, knew exactly what would amp up the drama. The easton skirt from Tara Lauren was love at first sight. I loved the effect it gave when I walk, the way the belted waist flattered my figure, and of course the epic train! The 3D cut flowers were also jaw-dropping. So much beauty and attention to detail!
What stockist did you get it from?
Lovely Bride, ATL
What was your most memorable moment from your day?
Cannot recommend enough the opportunity to step back from the reception and just take it all in. My new husband and I snuck away down to the dock and were able to admire the reception tent, lit up, filled with all of the people that mean the most to us. It was truly magical!
Vendors to credit:
Planning: Pure Luxe Bride // Flowers: Petaloso // Photo: Katherine Elena // Photography and Video: Anchor And Veil // Venue/Catering/Cake: Lowndes Grove, Patrick Properties Oysters // On-site calligraphy: J Lily Design // Vintage Rolls Royce: Low Country Valet // Lighting: Technical Event Company // Rentals: Ooh Events // Invitations: Studio R Design // Tuxedos: The Black Tux // Band: Midnight City, Other brother entertainment // Ceremony music: Classical Charleston // Shoes: Bella Belle // Neon sign: Yellowpop // Hair/Makeup: Wild Ivory