Jessica and Jay met online and dated long distance (she was here in Charleston, he was in Connecticut) before she made the move up North. The two came back to visit the Holy City often, though, and...
When a gal can name how many days she’s dated her beau (“One thousand and nine, but who’s counting?” laughs Erin), you know she’s ready for him to put a ring on it. When Matthew obliged, he and his betrothed invited nearly 380 guests to a celebration that properly introduced the Massachusetts residents’ mostly New England friend-base to Southern traditions and the Lowcountry landscape alike. Why Charleston? “It’s a big part of our story,” says Erin, who, as a Charlotte, North Carolina, native, grew up vacationing here. “We visited countless times while we were dating,” she says.
Since the couple couldn’t shake their craving for a barn-style wedding, planner Tara of Soirée by Tara Guérard by met them in the middle with a reception featuring a first for her and her crew , who are known more for over-the-top finished looks: a custom rustic wooden wall that rose up behind the band and a framework of timbers that spanned overhead. Add roped chandeliers hanging hither and yon, lawn games, and a family-style dinner and the chill couple and their 378 guests got just what they hoped for: a marriage of laid-back, free-spirits (“Just like me and Matt,” beams Erin) in a like-minded setting.
As you browse the images, check out some of our favorite pretty and posh ideas:
printing the menu on cloth napkins.
Design, florals, linens, speciality decor: Tara Guerard Soiree | Images: Corbin Gurkin | Venue, catering, bar: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Rentals: Snyder Events | Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal | Stationery, signage: Lettered Olive | Gown: Anne Barge | Dresser: Cacky’s Bride + Aid | Beauty: Meg Workman + Deidre Outlaw | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet
