Lanier & Luke | Kiawah Island River Course



Lanier and Luke met in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, during a Friendsgiving supper one November along with some 30 pals. That run-in led to a friendship that turned into a romance and by 2017, the two were at his parent’s Florida condo on vacation. Luke, who had just picked up the ring from the jeweler that week, says Lanier had cooked some of the best pasta he’d ever had and they sat on the porch eating and looking out over the ocean. (If you think it’s funny he remarks on the meal, just remember they do say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach …) As they took in the full moon—and even watched a sea turtle come ashore to lay her eggs, he says—they danced to Sam Cooke, and Luke popped the question because, as he tells it, the moment just felt right. For the wedding, the pair headed to another shoreline, that of Kiawah Island, where Lanier’s parents have a home. With some 250 guests looking on, they exchanged vows on the terraced steps on the back of the waterside house—the exact spot where Luke had first told Lanier he loved her—while classical musicians played. From there, everyone headed to the Cassique Club where they celebrated amid a reception dressed with family heirlooms like china, silver, and even chandeliers. Enjoy all the glamour, and get the scoop on on how Lanier and her mom were able to compromise and marry their styles (boho for the bride and black-tie formal for the MOB) for a seamless day here

Wedding design, welcome bags: WED | Images: Marni Rothschild Pictures | Venue(s): Family home & Kiawah Island River Course | Catering, fireworks, reception venue: River Course | Florals: The Vine | Rentals: AFR Rentals, DC Rental, Southern Vintage, EventWorks, Ooh! Events| Linens: Nüage Designs | Invitations: Papellerie | Cakes: Jim Smeal | Desserts: Christophe Chocolatier | Stationery: Studio R Design | Lighting: Technical Event Company | Draping: The Social Spool | Bride’s attire: Oscar de la Renta | Beauty: Ashley Jolly | Bride’s shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Donna Morgan | Ceremony music: Charleston Virtuosi | Cocktail hour music: Seth G | Reception music: Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters | Videography: Thomas Brothers | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet

The Wedding Row

April 21 2020
A Globetrotting Courtship When Patrick (United Kingdom native) met Liz (Mizzouri born) in Atlanta, they hit it off …  and then realized they only had a few weeks to get to know each other. Five...

April 15 2020
A Charleston Pup-Posal Dena moved to Charleston from New York City and Andrew (Drew) moved to Charleston from Columbia, South Carolina … then eHarmony worked its magic to bring the pair together....

April 14 2020
Swipe Right On a Sunday afternoon in Michigan, Meghan downloaded Tinder … and there was Robert (Rob). “He was SO handsome, like movie-star handsome, and his profile was interesting and genuine,” she...

April 9 2020
One of the blessings amidst the worry and tragedy of COVID-19 has been stories of everyday people serving their communities. The Lowcountry is filled with good-hearted helpers doing what they can....

April 8 2020
Hello There James moved to Chicago from Ireland to experience life American-style; Kierstin had moved to Windy City from Atlanta to pursue her PhD in childhood special education. His roommate knew...

April 7 2020
The year: 2009. The setting: a high school homecoming dance in Columbus, Ohio. The cast: Hayley, a junior and Collin, a senior. The sparks: flew. That sweet start propelled today’s cuties into a 10-...

April 3 2020
First, take a deep breath. Lisa Thomas, the guru behind Charleston, South Carolina’s Ooh! Events (an event goliath that’s part planning hub, part florist, part rental house, etc.) and owner of the...

March 31 2020
We can’t say it enough during these worry-filled days: a planner sure takes the worry off your wedding planning plate. Not only do they thrive in the middle of fast-paced crises, their fix-it selves...