A Formal Affair



PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 
A Formal Affair | <p> A North Carolina couple enjoys an elegant celebration steeped in tradition</p>

Ashley Carrabba & Anthony Capozzoli
June 4, 2011
Lowndes Grove Plantation


After meeting through mutual friends, Anthony (“Tony”) Capozzoli took Ashley Carrabba on a first date full of drama—theatrical drama, that is. The pair, who live in Raleigh, went to see the musical Jersey Boys when it came to town. “We loved it!” says Ashley, adding that the show’s soundtrack became their soundtrack, too.

The couple’s courtship progressed, and on Easter Day 2010they got engaged. Though the proposal wasn’t quite a surprise (Ashley had spotted a receipt for the ring in Tony’s briefcase months before), it was all for the better, as the notice allowed the bride-to-be to start planning early. Having traveled to Charleston on their first weekend trip together, Ashley says the city was “the perfect place” for their nuptials, and she scheduled a secret meeting with wedding designer Tara of Tara Guérard Soirée before Tony had even popped the question.  

 “She came to us wanting a very traditional, elegant event,” says Tara, who didn’t miss a beat over Ashley’s enterprising ways. After Tony slipped the ring on Ashley’s finger, the couple chose a princely palette of black, gold, ivory, and champagne, to which Tara added décor embellishments like the couple’s monogram and a chandelier motif.

On June 4th, 2011,  Ashley met Tony at the end of a gilded edged aisle at Lowndes Grove Plantation to say “I do.” Afterward, in an outdoor tent draped with champagne-hued and sheer white fabric, the bride and groom indulged in a four-course meal with family and friends. After supper, the night took a nostalgic turn as the newlyweds made their way to the chandelier-lit floor for a first dance to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” one of their favorites from the Jersey Boys soundtrack. Ashley’s opinion of the evening? “Everything was perfect.”
 

Vendor List
Aisle Runner:
Boutique Tents; www.boutiquetents.net/singlepress/2/1/
Bridal attire: Romona Keveza from Maddison Row; www.romonakeveza.com, www.maddisonrow.com
Bridesmaids’ attire: Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaid, Charleston; www.jennyyoo.com, www.bellabridesmaid.com
Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal; www.weddingcakesbyjimsmeal.com
Catering: Patrick Properties/Fish Catering; www.pphgcharleston.com
Ceremony music: Ceremony strings (8 violins and string trio) through Debut, Inc.
Ceremony and reception venue: Lowndes Grove Plantation; www.lowndesgrove.com
Design, Flower, Décor, and Planning: Tara Guérard Soirée; www.taraguerardsoiree.com
Favors: Coleman Photography; www.colemanphotography.com
Groom’s and groomens’ attire: Grady Ervin & Co.; www.gradyervin.com
Hair: Velvet Salon; www.velvetsaloncharleston.com
Jewelry: Diamonds Direct Crabtree; www.diamonds-direct.com/raleigh/
Make-Up Service: Moore Make Up; www.mooremakeup.com
Photographer: Liz Banfield Photography; www.lizbanfield.com
Reception entertainment: In the Pocket and The Valli Boys through East Coast Entertainment; www.eastcoastentertainment.com
Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals; www.snydereventrentals.com
Transportation: Absolutely Charleston, absolutelycharleston.com; A Star Limousine Service, www.astartlimo.com
Stationery: The Lettered Olive; www.theletteredolive.com
Videographer: Elysium Productions; www.elysiumproductions.com

 


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...