Alice DuRant & Quinn Foster
July 11, 2020 - Runnymede Plantation
Like any solid relationship, Ali DuRant and Quinn Foster’s foundation began in friendship, after having met at a July Fourth party on Sullivan’s Island in 2013. But it was shared laughter from which love blossomed. Ali recalls the night Quinn had organized two charter buses to a USC versus UGA football game in Columbia. Their bus broke down on the way home, but instead of stewing, Quinn lifted spirits by telling stories. “Soon we were all hysterically laughing,” recalls Ali. “I remember thinking that I hadn’t genuinely laughed that hard in a long time.” The fun they had drew them closer.
Over the next six years of dating, the couple enjoyed some big adventures together, including a trip to Italy in 2019 for a family wedding. Ali and Quinn took the opportunity to also explore Croatia, Greece, and France. While on a day trip to Montenegro, Quinn had arranged a “guide” to lead them through the oldest museum in the country and up to a second floor balcony overlooking the stunning Bay of Kotor, where he dropped to one knee and proposed.
When it came to planning their wedding, the decision to marry in Charleston was a no-brainer. Though Quinn, who manages a vacation rental agency, is from Virginia and Ali (a first-grade teacher) is from Murrells Inlet, they had both lived in Charleston since 2007 and 2012, respectively. “I’d always envisioned getting married near water and surrounded by beautiful old oak trees with Spanish moss,” says Ali. “It’s the most romantic backdrop I could imagine.” They settled on Runnymede Plantation for their venue and called on event planner Haley Kelly to help them pull it off.
The Big Day was set for March 21, 2020, but just days prior, the entire world came to a screeching halt under the COVID-19 pandemic. “All the regrets began flowing in and I remember feeling utterly heartbroken,” says Ali. But as event planners do, Haley and team snapped into action and the wedding was rescheduled for July 11, thinking all would be good in the world by then. But by June, they realized that many extra details were in order to ensure everyone’s health and safety. Red silicon bracelets were available for guests wishing to signal to others to keep their distance, while every guest received personal hand sanis and custom masks. Chairs were arranged in small groupings and spread apart, while plexiglass shields were made for every bar and food station. “The week leading up to our wedding was an emotional roller-coaster,” recalls Ali. “But once the weekend began, it all melted away and we had the most unforgettable time. When we look back, that’s what we’ll remember.”
And the wedding was memorable, indeed. Ali and Quinn said I dos underneath that romantic moss-laden oak surrounded by friends and family before celebrating during a reception that was nothing short of breathtaking, with soft neutral tones mixed with elegant textures and greenery—a dream come true.
Vendors
Planning & Design: Haley Kelly Events
Venue: Runnymede Plantation
Photography: Gideon Photography
Catering/Bar Service: Cru Catering
Florals: Juniper & Jasmine
Cake: ABCD Cakes
Officiant: Harold Lewis
Rentals: Snyder Events (tent, tables, chairs, dance floor), Ooh! Events (lounge furniture, dinnerware)
Linens: Nüage Designs
Draping: Veil
Lighting: Technical Event Company
Stationery, calligraphy: Prairie & Sage
Bridal Gown: Maddison Row South
Beauty: Wild Ivory
Bridesmaids’ attire: Jenny Yoo
Groom’s attire: Buddy Tailor
Music: Bob Williams Duo (ceremony), Atlanta
Showstoppers (reception)
Videography: Ruby Riot Creatives
