A Vibrant Beginning



WRITER CREDIT: 
PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 

March 20, 2025 / The Palmetto Cafe

Sparks flew when Sabrina Galiney and Mike Armstrong first crossed paths at a party in Boston. But just two months into dating, the pandemic’s arrival threatened to upend their budding romance. ​​Mike’s job as a project manager required him to continue working in-person, and the couple spent nearly 60 days apart. Then, shortly after reuniting, a new project assignment three hours away quickly separated them again. But the distance brought their intentions sharply into focus. “Even when life kept pulling us in different directions, being together was always our priority,” Sabrina says. Four years later, Mike proposed in the observation deck atop Boston’s Prudential Center. High above the heart of the city, his big question was swiftly met with an overjoyed “Yes!” from Sabrina. 

Seeking to hold a majestic, multiday Indian wedding the following spring, the couple began exploring East Coast destinations with reliably pleasant weather and easy access for both of their families. Charleston quickly rose to the top of the list, especially when they learned that each of the venues they scouted for their four-day extravaganza was available on the same weekend.

Festivities kicked off at The Palmetto Cafe with a welcome party and mehendi, a traditional Indian celebration during which a bride receives her wedding henna. “We also gave our guests bangles and bindis to wear, which added a playful touch and introduced everyone to some Indian customs,” says Sabrina. Pure Luxe Bride painted the party in vibrant hues, with dramatic draping, clusters of upside-down umbrellas, and bright blooms transforming the restaurant into an atmosphere both cozy and lively—a vibe further encouraged by abundant lounge areas ripe for mingling. The joyful evening set a heartfelt tone for the celebratory weekend ahead.

Top Tips:

  • Personalize a playlist. The couple skipped a music vendor in favor of a playlist that they curated alongside Sabrina’s brother and a close friend. “It made the atmosphere feel personal rather than produced,” Sabrina says.
  • Strike a balance. In advance of an action-packed weekend of large events (typical of Indian weddings), night one was kept intentionally intimate. The couple was able to greet every guest, setting a warm tone and savoring real conversations before the busy days to come. 
  • Involve your guests. The evening’s Churra ceremony was deeply meaningful. The tradition invites guests to tie threads onto the bride’s wrists while offering blessings, wishes, and marriage advice. “Having the people closest to us take part in that moment made the evening feel emotional—in the best way,” she says.

Vendors:

  • Planning & Design: Pure Luxe Bride
  • Venue: The Palmetto Cafe
  • Catering & Bar Service: Charleston Place 
  • Photography: Caroline Ro
  • Florals: Flora
  • Signage: J. Lily Design
  • Linens: BBJ La Tavola
  • Lighting & Draping: Lowcountry Entertainment 
  • Bridal Attire: Seema Gujral
  • Beauty: Charleston Bridal Collab
  • Groom’s Attire: Bloomingdale’s
  • Videography: Dock House Digital

The Wedding Row

November 28 2018
The Wedding Row: How did you and Jason meet? Lacey: We met at work and I had no interest in him at first. I had affectionately called him “Eyebrow Man” given the thick, bushy unibrow...

November 27 2018
The Wedding Row: Let’s start from the beginning … Aly: Like many modern-day couples we swiped right, engaged in some initial messaging, and decided to go out on a date. We met at a sushi restaurant...

November 26 2018
To help you ease into the work week after Thanksgiving (raise your coffee if you’re still dreaming of turkey and dressing and naps), join us as we say “Hello” to one of Charleston’s newest wedding...

November 23 2018
The Wedding Row: Alright, start us from the beginning. How did you and Brad meet? Jennifer: We met in the Fall of 2013 unexpectedly through mutual friends at my all-time favorite Mexican restaurant....

November 21 2018
Boy, do we have a sweet one for you all. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday (ah, tomorrow!), we’re feeling extra thankful this year–not only for our readers, but for the talented weddings...

November 19 2018
Taylor and Andrew met one another when they were at Georgia Southern University (she was on the swim team and he was the pitcher on the baseball team). Fast forward to four years later, Taylor was...

November 17 2018
We don’t know about you all, but when the weather’s chilly and with the holidays are right around the corner, there’s nothing we want to do more than pop inside the most hoppin’ boutiques around town...

November 15 2018
Get ready, gals, because today’s couple is bringing some serious glamour to the blog. After Richmond natives Samantha and Sean got engaged (he surprised her with a sparkly something during a girl’s...