Seven years after Lesley Landrum spotted Robert Brickman’s “ugly shirt” (her words) at a birthday party, the couple started planning a shindig of their own: their wedding. Their wish? For it to be “a grown-up kids bar mitzvah,” says Lesley. As they discussed their wishlist with planner Tara Guérard of Tara Guérard Soirée, an upscale carnival took shape and the Gaillard Center became a grand, black-tie big top for the day. After a ceremony in the venue’s lobby, the ballroom doors opened to Burke High School drum line’s infectious beats, silk aerialists twirling above bars, a magician, and even drag queen performances. “We threw out the rules about what a Southern wedding has to be,” says Lesley. “It’s OK to be a kid,” Robert adds. Case in point: though he skipped the ugly shirt this time around, he donned Lego cufflinks that had Lesley falling in love all over again.
FOLLOW THEIR LEAD
• Pick a central location. Being downtown meant guests could walk to the fête from their hotels.
• Pay mind to your vendors. With a menu that was a nod to the couple’s love of travel—it ran the gamut from chicken piccata and chicken tikka masala to okra jambalaya and hand-rolled sushi—a large, well-equipped indoor kitchen was critical for catering prep.
• Personalize a large ballroom. Custom carpet was brought in to dress the setting in the couple’s palette. Garlands and draping made the towering ceilings more intimate.
• Beware of Mother Nature. August and September are in the peak of hurricane season, and Lowcountry summers bring plenty of pop-up showers, so an indoor venue provided peace of mind.
• Soften a stately setting. Metal lanterns added a summery touch to the classical entrance and cast a mellow glow after the sun set.
When you keep ending up in the same spot and locking eyes with someone, it starts to become obvious that it’s meant to be. A coffee shop is where it all began for Christina and Evan back in college...
Tinder has really been killin’ the whole matching game recently for our cutie couples. Clemson University grads, Lindsey and Anthony, matched on Tinder their sophomore year, which led to Anthony...
Two words that come to mind when looking at Fallon and Will’s intimate elopement at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: whimsical and elegant. (You’ll shortly see why.) These Delaware natives go way...
Tennessee natives Checovoia and Josh have Tinder to thank for bringing them together. His famous first words to his eventual sweetie, “You look so happy!” And from seeing all the smiles shared at...
After a weekend of weddings and travel, we are back on this chilly fall Monday with the cutest downtown Charleston e-sesh featuring Blair and Matt. These lovebirds met the summer of last year (via a...
“When you aren’t trying so hard and least expect it … it happens,” says bride Lindsey of finding her perfect guy, Brady. The couple shared some insight into their lives and the inspiration for their...
Jocelyn and Bryce were friends from club swim team during their high school years, but it wasn’t until Señora Hill’s Spanish class that their romance was brought to life, and the two have been saying...
Right out of college, Mary Tyler met Zach in a Raleigh, North Carolina, workplace. The two got close and remained friends for two years before finally making it official. A couple months into their ‘...
Give your gown some sparkle, fasten your sash in place, or simply dress up your bouquet wrap. However you enlist them, these keepsake brooches are ready to report for duty
