Break the Mold



WRITER CREDIT: 
PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 
Break the Mold | Jessica Morse &  Ryan Roberts April 13, 2013 William Aiken House

Jessica Morse and Ryan Roberts first met online, but once they rendezvoused face-to-face, “we never looked back,” says Jessica. After two years together (and following a move from Atlanta to Charleston), Ryan proposed as the sun set over their favorite spot on Folly Beach. As for the wedding venue, “We love the charming yet vibrant feel of downtown, so we wanted to incorporate that into our wedding,” says Jessica, who soon booked King Street’s William Aiken House. Armed with a spring-inspired palette of cream, green, gold, white, and pops of coral, she worked with Megan Morgan Finne of Mingle and florist Anne Dabney of stems, who dressed the home’s grounds and interior in modern elements that updated its formal character and appointments. Over six months, out-of-the-box lounge furniture pieces, earthy arrangements, and colors that accentuated existing texture and patterns all came together. “I knew the key to making the wedding everything we wanted was to be sure we hired the right vendors,” says Jessica. “They not only made the planning process easier but also made our wedding day absolutely amazing.”

GO NATURAL: For arrangements, stems mixed flowers with pods and berries.


Branches with trailing vines to give an organic vibe to the manicured location.


Tip: Sheath dresses with texture (like these lace-covered Diane von Furstenberg shorties) flatter all figures. The pattern also makes long, sheer sleeves especially becoming.


Tip: Reinterpret a classic motif. The fondant cake from Fish Restaurant wears a pattern of heart-like swirls that gives the treat—and event—a modern tone.


EASY DOES IT: Simple white linens allowed the dining room’s bold coral walls and patterns (floral-printed and flax-hued draperies) to rule the setting. Chiavari chairs repeated the look and texture of the antique mirror frames.


Tip: Opt for unusual side tables. Here, the side table silhouettes, finishes, and patterns infused the setting with unpredictable liveliness.


HAND IT TO HER: When florists pair varying shapes together, as seen here with bud-rich lilacs, fluffy ranunculus, and airy-petaled poppies, texture abounds.



Tip: Look to your wedding venue for inherent patterns to accent, like this checkerboard floor on the home’s piazza.


Vendor List

Baker & Caterer: Fish, www.pphgcharleston.com

Bridal Gown:Rivini, www.rivini.com

Bridesmaids Dresses:Diane von Furstenberg, www.dvf.com

Event Design & Planning: Mingle, www.minglecharleston.com

Florist:Stems, www.charlestonstems.com

Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Berlins For Men, www.berlinsclothing.com

Hair & Makeup:Stuart Lawrence Salon, www.slsalon.com

Linens & Rentals:Snyder Events, www.snyderevents.com

Music:Quiana Parler & Friends, East Coast Entertainment, www.eastcoastentertainment.com

Photographers: Ellis Photo Studio, www.ellisphotos.com

Venue:William Aiken House, www.pphgcharleston.com

Videographer:Siegel Films, www.siegelfilms.com