Courtland Crosswell & John McBroom
October 26, 2013
The Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston & The William Aiken House
A laid-back black-tie affair: an oxymoron, perhaps, but that’s just what Houston, Texas, native Courtland Crosswell envisioned for her October 26, 2013 wedding to John McBroom of Corpus Christi, Texas. “Both our families are extremely traditional, so we wanted a wedding classic in design but relaxed and festive in feel,” Courtland says. Ellen Robinson of WED brainstormed with the bride—a food blogger who also dabbles in home décor—to fill The William Aiken House with verdant topiaries; an elegant palette of ivory, green, and silvery light blue; and patterned linens and pillows. “Using a variety of textures and prints made the space feel like someone’s home,” says Ellen, “while capping it at two patterns in the same palette helped keep the design cohesive.” Last, Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal pulled inspiration from the décor, as well as from the bride’s Monique Lhuillier ensemble (available in Charleston through Maddison Row), for a five-tier confection that stunned. On the day itself, the newlyweds and their 400 tux- and gown-clad guests noshed, lounged, and danced the night away. Safe to say, mission accomplished
Give the gift of growth with these simple favors, designed by Annie Mueller of A New Leaf Studio. Choose a flower that has special meaning to you and share it with friends and family
When a belle of an old-guard Charleston family opts for a pre-ceremony “first look” with her groom, it means times are changing. See why a sneak peek worked for Kathleen Hay and Andrew Hagood, and why you might follow suit
