Kristin Clark & John Cullen
June 3, 2023 / St. Philip’s Church & Gibbes Museum of Art
When Kristin Clark, a Charleston native, met John “Jack” Cullen through a mutual friend during a trip to New York City, sparks flew. She was starting a new job and life in New York, and her first night living there was also their first date. Fast-forward five years, and a surprise proposal came during a date to a Broadway matinee, with family and friends from near and far on hand to celebrate. They chose Kristin’s hometown church, St. Philip’s, and the nearby Gibbes Museum of Art for their big day celebration. The goal was to blend New York “city vibes” with classic Southern elegance.
A dusty pink was the color of the day, used mostly as an accent to the white canvas—white tablecloths, dinnerware, flowers, and candles. Only pink napkins and greenery brought color to the elegant tablescapes, and pink was used in much of the signage, created by Kristin’s sister’s company, The Fringe.
The venues complemented each other well: St. Philip’s Church was stunning, with its domed ceiling and stained glass, but the Gibbes may have taken the cake. Cocktail hour was in the opulent rotunda—with its own Tiffany-style glass dome—so the artwork was front and center, as guests got to explore the whole museum, which delivered on that city vibe the couple sought. The reception was held under a sailcloth tent in the Lenhardt Garden with wooden chairs, hanging chandeliers and twinkle lights, and Southern fare, beautifully blending Lowcountry style with big city sophistication.
Top Tips
• Night at the museum. Most museums offer the option to leave galleries open for your guests to tour, which means there’s built-in entertainment. And many have their own experienced staff, but allow outside vendors, giving you a win-win.
• Update the white wedding. If mostly or all-white is your color of choice, you can make it modern and chic by choosing a contemporary venue, incorporating clear elements, wearing modern attire, and using texture to add dimension.
• Personalize your wedding details. To help relay wedding day details, instead of a program, Kristin created a “newspaper” for the day-of, which was both fun and informative.
Vendors
Planning & Design: Jayme Brand
Photography: Shelby Stewart Photography
Venue: St. Philip’s Church (ceremony), The Gibbes Museum of Art (reception)
Catering: Duvall Catering
Bar: Brand Bars
Cake: Kakes by Kelsey
Florals: Pretty Petals
Stationery: Sass-E Ink
Bridal Attire: Anne Barge, from White on Daniel Island
Bridesmaid Attire: Birdgrey
Rentals: Snyder Events, Getem Twisted (photo booth)
Linens: Curated Events
Entertainment: Greg Keys & Company
