Holly Matrimony



WRITER CREDIT: 
PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 
Holly Matrimony | Elevate your December nuptials with classic holiday décor
Charleston natives Marianne Mosely and Rives Sutherland met when they were six, but it wasn’t until an unexpected date to a January bash in 2017 that they realized there could be more to their story. Shy of two years later, the duo was engaged and planning their own version of a holiday gathering. Since their relationship was founded on merrymaking, they continued that theme with their December wedding, mixing classic holiday elements (winter wreaths, poinsettias, and the warm glow of candles) with festive fun, including a four-tiered confetti cake with red and green sprinkles. After tying the knot at First Scots Presbyterian Church, the reception was held at a private club, whose halls were decked in evergreens and accented with vivid crimson. Marianne and Rives toasted the night away with family, friends, and a guest appearance by Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. Talk about the fa-la-la-la-la feels.
 
Get the Look
 
  1. Incorporate subtle seasonality. Marianne selected a Legends by Romona Keveza taffeta gown complete with a one-shoulder neckline and statement bow—an understated nod to the holidays.
  2. Embrace a holiday color scheme. The ladies at Hill & Co. Creative and Vero Designs chose one hue (red) as the primary color and let that lead for the entirety of the day. 
  3. Dress the table. Let the food be the focal point by choosing china or chargers that highlight the meal. Marianne and Rives selected plates rimmed in gold and adorned with holly berries.
  4. Add the element of surprise. The holiday season is widely touted for its enchanting qualities, so delight guests with a bit of the unexpected. Marianne and Rives cut into a four-tiered confection to reveal a confetti cake, complete with red and green sprinkles.
  5. Serve festive cocktails. Consider offering champagne garnished with sprigs of rosemary and cranberries at cocktail hour
 
Vendors
 
Design, coordination: Hill & Co. Creative
Photography: Anne Rhett Photography
Florals: Vero Designs
Holiday Door: Gregory Blake Sams Events
Venue: First Scots Presbyterian Church (ceremony)
Rentals: Loluma; Ooh! Events
Linens: Nüage Designs, BBJ Linen
Bridal attire: Legends by Romona Keveza from Maddison Row South (gown); Croghan’s Jewel Box (rings)
Bridesmaid’ attire: Lula Kate from Bella Bridesmaid
Beauty: Ash and Co. Bridal Hair and Makeup
Baker: Charleston Cakes Etc.

The Wedding Row

February 14 2022
Written By Melissa Reardon Photographs By Lucy Cuneo A transplant from Virginia, Weston “Wes” McAfee vividly remembers the first time he saw his future bride-to-be. Charleston native Dana Elaine...

December 29 2021
An Elegant Affair Proves New Year’s Eve Might Just Be The Perfect Time To Start A New Life Together By Joanne O’Sullivan | Images by Brandon Lata Photography Few people anywhere in the...

December 16 2021
A Match Made in Heaven Classic white blooms, greenery, and wooden elements set off this stunning Charleston wedding under the oaks When it comes to love and marriage, couples who pair well...

December 2 2021
A Charleston Winter Wedding Embraces the Season with Sophistication and Glamour Just a few hours before sunset in mid-winter, Charleston takes on a certain golden glow, unparalleled at any other...

November 17 2021
Take Cues from this Intimate Dreamy Blue “I Do” Amy Bronston and Trevor Pittman’s love story reads like a romantic movie. It was during the 2019 holiday season in Washington DC, where...

October 28 2021
This Halloween matrimony perfectly plays up the holiday—with a dash of fun and plenty of class in a scenic coastal Charleston setting By Joanne O’Sullivan | Images by Anne Rhett Photography...

October 11 2021
By Melissa Reardon | Images by Kelsey Halm Photo Expert Advice for a Beautiful Fall Bouquet With seasonal change comes an exciting rich color palette and tons of texture with which to design....

September 29 2021
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Photos by Dana Cubbage Weddings | Written by Melissa Reardon They say the greatest marriages are built on teamwork. And indeed, it’s one of the marital building blocks...