ERIN MCNAUGHTON & MATTHEW LEWIS
July 21, 2018 / The French Huguenot Church & Lowndes Grove Plantation
When a gal can name how many days she’s dated her beau (“One thousand and nine, but who’s counting?” laughs Erin), you know she’s ready for him to put a ring on it. When Matthew obliged, he and his betrothed invited nearly 380 guests to a celebration that properly introduced the Massachusetts residents’ mostly New England friend-base to Southern traditions and the Lowcountry landscape alike. Why Charleston? “It’s a big part of our story,” says Erin, who, as a Charlotte, North Carolina, native, grew up vacationing here. “We visited countless times while we were dating,” she says.
Since the couple couldn’t shake their craving for a barn-style wedding, planner
Tara Guérard of Soirée met them in the middle with a reception featuring a custom rustic wooden wall behind the band, roped chandeliers, lawn games, and a family-style dinner. Add a groom who blurted “I will!” before his proper turn and it was a marriage of laid-back, free-spirits. “Just like me and Matt,” beams Erin.
What They Recommend
• Riff off your maids. Erin’s maid and matron of honors’ frocks inspired the cake’s design.
• Give a grown-up goodie. Boozy (and virgin) mixed berry, watermelon margarita, strawberry lemonade, blackberry cabernet, and sweet tea Popsicles helped guests chill out in the heat.
• Go high and low. Get an understated yet sophisticated look by mixing textures like copper, colored glass, and wood.
Vendors
Attendants’ gowns: Jenny Yoo (maid, matron of honor, flower girl), Nouvelle Amsale (bridesmaids), available through Bella Bridesmaids
www.bellabridesmaids.com
