Sweet Magnolias



WRITER CREDIT: 
PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 
William Drinkwater & Elisa Woodward
May 20, 2016
Boone Hall Plantation
 
Sometimes, you make your own luck. When William Drinkwater spotted Elisa Woodward at a fellow West Point grad’s Big Day, he slyly adjusted the seating chart to cozy up next to her for dinner. Three years later, he found another spot by her side—this time, at the sweetheart table of their wedding reception at Boone Hall Plantation, where chandeliers and candles filled the site’s Cotton Dock with a glow and magnolia accents dotted the décor. “When I close my eyes and think of Charleston, one of the first things to come to mind are magnolias,” explains Elisa. Thanks to planning by Rebecca Woodland Weddings and help from Mama Woodward (who collected the verdant touches from her own yard here in the Holy City), the day was sentimental, chic, and brimming with love. 
 
Words from the wise ...
• Forage when you can. Elisa’s mother, who lives downtown, gathered 250 magnolia pods and leaves from her yard, which Out of the Garden worked into the floral plan.
• Juxtapose your venue’s aesthetic. Grand chandeliers, gilded décor, sophisticated draping, and traditional tablescapes added formality to the 
rustic space.
• Be thoughtful about fashion accessories. The maids’ multicolored BHLDN pumps brought a pop of color to the day’s mostly muted palette.
• Play with texture. Subtle, monochromatic patterns—like on dinner plates and the buttercream confection by Jim Smeal—added intrigue to the day’s design.
• Don’t hide the bride! Clear umbrellas are fashion-friendly (and photo-ready) amid spring showers.
 
VENDOR LIST: 
Wedding planning, umbrellas: Rebecca Woodland Weddings, www.RebeccaWoodlandWeddings.com 
Florals: Out of the Garden, www.OohEvents.com/Services/Floral/
Images: Evan Laettner Photography, www.EvanLaettner.com 
Rentals, linens, lighting, draping: Ooh! Events, www.OohEvents.com 
Tent: Sperry Tents Southeast, www.SperryTentsSoutheast.com 
Tabletop décor: Polished!, www.PolishedTabletop.com 
Catering, bar and wine service: Cru Catering, www.CruCatering.com 
Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal, www.WeddingCakesbyJimSmeal.com 
Stationery: Embossed Graphics, www.EmbossedGraphics.com 
Menus: SAS-E Ink, www.SaseInk.com 
Bride’s attire: Pnina Tornai, www.PninaTornai.com (gown); Badgley Mischka, www.BadgleyMischka.com (shoes)
Bridesmaids’ attire: Alfred Sung (gowns, available in Charleston at Bella Bridesmaids, www.BellaBridesmaids.com); BHLDN, www.BHLDN.com (shoes) 
Beauty: Lashes and Lace, www.LashesAndLaceCharleston.com 
Groom’s attire: Jos. A. Bank, www.JosABank.com 
Music: Classical Charleston, www.ClassicalCharleston.com (ceremony); Darby Events, www.CharlestonWeddingDJs.com (reception) 
Transportation: ACW Limo, www.ACWLimo.com; Shuttle Hogs, www.RideLowcountry.com/shuttle-hogs 
Pecan favors: Molly & Me, www.MollyAndMePecans.com

 

Planning by Rebecca Woodland Weddings / Images by Evan Laettner Photography

The Wedding Row

November 28 2018
The Wedding Row: How did you and Jason meet? Lacey: We met at work and I had no interest in him at first. I had affectionately called him “Eyebrow Man” given the thick, bushy unibrow...

November 27 2018
The Wedding Row: Let’s start from the beginning … Aly: Like many modern-day couples we swiped right, engaged in some initial messaging, and decided to go out on a date. We met at a sushi restaurant...

November 26 2018
To help you ease into the work week after Thanksgiving (raise your coffee if you’re still dreaming of turkey and dressing and naps), join us as we say “Hello” to one of Charleston’s newest wedding...

November 23 2018
The Wedding Row: Alright, start us from the beginning. How did you and Brad meet? Jennifer: We met in the Fall of 2013 unexpectedly through mutual friends at my all-time favorite Mexican restaurant....

November 21 2018
Boy, do we have a sweet one for you all. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday (ah, tomorrow!), we’re feeling extra thankful this year–not only for our readers, but for the talented weddings...

November 19 2018
Taylor and Andrew met one another when they were at Georgia Southern University (she was on the swim team and he was the pitcher on the baseball team). Fast forward to four years later, Taylor was...

November 17 2018
We don’t know about you all, but when the weather’s chilly and with the holidays are right around the corner, there’s nothing we want to do more than pop inside the most hoppin’ boutiques around town...

November 15 2018
Get ready, gals, because today’s couple is bringing some serious glamour to the blog. After Richmond natives Samantha and Sean got engaged (he surprised her with a sparkly something during a girl’s...