The Sunny Side



PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 
The Sunny Side | A Southern garden party-inspired Big Day
Brittany Jordan & Thomas Robbins
April 27, 2024 / Residence on Clouter Creek
 
A drawn-out first date—“the longest either of us has ever been on”—quickly sparked a comfortable connection between Charlestonians Brittany Jordan and Thomas Robbins. “Being with her felt effortless, as if I had known her forever,” he recalls. Both valued a good sense of humor and strong family ties, which helped them fit right in with their future in-laws. So when Thomas popped the question two and a half years later, they could think of no better place to marry than her parent’s house on Clouter Creek. “Their home is where everyone gathers to have a great time,” says Brittany. “We joke that our friends come over to hang out with my parents just as much as, if not more than, us.”
 
The bride wished for an elegant Southern garden party, so Ash Events planner Ashley Pate Newkirk and Willow florist Jessie Johnson played up the springtime vibe. Bright white and sunny yellow blooms appeared in dainty bud vases and woven baskets while magnolia leaf garlands graced the tables and “Charleston Green” joggling board, which doubled as a guest book. Inverted umbrellas and patterned linens lent a whimsical touch inside the tent.
 
In true Lowcountry fashion, the backyard reception also included a raw oyster bar and custom bourbon bar built by the bride’s father. Brittany and Thomas even followed the Southern tradition of burying a bourbon bottle upside down—here, a rare special release of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. 18-Year Marriage—one month prior to their nuptials to ensure good weather. And thanks to clear skies, guests were treated to a breathtaking drone light show prior to the couple’s sparker-led departure. But with the pool-turned-dance floor still rocking, “we just took a quick ride around the block and came right back to the party,” laughs Brittany. The night was simply too good to end.
 
Tips
 
  1. Lean on experts. The bride has a gluten allergy, so she turned to Rosemary & Rye for a menu that was both gluten-free and delicious. “Their pecan-encrusted chicken was an absolute standout,” raves Brittany. “When your grandmother goes back for thirds, you know it’s a hit!” 
  2. Hire a dog nanny. The couple’s fur baby, Ollie, was not to be missed at their nuptials. So they hired a helper to stay with Ollie when she wasn’t in pictures and take her to a boarding facility following the ceremony. 
  3. Bury the bottle. Bourbon is a beloved spirit for this duo. Exactly one month before the big day, they buried a full bottle (upside down for good weather), then dug it up at the reception to share with their wedding party and family. Her advice: bury it in a bag to avoid a mess. 
 
Vendors
Planning & Design: Caluna Event Design Collective, Ash Events
Photography: Magnolia Photography
Florals: Willow
Garland: SweetMagnoliaBliss Etsy shop
Catering & Bar: Rosemary & Rye
Rentals: CRUSH by EventWorks
Linens: Stradley Davidson Linen Collective
Lighting: LIT Charleston
Drone Light Show: Sky Elements Drones
Dance Floor: Pleat Systems
Calligraphy & Signage: Bree Moore Design & Calligraphy
Entertainment: The Midnight City Band
Bridal Attire: Essense of Australia (gown), Gown Boutique of Charleston (boutique)
Beauty: Galya Makeup Artistry
Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux, Brackish (tie)
Bridesmaids’ Attire: Azazie

The Wedding Row

October 31 2019
Future brides, if you’re on the fence about doing a solo shoot, keep these tips in mind if you need some convincing. And hey, why not turn your confidence into images to remember? We talked with the...

October 30 2019
Snowmass, Colorado, residents Camille and Tom met at a small group dinner following her first day of work at a new company. They were just friends until 2015 before noticing how much they enjoyed...

October 29 2019
A random friendship on Facebook started up a “Words With Friends” match with a rare win by Anthony. The winner’s prize? Tommy owing Anthony a drink. After the initial meetup, weekly dates turned...

October 28 2019
Picture-perfect couple, Maddie and Jack, have been lovin’ on each other since high school and throughout their college life at Ohio State University, marking seven years this December. A planned...

October 25 2019
A Boone Hall Plantation wedding was always the dream for Mary and Cole, and after a surprise proposal under the avenue of oaks at said location, it all made sense. (Psst! We featured these guys’...

October 24 2019
A blind date gone right? Anna and Matt got lucky near the end of their senior year at a Penn State University Starbucks after a mutual college friend set the two up. Surprising both of them, as they’...

October 23 2019
Puppy lovers Camila and Adam met volunteering for a local animal rescue group. Here’s the kicker: the volunteer opportunity was for the animal rescue’s grand fundraiser event … a calendar showcasing...

October 22 2019
Longtime Columbia, South Carolina, sweethearts were cozying up together at the start of the New Year on the porch when, to Kiaya’s surprise, Aaron got down on one knee with a stunning custom, hidden...