Everyone knows the graffitied, shipwrecked skiff on the way to Folly Beach, and while here on family vacations from the Upstate, Nikki Bolton always enjoyed checking out the messages painted on its hull. But when her boyfriend (and fellow University of South Carolina-Aiken alum) Brad Ellis pulled up alongside it in August 2010, the message shocked even her: “Will you marry me, Nikki? —Brad”. She happily agreed, and the Warrenville, South Carolina residents soon hired Lizz Ackerman of Southern Protocol to create a Southern affair at the Legare Waring House that reflected their easy-going, preppy style. Their color scheme of cornflower blue, peach, green, and ivory “looked bright and crisp against the venue’s white house and its beautiful oak trees,” says Nikki. Other favorite touches? The ivory monograms on blue sashes wrapped around the bridal bouquet and worn by bridesmaids. As much as she loved the look of it all, though, it was the vibe that she and Brad still relish. “It’s one of the only times all of the people you love so much are in one place,” Nikki says.
Vendor List
Baker: WildFlour Pastry; www.wildflourpastrycharleston.com
Bridal Attire: Vera Wang from Maddison Row; www.maddisonrow.com
Bridesmaid, honorary bridesmaid, and flower girl attire: LulaKate from Bella Bridesmaid of Charleston; www.bellabridesmaid.com
Bow ties: Southern Proper; www.southernproper.com
Calligrapher: Susie Wimberly
Caterer: Hamby’s Catering; www.hambycatering.com
Florist: stems; www.charlestonstems.com
Groom’s attire: M. Dumas & Sons; www.mdumasandsons.com
Groomsmen attire: M. Dumas & Sons; www.mdumasandsons.com
Linens: Connie Duglin; www.connieduglinlinen.com
Musicians: The Plantations Singers, www.plantationsingers.com; Charleston Brass, www.charlestonweddingbrass.com; and Finesse, www.thefinesseband.com (reception)
Photographer: Jennifer Bearden; www.jenniferbearden.com
Planner, day-of coordinator, and/or designer: Lizz Akerman with Southern Protocol; www.southernprotocol.com
Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals; www.snydereventrentals.com
Stationery: Scotti Cline Designs; www.scotticlinedesigns.com
Styling: Bride, mother-of-the-bride, and bridesmaid hair: Hunter Johnson of Salon 101 (www.salon101spring.com) and UpDo Charleston; www.updocharleston.com
Makeup: Leslie Moore Make-up; www.mooremakeup.com
Transportation: Charleston Black Cab; www.charlestonblackcabcompany.com