Ali and Nick have us falling in love with Lowndes Grove all over again! These sweethearts shared a dreamy day on this opulent waterfront oasis, surrounded by pink and green florals, friends from all over the world, and Michelin-star-worthy eats. Between the decor and the cocktails, every intentional detail was tailored to honor their roots and their love story. The outfits were on point, the music unforgettable, and the energy effervescent. Prepare to gush!
We found the bridesmaids (plus one bridesman!) luxuriating in loungewear while attending to their queen bride’s every need. The bridesmaids wore white silk and Ali rocked blue and white gingham with marabou trim. Even in her PJs, she looked like a timeless beauty with her immaculate slicked-back bun and fresh, natural face. Presented with a Louis Vuitton gift bag, she unwrapped a gold bracelet from her beloved. Feeling oh-so-special and ready for her big day, she slipped into her jaw-dropping Berta gown. Her sister and mom gushed at the sight of her, commenting on the handwoven lace and the corset-style bodice perfectly hugging her silhouette.
Nick stood on the balcony sipping in the salty breeze and the far-reaching coastal vista. He looked like a fashion-forward stud in his midnight blue tuxedo and the Gucci loafers he bought while on a romantic vacation in Monaco. Ali admired her dapper groom from behind as she gently tapped him on the shoulder. Nick almost lost his footing when he saw his bride for the first time. Catching his breath he told her how beautiful she looked and pulled her in for a kiss. Enjoying a moment’s peace on their special day, they read their heartfelt handwritten vows. Wiping Nick’s tears, Ali presented him with his one-of-a-kind wedding gift – a five-year-old receipt from their first date in a gilded frame. Nick marveled at his gift, admiring the precious memento and his detail-oriented bride.
The bridal party congregated on the lush green lawn outside the mansion. The bridesmaids looked sophisticated in their mismatched champagne gowns and new pearl drop earrings from their generous bride. Ali’s bridesman wore a blue pin dot tuxedo and a champagne bow tie to compliment the bridesmaids. The groomsmen looked GQ-worthy in their matching midnight blue tuxedos and sharp bow ties. Looking like they stepped out of a fairytale, the flower girls in their flower crowns and their “white dresses with blue satin sashes” (a nod to Ali’s grandma’s favorite movie The Sound of Music) joined the adults for a group portrait. Fixed against a grande backdrop of towering oaks and marshland the bridal party flanked the glowing newlyweds, surrounding them with two tiers of jovial smiles and bright pink blooms. Our hearts melted as the bridal party retreated and the precious flower girls with their blue satin bows attentively carried Ali’s lace train.
Oohing and ahhing at the cinematic scene, the guests stepped off the shuttle and filled the lawn with their fabulous attire. Ali and Nick insisted on having coupes of champagne with edible flower garnishes available for guests upon arrival (one of the many ways they showed appreciation to their loved ones). Grabbing their bamboo fans, the guests took their seats facing the waterfront. The Palmetto Strings quartet infused the atmosphere with a romantic rendition of “Moon River” as the procession made its way down the aisle. Unwavering in his love for Ali, Nick took his place at the arbor and relished every detail as he waited for his bride. Ali emerged from the French double doors of the mansion with her father by her side as the quartet played Etta James’ “At Last.” The couple joined hands with Ali’s beloved brother-in-law at their side. Delighting everyone’s ears with his wise words and musical Irish accent he shared some Gaelic proverbs that added a timeless touch. (For example: “An rud atá i ndán duit ní rachaidh sé tharat,” meaning “what’s for you won’t pass you.”) Overwhelmed with love and gratitude, the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife and strolled down the aisle to “Dancing in the Moonlight.”
Eager to explore the historic home, the guests filled the porch and the ornate old-world rooms with laughter and sweet words about their new favorite couple. The specialty drinks were a “Sicilian Smash” (a bourbon smash with a nod to Nick’s Sicilian grandpa) and a “Baby Ruth Paloma” (in honor of Ali’s Grandma Ruth who recently passed at 102 years old!). The guests savored Southern bites of crab cake, fried green tomatoes and all the fixings at the cheese and biscuit bar. A diffused golden sunset began to color the horizon so we headed towards the Ashley River for a romantic photo op. Pulling Nick down the 700-foot-long dock, Ali showed off her scoop-back gown and her translucent tulle pearl drop straps. Ready to love on their guests and get the party started they headed to the reception.
Using various shades of green accents to symbolize growth and good health, the space was a cheerful and airy depiction of timeless sophistication. The immaculate white and green table linens and billowing chiffon paneling accentuated the pink-hued arrangements bursting with butterfly ranunculus and dazzling dahlias. Framing the coastal backdrop were three bridal party tables flanked by tall green Roman pedestals blooming with limelight hydrangeas and blush garden roses. A plush white couch paired with coffee table books and a glass bowl of “Moraco” matchboxes made for a cozy common area front and center to the dancefloor. Each dining table was named after one of the couple’s favorite destinations and they even had a green bow tied to a chair with a card that read “Matchmaker.”
Breathing in every magical detail, the guests took their seats and feasted on locally caught halibut, ricotta ravioli and beef tenderloin. They ate their meal between tears and laughter, savoring every bite and every heartfelt word exchanged. After dinner they gathered by the coastline and marveled at the magnificent sunset. As Power 2 Party took to the stage in their iridescent electric blue jumpsuits the crowd gravitated to the dance floor. Turning Lowndes into a concert venue they blew everyone out of the water with their audacious energy and stellar musical talent. Ali was a knockout in her hand-beaded Clio Peppiatt mini dress and metallic block heels. Between the espresso martinis each stenciled with a cinnamon “M” and the classic Italian cannolis, the guests had all the fuel they needed to dance the night away. For those enticed by the other luxurious offerings, they enjoyed hand rolled cigars by the water and Cloud Studio’s watercolor portrait station.
Lining up outside the mansion the guests grabbed their sparklers creating a dazzling runway for Mr. and Mrs. Moraco. The couple floated through, blowing kisses and giving thanks to all their loved ones. They rode off into the night knowing they had enough love and support to last a lifetime. Congratulations to this fabulous couple!
Photography: Kailee DiMeglio Photography
Venue: Lowndes Grove
Planner: A Charleston Bride
Hair & Makeup: Ash & Co.
Florist: Festoon
Ceremony Music: Palmetto Strings
Reception Entertainment: Power 2 Party
Caterer: PPHG
Wedding Dress: Berta
Invitation: Olive Paper
Rentals: LIT Charleston Snyder Events Emerson James
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Watercolor Artist: Cloud Studio
Day of Paper: Kate Eliza Creative
