Spring has sprung and our couple of the hour, Christine and George, have the lavish Thomas Bennett House abloom with pastel poppies! If you know us well, we swoon for captivating colors, personal touches and all the florals. Combining the classic Southern opulence of the Thomas Bennett House with a refreshing touch of bliss, this couple made our wedding gallery dreams come true.

Looking like a movie star in her silk marabou trim loungewear, Christine sat on the French blue settee with her bridesmaids. With a full heart, she gave each of them a handwritten letter, thanking them for their friendship and support. In their pink pinstripe PJs, they huddled around radiant Christine, looking right at home in the fabulous bridal suite. With her mother and beloved attendees at her service, she slipped into her strapless Reem Acra gown with a sweetheart bodice and a leg-bearing slit. Glowing with a fresh face and a sleek bun, she showed us the stitch in the back of her dress that read “You will always be our Bean. Love Mom and Dad.” Showered in well wishes from her bridal team, she headed down the winding staircase to meet her sweetheart on the piazza.

Looking sharp in his tux and his grandfather’s restored Rolex, George stood proud next to the towering Roman columns of the traditional Southern piazza. Overlooking the peaceful garden he took a deep breath and closed his eyes as Christine rounded the corner. Gently tapping him on the shoulder he turned to his bride, awe-struck by her beauty. Showing off the flirty slit in her skirt punctuated by her pointed-toe stilettos, the two laughed and embraced while their mothers stole a peek through the window. With her wispy veil flowing down her back, Christine read her letter to George. Wiping his tears, George read his letter to Christine, his poignant words filling the atmosphere and setting the stage for a romance-rich celebration. 

Strutting down the historic streets with his two best friends, his soon-to-be brother-in-law, and his sister as his “best woman,” George had all the support he needed at his side. Standing by the white fence of the Thomas Bennett House, the bridesmaids in their mismatched pink dresses and intermixed bouquets contrasted wonderfully with the groomsmen’s black attire. Looking up at George, Christine beamed a loving smile, her cheerful white poppies blooming from her bouquet. Walking hand-in-hand the two shared a smooch under the shade of a towering oak, relishing the final moments before they say “I do.”

Revitalized with technicolor florals and wedding day romance, the courtyard garden buzzed with magic. The three-tiered pineapple fountain was overgrown from top to bottom with sprawling snapdragons and perfumed poppies. Whimsical arrangements bloomed from each row of garden chairs, creating a petal-infused runway for guests to navigate as they found their seats. Leading the procession, George made his way to the top of the aisle, followed by the pretty in pink bridesmaids and the angelic flower girl. Lifting their eyes to the second-story piazza, the guests marveled at the cinematic scene of Christine floating through the grande door of the mansion, down the staircase, and up the petal-embellished aisle. The couple joined hands at the arbor, savoring the sweet words Christine’s brother read from Kiersten White’s poem “The Chaos of Stars.” Surrounded by loved ones in the sanctuary of the flourishing garden, the couple promised their hearts to one another and started a new chapter as Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez.

Filling the open-air piazza like an art gallery of spring styles and dazzling colors, the fashionable guests mingled and moseyed about. Forgetting their worries and knowing only luxury, they sipped on salted margaritas and ate bite-size steak tacos. With a warm welcome, Christine and George stepped onto the piazza, hugging their friends and showing off their new rings. A few guests sat down to admire “The Wedding Post,” a newspaper-style handout featuring some wedding day details and a special thanks from the couple. Eager to admire the impeccable decor immaculately executed by Pure Luxe Bride, the guests made their way to the reception. A refreshing palette of natural hues and bright florals, the space breathed new life into everyone’s lungs. Vines of green Italian Ruscus elaborately covered the intermixed beige straw lanterns suspended from the clear top tent. Combining timeless sophistication with the boho-chic details, the tables were set with gold-rimmed glassware, gold flatware, and embossed yellow linens. Pink and yellow florals bloomed from the center of every surface, pouring their petal shadows onto rattan-woven placemats set with circular menus. Taking in the scene from their French country dining chairs, the charmed guests were honored to be attending such a stunning soiree.

Stealing everyone’s hearts, George and Christine took to the center of the tan and white checkered floor to share their first dance as husband and wife. Enveloped by a row of snapdragon arrangements and cascading green vines, the two rocked and swayed to Frank Sinatra’s “Something Stupid.” In his dapper white tuxedo, Christine’s father shed a few tears as he held her close for their special dance. Following behind, George shared a dance with his mother, her robin’s egg-blue strapless gown picking up wind as he spun her around. Fortunate to have both of her grandfathers present on her wedding day, Christine invited each of them to share a dance with her. Commencing their courtyard garden dinner party with a heartfelt welcome toast, Christine’s dad raised his glass and graciously thanked everyone for being there. 

As the golden sun began to set on the garden, the guests relished the luxuries of the event. Those unable to resist the serenading sounds of the Velvet Bay Groove Company filled the dance floor with smiles and laughter. Old friends and beloved family members caught each other up on their lives while relaxing back on the cozy couches placed throughout the courtyard. A few lucky guests claimed their live portraits from artist Emma Lang while the coffee lovers took shots at the espresso bar. Dining on a delicious pan-seared local catch, the guests paused to listen to the honored speakers talk about their favorite couple. Cutting into their almost too-perfect-to-eat yellow cake, Christine and George shared a sugar-sweet kiss and raised their golden coupes to a lifetime of love.

Kicking off the night with a timeless classic, George’s father blew everyone away belting Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” In family affair fashion, Christine’s mother broke it down with her husband while Christine and her brother giggled from the side. With an espresso martini in hand, Christine strutted onto the dance floor with her new hubby. The two dipped and twirled, taking a break to feed one another a bite of wedding cake. The guests banged their tambourines and sang along, while Christine captured the best dance moves and biggest smiles on her Kodak disposable camera. Taking a moment to change into her lace mini-dress and gold high heels, Christine and George returned to the scene ready to break it down. Buzzed on craft cocktails and espresso martinis, the guests gave the dance floor all they had for their favorite couple. Brimming over with bliss, George and Christine hugged in the middle as their biggest supporters showered them in love.

Grabbing her “Mrs. S” mini satchel, Christine and George departed through a gold streamer runway of loved ones and onto a “Just Married” pedicab. Pinching one another, they headed off into the night, happier than they could have ever imagined possible.

Featured on Style Me Pretty

Photography:  Kailee DiMeglio Photography   
Venue: Governor Thomas Bennett House 
Wedding Planner: Pure Luxe Bride
Videographer: Dock House Digital 
Hair: Brianna Adams 
Makeup: Cheryl Quinn
Florist: Festoon 
Ceremony & Cocktail Music: Charleston Entertainment
Reception Entertainment: Velvet Bay 
 Officiant: Bill Schlitt 
Caterer: Cru Catering 
Bar Service: Squeeze Cocktails 
Cake: Ashley Bakery 
Invitation Suite: Tiny Shindigs 
Paper Goods: Sky to Sea Calligraphy 
Rentals: Eventworks 
Specialty Rentals: Curated Events 
Linens: BBJ Tavola  & Nuage  
Lighting: Melodic Entertainment
End of Night Transportation: Charleston Rickshaw 
 Specialty Services: Cacky’s Bride-Aid 
Coffee: Lowcountry Beanery 
Watercolor Portraits: Emma Lang Art 
Dress Designer: Reem Acra 
Bar Decals: Charleston Wraps