Take a note from Liz and Jack – if you love the Lowcountry but want to escape the hustle and bustle of Charleston, go to Beaufort to get the charming Southern experience you’re daydreaming about! This sweet sea island town has a timeless storybook feel, making it the perfect place to tie the knot with the one you love the most. Kicking off our two-part blog series featuring Liz and Jack’s wedding weekend, we begin at the Beaufort Inn for a cozy courtyard rehearsal dinner.
Arriving at the historic inn in their floral dresses and colorful sports coats, Liz and Jack’s guests mingled under old oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Walking out into the fragrant spring evening, the sharp couple greeted their guests with hugs and kisses. Liz wore a classy strapless dress with blue suede buckle pumps and Jack, a blue sport coat with khakis. Looking like a vision of Southern Living, the two snuggled in close under the jasmine-covered trellis at the courtyard entrance.
The guests filled the open-air tent, captivated by the smell of jasmine and the personal touches elevating the space. Instead of numbering the dinner tables, the couple named them after places and people critical to their love story. When guests arrived at their assigned table, they were greeted with an info card explaining the significance of their table name. Providing a touch of Southern nostalgia, the tablescapes were set with blue and white gingham tablecloths, monogrammed “M” napkins, and candlelit lanterns overgrown with mismatched florals. Completing the ideal ambiance, a mandolin, a double bass, and a guitar filled the air with bright bluegrass.
The cheerful guests sat down for their three-course dinner beginning with a collard green salad with a bacon vinaigrette. Bouncing bright colors all over the tent in their spring best, the guests drank fine wine and recalled their favorite memories of the couple. Liz, a wedding florist by trade, made her rounds speaking to her guests and taking in every detail of the immaculate affair, especially the dynamic arrangements by Festoon Florals. Jack hugged his groomsmen, overjoyed to know he had the weekend to spend with his closest friends.
Dining on shrimp and grits under warm string lights, the speakers took centerstage for their toasts. Liz and Jack relaxed back into their sweetheart chairs draped with blue linens, receiving loving words from their family and bridal party members. Kicking off the speeches with some tear-jerking sentiments, Liz’s bridesmaids had everyone patting their cheeks with their bespoke “M” napkins. Creating a storm of laughter, one of Jack’s groomsmen presented the “McDowelltionary,” a printed and bound dictionary full of definitions for Jack’s favorite words, phrases, and noises. With the “McDowelltionary” in hand, Jack closed the ceremony expressing his deep gratitude for everyone coming out to their special weekend.
Anticipating the day ahead, the buzzing party gathered in the courtyard to finish their drinks and take turns looking at the “McDowelltionary.” Saying “good night,” the friends and family departed with their bene wafer cookies, a gift from the couple so that everyone had “a little Lowcountry to take home.” Liz and Jack embraced one last time under the starlit Southern sky. They savored their goodnight kiss, knowing the next one they would share would be on their wedding day.
Photography: Kailee & Tim Shields; Kailee DiMeglio Photography
Venue: The Beaufort Inn
Planner: The Crowned Leopard
Rentals: Eventworks
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Flowers: Festoon
Hair & Makeup: Meg McMillion
Catering: Signature Catering & Special Events by SERG
Transportation: Above and Beyond Limousine Service
Invitations/Day of Paper: Me by Meg
Lighting: JLK Events
Entertainment: Green Levels, OtherBrother Entertainment
