Charleston Destination Wedding at Thomas Bennett House

Nina and Ray’s wedding gallery has us swooning and swept away! It’s days like this that leave us in awe of the miraculous beauty that we get to witness and photograph. The couple and their creative team poured intention and care into every detail, making the entire production a fitting reflection of the extraordinary love between Nina and Ray.

After weathering years of long-distance, then moving to two new cities together, Nina and Ray proved that their special relationship could thrive anywhere in the world. So, it was fitting for Ray to pop the question at New York’s Montauk Point Lighthouse, a cliffside known as the “End of the World.” Ray kneeled down and told Nina he wanted to ask her at the end of the world since they have been all over the world together (cue the tears!). Without hesitation, Nina said “Yes!” to the next chapter of their love story.

Fast forward two years and we are arriving at the romantic oasis of the Governor Thomas Bennett House for Nina and Ray’s big day. We found the couple in their respective suites, enjoying the peaceful spring morning with their bridesmaids and groomsmen. Calm, cool and collected, Ray fastened the buttons of his dark navy suit, showing off the personalized stitching in the lining displaying his name and the date. Nina was lounging about in white silk pajamas with marabou trim, her thick black curls swinging behind her. Before stepping into her Berta gown, she was already wedding magazine ready – making her dress reveal even more dramatic. With a sheer plunging bodice embroidered with glittering embellishments and flower appliqués, she was a swoon-worthy, show-stopping spectacle.

We followed Nina down the floating staircase, her fit-to-flare mermaid train trailing behind her pearl-dropped backless bodice. Under the canopy of a magnolia tree, Nina and her bridesmaids gathered like a flock of angels with their textured ivory bouquets. The ladies in white complemented and enhanced the fresh and airy atmosphere of the perfectly manicured gardens. Meanwhile, Ray waited inside with his groomsmen, giving lots of love to his excited pup Milo, and preparing his heart and mind for the life-changing moments to come.

Guests began to arrive, finding their seats in the intimate courtyard facing the trickling fountain overgrown with blush and buttery springtime blooms. The angelic bridesmaids and the sharp groomsmen emerged from the lower-level piazza and towards their places at the arbor. Resolute and calm, Ray turned to see Nina floating across the second-floor piazza, past the towering Roman columns, and down the spiral staircase. Like a dream she made her way towards Ray, her beaming smile radiating through her veil. Lifting her veil, her stepfather hugged Ray and gave Nina away. Hand in hand, the couple looked deep into each other’s eyes, falling into the oasis of a world of their own. In front of their beloved friends and family, they exchanged rings and vowed to a life of everlasting love.

While the guests enjoyed their spicy margaritas and the chilled seafood bar, the wedding party gathered in the courtyard for pictures. The timeless black and white palette of the bridal party accentuated the traditional colonial mansion behind them, with springly blooms providing invigorating pops of color. Under the shade of an ancient oak tree, Nina and Ray nuzzled in close for some portraits with their pup Milo. Eyes locked, they strolled down Barre Street, romancing the guests looking on from the second-floor balcony. Eager to mingle with their friends, the couple joined in on the luxurious cocktail hour ambiance. Sipping on refreshing libations, folks explored the gardens, commenting on the glamorous charm of the historic property and the radiant newlyweds.

Under an inverted floral meadow blooming with pastel peonies, roses, and cascading green garland, was a dining area fit for royalty. With textured eyelet linens, powder blue napkins and gold-rimmed crystal, the tablescapes oozed with the sweetness of spring. Lush florals erupted from the center of each table, elevating the airy atmosphere with a rich aroma. Every harmonious detail executed by Pure Luxe Bride and Flora florals complemented the refreshing essence of spring. Finding their names on a blue placard painted with delicate flowering vines, the guests happily claimed their seats.

Strutting into the tent, the all-white bride tribe led the charge with the goofy groomsmen in matching sunglasses parading behind them. As Nina and Ray emerged hand in hand for their first dance, the gentle acoustic melody of Caamp’s “Strawberry” rippled through the tent. The couple rocked back and forth, with Ray’s arms wrapped around Nina, and his strawberry cufflinks reflecting the light from the chandeliers.

Soaking up the magic from the sweetheart table, the couple sat back and watched their friends and family delighting in the enchanting atmosphere. While everyone enjoyed the local, seasonal cuisine meticulously selected by the couple, the honored speakers prepared to take the stage. Nina’s mother, wearing an off-the-shoulder floral-embroidered blush pink gown, welcomed her new son-in-law to the family. Following behind, Nina’s sister and proud maid of honor, joyfully expressed her excitement for Nina and Ray. Ray’s best man sent a shock wave of laughter throughout the entire wedding party, priming everyone’s playful side for the imminent dance party. Ray and Nina thanked the speakers and made their way over to the pineapple fountain to cut their miniature white cake piped with a blue floral crest.

With cake, cocktails and gelato in abundance, the guests didn’t sleep on the chance to boogie under the romantic floral canopy dripping onto the dance floor. The moody lighting and crowd-pleasing tunes had everyone delivering their best moves, including a full split from one of the bridesmaids! The wedding party created a giant circle, with the bride and groom twirling, rocking and breaking it down in the center. Nina changed into a knockout after-party gown with embroidered sequins and a high neckline. She whipped her slicked-back high pony around and took turns dancing with every member of her bride tribe.

Flying on cloud nine, Nina jumped up on her chair at the sweetheart table, swinging her hips and singing the words to her favorite song. Ray lovingly scooped her up, threw her over his shoulder and brought her back to him on the dance floor. With glow sticks in circulation, everyone was playfully singing into their makeshift microphones in a sea of neon color. All the while, the groomsmen were conspiring to capture the bride and groom and hoist them up in the air. Nina and Ray cackled as they surfed above the crowd, holding hands and taking in the beautiful view from above.

But the fun did not stop at the Thomas Bennett House! This fabulous couple rented out The Commodore for a funktastic after party. The wedding guests arrived at the vintage lounge, relaxing back into the velvet booths with their craft cocktails. Nina and her girlfriends sported their personalized green velvet tracksuits they had taken on their bachelorette trip to Ireland. Ray flaunted his wife’s green cowgirl hat with diamond rhinestones that read “Bride.” The couple successfully tore up another dance floor on their wedding night, adding even more unforgettable moments to their wedding day memory vault.

Congratulations Nina and Ray, keep spreading your love to the end of the world and back!