Spring Destination Wedding at Lowndes Grove - Kailee DiMeglio Photography

Like most lovebirds who flock to the Holy City to tie the knot, Charleston is a special part of Forrest and Kelly’s relationship. These college sweethearts could spend hours together contemplating the coastline and basking in the Southern sun until it dips below the horizon. In 2022, Forrest planned an engagement weekend at Kelly’s favorite part of the Lowcountry, Isle of Palms. After days spent sipping in the salty air and marveling at pink sunsets, Forrest took Kelly on a golden hour beach stroll and got down on one knee. Welling with tears and pinching herself, she said yes! The rest of the week was filled with surprise visits from loved ones, beach picnics and live music from their favorite local musicians. After such a perfect engagement weekend, they knew they had to return to Charleston’s romantic coastline to say “I do!”

On the morning of the wedding, record-high rain storms were rolling in, flooding parts of Charleston, including the grounds of the couple’s venue, Lowndes Grove. Braving the flooded streets, we maneuvered onto the Ravenel Bridge towards Kelly and her bridesmaids on Isle of Palms. Unphased by the weather, the ladies were enjoying a luxurious pajama party while sipping mimosas in their cozy beach house. Stealing away with the flower girls and her mom, Kelly slipped into her Ines de Santo ruffled gown with bow accents and a V-neck bodice. Her tiered princess skirt was the perfect amount of luxe to make us and the flower girls swoon. Standing hip-to-hip like a whimsical gallery of mismatched French blue textiles, Kelly’s bridesmaids opened their eyes, sending a shockwave of joy into the atmosphere. Moved to tears by the beautiful bride, the ladies showered Kelly in loving affirmations. Perhaps the heavens heard the excitement, because the rain subsided and the sun peered through the clouds as they departed for Lowndes Grove.

Waiting on the brick patio of the 18th-century Lowndes Grove estate, Forrest looked sharp as a tack in his black tux. Ready for the first look, Kelly emerged from the arched French doors. Holding Forrest’s hand for a moment from behind, she squeezed her eyes shut and then opened them – ensuring it was not just a dream. Turning to his bride, Forrest melted in her arms, shedding a few tears as their audience of loved ones watched from the upstairs piazza. The couple snuggled in close as the salty breeze picked up Kelly’s full skirt and whipped at the Boston College flag above their heads. The stylish bridal party met on the lawn, central to the grande home with sweeping symmetrical columns and ornate arched windows. Throwing their hands in the air, they splashed a fresh pop of color and aliveness on the historic scene.

Filling the pews of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the buzzing guests faced the altar blooming with white and green florals. Arm in arm, the bridal party walked down the aisle, the bridesmaid’s dresses punctuated by the white bellflowers and violet delphiniums in their bouquets. Following behind, the angelic flower girls and dapper young ring bearers charmed everyone with their nuptial duties. The organ bellowed a triumphant sound and Kelly made her way up to the altar, her handmade lace veil (repurposed from her mother’s wedding dress) trailing behind her. Taking in the sight of his bride walking towards him, Forrest thanked Kelly’s parents and joined hands with Kelly. During the ceremony the couple sat cozied up on a wooden bench, savoring every poignant word spoken by the honored speakers and priest. Moving through laughter and tears, they joined hands at the cross to say “I do!” to a lifetime of loving one another.

With dazzling eyes the guests arrived at the venue, marveling at the ancient oak trees and the expansive coastal vista. Elated that the rain subsided and the lawn was dry, Kelly and Forrest enjoyed cocktail hour outside with their guests. Flaunting their springtime best, the party indulged in oysters on the half-shell and bubbling champagne. After a romantic newlywed photoshoot on the dock, the couple was eager to see their vision come to life. When they stepped into the glass portico for a first look at their reception, Kelly’s jaw dropped to the floor. Between the gold wagon wheel chandeliers, breathtaking florals and fine furnishings, the oasis was the epitome of effortless romance. Every pastel-tinged fabric in sight played off the hues blooming from the spring-inspired arrangements sprinkled throughout the room. The mirroring seating areas, each one furnished with a lavish violet loveseat and a gilded glass coffee table, flanked the dramatic floral centerpiece blooming with peach ranunculus and eye-catching kumquats. The versatile dining area was a tasteful mix of bistro tables and family-style hightops, outfitted with coastal fabrics and etheric florals.

As the sun set on the horizon, the warm ambiance was aglow with romantic string lights and flickering candles. Gathering around the tan and white checkered dance floor, the guests cheered as the couple of the hour took center stage for their first dance. In perfect harmony, the couple giggled and grooved, Kelly’s voluminous skirt and delicate bows trailing behind her as Forrest swept her up. Finding their seats at the stunning tablescapes, the guests enjoyed a Southern dinner of shrimp and grits, sweet corn and local halibut. A lover of simple pleasures, Kelly made a station to glorify her favorite food, bread and butter. Her second favorite food, Whole Foods’ Berry Chantilly cake, was the featured desert, including a mini version for her gluten-free guests.

Sated with Southern bites and mouth-watering drinks, the live music began to pull the guests to the dance floor. Stealing away to slip on her flirty flower petal party dress, Kelly arrived back on the scene ready to dance in her embellished white sneakers. Swept away by the soulful music, the couple grabbed their air guitars and played a duet, nailing every note. Being such a considerate bride, Kelly brought out cupcakes with sparklers for her birthday girl bridesmaid and sang her “Happy Birthday.” Just like old times back at their favorite college bar, the Boston College graduates loosened up, dropping to the floor to breakdance while slinging back shots of Jameson. Forming a mass of supportive and loving hands, they arranged a landing pad for the couple to stage dive onto. For the last song of the night the crowd gathered around Kelly and Forrest to belt the lyrics of John Denver’s “Country Roads.” Singing the words tied to some of their most precious memories, Kelly and Forrest looked around at the faces of the people who have been part of their love story since the beginning. Filled with enough love to last them a lifetime, they strolled down their sparkler runway, thanking everyone for an epic night that will live on in their hearts forever.

Congratulations to Kelly and Forrest! Thank you for making us part of your magical wedding day!