We are back at our favorite yellow carriage house on the Charleston peninsula – but this time our couple of the hour has reinspired the classic William Aiken House aesthetic with a modern evergreen palette. From Jason’s forest green tux to the polished palm prints that Courtney designed herself, these lovebirds had us overjoyed to capture so many creative personalized touches. With all family members either exalted in memorium or in attendance, this family affair garden party was brimming with sweet moments that will be forever cherished. 

Walking up the historic staircase of the William Aiken House, we could already detect the unmistakable enthusiasm of four sisters (plus one soon-to-be fifth sister) buzzing about the big day. In the regal red bridal suite, Courtney’s blue eyes beamed beneath her show-stopping thick blonde locks perfectly framing her face and falling down her shoulders. Cozied up in their airy cotton loungewear, the ladies enjoyed the cool breeze on the second-story veranda while sipping champagne. In a striking royal blue gown, Courtney’s mom helped her daughter step into her Allison Webb wedding dress. Fitted with a sophisticated scoop neckline and textured floral jacquard fabric, Courtney took our breath away as her voluminous skirt swept at the floor. 

Meanwhile, Jason was fastening his bow tie and cufflinks in preparation for his first look with Courtney. With confidence and poise, he slipped into his bespoke jacket embroidered with his and Courtney’s initials on the silk polka dot lining. Stepping onto the patio, Jason’s brilliant forest green tux contrasted wonderfully with the cheery yellow walls and the lush foliage growing behind him. The girls upstairs leaned over the balcony and admired the dapper groom while they anticipated Courtney’s arrival. Turning the corner, Courtney floated up to her soon-to-be hubby and gently tapped him on the shoulder. His eyes lit up when he saw his bride, and he could do nothing more than fall into her embrace. Taking out their sage and gold vow books the couple shared loving words in the peaceful oasis of the enchanted garden. 

Gathering in the gray and white limestone breezeway, the sisters snuggled in close around their glowing bride. The bridesmaid’s dresses, a refreshing palette of taupe, sage and mint, made their eye-catching eucalyptus and white rose bouquets bloom effortlessly from their hands. The four sisters sauntered around the garden, enlivening the lush landscape with their evergreen charm. Looking sharp as a tack, the groomsmen and groomswomen (including Jason’s sister!) joined in for bridal party portraits. Like one big family, the bridal party cheered for the couple amid a verdant masterpiece of sprawling ivy, expressive palm trees and wild monkey grass. 

With the ceremony approaching, there were still two very important gentlemen who needed to see Courtney – her father and her grandpop. Walking onto the scene, Courtney’s dad quickly came apart when he saw his daughter in all of her bridal glory. Following behind, her grandpop was humbled by the sight of her and the portrait of his late wife, Courtney’s grandmother, that was pinned to the bride’s bouquet. After family portraits, the four sisters slipped away to the bridal suite to help Courtney don her veil and shower her with support for the life changing moment to come. 

Golden October sunlight poured through the trees, illuminating the aged brick and limestone with  glittering specks. Towering over the courtyard, the grand magnolia tree was embellished with four candlelit lanterns, each one tethered with a monogrammed ribbon embroidered with the couple’s late grandparent’s initials. With beloved friends, family and ancestors in attendance, the procession began to make their way down the aisle. Dapper as ever, Jason couldn’t hide the overwhelm of love he was feeling when he saw Courtney with her father. The couple met by the arbor with their mutual friend who was given the honor of officiating the ceremony. Holding hands, the couple lost themselves in a world of their own as they vowed to devote their hearts to one another and spend the rest of their lives as Mr. and Mrs. Trombetta. 

Buzzing with excitement, the guests mingled amongst themselves while sipping cocktails on the veranda. Downstairs, the elated couple strolled about the venue, posing by the overgrown wrought iron gates and captivating King Street passerbys. The setting sun painted golden light onto the property, illuminating everyone’s smiling faces and making the scene impossibly picture perfect. Once we were pleased with an abundance of swoon-worthy newlywed portraits, Courtney and Jason grabbed their libations and joined their friends and family for the rest of cocktail hour. 

The guests gathered downstairs, encircling the charming courtyard as they patiently waited to gush over their new favorite couple. Floating on a cloud, Courtney and Jason strolled to the center to share their first dance as husband and wife. Softening every heart in sight, the couple laughed and twirled to Van Morrison’s “Someone Like You.” Soon after, the party peeled away to take their seats at a dining area fit for queens and kings. Like a breath of fresh air, the striking tablescapes were in perfect harmony with the evergreen theme of the day: emerald Italian ruscus wove through floating candles and glistening glassware, complementing the green and gold tones in Courtney’s menu prints and the rococo fabric. Sipping on mouthwatering cocktails and dining on braised short ribs, everyone fully indulged in the fabulous company and tranquil atmosphere. 

Standing by savoring every moment, the three sisters and their mom cheered on their dad and Courtney as they took to the floor for the father-daughter dance. The two swayed and laughed, inspiring tears and giggles from those watching. Following behind, Jason took his mom’s hand and held her close as she cried on his shoulder. Eager to jump and jive under the garland of warm lights draped above them, the guests started to show off their best moves on the dancefloor. Jason stayed close to his bride, admiring her radiant smile and the swing of her breathtaking gown. In true sweetheart fashion, Courtney and Jason stole away for a quick date at the gelato station. Feeding one another chocolate gelato with sprinkles, the two shared a sugar sweet kiss for the camera. We bid them goodbye, excited as ever to go home and take a peek at their brilliant wedding gallery.

Congratulations to Courtney and Jason! You breathed fresh new life into one of our favorite Charleston venues, and we thank you for that!

Photography: Kai & Tim; Kailee DiMeglio Photography
Wedding Planner: Mod Events
Hair & Makeup: Silhouette on Site
Music: Lowcountry Entertainment
Florist: Mod Events
Caterer: PPHG
Invitation, Paper Goods, and Calligraphy: Palm Prints
Rentals: Snyder