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THE JOURNAL

Petals & Pearls: A Lavish Lowndes Grove Wedding with a Petal Bar and Oyster-Inspired Reception

Spring has swept through Charleston and is basking our love-struck couples in golden sunlight, fresh air and fragrant blooms — and could there be a better place to celebrate the splendor of springtime romance than Lowndes Grove? We invite you to swoon with us over Maddie Grace and Jake’s luminous blue and gold seaside wedding. Brimming with tear-jerking moments and personal touches, this wedding had our hearts inspired and our cameras clickin’ away.

Looking fabulous in her silk loungewear with marabou trim, Maddie Grace and her bridesmaids cozied up on the porch for a wedding day toast. Bubbling like champagne, the girls waited outside the bridal suite anticipating Maddie Grace’s wedding dress reveal. Amidst the crown molding, pink walls and French blue drapes, Maddie Grace looked like a queen at home in her historic mansion. Her dramatic plunging lace corset with off-the-shoulder sleeves hugged her silhouette perfectly, tied together by a sophisticated pearl necklace. Stunned by her beauty, the girls declared that Jake would soon lose his mind (they were right!).

Standing at the riverside, in his finest daytime suit, Jake waited for his bride. With a salty breeze cascading around them, she grabbed his hand and turned him to face her. Overcome by the picture of his beautiful bride, weepy tears formed in his eyes. He slowly circled her so he could capture her details and hold them in his memory forever. As the two joined hands to read their vows, an Air Force plane flew over the venue. Jake, an Air Force pilot, grabbed Maddie Grace’s hand and looked up at the sky to savor the kismet moment. 

Facing a row of ancient oak trees growing along the perimeter of the waterfront property, the guests found their seats on elegant white garden chairs. Gushing at the romantic petal bar, guests scooped soft white petals from glass vases into cups to toss at the newlyweds. Looking dapper as ever in his gray suit and dusty blue tie, Jake greeted his guests with a warm smile as he walked down the aisle. The bridesmaids in their billowing blue dresses and white bouquets followed behind. Emerging from the mansion onto the lush lawn, Maddie Grace and her father made their way towards Jake. Standing by the wooden cross woven with a floral centerpiece, the couple joined hands as the entire wedding party began to sing “Amazing Grace.” Hearing their voices and feeling the support of their loved ones, the couple was moved to tears. Looking into each other’s eyes, they declared their lifelong vows, sealed the covenant with a kiss, and turned a new page as Mr. and Mrs. Neidbalski.

Taking in the heavenly scenery, the charmed guests strolled about, dining on oysters and mouth-watering libations. Elated to have all of her best friends at her wedding, Maddie Grace thanked them for coming and embraced them in a big group hug. The precious flower girls gallivanted about in their angelic white dresses while the bride and groom’s families enjoyed the company of their newest family members. Stealing away on the dock for a romantic photoshoot, the couple snuggled in close, Jake’s gray suit and Maddie Grace’s dress contrasting brilliantly with the silver seascape and soft white sky.

Modeling the reception to look like the inside of a lustrous oyster, the rafters of the glass portico billowed with ethereal white linens. Elegant scroll chandeliers and dainty string lights sent a luminous glow around the dining room. Opulent tables adorned with blue serviettes, gold flatware and gilded bamboo chairs created tablescapes fit for royalty. Springtime florals with periwinkle buds and sprawling greenery bloomed on every immaculate surface. The bride’s father’s artwork showcased the bar’s signature drinks and the DJ booth was enclosed with sophisticated white tufted leather walls. Admiring the swoon-worthy spectacle, the guests sat at their seats delegated with ornate place cards on golden oysters. 

Like four dusty blue sprites, the bubbly bridesmaids came bouncing onto the dance floor, setting a high energy tone for the rest of the wedding party. The groomsmen in their gray suits and blue ties followed behind, rallying up the crowd with their silly choreography. Enamored as ever, Maddie Grace and Jake floated in, stealing the hearts of everyone in the room. Moving in sync, anticipating one another’s moves, they gracefully glided in each other’s arms. Happy as ever to see his bride radiating with joy,  Jake dipped and twirled Maddie Grace, finishing up their first dance on one knee, like he could propose to her again and again. 

Maddie Grace and Jake took their seats at their private sweetheart table, soaking in all of the loving words from her father as he welcomed Jake to the family. Enjoying a fabulously romantic dinner in the company of all of their favorite people in the world, they dined on braised short rib and risotto. The guests mingled amongst themselves, some stopping at the sweetheart table to visit the newlyweds before going to the dock to catch the sunset. Between laughter and tears, Maddie Grace’s maid of honor gave her speech, followed by a surprisingly tear-jerking best man speech. The couple hugged their friends and took to the mic to give their most sincere thanks to their beloved friends and family for such a beautiful evening.

Warming up the dance floor with all of their favorite songs, the DJ got everyone footloose. Unable to contain his excitement, Maddie Grace’s dad sang at the top of his lungs, passionately throwing his hands in the air. The flower girls twirled in their tulle dresses, giggling at all of their family members breaking it down together on the dance floor. Taking a moment to honor her mother and make her feel special and appreciated, Maddie Grace gifted her mom her bridal bouquet instead of tossing it to the guests. Tempted by the almost-too-perfect-to-taste macaron tower, Maddie Grace and Jake stole away to the dessert table for some sugar sweet treats and smooches. Holding one another close, they couldn’t imagine a more perfect way to spend their first day as Mr. and Mrs. Neidbalski.

Congratulations to the newlywed couple! It was such an honor to capture your special day!

Photography: Kailee & Tim Shields; Kailee DiMeglio Photography 
Venue: Lowndes Grove 
Wedding Planner: Carolina Occasions 
Hair & Makeup: Lashes & Lace 
Florist: Everything After the Ring 
Officiant: Dr. William Librizzi
Ceremony Music: Charleston Entertainment 
Reception Music: Bunn DJ 
Caterer: PPHG
Invitation/Paper Goods: Dodeline Design
Rentals: Snyder 
Linens: Nuage 

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