Follow us to Kiawah Island’s River Course, a coastal oasis suitable for the modern-day Southern Gatsby. This peaceful landscape is rich with far-reaching views of the Kiawah River, an elite golf course and a fabulous clubhouse fit for unforgettable parties. One can understand why this venue was a no-brainer for our newlyweds of the hour, Colby and Bobby. These college sweethearts got engaged during a sentimental visit at the University of Richmond and within 24 hours were on the books for an October wedding at the River Course. So grab a glass of prosecco because we have our eyes set on a golden October sunset and the best oysters in town!
We found Colby all smiles with her bridesmaids making merry at Kiawah’s Cassique Clubhouse. The bridesmaids looked cozy-cute in their olive leaf loungewear and Colby in her white eyelet set. We stepped outside to sip in the invigorating October air and popped a bottle of prosecco on the limestone. Everyone was overjoyed about the beautiful day and yearning to see Colby in her dress. With her mom at her side, she stepped into her strapless A-line gown and powder blue bow heels. Colby’s mom, in her iridescent silver gown, took her sweet time fastening the bustle and savoring the moment with her daughter. Colby stood in her perfectly fitted Louvienne dress and read a letter from her soon-to-be-hubby. She opened a promising velvet jewelry box and melted when she found a diamond tennis bracelet. Her sage green bridesmaids gathered around with their eyes closed as Colby flashed an amused smile back at us. The girls opened their eyes and screamed at the sight of Colby in her bridal glory. They gathered in for a group hug and sent her off with lots of love for her first look.
Bobby stood at ease under the shade of a moss-laden oak tree waiting for his bride. He looked dapper in his classic black tux and Brackish bow tie with green accents. Colby was grinning ear to ear as she approached him, her slit skirt and fitted bodice making a lovely silhouette in the background. The two laid eyes on each other for the first time and fell into a weepy embrace. Bobby did a 360-degree trot around Colby taking note of every beautiful detail. They read their heartfelt letters to one another as the coastal flora and fauna hummed peacefully around them. Colby grabbed her monochrome bouquet and posed for some gorgeous bridal portraits as Bobby swooned in the background. Colby admired her groom as he smiled proudly and showed off his immaculate cufflinks engraved with the date and “C & B.” The couple joined hands and strolled about the property making their way toward the clubhouse for bridal portraits. The groomsmen sent out a roar of excitement when they saw the gorgeous bride and groom. Like one big family, the guys huddled around Bobby giving him all the support he needed for his big day. The elegant bridesmaids in sage gowns floated towards them and surrounded their beaming bride with joyful smiles and love. Ready for their big moment, the wedding party retreated to the clubhouse as the excited guests arrived on site.
The guests were enthusiastic to find their seats in such a timeless scene of Southern romance. A magnificent oak tree towered over them creating a blanket of shade and an inviting ambiance. Two mirroring arrangements teeming with white hydrangeas and garden roses sat on a natural wood console at the top of the aisle. Evoking teary eyes, the procession came up the aisle to The Lion King’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (Colby’s favorite childhood film). The bridesmaids floated towards the arbor like a dream, their green gowns complementing the soft tones of the natural landscape. Sending a gasp over the audience, Colby rounded the corner with her angelic veil covering her face. Bobby stood with grace and resolve, making zero attempt to conceal his emotions as Colby advanced towards him. Colby’s father gently removed the veil from her face and wrapped her in a warm hug before giving her away to Bobby. Lost in each other’s eyes, the couple held hands while the officiant led everyone through a time stopping ceremony. Madly in love, the couple shared their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Piluso and sent the crowd in a jovial roar. (At this moment Colby’s sister set the time on a personalized pocket watch and gifted it to the couple later that night.)
The guests strolled about the manicured lawn overlooking the River Course as the October sun painted golden light on their faces. The bistro tables were covered in green toile linens with roses and ranunculus blooming from the center. Two scalloped umbrellas shaded a miniature boat marked “167 Raw” full of what Bobby and Colby would consider “the best oysters in town.” The guests sipped their libations while scanning the seating chart, each of their names associated with watercolor pictures of Kiawah’s flora and fauna. Eager to see their vision come to life, Colby and Bobby joined us in the clubhouse for a peek at their gorgeous reception. Soft pastel and white florals blossomed from every surface illuminated by pink taper candles and twinkling tea lights. Green Italian ruscus wrapped around white columns accentuating the sage linens and bespoke menus. The spacious and airy room breathed effortless elegance. Colby’s mom stood aside dabbing her cheeks while the awe-struck couple took in the scene.
Ready to get the party started, the elated guests found their seats and fixed their sights on center stage for the couple’s first dance. Colby and Bobby strutted through the crowd taking in the beaming faces of all their favorite people. They swayed and rocked between laughter and tears, enraptured by a world of their own. Colby’s father took to the mic to extend a gracious welcome and recall his favorite memories of his daughter. More speakers followed behind, evoking laughter and tears from everyone in the hall. Colby, famous for disliking the texture of bread, reluctantly took a bite of her wedding cake while her friends cheered her on. With the music bumping and stemless espresso martinis in circulation, everyone was ready to show off their dance moves. Surrounded by grandparents, parents and siblings, Bobby and Colby sang along to their favorite songs at the top of their lungs. The dance floor remained full of energy and smiles until the last song when Queen City Band invited the couple on stage to sing “Wagon Wheel.” The two felt like rockstars as they looked out at a sea of their biggest fans.
It couldn’t have been a more perfect day – and the best it still yet to come! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Piluso!
Photography: Kailee DiMeglio Photography
Wedding Planner: A Charleston Bride
Venue: The River Course
Hair & Makeup: Paper Dolls
Florist: Festoon
Officiant: Vance Polley
Videographer: Knotted Arrow
Ceremony Music: Palmetto Strings
Reception Entertainment: Queen City Band
Oysters: 167 Raw
Catering & Bar: The River Course
Cake: Cassique
Invitation Suite/Day of Paper: Studio R
Rentals: Curated Events White Birch BBJ La Tavola Nuage
Bridal Assistant: Cacky’s Bride Aid
