SYDNEY & EDWARD
Long Cove Club
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
JUNE 24, 2017
THE PROPOSAL: Edward Hitchcock, who met Sydney Clark while attending college in New York City, was set to propose while on a family vacation in Hawaii. But an oncoming rain storm accelerated his original plans and he knew his window to pop the question was shrinking. He rushed Sydney to join him fishing—one of their favorite pastimes—where he asked for her hand in marriage as a sea-faring spectator looked on. “A sea turtle swam up as soon as it was over,” remembers Sydney of the magical afternoon.
THE VENUE: Long Cove Club on Hilton Head Island had long been a favorite getaway for Sydney and her family. Over the years, she had shared the special spot with Ed, making it the first and only venue they even considered. “When we lived in New York, Ed and I would often make the 14-hour drive to Hilton Head just for a couple of days,” recalls Sydney. “We have so many memories of Long Cove and it felt like the perfect place to bring our friends and family together from across the country.”
THE AESTHETIC: Thanks to its natural setting and creekside views, the coastal terrain effortlessly made way for the couple’s theme of casual elegance—a theme that Jen Leiti of Embellished Events translated into a timeless celebration with a coastal color palette of neutrals and mossy green, fitting of the laidback scenery.
THE GOWN: Sydney matched the easygoing vibe in a custom, lace Modern Trousseau gown that she paired with a half up-do and smoky eye which, to her surprise, impressively endured the Lowcountry humidity. Her bridesmaids were tasked with finding their own dress—an undertaking they knocked out of the park—in shades of blush, gold or champagne. With each girl allowed to choose a style and design of her preference, the end result was a combination of assorted dresses ranging from sequined and modern silhouettes to floral prints.
THE INVITATIONS: Lowcountry Paper Co. introduced the guest list to the picturesque scene to come by way of custom watercolor save the dates. The stationery featured a coastal backdrop from a rocking chair viewpoint. Shortly before the main event, guests received a refined paper suite with a matching marsh-inspired envelope liner.
THE CEREMONY: The couple opted to connect prior to the ceremony to ensure a few meaningful moments together. Not to mention, it meant Sydney’s hair and makeup would be in tip-top shape for pre-ceremony portraits. The amateur anglers picked the Docks at Long Cove Club as their ceremony site—one of their favorite fishing spots on the Broad Creek—where a floral encrusted oak tree served as the natural altar.
THE RECEPTION: “Jen Leiti from Embellished Events absolutely nailed the décor,” recalls Sydney. “She enhanced our vision to make the venue into an absolute dream!” The overall design covered two separate spaces, both indoor and outdoor, where guests were welcome to mingle throughout. Outside, scalloped umbrellas sat on the lawn to shade guests from the summer sun. Khaki striped linens covered the tables which were surrounded by white X-back chairs for a chic, preppy look. Cocktail hour treated guests to a whiskey bar, oyster samplings, and pimento cheese deviled eggs as the crowd socialized and fished in the lagoon. The couple’s specialty drinks—The Red Drum (a half shot of Gentleman Jack with a beer chaser) and Sweet Carolina (Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka and lemonade)—were a refreshing opportunity to get the party started.
Inside, the neutral color palette continued with textured linens, natural chairs and cozy lounge furniture. Long farm tables, reserved for the bridal party and close family members, were decorated with fragrant garlands of seeded eucalyptus, tall candles, and oyster shells. Centerpieces of pink roses, white hydrangeas, blush peonies and lamb’s ear topped the remaining reception tables, completing the whimsical design.
Venue: Long Cove Club ll Photographer: Landon Jacob Productions ll Event Planning, Design & Welcome Bags: Embellished Events ll Floral Design: Branches of Hilton Head ll Gown: Modern Trousseau ll Bridesmaids Dresses: Assorted Designers, Robes by Pretty Plum Sugar ll Hair & Makeup: Christine Stephens ll Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse ll Cake: Brown Sugar Custom Cakes ll Rentals: Amazing Event Rentals, Ooh! Events ll Invitations: Lowcountry Paper Co. ll Ceremony Music: Dominique Geer of Hilton Head Entertainment ll Band: The Royals via EastCoast Entertainment ll Photo Booth: Chic Booth ll Transportation: Old Savannah Tours ll Videographer: Withers Films ll Officiant: Rev Dr. Dan Hogan
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