When we sat down to start brainstorming for the premier issue of A Lowcountry Wedding magazine, we knew some Hilton Head weddings HAD to grace the pages. So, when Christine + Derek's Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort bash made it's way to our inbox we immediately knew this Landon Jacob creation was the perfect fit. The beautiful couple, Christine + Derek hail from Chicago and decide Hilton Head was the perfect location to host their friends and family for their destination wedding. We adore Christine's effortless pink color palette, gorgeous dress and the adorable little ones who joined in on the party. Dying to see more?! Check out all the details in our complete digital edition of A Lowcountry Wedding Mag which you check out here!
What made you choose your venue? What elements drew you to it?
We’re both from Chicago, and it’s still freezing here in March. So we wanted to pick somewhere warm, on the beach, and somewhere neither of us had been before, which is how we picked Hilton Head. The minute we saw the Shorehouse at the Omni Resort, we knew it was the place we wanted to be married at. It just had this beautiful, romantic, laid back, and cozy feel to it. It was steps away from the beach, tucked away from the rest of the resort, and in the midst of the palmettos and moss-covered trees that I love so much.
The venue itself was also versatile. We had both our wedding and reception on site. The ceremony was in the uncovered section so we could take full advantage of the sunlight and beautiful scenery, and since it cooled down significantly in the evening, the reception was in a covered area of the Shorehouse. We had the fireplace and heating lamps going so the guests wouldn’t be too chilled.
Tell us all about the details! Did any have special meaning? What was your favorite?
There were a few parts of the ceremony that had special meaning:
As a nod to our Filipino culture, we incorporated the tradition of the veil and cord ceremonies. Two sponsors are chosen to be veil sponsors and two cord sponsors. At the designated time during the ceremony, the veil sponsors first covered us in a veil (over my head and around Derek's shoulder), symbolizing our union and being "clothed as one" in unity. After that the cord sponsors wrapped a cord around us, which symbolizes our bond; that we are no longer two but one in our new life as a couple.
Derek's sister, Johanna, has a beautiful voice, and performed a song for us called "I Will Be There."
We had wanted to have our mothers light a unity candle at the beginning of the ceremony, but it was a little breezy so even in a hurricane, the candles wouldn't stay lit. So at the last minute, we decided to go with unity sand instead. And instead of buying colored sand, we used sand which we collected from the nearby dunes, which actually made it more meaningful for both of us. The bottle of sand sits in our living room, and we always look at it and remember our special day and South Carolina!
I think the most meaningful detail for us was our unconventional guest book. And although I can't take credit for the original idea (I found a picture on Pinterest), it turned out great. I hand painted a large picture of a tree with many leaves, and two birds sitting on a branch. Beneath the tree were our names and wedding date. I framed it and it was displayed on an easel during the ceremony and reception. Each guest signed a leaf and some even left well wishes. Although we haven't done it yet, we plan on hanging it in our condo not only as a reminder of all the people who were able to share our special day, but also a unique piece of art.
Tell us a little bit about how you met your husband…
We met at work through a mutual friend and co-worker. My friend and I are runners, and we like to train during our lunch hour. She introduced us during one of our lunch workouts, and we invited him to run with us. That’s how we started talking, and about 2 months later we started dating. The rest is history!
How did he propose? How long were you engaged for?
We were in Ireland for one of my best friend’s wedding and were sightseeing with at the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare on a cloudy morning. As we were looking out over the ocean, there was a break in the clouds and the sun peeked out for a few minutes. It was then that he got down on one knee and proposed. I was so completely surprised, I had no idea it was coming at all! Our best friends were there with us and were able to capture the moment on camera. We were engaged for 7 months.
Out of the entire day, what was the most memorable moment?
For Derek: Seeing Christine for the first time in her dress walking down the aisle. For Christine: Saying our vows and dedicating our lives to each other. It was such a sweet and humbling moment.
What’s your favorite picture from your wedding and why?
During the reception, we got all his high school/childhood buddies together for a picture. Unbeknownst to me they all started doing different silly poses. When I realized what they were doing, I joined in on the action, and Landon captured a pretty hilarious picture of us all. We love it so much because it just captures everyone's personalities so perfectly in one unplanned and silly shot.
Most valuable piece of advice you’d give to a newly engaged bride
Your wedding day goes by in a flash, so savor every moment that you can. And don't sweat the details! -- The most important thing is that you're marrying the love of your life.
Something old: Necklace and earrings from mother-in-law
Something new: Christian Louboutin heels!
Something borrowed: My friend's veil
Something blue: My purse, which was a gift from my friend, had a blue peacock on it.
Venue: The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort - ShoreHouse/ Caterer: Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort / Photographer: Landon Jacob Productions / Entertainment: DJ PAM Ghost/ Bridal Shop: David's Bridal / Florist & Cake: Aprons Event Planning at Publix/ A/V equipment: Advanced A/V Rentals/ Wedding Favors: rushIMPRINT/ Hair & Make-up: Ocean Tides Spa at the Omni / Invitations: Wedding Shop by Shutterfly / Officiant: Pastor Scott Arnold
- Find Hilton Head wedding venues here...