Fly Home Married {Destination Wedding Contest}

Ok, so how does this sound?  Reserve your dream Charleston, Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach wedding venue (think Lowndes Grove, Hibernian Hall, Cassique, William Aiken...the list goes on!), buy your fabulous gown, one that will make any Southern bride swoon, book your plane tickets and then...FLY HOME MARRIED!  Not bad, eh?

Well, you're in luck.  Nathan Peel Photography has rounded up a group of truly talented vendors to offer you the destination wedding of your dreams and all you have to do is enter (check out the rules below).  That's it. But don't wait, the deadline is this Friday, February 17th.  So, get crackin'to win your free Lowcountry wedding!

The lucky couple will receive...

Photography – Nathan Peel Photography ($8500 value)

• 12 hours of coverage on your wedding day by 1 photographer
• Day After Session for perfect couple/bridal portraits
• 10 spread leather album
• Digital Negative DVD of wedding and portrait session
• Up to $1500 paid travel budget for photographer

Stationery – Five Dot Design ($1000 value)

• A credit will be applied to the final balance of your wedding stationery package.
• This can be used towards Save the Dates, your invitation suite, reception pieces like programs, favors and thank you notes.

Planning – Blue Dahlia Events ($750 value)

• 3 sessions of expert planning advice to assist you with your destination wedding planning: budget, style + design, travel, timeline, etc.

Makeup - Brideface ($125 value)

• Custom DIY makeup consult to help you create two looks.
• *if couple isn’t local or plans to hire an artist on location then a gift basket with product of equal value will be sent.

$10,000 toward the destination wedding of your dreams…not too bad, huh?

Here’s how to enter:

Round 1:

1. Send an email to contest@nathanpeelphoto.com. Round 1 entries will be accepted through email only. All Facebook, Twitter, blog comments, etc will be disregarded.
2. Include couple’s names, wedding date, wedding location and wedding venue. (A booked wedding venue and date will be valued highly.)
3. Include a 100-200 word blurb (keep it short!) about you guys as a couple. We’re looking for insight into your personality.
4. All Round 1 entries must be received by noon on February 17, 2012.

Round 2:

1. 10 finalists will be selected and contacted by February 18, 2012.
2. Finalists will be asked to submit a picture and a short description of their wedding.
3. Voting will be opened to the public via online poll.
4. Voting will close at noon March 1, 2012. The finalists with the most votes wins.

Fine Print:

1. All finalists will be selected by Nathan Peel Photography.
2. A wedding will be considered as a “destination” wedding at the sole discretion of the photographer.
3. If you have already contracted a photographer please consider your contractual obligations before entering.
4. Current NPP couples are not eligible.
5. Votes will be handled via secure online poll.
6. Photographer travel will include 1 coach plane ticket, 3 nights of lodging on site, transportation and food.
7. If $1500 budget is exceeded the winning couple will be responsible for extra expense.
8. Wedding date availability will be taken into consideration when selecting finalists.
9. To protect the integrity of the contest wedding vendors above reserve the right to disqualify any entry at any time

Terrilyn + Scott {Naples Wedding}

The Charleston area is home to countless destination weddings every year.  Couples are drawn to the city's rich history, timeless beauty, heavenly food and the indescribable Lowcountry ease. A certain excitement and build up comes with a destination wedding, not just from the bride and groom, but the guests as well. From the save-the-dates and weather to the local cuisine and stunning scenery, a destination wedding is a memorable occasion for all involved! Destination photographers Luminaire Foto sent over Terrilyn + Scott's fabulous destination affair at the swanky Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida and we just couldn't wait to post it.  Terrilyn was glowing in her strapless gown and makeup from Hope Henderson Artistry that she accessorized with pearl jewelry and a gorgeous bouquet.  They used a vibrant palette of pinks and oranges that seemed very fitting of their palm tree rich venue.  Guests were treated to a sweet outdoor ceremony followed by a dazzling reception with amazing decor, lively entertainment from RW Music and a killer cake!

 Southern Wedding Vendors

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, Naples  /  Photographer: Luminaire Foto  /  Makeup Artist: Hope Henderson Artistry  /  Entertainment: RW Music

Southern Weddings {Boutonnieres}

I consider myself a decent speller, but the word 'boutonniere' throws me every time...so, I usually just stick with the term 'bouts'.  A 'bout' is simple and cute (it comes from the French term 'buttonhole') and doesn't put my spelling ability to the test...problem solved!  You'll usually find them as a single bud, sometimes a gathering of 2-3, adorned with leaves or foliage and secured by a simple ribbon.  The color scheme of a bout ties in seamlessly with the rest of the wedding and tends to match the bride's bouquet.  We've collected Part II (see Part I here!) of our favorites that range from modern to vintage and simple to ornate.  Don't you just love how these little guys perfectly accessorize our Southern fellas.

Image via Once Wed

Image via Paige Winn 

 

Image via Ruffled and Style Me Pretty

Image via Inspired Bride

 

Image via Honey and Poppies 

Images via Ruffled and Style Me Pretty

Image via Style Me Pretty

Images via Desi Baytan Photography and Melissa Schollaert Photography

 

Image via Tara Guerard

 

Image via Anna Be Bridal Boutique

Images via Style Me Pretty

 

Image via The Knot

Image via Honey and Poppies 

 

Images via Style Me Pretty Boutonniere from Sara York Grimshaw via Leigh Webber 

 

Images by Jose Villa via Style Me Pretty

 

A Lowcountry Wedding Vendor Giveaway!

 We are so thrilled and thankful for the amazing brides and vendors who have been overly supportive of  A Lowcountry Wedding.  Your support has allowed us to grow tremendously this past year and we can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for us!  Over the past few months, we've been working hand-in-hand with the talented Sarah Kate Snyder of Studio Snyder to develop an amazing new site for A Lowcountry Wedding, that, fingers crossed, should be ready to go live in just a few weeks.  (Seriously, it's so awesome it tends to keep me up at night!)  So, as a way of saying thanks to all of our supportive vendors we're giving away blog tiles to {3} randomly selected Lowcountry Wedding Professionals!  The winners will be receive a free tile on ALW for 3 months.  How awesome is that!? 

 Image via Joe Hendricks Photography

To enter, simply leave us some love!  

Drop us a line either here on ALW, our Facebook page or tweet us at @alowcountrywed telling us you're entering the A Lowcountry Wedding Vendor Giveaway!  The giveaway is open to any Lowcountry area wedding vendor and ends Friday, December 16th at 5:00 pm.  We'll select {3} random winners that will be announced Monday, December 19th.  

Best of luck! 

Image via Monica Day Photography

...and Brides, don't worry, we haven't forgotten about you!  You're up next :)

Catherine + Michael {Savannah Wedding}

Before we get to today's Southern wedding, I just wanted to remind all of our Lowcountry vendors to check back later this afternoon for our big giveaway!  Catherine + Michael wed this past June at the charming Mackey House in the Savannah Lowcountry. Photographed by the talented Chris Isham, this effortless wedding boasted a classic Southern color palette of pink, green and white that the team at Kiwi Fleur translated perfectly into some stunning florals...just check out Catherine's bouquet!  Peonies and orchids? Yes, please!  Catherine looked timeless in her lace wedding gown with hair swept up.  In her shoe she carried a silver sixpence to complete the "Something Old, Something New..." poem.  The duo opted to see each other prior to the ceremony and the combination of the adorable pair and the picturesque backdrop made for some seriously frame-able images.  

Oh, and just in case you're wondering, that's Dave from Lady A, it's Michael's brother...

 

 

 

Lowcountry Wedding Vendors

photographer: chris isham photography  /  caterer: chef nick mueller & company  /   

florist: kiwi fleur  /  reception venue: the mackey house

A Lowcountry Wedding blog featuring Charleston Weddings, Hilton Head Weddings, Myrtle Beach Weddings, Southern Weddings

Southern Weddings {Cakes}

It's no secret I'm a big fan of Pinterest and while most days it's my favorite way to procrastinate, I have to say it's the best tool for anyone planning a big ol' Lowcountry wedding.  It's the online version of ripping out pages from your favorite Southern wedding magazine and stowing them away in a binder...basically, it's wedding heaven.  So, every once in awhile I feel like I've compiled so many beautiful images that I just have to share.  My Pinterest is bursting at the seems! Well, today I'm sharing Part II of some of my favorite cakes (see Part I) that will be just perfect for any Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach or Charleston wedding.  Hope you enjoy!

Image via Salt Harbor

Image via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Image via Wedding Chicks 

 

Image via Brides

Image via Sweet and Saucy Shop

Image by Mark Joseph Cakes via Martha Stewart Weddings 

 

Image via Cynthia Martyn

Image via Style Unveiled

 

Images via Luxe Finds and Project Wedding

Image via  Kristen Marie Photography

Image via Once Wed

Image via Bridal Snob

Image by Kelly Cakes via Style Me Pretty

Image via M. Robin Cakes

James + Nicole {Myrtle Beach Wedding}

Happy Friday!  Today we're sharing James + Nicole's sunny Myrtle Beach wedding from destination photographer Christi Falls.  With a few hiccups in the hours leading up to the wedding (Nicole's dress was soaked when the sprinklers went off in her room!), the couple lucked out with amazing wedding day weather and even more importantly, a dry dress.  Their heartfelt oceanside ceremony perfectly represented the laidback couple.  They continued the party with their closest family and friends at the beautiful Hilton Myrtle Beach where guests enjoyed a good time and a serious candy bar!

Vendors

photographer: christi falls photography  /  venue: hilton myrtle beach

Diana + Stephen {Grande Dunes Wedding}

Gillian Reinhardt of Carolina Studios has a way with the camera.  She always does an amazing job of capturing the emotions that come with a wedding.  I'm not sure if it's luck or what, but she tends to work with the most adorable couples...and Diana + Stephen are no different!  This fun loving couple let their personalities shine through in their vibrant summer wedding.  With a lively red and blue color palette, they said 'I do' this past July at the fabulous Grande Dunes Member Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  

Bride Diana was kind enough to give us a little more detail on her perfect wedding day...

Tell us a little bit about how you met your husband.  How long have you known each other? Where did you meet?

Stephen and I met in back in 2008 when I moved here and started singing in the worship band at Carolina Forest Community Church. Stephen has an amazing talent on the drums, and we grew to be really close as we grew in our faith and friendship over the next 2 years or so leading up to the beginning of our relationship.

Why did you choose to have A Lowcountry Wedding?

I love it here, and all my friends and my church family are here. Stephen is one of the few proud natives of Myrtle Beach, with much of his family living nearby, so it seemed like a no-brainer for us!

How did he propose?  How long were you engaged for? 

Poor Stephen’s plans to propose were foiled several times! He was supposed to come up to visit me on my Christmas visit to my parents’ house in New York. Of course, the day he was supposed to fly up, a huge snow storm hit, and he got stuck in Myrtle Beach. After a couple of days in airports and frantically looking for alternate flights, he finally made it – but only for a 24 hour visit! A whirlwind of meeting family members and a long night of waiting for his lost baggage later, we were on our way back to Myrtle Beach – the ring still in his pocket! He decided to propose at the start of the New Year, but he did not want to do it in a way that I would expect. So, after the New Year’s Eve party, when we had arrived back at home all spiffed up, he caught me off guard putting things away in my room. He put his arms around me, told me how much he treasured me, and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! We were engaged for 7 months.

Out of the entire day, what was the most memorable moment?

There are so many! But I’d have to say the highlight was when I turned down the aisle to the lyrics, “You make beautiful things out of the dust, you make beautiful things out of us,” by Michael Gungor Band. Stephen’s eyes immediately started welling up with tears, and I just savored every step down that aisle. Our whole ceremony was really personal. We didn’t share it with anyone but our pastor until the day of.

What’s your favorite picture from your wedding? (Please attach to this email.)

We have so many favorites, thanks to our amazing photographer and DJ who made the night incredible! But one of our favorites is of us holding a picture frame around our cake with the picture perfect cake topper. Our baker made a delicious and beautiful cake worthy of framing, and our photographer put a beautiful color effect on the picture that actually makes it look like we’re holding a piece of art! Another favorite was a picture of us kissing with our entire bridal party sprinting past us toward the camera. It came out amazing, and captures the hilarious nature of our wedding party!

How did you choose your venue? What elements drew you to venue?

We were drawn to The Members Club at the Grande Dunes for so many reasons! Stephen loves the ornate chandeliers and formal feel, and I adored the covered veranda, the rich golden colors, and the natural light provided by so many windows. We also love all patterns and things Italian, so the fact that it’s in a neighborhood called Tuscany was a huge plus!

Your wedding was filled with gorgeous details.  Did any have special meaning? What was your favorite?

Red and blue are both of our favorite colors, and we both like to be a little unconventional, so the bold color combo suited us well. It also lent to the beautiful crystal ladybug I had on the stem of my bouquet, which was a little touch my mom added. She always called me ladybug growing up. Our theme of “picture perfect” was fitting, because I am always taking too many pictures for his liking. Two of our favorite details were the funny snapshots of us holding the table numbers, and the large picture frame that mirrored our cake topper. The cake topper was the whole inspiration for the theme. It was all very traditional with a little quirky edge!

Tell us a little bit about your menu.  Did you add any Lowcountry elements?

We loved our menu! We had lots of different elements, including prime rib, broccoli alfredo, and chicken marsala. It was all delicious, and since we served our meal family style, everyone got to try a bit of everything!

Favorite # 2...

Looking back on your engagement and wedding, is there any advice you would give to brides in the planning process?

Be organized from the beginning so you don’t get stressed out! There are so many beautiful choices for venues, fashion, and vendors here. Just be true to your and your husband’s heart of hearts, and remember to be excited for not just the wedding but the rest of the life that comes afterward!

Myrtle Beach Wedding Vendors

photographer: carolina studios by gillian reinhardt  /  floral designer:  flowers in the forest  /   reception venue: grande dunes members club  /  dress store:  david's bridal  /   cake designer: cake my day  /  dj: myrtle beach djs  /  transportation: carolina limos

Charleston Weddings {Shoes}

Who doesn't want/need a fabulous pair of shoes for their trip down the aisle?  Hidden beneath your luxurious gown, everyone will be dying to catch a glimpse of how you've selected to stylishly outfit your tootsies for the day.   Your choice of footwear is your chance to have a little fun with your wedding day attire. Whether they're flats or heels, a matching vibrant hue or seriously bedazzled, there's reason not to liven up your wedding with some showstopping shoes.

Image via Style Me Pretty

 

Image via Baked Goods and Bridal Bouquets

Image via Kristen Marie Photography

Images via Jesse Leake Photography and Julie Afflerbaugh Photography Image via Anne Marie Photography

 

Image via Veil and Bow and Amy Wellenkamp

Image via Jeff Sampson Photography

Image via Karen Wise Photography

Image via Matchbook Magazine

Image via Jessica Smith Photography

 

Image via Judy Pak Photography

Image via Corbin Gurkin

Image via Adam Barnes Fine Art Photography

Image via Haley Sierra Wedding Photography

 

Image via Ethan Yang Photography

Image via Scobey Photography

Image via Rochelle Mort Photography

Image via Studio Impressions

Which one's your fav?

Patricia + Josh {Galveston, Texas Engagement}

I know everyone says that on your wedding day it's all about you but it's not...and I don'tnecessarily think it should be.  It's about you, your hubby-to-be and your families.  It's about celebrating bringing two families together and also making your own.  That's why I love when couples incorporate their kids (or pets!) into their engagement sessions.  With the help of Love Caryn Photography, this sweet duo, Patricia + Josh, took to Stewart Beach in Galveston, Texas bright and early to take advantage of the perfect morning light.  With them, they brought

their beautiful twin girls and darling 7 month old baby boy for a timeless family affair.

Jill + Ron {San Francisco Engagement}

We're kicking off today with a classic California Engagement Session from JC Page Photography. The couple, Jill + Ron , chose one of San Francisco's most popular attractions, the beautiful Japanese Tea Gardens in the Golden Gate Park.  The Tea Gardens are home to stunning monuments, gorgeous bridges and exquisite native Japanese plants and ponds...all of which Jill + Ron made sure to take  complete advantage of.

Can we talk about how amazing that last shot is?