A Tropical Lowcountry Wedding with a Stormy Twist

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Pink, tangerine, yellow, sage green, and white.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Maggie and David’s late springtime wedding at Colleton River in Bluffton, South Carolina, was a vibrant celebration steeped in tropical details and whimsy. Every detail of their day was meticulously curated to evoke the playful charm of a garden party infused with lush, citrus-inspired accents, vibrant hues, and a touch of coastal sophistication. Working closely with the talented team at Swanson Signature Events, Maggie envisioned a design that would beautifully contrast the natural beauty of Colleton River’s landscape with a bold, lively palette.

The couple chose the main lawn by the clubhouse for their sunset ceremony, where the riverfront view provided a stunning natural backdrop. A dramatic 12-foot floral arch stood as the ceremony’s focal point, adorned with lush palm fronds and an array of white and pink roses. The aisle, delicately lined with rose petals, invited guests into an atmosphere of tropical romance and elegance. After the ceremony, guests flowed into cocktail hour on the clubhouse lawn, where they mingled under strands of café lights. Adirondack chairs and cocktail tables, draped in light pink silk linens and topped with crystal lights, created an inviting and intimate lounge-like setting as the sun set over the coastline.

As dusk settled, Maggie and David stole a few more moments for dreamy portraits on the lawn, capturing the very last bit of golden light before joining their guests for an evening of celebration. Inside, the reception space burst with color and vibrancy, featuring lush floral arrangements in bold pinks, oranges, and blues. Tablescapes incorporated fresh citrus displays, adding a refreshing, fragrant element that complemented the colorful blooms and linens in light pink, orange, and white. Large floral arrangements framed the band’s stage, seamlessly blending the reception decor with the lively dance floor where Maggie and David danced the night away with their loved ones. Every detail—from the bright citrus accents to the garden-inspired florals—created an unforgettable, joy-filled celebration perfectly suited to Maggie and David’s vision and the beautiful South Carolina venue.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]The couple both went to the same high school in Marietta, GA where Maggie was a freshman, and David was a senior. They met when they were both working at a local restaurant together, where David was a waiter and Maggie was a hostess in 2012. David was Maggies’ senior crush, but the two parted ways when David went off to college the following year. They reconnected in 2020 at the New Years Eve ball at the Georgia Aquarium, and have been together ever since!

In the spring of 2023, the two got engaged on the beach in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, accompanied by their sweet puppy, Oakley. It was fitting that the couple ended up back in the greater Hilton Head region for their wedding a year later! [/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]For her wedding day look, Maggie opted for a stylish, comfortable silk number from designer Danielle Frankel. Her cream-colored silk dress was in a bias-cut column silhouette, with a high neckline, and a low asymmetrical open back. A lace-edged cathedral length veil, worn by both of her sisters for their own wedding days, completed her modern, elegant look. A bright pink bridal bouquet of petite ranunculus perfectly complimented her all-white ensemble, while paying homage to her bright floral design and her bridesmaids donning the same hue of pink. Maggie chose to wear her hair up for her wedding day in a chic, low chignon that framed her face and veil perfectly. A pair of stylish, comfortable white leather heeled sandals from Margaux NY’s bridal line finished the whole ensemble![/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Fashion was at the very core of Maggie and her gals for their wedding day. Maggie desired a vibrant wedding party to accentuate the sprawling green lawns and waterfront views Colleton River provided, so her ladies all selected dresses in various shades, patterns, and textures of Barbie pink from designers such as Staud, Reformation, and Amsale.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]David and his groomsmen kept things classic in two piece tuxedos, finished with black bow ties, crisp white tuxedo shirts, and patent tuxedo shoes. Once their reception began, David opted to change into an off-white dinner jacket for the evening to change up his look! [/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]As the sun began to set over the horizon in Bluffton, their fashionable guests headed to cocktail hour on the main lawn, where they were treated to signature cocktails of an Aperol Spritz & and Espresso Martinis and passed hors d’oeuvres. The couple had asked their guests to don their most colorful cocktail attire for the wedding day, and their guests certainly showed up in vibrant style![/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Maggie’s vision for her Hilton Head wedding weekend was to create a blend of coastal nods and tropical, vibrant design! Hues of pink, white, tangerine, yellow, and sage green were woven throughout the wedding day, from the wedding party’s florals, to the ceremony, and to the vibrant reception. Working with the team at A Floral Affair, an overall design of garden party-inspired blooms, palm fronds, and monochromatic bouquets of ranunculus was created to bring Maggie’s vision to life.

The wedding party’s floral design featured a blend of classic design and subtle vibrancy. The bride held a bouquet of bright pink ranunculus, which stood out beautifully against her sleek off-white Danielle Frankel gown, adding a fresh pop of color to her look. The bridesmaids carried simple yet refined white bouquets of ranunculus, which complemented their dresses in varying shades of pink, from blush to bold fuchsia. These monochromatic arrangements created a cohesive aesthetic that unified the bridal party while allowing the bride’s bouquet to serve as the focal point.

The wedding ceremony took place outdoors on the main lawn against the riverfront landscape of the Colleton River property, framed by a grand floral arch. The arch was adorned with lush tropical greenery and palm fronds, and clusters of soft pink and white roses, creating a romantic focal point for the couple to exchange their vows underneath. The floral arrangement was balanced yet organic, with a mix of blooming roses and ferns that added texture and depth. White petals were scattered along the aisle, which was lined with simple white chairs for guests. Bridesmaids in pastel pink dresses added a cohesive touch to the soft color palette, contrasting with the groomsmen in classic black tuxedos. The overall aesthetic was elegant and timeless, blending natural beauty with a touch of sophistication.

Maggie and David’s wedding reception design featured a vibrant, fresh aesthetic with a tropical flair. Centerpieces included lush arrangements of coral peonies, pink ranunculus, orange spray roses, and accents of delicate purple blooms, creating a lively color palette. These florals were paired with tall, cylindrical glass candle holders containing white pillar candles, adding warmth and ambiance to the tablescape. Citrus fruits, including limes and oranges, were scattered among the florals, enhancing the tropical vibe and adding a playful touch. Each place setting was styled with woven chargers, crisp white plates, and soft creamsicle orange napkins tied elegantly to match the floral hues. This reception setup beautifully balanced elegance with a fun, fresh energy, perfect for a late springtime celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Maggie and David opted for a whimsical, all-white four-tiered wedding cake from local patisserie Custom Confections. The cake featured gorgeous fondant flower petals and leaves covered in a pearlescent finish that artfully wound up the side of the cake in a sweep. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Though the day started with perfect coastal weather, storm clouds quickly rolled in during portraits, forcing a last-minute scramble. The vendor team rushed to move cocktail hour indoors, but not everything – like the couple’s towering tropical floral arch – could be saved. As torrential rain and hurricane-force winds hit the venue head-on, Maggie and her bridesmaids belted out Frozen’s “Let It Go” from the bridal suite while part of the venue’s roof blew off into the road out front!

Once the storm passed, everyone pitched in to restore the ceremony site, retrieve the chairs from the marsh waters, and clear the roof’s rubble from the road so that guests could safely arrive. Miraculously, the floral arch managed to survive the rain and winds, having landed facedown in the lawn. As guests arrived and took their seats to the re-staged ceremony site, they were treated to one of the prettiest golden hours that spring. Maggie and David were married in a perfect golden glow in front of their friends & families under a 12′ tropical floral arch.[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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