Soft, simple and elegant traditional southern wedding with navy, gold and white at Gadsden House in Charleston, South Carolina

Savannah and Chandler began dating their junior year of high school. Technically high school sweethearts, but it wasn’t that simple. The two went their separate ways for college, which ultimately led to a break up. Eventually, Savannah transferred to Appalachian State where Chandler was attending, and they quickly found their way back to one another. 

Three years later, Chandler brought Savannah on a “work trip” he had to Washington, D.C. After some quick site seeing, the couple returned back to their hotel room to get ready for dinner and that’s when Chandler revealed he wasn’t there for work. Instead, her was there to propose and that’s exactly what he did at the moment.

The couple planned their intimate October wedding in an old historic home in Charleston that couldn’t have been more perfect. Their soft and simple, yet elegant neutral colored wedding had a very old “Charlestonian” theme thanks to the beauty and character of the venue. 

As soon as Savannah slipped into her one-of-a-kind custom made wedding dress, it all started to feel real. The dress was a long sleeve pearl beaded top with an open back attached to a silk skirt. It was elegant, simple and timeless all at the same time. She wore her hair down in curls with a cathedral veil. Talk about stunning. 

Guests arrived at the historic building and headed inside the house to take their seats for the ceremony. The room boasted an oversized crystal chandelier and a fireplace with a mantle that was decorated with a gold rimmed mirror, greenery and candles. 

Chandler took his place in front of the mantle, looking as handsome as ever in his also custom made outfit – a navy blue suit to complement the navy blue suits the groomsmen wore. The bridesmaids were also in matching, off the shoulder floor length navy gowns. They each carried an all white bouquet full of roses, lilies and freesias that matched the bride’s bouquet. 

All eyes turned down the aisle, guests rose to their feet and Savanah began to make her way down the aisle. It was the first moment the couple had seen each other all day and the anticipation was worth it. 

“We both agreed that we did not want to do a ‘first look’ and stick to the traditional reveal of a wedding because we wanted to keep the moment we saw each other at opposite ends of the aisle a special moment,” explained the bride. “After meeting eyes for the first time, the anticipation was worth it.”

The intimate ceremony was a traditional Protestant Christian ceremony and couldn’t have been any sweeter. With all of their family and friends in one room, it was everything the couple had hoped for. 

After the ceremony, guests gathered outside on the porch and enjoyed some classic Charleston hors d’oeuvres, like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it! The bar was stocked with the groom’s favorite beers and the bride’s favorite wines for the guests to enjoy. 

Once the newlyweds joined the group, everyone moved down to the patio and found their seats at one of the family style rectangular tables. The tables were lined with light grey table cloths, white napkins topped with gold silverware and handmade gold cursive place cards. The tables were lined with a variety of gold votive candles and a few simple flower arrangements in gold vases. There were brick walls, an ivory backdrop, white columns, palm trees and market lights surrounding the patio. The whole thing couldn’t have felt more Charleston if it tried. 

The couple shared a first dance together and then a traditional first dance with their respective parents. Then, they took their seats at the small head table with their best man and maid of honor to enjoy their first meal as husband and wife.

After dinner, they moved back inside to cut their simple two tiered cake. One tier was all white and the other was a marble design. It sat on top of a small white pedestal stand and was surrounded with greenery and more gold votives.

Then, the party got started. Even in her white satin Vince Camuto heels, Savannah could bust a move. In the end, their family and friends sent the couple off with a sweet sparkler send off.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

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