This southern wedding overlooking the Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina is so charming and pretty! I am in love with Tess + Rob’s choice of venue, the Lowndes Grove Plantation…as Tess explains, ‘with the breathtaking views of the water and the charm of the property it epitomizes the many reasons why we love the South.’ Don’t miss the tasteful mix of elegant meets rustic decor throughout this couples tented reception or my favorite, Tess’s really exquisite Monique Lhuillier gown called ‘Sunday Rose’. This dress looks like it was made for today’s featured bride designed in ivory silk satin organza featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline, pleated bodice, and rose embroidered a-line skirt. Enjoy!
Tess + Rob | September 24, 2011 | Lowndes Grove Plantation, Charleston, SC
The Ceremony
Our ceremony took place on the front lawn of the beautiful, quintessential southern mansion at Lowndes Grove overlooking the Ashley River. My husband and I met and fell in love in Charleston, SC and we knew we would eventually get married there. Lowndes Grove was the perfect location for us to get married; with the breathtaking views of the water and the charm of the property it epitomizes the many reasons why we love the South.
The Reception
Our reception was also at Lowndes Grove and immediately followed the ceremony. We wanted our wedding to embrace the South, particularly since many of our guests were from out of town. Our guests were transported to the venue prior to the ceremony by trolleys. We had a cocktail party with a jazz band playing on the balcony and passed hors d’oeuvres of fried green tomatoes and other southern inspired fare. Our signature drink, a ginger-apple mojito, was served in mason jars. Dinner and dancing took place in a tent draped with white fabric and lined with chandeliers. For dinner, the rustic wood tables were adorned with burlap runners, candles, and organic arrangements of white and plum colored flowers. There were flare bartenders tossing bottles and juggling at the bar and a cigar roller to entertain those guests not on the dance floor. We even had late night fare with mini corn dogs, chicken biscuits, and root beer float shooters. It was a pretty incredible night!
Tess’s Dress Search
My parents, sister, and I went to Kleinfeld’s in NYC and were really just planning for me to try on a few dresses to get a sense of what I liked. While waiting for our appointment, I was flipping through a magazine and the first page I opened up to featured the ‘Sunday Rose’ gown by Monique Lhuillier. That was the one! We bought it the same day.
How Tess Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Beautiful, Timeless, Distinctive
Why Tess Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
It would be a shame for a dress this beautiful to only be worn once! This dress is so fabulous and I know it will make someone else’s day just as special as mine was.
