1. Real Weddings

A Summer Backyard Wedding at Alhambra Hall in Charleston, South Carolina

Molly Haselden (30 and a clinical pharmacist) and Charles Thompson (33 and a health-care administrator) had their backyard wedding at Alhambra Hall in

Molly Haselden (30 and a clinical pharmacist) and Charles Thompson (33 and a health-care administrator) had their backyard wedding at Alhambra Hall in Charleston, South Carolina, overlooking the Charleston Harbor. To have a summer wedding on the water in South Carolina, bug spray, sunglasses and fans were a must. Molly, with the help of her bridesmaids, assembled the custom-made fan programs for each guest to stay cool during the ceremony. Other members of Molly's family helped pitch in for the wedding. "My mom sewed custom table runners, and my cousin, who works at a floral shop, was able to order flowers from Sam's and create beautiful arrangements for the wedding," she says. For the wedding party, Molly and Charles tried to adhere to budget-friendly outfits, and they succeeded tenfold. Molly found gray suits on Overstock.com, and ordered each for only $100. The bridesmaids were able to choose from three dress styles and two shades of coral from the J.Crew bridesmaid line. "We got lucky and all ordered online during a 50-percent-off flash sale, so none of the dresses were over $100," says Molly. The cocktail hour and reception shined with Popsicles from King of Pops and a special "tap table" where guests could get craft beer in personalized glasses. With mini-chicken and waffles in to-go boxes as the late-night snack, guests danced the night away. "We had a seven-piece band playing all night, but the most special entertainment was when my husband, his father and brothers took over the stage to play a few songs together," Molly says. "The crowd went wild!"

Strapless White Wedding Dress With Sweetheart Neckline
Silver Wedding Rings
"I felt like all the other dresses I had tried were 'wearing me,' but the dress the bridal-shop owner selected let me take center stage," Molly says.
Groom Dressed in Navy Suit with Plaid Tie
Soft-Colored Rose Bridal Bouquet
Bride and Groom Smile During First Look
The bridesmaids were able to choose from three dress styles and two colors from the J.Crew bridesmaid line. "We got lucky and all ordered online during a 50-percent-off flash sale, so none of the dresses were over $100," Molly says.
Molly was able to order each suit on Overstock.com for only $100.
"My bridesmaids and I assembled fan programs for the outdoor ceremony that I printed at home," Molly says.
Groom Gazes at His Bride During the Processional
After ordering the flowers from Sam's, Molly's cousin, who works at a floral shop, was able to arrange breathtaking arrangements for the bouquets, ceremony decorations and centerpieces.
"Alhambra Hall overlooks Charleston Harbor, and since we both love Mount Pleasant, the location was perfect," Molly says.
Molly and Charles had two signature cocktails during their cocktail hour and reception: a strawberry-rhubarb mojito and a dixie whistle.
Guest Mad Libs Card
Molly's mother used different navy-and-white fabrics to custom-sew each table runner for the reception tables.
In addition to the wedding cake, guests were able to enjoy a petits fours display.
"We had a seven-piece band playing all night, but the most special entertainment was when my husband, his father and brothers took over the stage to play a few songs together," Molly says.