1. Real Weddings

A Vibrant Plantation Celebration at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina

Meredith Smith (30 and an executive chef) and Bryan Suggs (30 and a remolding contractor and carpenter) were practically shoved together by mutual fri

Meredith Smith (30 and an executive chef) and Bryan Suggs (30 and a remolding contractor and carpenter) were practically shoved together by mutual friends who were dating. The day Bryan proposed, the pair had driven to the beach but there was no hope for sun in the weather forecast. "We still put on our bathing suits, grabbed our towels, headed for the sand and were laying on the beach when the clouds suddenly disappeared," says Meredith. "I was reaching for my sunglasses when Bryan asked, 'Will you do me a favor?  Will you stay with me forever, and be my wife?'" The couple planned a southern-inspired Charleston wedding at Magnolia Plantation and Garden filled with wood details and a poppy coral and turquoise color scheme. Cascading pink stargazer lily arrangements were in honor of the bride's sorority and wood accents paid tribute the the groom's career in carpentry. Guests were treated to a barn cocktail hour included a Craft Beer Bar, fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese topping, beef tenderloin crostini and a local artisanal cheese display. "Charleston radiates Southern hospitality and we were completely inspired by our wedding location," says Meredith. "We wanted to capture all the warm elements of the South and The Carriage House has the original wood and beautiful lanterns—it was exactly what we were looking for!"

Meredith wore a Jasmine Couture strapless tulle and pearl organza gown with a layered skirt and sweetheart neckline.
Meredith carried a cascading bouquet of stargazer lilies in honor of her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. "Our sorority house at the University of Mississippi used to be filled with this magnificent aroma and flowers!" says Meredith.
Khaki , Turquoise and Coral Color Palette
The bridesmaids wore long turquoise crinkle chiffon Jim Hjelm gowns with a one shoulder neckline.
Turquoise Ceremony Program Fan
Coral Flower Girl Dress with Ribbon Headpiece
Meredith and Bryan's Outdoor Plantation Ceremony
"Charleston radiates Southern hospitality and we were completely inspired by our wedding location," says Meredith. "We wanted to capture all the warm elements of the South and went with a deep coral and turquoise color palette."
Meredith and Bryan's Welcoming Southern Reception Decor
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens overlooks the Ashley River, and is nestled amongst hundreds of gardens. The Carriage House is a charming old barn once used on the plantation for horses and carriages. "The inside has the original wood and beautiful lanterns—it was exactly what we were looking for!" says Meredith.
The barn cocktail hour included a Craft Beer Bar, fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese topping, beef tenderloin crostini and a local artisanal cheese display.
The couple drew inspiration for their reception decor from the south and incorporated large farmhouse cocktail tables,string lights and an outside wood burning fireplace. "Inside we used the natural beauty of the Carriage House barn to keep it simple and romantic!" says Meredith.
Bryan designed and built the two cake stands out of reclaimed barn wood from a family farm.
Card Board Box and Ribbon Favors
Meredith and Bryan's Glow Stick Exit