1. Real Weddings

A Waterfront Wedding at the Historic Rice Mill in Charleston, South Carolina

Kelsey Echols (27 and a registered nurse) and three girlfriends lived in a townhome that shared a back porch with three of their guy friends. The thre

Kelsey Echols (27 and a registered nurse) and three girlfriends lived in a townhome that shared a back porch with three of their guy friends. The three guys asked Randy Echols (27 and a medical student) to be their fourth roommate, and after a year of being friends and neighbors, sparks flew. Kelsey and Randy dated for five years before Randy proposed to Kelsey in her favorite city, Charleston, South Carolina. The couple knew they wanted to get married in Charleston, so they chose the Historic Rice Mill for a rustic, shabby-chic atmosphere. The couple got married next to the Charleston Harbor under an arch of twigs and branches, and moved the party indoors for the reception. Kelsey’s favorite color, pink, was the primary color of the decor, accented by hues of pale teal, orange and white. The reception decor included doilies that Kelsey crocheted herself, topped by heart-shaped wooden slabs and mason jars of mixed flowers. For their first dance, Kelsey and Randy shocked their guests with fancy footwork as they showed off their ballroom dance lessons with a foxtrot. Guests had their choice of local craft beers, which the couple feels passionately about, to accompany delicious southern food. At the end of the night, the newlyweds left the venue to a shower of bubbles and enjoyed the rest of their weekend in Charleston.

Historic Rice Mill Venue in Charleston, South Carolina
Kelsey found her dream wedding dress at the same store she chose her high school prom dress. Kelsey’s mother did the alterations, hand-beaded the sash and added lace for a personal touch.
Kelsey carried a bouquet of peonies, ranunculus, garden roses and dusty miller in hues of pink accented by orange, white and soft greens.
Pale Blue and White Lace Wedding Invitation
Twig and Branch Ceremony Arch at Historic Rice Mill
The ceremony programs doubled as fans for the outdoor ceremony in humid Charleston, South Carolina.
Teal Bridesmaids Dresses with Pink Bouquets in Charleston
Pink, Orange and White Bridesmaid Bouquet with Teal Dress
The groomsmen wore bow ties and a pocket square, made by the bride’s mother, to match the bridesmaids.
Flower Girl at Historic Rice Mill in Charleston, South Carolina
The couple got married at the Historic Rice Mill in Charleston, which provided the rustic, shabby-chic atmosphere they were going for with a beautiful outdoor space by the Charleston Harbor for the ceremony. The walkway along the water was lined with lights and tulle for added romantic ambience.
Recessional from Historic Rice Mill Wedding
Kelsey taught herself to crochet and made doilies for the centerpieces, which were topped with heart-shaped wooden discs and various pale blue jars with flowers.
The flowers included mixed hues of pink, Kelsey’s favorite color, accented with orange, white and pale green and teal.
Rustic, Shabby-Chic Reception Venue at Historic Rice Mill
The couple loved that they had their own sweetheart table. “It was just a smudge of time Randy and I had to sit down and enjoy each other,” says Kelsey.
Kelsey wore a lace wedding dress with added lace and a beaded sash with a waltz veil.
The wedding cake was four textured tiers displayed on a wooden slab and topped with bright pink, orange and white roses and garden roses that cascaded across the tiers.
Bubble Exit from Historic Rice Mill