Kirsten & Paul in Charleston, SC

New Jersey residents Kirsten and Paul, who met through friends, knew they wanted to have their wedding in Charleston. Kirsten had lived there for four years after college, and the couple frequently visited the quaint city. After Paul surprised Kirsten with a proposal during a trip to Ireland, the couple hired a planner and spent the next year-and-a-half making arrangements for their Southern-style wedding. The Bride Kirsten Hocker, 29, human resources director The Groom Paul Mason, 30, police officer The Date October 24 The day was centered around moss trees, a South Carolina fixture, which provide much-needed shade.