1. Real Weddings

Robin & Pro: A Casual Wedding in Charleston, SC

Robin and Pro are both children of Citadel alums -- they actually met at their fathers' class reunion -- so it was only natural the couple wed at the

Robin and Pro are both children of Citadel alums -- they actually met at their fathers' class reunion -- so it was only natural the couple wed at the Citadel's historic chapel. The Bride Robin McAleer, 27, occupational therapy student The Groom Lannes Pro Prothro IV, 28, dealer at a family-owned car dealership The Date May 15 Robin and Pro and met at their fathers' 30th year class reunion at the Citadel class. The class of 1972 has coined the fated encounter A Citadel Fairy Tale. My dad was in charge of planning the reunion so my mom and I helped put the big Friday night party together, says Robin. There were a couple other kids of '72 grads that I have gotten to know over the years so we stayed for a while after we decorated to enjoy the party. At one point, Robin ran into two women, one of whom jokingly asked her if she ever babysat while the other followed up by mentioning she had a 25-year-old son she'd like to introduce her to. I just laughed and took that as my cue to get out of there fast, Robin remembers. I found my mom and told her under no circumstances was she to give out my phone number if anyone asked for it! Though it wasn't quite love at first sight (I didn't exactly think he was my type, Robin says), Pro was persistent -- and after a quick drink a few days later turned into a five hour talk, the two soon became inseparable.

The Wedding Party Looks
The Exit
Robin and Pro had their first dance to Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra. Later, the bride danced with her father to Miss Grace by Tymes. It has always been my song with my dad, ever since I was little he used to sing it to me, and we always dance when it comes on, Robin says.
I didn't really have a theme but I wanted it to be traditional and Lowcountry, says Robin. The whole time my mom and I were planning we kept saying, 'What would Grantz think?' Grantz, Robin's grandmother who passed away when she was 12, was a very proper Southern lady, so we didn't want to do anything that would have shocked her if she were here, the bride explains. I guess that sounds silly, but it helped keep the focus on having a timeless, traditional wedding and not getting caught up in all the crazy things people do at weddings, or doing something that we would look at the pictures in 30 years and say, 'Why did we do that!'
The Flowers
Robin's bridesmaids wore periwinkle blue silk shantung dresses with white grosgrain ribbon threaded through and tied at the waist by Aria Bridesmaids.
Immediately after the ceremony concluded, the 500 guests witnessed a Sword Ceremony. Everyone gathered in front of the chapel and six Citadel sword bearers lined the steps. The doors opened and the couple walked out under the arched swords. The last two cadets lowered their swords and said, Kiss to Pass so the newlyweds would kiss before they raised their swords.
Robin and Pro married in the Summerall Chapel on The Citadel campus. The church was built in 1936 and features huge stained glass windows and flags from all 50 states hanging from the walls. The chapel is so beautiful it didn't require any decoration except the white spray of flowers on the altar, says Robin.
The Traditions