Today’s bride was our very first Southern Bride of the Month! We loved hearing about Katie + Nathan’s plans for the big day and now we get to see it! I love comparing their inspiration board to the photos from their wedding — the details are seamless! I’m a sucker for a lace gown and Katie looks timeless and elegant in hers from Modern Trousseau (read on to find out how buying her dress was like a Cinderella story!). Paired with her flawless and natural makeup by Pamela Lesch, she could not be more stunning. Of course, I can’t forget to mention Nathan and his handsome groomsmen. The guys looked like perfect gentlemen in their pale tuxes and brown leather shoes. Joey and Jessica of Veil and Bow did an amazing job capturing Katie + Nathan’s wedding. I love looking at the photo of the happy couple walking back up the aisle after their vows–it looks like one their kids might frame and display at their own weddings.

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. We almost didn’t meet at all actually! We both attended the same college, Elon University. My sophomore year, I was thinking about transferring to Auburn, and Nate had just transferred in to Elon from UNC Charlotte. We were both convinced by different people to attend a recruitment night for the campus business fraternity. The whole meeting, I kept thinking, “Wow that guy is cute!” Turns out I wasn’t the only one noticing people that night.
Describe the proposal. A walk in downtown Charleston with our friends turned into a secret mission to give us some time alone. We were in Waterfront Park and I remember wondering why Nate was so fidgety! Is it terrible that I don’t remember what he said to me when he proposed? He did get down on one knee, though, and said he couldn’t imagine his life without me in it. A group of tourists walking by erupted in cheers when I nodded yes. Good thing I said yes, right?
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Intimate, joyful, carefree
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: It’s a rather large detail, but our venue really stole the show with our guests! The house was so full of southern charm and details, from the 3 story wrap-around porches and brick wall covered with creeping fig and jasmine, to the curved staircase and soaring pocket doors in the dining room. With such an impressive backdrop, we had to do very little to decorate!
What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? The location of course, Charleston, was Southern. The fact that the ceremony and reception were held in the backyard of the venue felt very Southern to me; it was all about spending time with family on a warm spring evening.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: It’s the Lauren dress by Modern Trousseau. It was all lace with a sweetheart neckline and godets at the bottom; it flares when I twirl! When I first heard the retail price of the dress at my local boutique, I knew that it was absolutely out of my price range. I e-mailed someone directly at the showroom in Connecticut and told them my sad, sad, sad story. To my astonishment, the director called me, and before I knew it, he had sold me the dress at cost and even let me pay it off over several months. The point is, don’t be afraid to ask, you never know when a serendipitous event is headed your way! The folks at Modern Trousseau are an amazing bunch! Thanks y’all!

Photographer: Veil and Bow // Videographer: Life Stage films // Planner: Sara Hosch, Southern Protocol // Ceremony venue: Private Residence // Reception venue: Private Residence // Florist: Charleston Stems // Wedding Cake Baker: The Cake Stand // Pie Bar: Wild Flour Pastry // Caterer: The Crazy Dutchman Catering // Paper Products: Invitations by Studio R Design, Programs and other paper goods from the bride // Bride’s Dress: Modern Trousseau // Bride’s Hair Accessories/Veil: hair fascinator Powder Blue Bijoux, veil from Atlanta Bridal Couture // Bride’s Shoes: Capparos // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jim Hjelm // Makeup: Pamela Lesch // Hair: Affair Hair by Tanesha