Olivia & Austin will forever have a place in my heart as they were truly one of the funniest couples I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Whether it was humor, or sassiness, I’m not sure I’ll ever know, but it was a great time all around.
Austin’s father and my father go way back, as they were actually college roommates and played baseball together. And although I have known Austin for practically my whole life, we barely ever saw each other (maybe 3 times) in person.
When I was brought on to make this weekend a reality, I was so honored. Austin & Olivia lived just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina but wanted their wedding a little further south in Charleston, South Carolina.
After quite a lengthy venue search they fell in love with The Pepper Pavilion in Awendaw, South Carolina (just outside of Charleston), which proved to be the most perfect space for their wedding.
Olivia’s family had a tradition of creating all decor and faux floral items needed for any wedding within the family, and Mrs. Donna (Olivia’s mom) would have made any true DIYer very, very proud.
The weekend began on a hot Friday in June, for their ceremony rehearsal. Following the rehearsal, the couple, their families, and wedding party made their way to Mill Street Tavern for brews and best wishes.
Their wedding day began in the pavilions getting ready cottage with hair and makeup from the help of Paper Dolls Hair & Makeup. A little gossip floated around that a few of the gents were feeling a little rough that morning, so we gave them a little extra time to get ready 😉
Mrs. Donna and her army of magic helpers worked with the Just Us team to transform the pavilion into a rustic, yet classic space for Olivia & Austin. From the very beginning, all Olivia wanted was white flowers with eucalyptus and baby’s-breathe to tie everything together. Mrs. Donna made not only Olivia’s bouquet, but all attendants personal items (bouquets and boutonnieres). Chairs, tables, and the bar were supplied from EventWorks Rentals Charleston. Tables were draped in simple white linens from BBJ LaTavola then topped with handmade lanterns, greenery, burlap, and accessories; all of which were also used to fill the massive fireplace inside the pavilion.
Kyle with Jolie Connor Photography arrived and began capturing the couples detail items, while Crazy Dutchman Catering and All About You Entertainment began their setup
Come their ceremony, the two were married by a family friend, Mrs. Katie Slingerland, and there was not a dry eye in sight when Austin made his vows to Olivia, as her could barely get through it himself. It was quite possibly the most beautiful moment in a ceremony that I have ever had the pleasure to witness.
Before long, Olivia & Austin were married! They took their formal portraits while All About You Entertainment kept guests busy during cocktail hour, with the help of bar services and hors d’oeuvres from Crazy Dutchman Catering.
The reception began with their grand entrance, followed by dinner service, toasts, parent dances, and a true southern cake-cut, made possible by the Publix in Mount Pleasant.
One thing I forgot to mention earlier is that Austin attended the University of Tennessee, and as my couples know, I was born and raised a die-hard Tennessee Volunteer fan. Thus, meaning that even this behind-the-scenes gal found herself on the dance floor for some ‘Good Ole Rocky Top’.
A few months later I found myself with a text from Olivia, thanking me for making their wedding day possible, so that they could begin to grow their family; as Olivia & Austin are now expecting their first child, and I could not be any more excited to watch their beautiful family continue to grow!
Love the Just Us Weddings Team
Before we know it, DJ Cubie was introducing the wedding party, and our new Dr & Mrs. Right after their introduction they went straight into their first dance (which Megan choreographed from her years of prior dance experience). Megan’s father blessed us with a lovely welcome toast which included the “transfer of Megan’s cell phone bill’, and dinner was then served by the wonderful banquet team at the Fairmont. Following dinner, guests enjoyed toasts from the best man and matron of honor, cake topped with dinosaurs (yes, dinosaurs), and parent dances. Megan & Jordy also enjoyed a traditional Filipino money dance, and the Jewish Hora, to celebrate both families cultures. And let me tell y’all, seeing the excitement and happiness on Jordy’s sweet momma’s face as she was hoisted on a chair into the air for the hora is something I will never forget.
Our newest Dr & Mrs, and all of their friends and family then danced the night away, to top off the most magical of D.C. wedding days, and I truly couldn’t have been happier to be a part of their planning journey and fabulous wedding weekend; and of course, to have them as close personal friends.
Love the Just Us Weddings Team
