Marissa and Chris had visited and fell in love with Charleston six months prior to their engagement, so the Lowcountry location was a natural choice for their destination wedding. The couple chose William Aiken House of Patrick Properties, for its classic southern charm—a perfect venue for the couple’s ‘tropical elegance’ theme. With help from our fabulous friends at Ooh! Events, the details of the day turned out exquisite—from the garden ceremony to the courtyard reception, the soiree oozed elegance. White florals by Out of Garden and Marissa’s STUNNING Marchesa gown are total standouts and lucky for us they’re captured, along with all the details, in these images by the always-excellent Clay Austin.
How and when did you meet?
We’ve actually known each other since we were 11. Always friends through middle school and high school, but never romantic until after college when Chris VERY actively pursued me.
Marissa, tell us some about your dress!
Marchesa. It was one the first dresses the bridal consult pulled for me, and before trying it on, I said, “NO WAY.” I eventually put it on and fell in love immediately. It couldn’t have been more of a “Marissa” dress with the A-line with a fuller skirt, the flower appliqués, a hint of sexy with the illusions down the center and on the sides. It was so easy to wear..I never wanted to take it off! I wish I could wear it again.
Where are you from? If not from Charleston, what made you select The William Aiken House for your nuptials?
We’re both from Warren, New Jersey, but now we’re based in Hoboken. We chose Charleston because we knew we wanted destination, but we got engaged right after hurricane Irma so the Caribbean was definitely off the table! We had been to Charleston about 6 months prior to our engagement, and we fell in love with every aspect of it from the weather, to the people, to the bars, restaurants, and shopping, we knew it would be a great place for a wedding weekend. We chose the William Aiken because of the classic southern charm with bold pops of color which set this venue apart from the other historical homes. I knew I wanted to keep everything outdoors, and the grounds made this so doable!
What were some special touches and details that made your wedding unique and totally you as a couple?
Oh my god. We did the ceremony outside in front of the pergola, and obviously, a car had to drive by while blasting the loudest rap music, but in terms of special touches, I think the venue as a whole made our wedding unique. Chris and I try to do the unconventional like choosing a destination wedding, so we definitely did not disappoint. We had the cocktail hour on the balcony, delicious and interesting food, the BEST wedding cake I’ve ever had (lemon cake with passionfruit icing), and the sparkler sendoff was definitely something different from the weddings we’ve been to!
Spill the beans on the proposal.
MYKONOS!! Need I say more? Chris planned an amazing sunset dinner; he got down on one knee at sunset, and I said yes!
What was your absolute favorite moment from the reception, the both of you?
Our favorite moment of the day was the first look by far. We couldn’t wait to see each other, but in terms of the reception, we loved being on the dance floor together and with all our loved ones.
Design, Coordination & Rentals: Ooh! Events // Photographer: Clay Austin // Floral: Out of Garden // Ceremony & Reception Venue, Catering and Bar: William Aiken House, Patrick Properties // Officiant: Rick Burton // Videography: Lowcountry Wedding Film // Hair & Makeup: Slate Bridal Hair & Makeup // Ceremony Music: Palmetto Strings // Reception Entertainment: Right to Party