Rachel & Shaun | Harborside East



The Wedding Row: Tell us about how you met.

Rachel: It was in Nashville, and Shaun was there on weekend trip for a University of Georgia-Vandy football game. I was there on a whim, on an impromptu trip that my sister convinced me to tag along to. I had no reason to say no (and thank goodness I didn’t!). Prior to this I was signing up to do travel nursing, but I couldn’t decide where to go first. Shaun and I started up a random conversation about our college rivalries and we just clicked. We talked all night, danced all night, laughed all night. After a few months of chatting nonstop, I decided to sign a contract for my first travel nurse assignment in Atlanta, where he lived—bold, right? I had to give this a shot!

TWR: Well, hello, boss lady! How’d you all choose Charleston for your wedding?

Rachel: I’m a sixth generation Charlestonian. When Shaun and I got engaged, we knew we were going to live in Atlanta, and since we were going to live in his hometown, we knew we had to have the wedding in my hometown.

TWR: Ah! What can you share about the proposal?

Rachel: It was April Fool’s Day, and also the day before Shaun’s birthday. We were in Charleston for the Bridge Run (which we missed because we overslept), and he told me his parents, who vacation in the city frequently, were in town and that they wanted to meet up for family photos. He asked me where we should go, and I said Sunrise Park because it’s where I’d spent a lot of my childhood—it’s one of my favorite places on earth. When we got there, he got down on one knee and asked me. Best. Day. Ever.

TWR: From your pup with the ring on his head to that box of candy and its sign about marriage being an endless sleepover with your fave weirdo (true)—what’s the story behind these funnies?

Rachel: That’s Gus, our mini dachshund. He gets wildly tired out as soon as there’s more than 10 people in a room. He was so pooped with all the people around he could barely keep his eyes open. My old roommate put the ring on his head. And the box? Gosh, I can’t think of anything more true about me and Shaun! We have a very fun-loving, lighthearted relationship. At least once a week we hit up a grocery store for a “goodie-run”—we have major sweet teeth. We’re best friends and at the end of the day, that’s what marriage should be, an endless sleepover with your best friend.

Wedding Planning: Bouquets & Bowties | Florals: Pretty Petals of Charleston | Photographer: Sara Bee Photography | Videographer: Rachel Owart Media | Venue: Harborside East | Rentals: EventWorks | Catering: B. Gourmet Catering | Bar: Creek Club at I’On | Cake: Cakes by Kait | Invitations: Dodeline Design | Music: Nick Zareski at Lowcountry Entertainment | Bride’s Gown: Gown Boutique of Charleston | Hair and Makeup: Paper Dolls, Callie Vega | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co. | Officiant: Rev. Will Mercer, Charming Charleston

The Wedding Row

November 28 2018
The Wedding Row: How did you and Jason meet? Lacey: We met at work and I had no interest in him at first. I had affectionately called him “Eyebrow Man” given the thick, bushy unibrow...

November 27 2018
The Wedding Row: Let’s start from the beginning … Aly: Like many modern-day couples we swiped right, engaged in some initial messaging, and decided to go out on a date. We met at a sushi restaurant...

November 26 2018
To help you ease into the work week after Thanksgiving (raise your coffee if you’re still dreaming of turkey and dressing and naps), join us as we say “Hello” to one of Charleston’s newest wedding...

November 23 2018
The Wedding Row: Alright, start us from the beginning. How did you and Brad meet? Jennifer: We met in the Fall of 2013 unexpectedly through mutual friends at my all-time favorite Mexican restaurant....

November 21 2018
Boy, do we have a sweet one for you all. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday (ah, tomorrow!), we’re feeling extra thankful this year–not only for our readers, but for the talented weddings...

November 19 2018
Taylor and Andrew met one another when they were at Georgia Southern University (she was on the swim team and he was the pitcher on the baseball team). Fast forward to four years later, Taylor was...

November 17 2018
We don’t know about you all, but when the weather’s chilly and with the holidays are right around the corner, there’s nothing we want to do more than pop inside the most hoppin’ boutiques around town...

November 15 2018
Get ready, gals, because today’s couple is bringing some serious glamour to the blog. After Richmond natives Samantha and Sean got engaged (he surprised her with a sparkly something during a girl’s...