A Vibrant Beginning



WRITER CREDIT: 
PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 

March 20, 2025 / The Palmetto Cafe

Sparks flew when Sabrina Galiney and Mike Armstrong first crossed paths at a party in Boston. But just two months into dating, the pandemic’s arrival threatened to upend their budding romance. ​​Mike’s job as a project manager required him to continue working in-person, and the couple spent nearly 60 days apart. Then, shortly after reuniting, a new project assignment three hours away quickly separated them again. But the distance brought their intentions sharply into focus. “Even when life kept pulling us in different directions, being together was always our priority,” Sabrina says. Four years later, Mike proposed in the observation deck atop Boston’s Prudential Center. High above the heart of the city, his big question was swiftly met with an overjoyed “Yes!” from Sabrina. 

Seeking to hold a majestic, multiday Indian wedding the following spring, the couple began exploring East Coast destinations with reliably pleasant weather and easy access for both of their families. Charleston quickly rose to the top of the list, especially when they learned that each of the venues they scouted for their four-day extravaganza was available on the same weekend.

Festivities kicked off at The Palmetto Cafe with a welcome party and mehendi, a traditional Indian celebration during which a bride receives her wedding henna. “We also gave our guests bangles and bindis to wear, which added a playful touch and introduced everyone to some Indian customs,” says Sabrina. Pure Luxe Bride painted the party in vibrant hues, with dramatic draping, clusters of upside-down umbrellas, and bright blooms transforming the restaurant into an atmosphere both cozy and lively—a vibe further encouraged by abundant lounge areas ripe for mingling. The joyful evening set a heartfelt tone for the celebratory weekend ahead.

Top Tips:

  • Personalize a playlist. The couple skipped a music vendor in favor of a playlist that they curated alongside Sabrina’s brother and a close friend. “It made the atmosphere feel personal rather than produced,” Sabrina says.
  • Strike a balance. In advance of an action-packed weekend of large events (typical of Indian weddings), night one was kept intentionally intimate. The couple was able to greet every guest, setting a warm tone and savoring real conversations before the busy days to come. 
  • Involve your guests. The evening’s Churra ceremony was deeply meaningful. The tradition invites guests to tie threads onto the bride’s wrists while offering blessings, wishes, and marriage advice. “Having the people closest to us take part in that moment made the evening feel emotional—in the best way,” she says.

Vendors:

  • Planning & Design: Pure Luxe Bride
  • Venue: The Palmetto Cafe
  • Catering & Bar Service: Charleston Place 
  • Photography: Caroline Ro
  • Florals: Flora
  • Signage: J. Lily Design
  • Linens: BBJ La Tavola
  • Lighting & Draping: Lowcountry Entertainment 
  • Bridal Attire: Seema Gujral
  • Beauty: Charleston Bridal Collab
  • Groom’s Attire: Bloomingdale’s
  • Videography: Dock House Digital

The Wedding Row

March 14 2019
Jaye and John fell for each other when both were students at the College of Charleston. Soon after they began dating, the pair headed to Savannah for a short trip and dinner at The Olde Pink House,...

March 13 2019
“My incredibly witty introduction goes here.” With that one liner, sent to Emilie over Match.com, Brian caught her attention, made her laugh and set off the relationship that led to this gorgeous Big...

March 12 2019
Elopements keep cropping up with good reason here: not only can wedding venues be hard to come by in Charleston these days (especially during weekends and on short notice), but also can you blame a...

March 11 2019
Houston, Texas, natives Haylee and Charlie have known each other since childhood; their families have been friends for years, and the two were even on the same swim team when they were eight years...

March 8 2019
Kristen didn’t know many people in Charleston when she moved here for a three-month rotation during medical school. Neither did Morgan, who had recently moved here to begin his residency at the...

March 7 2019
We welcomed in the New Year in a big way with these photos that popped up on our feeds. Two of them aren’t only among our most-liked ‘grams of the month, but are also among our most liked. Of. All....

March 6 2019
Here’s some good news for anyone struggling with that pesky mid-week slump: Your future hubby may be sitting next to you …  at this very moment. At least, that was how it went for Abigail and Grant....

March 5 2019
McKenzie and Ryan met during their junior year at the University of Toledo in northwest Ohio, when she moved in across the street from him. She already knew of a few of his roommates, who invited her...