Best Bets for Charleston Brides

Summer 2019

Best Bets for Charleston Brides | The city's style pros share what wedding gowns suit every Holy City celebration

Jean’s Bridal wedding wedding gown Emily Kotarski Bridal Bella Bridesmaid Bella Bridesmaids Big Day emily kotarski maddison row Maddison Row South

(above) Best for Beach Brides: “Dahlia” midi dress with tulle skirt overlay from Emily Kotarski Bridal Studio and Showroom.

Given our tropical summers and temperate (but possibly chilly winters), and our varied landscapes and settings, Charleston isn’t one-size-fits-all when it comes to wedding gowns. Here, we ask those-in-the-know, the pros at area bridal boutiques, to share what their favorite in-store looks are made for what Lowcountry Big Day. Enjoy!

Vendors

Bella Bridesmaids: www.bellabridesmaids.com

Emily Kotarski Bridal Studio and Showroom: www.emilykotarski.com

Jean’s Bridal: www.jeansbridalcharleston.com

Maddison Row South: www.maddisonrowsouth.com

Verità. A Bridal Boutique: www.veritabridal.com

Images (2) by Clay Austin Photography; Photographs (9) courtesy of the designers & (Emily Kotarski) by The Happy Bloom

The Wedding Row

November 25 2019

Christina & Evan | Lowndes Grove

When you keep ending up in the same spot and locking eyes with someone, it starts to become obvious that it’s meant to be. A coffee shop is where it all began for Christina and Evan back in college...

November 21 2019

Lindsey & Anthony | Old Wide Awake Plantation

Tinder has really been killin’ the whole matching game recently for our cutie couples. Clemson University grads, Lindsey and Anthony, matched on Tinder their sophomore year, which led to Anthony...

November 18 2019

Fallon & Will | Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Two words that come to mind when looking at Fallon and Will’s intimate elopement at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: whimsical and elegant. (You’ll shortly see why.) These Delaware natives go way...

November 12 2019

Checovoia & Josh | Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Tennessee natives Checovoia and Josh have Tinder to thank for bringing them together. His famous first words to his eventual sweetie, “You look so happy!” And from seeing all the smiles shared at...

November 11 2019

Blair & Matt | Engagement Session

After a weekend of weddings and travel, we are back on this chilly fall Monday with the cutest downtown Charleston e-sesh featuring Blair and Matt. These lovebirds met the summer of last year (via a...

November 5 2019

Lindsey & Brady | Private Residence

“When you aren’t trying so hard and least expect it … it happens,” says bride Lindsey of finding her perfect guy, Brady. The couple shared some insight into their lives and the inspiration for their...

November 4 2019

Jocelyn & Bryce | Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Jocelyn and Bryce were friends from club swim team during their high school years, but it wasn’t until Señora Hill’s Spanish class that their romance was brought to life, and the two have been saying...

November 2 2019

Mary Tyler & Zach | Lowndes Grove

Right out of college, Mary Tyler met Zach in a Raleigh, North Carolina, workplace. The two got close and remained friends for two years before finally making it official. A couple months into their ‘...

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Spring Fling

Lindsay Edwards to John Harman, March 22, 2008; The William Aiken House

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Au Naturel

Logan Stout & Mark Chandler, October 15, 2011, Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church & RiverOaks

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Photo-Ready Day

Benjamin Timpson & Tiffany Lippincott, May 7, 2011, Folly Beach

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Home Visit

Cameron Ulmer & James Wolf; May 16, 2009, Private Downtown Home

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Rich in Love

Two foodies—he’s worked at Oceana, The Obstinate Daughter, and Wild Olive and she’s penning her first cookbook—tie the knot on All Hallows’ Eve at the bride’s family home on Sullivan’s Island

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Marriage Advice

New venues and the latest resources for Lowcountry brides

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Heirloom Appointments

Katherine Parker & Ryan Clark; March 3, 2007, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church & Carolina Yacht Club

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All in the Family

Ashley Bakery marries off its last daughter with a grand finale of confections

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The Sunny Side

A Southern garden party-inspired Big Day

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Backyard Beauty

<p>Take one bride, pair her with a dear family friend with a flair for design, and a backyard reception goes from quaint to quite fabulous</p>

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Pretty as a Picture

<p>Add a soft touch to your Big Day with watercolors from Hatch Cove Designs</p>

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Haute Country

Soirée by Tara Guérard stages a dream outdoor reception that mixes rustic elements with high style.

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Quite the Complement

Jessica Peterson and Ben Sielen, October 29, 2011, The William Aiken House

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Season’s Greetings: Winter Splendor

Gathering Events creates a reception dinner that marries Italian and French influences

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Pastoral Perfection

A pair of Brooklyn creatives head to the bride’s family’s stomping grounds down South for a wedding day filled with love, laughter, and shenanigans

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Artfully Rendered

A red, white, and blue wedding makes a supremely stylish splash at Charleston's Gibbes Museum of Art

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Presto Change-o!

Tara Guérard Soirée and LulaKate teamed up to create a custom bridesmaid ensemble that went from formal ceremony to garden party reception. Here’s what they fashioned (plus a few bonus accessories Tara recently fell for)