Globe-trotters in every sense of the word, Laura and Anthony traveled all over the world visiting each other during their nearly ten years of long-distance dating. Jetting to hot spots like Chicago,...
Elizabeth Hardwick & Matthew Hannah
May 11, 2013
William Aiken House
When Elizabeth (Liz) Hardwick looks back on meeting—and eventually marrying—Matthew (Matt) Hannah, one line sums it all up: “It came naturally,” she says. And it really did—from how quickly and easily Liz fell in love with Matt after they met in the orientation line at Virginia Tech to how the self-professed Anglophile chose an English garden theme for their wedding nearly seven years later.
For the bride, a Gaithersburg, Maryland, native whose family has a vacation house in downtown Charleston, only one venue would do: the William Aiken House. Beyond that, “I envisioned a small spring wedding,” says Liz, “with brunch food, which is Matt’s and my favorite meal.” To make everything just so, Liz called upon Kristin Newman Designs and Gathering Events.
And while the day Matt proposed was complete with real English weather (read: rainy), the skies were clear and robin’s egg blue on the couple’s Big Day. Following a solitary morning that began with her taking in the sun rise on her own, Liz donned a vintage-inspired Monique Lhuillier lace dress and met Matt under the William Aiken House’s vine- and bloom-adorned arbor, where they traded vows.
After celebrating with guests, dining on Southern brunch specialties (like an eggs Benedict with ham and fried green tomatoes) from Fish Restaurant, and sipping drinks (with properly curled pinkies) from the coffee and tea bar, the couple got one very sweet send-off—literally. The pair made their exit and, as they slipped into a British getaway car, they found goodie bags from Kristin’s crew filled with cookies and tarts for their honeymoon flight to (where else?) London.
Vendor List
Bridal & Bridesmaids Clutches: Nelle Handbags, www.nellehandbags.com
Bridesmaids Dresses: LulaKate, www.lulakate.com
Bridesmaids Earrings: Pearl Paradise, www.pearlparadise.com
Bridal Fascinator: Meyriel Edge from Meriel Jill Millinery
Bridal Going Away Dress: LulaKate, www.lulakate.com
Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier from Maddison Row, www.maddisonrow.com
Bridal Ring: Laurie Sarah Designs on Etsy, www.etsy.com/shop/LaurieSarahDesigns
Bridal Shoes: BHLDN, www.bhldn.com
Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal, www.weddingcakesbyjimsmeal.com
Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones, www.elizabethporcherjones.com
Catering & Bar Service: Fish, Patrick Properties, www.pphgcharleston.com
Ceremony Music: Music for a Moment Ensemble, www.otherbrotherent.com
Fashion Stylist: Lindsay Nowak for Kristin Newman Designs, www.kristinnewmandesigns.com
Florals, Custom Furniture, & Specialty Décor: Gathering Events, www.gatheringevents.com
Groom’s Hat: Goorin Bros., www.goorin.com
Groom’s & Groomsmens’ Suits: Berlins for Men, www.berlins.com
Groom’s & Groomsmens’ Socks: M. Dumas and Sons, www.mdumasandsons.com
Groom’s & Groomsmens’ Ties: M. Dumas and Sons, www.mdumasandsons.com
Guest Transportation: Absolutely Charleston Trolley (www.absolutelycharlestonwedding.com) and Charleston Style Limo (www.acharlestonstylelimo.com)
Hair & Makeup: Stella Nova, www.stella-nova.com
Limo: Vintage Limousine, www.limousineservicecharleston.com
Photography: Gayle Brooker Photography, www.gaylebrooker.com
Planning & Event Design: Kristin Newman Designs, www.kristinnewmandesigns.com
Reception Entertainment: Charlton Singleton, www.tidewatermusicgroup.com
Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals, www.snyderevents.com
Save-the-Dates and Invitation: Sideshow Press, www.sideshowpress.com
Venue: William Aiken House, www.pphgcharleston.com
