Easy Breezy



WRITER CREDIT: 
PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 

May 17, 2025 / Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Despite both growing up and attending the same schools in Richmond, Virginia, Anna Catherine Frazier and Ross Meade didn’t truly get to know each other until their paths crossed the summer after college. The two spent a lot of time together in the months to follow, but with Ross bound for a postgrad job in Atlanta, they didn’t pursue more than a friendship—at first. By the next summer, Anna had moved to Charleston, and when Ross came to visit her one weekend, they decided to take the plunge. Several years later, Ross pulled off Anna’s dream proposal on the beach at Sullivan’s Island with their English cream golden retriever, Winnie, right at their side.

As a wedding planner with Tara Guérard Soirée, Anna was well-positioned to begin plotting their May nuptials, set against the ethereal, lived-in elegance of Boone Hall. Though the bride had worked many events at the venue, she knew that Erica Missel of Soeur Events (sister company to Soirée) would ensure the big day felt uniquely theirs.

Indeed, following a charming ceremony on the front lawn, every detail of the couple’s Cotton Dock reception was personal and downright dreamy. Beachy-chic decor—including rattan furnishings, punchy printed fabrics, hanging wicker lights, and cane accents—transformed the venue. But it still felt easy breezy, just as Anna had hoped. “I didn’t want it to be this over-the-top, stuffy event,” she says. “I learned from Tara that the secret to a great party comes down to these essentials: good food and drinks (and never a line), a great band playing (three hours, nonstop!), ambient lighting, and a great flow.”

Top Tips

  • Bring in live music.
    As the newlyweds were being announced for the first time, Spiritually Yours gospel choir emerged from Boone Hall’s gardens to surprise guests with an a capella recessional. Later, the bold, brassy horns of TPG Band led partygoers from dinner into dancing. 
  • Set a sweet spread.
    The couple prefers other treats to cake, so they opted for a stunning dessert table filled with their favorite sweets and fruits—and, for tradition’s sake, a small tiered cake from Publix. 
  • Take time together.
    Ross and Anna chose to read their vows privately on the beach the morning of their wedding. “It set the intention for the day and helped us refocus and block out all the noise,” she says.

 

Vendors

  • Venue: Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
  • Planning, Design, & Linens: Soeur Events
  • Photography: Anne Rhett Photography
  • Florist: On a Limb Florals
  • Catering: Cru Catering
  • Bar Service: Spike by Snyder
  • Entertainment: Kiral Artists (ceremony), Spiritually Yours (gospel choir), TPG Band (reception)
  • Rentals: Snyder Events, Tara Guérard Soirée
  • Stationery & Signage: The Lettered Olive
  • Sound & Lighting: Production Design Associates 
  • Videography: Taylor Jordan Photography
  • Bridal Attire: Tony Ward Couture (gown), Kleinfeld Bridal (boutique), Emily Kotarski (reception dress), Steve Madden (reception shoes)
  • Beauty: Patrick Navarro (hair), Kelly Rhodes Frank of Charleston Bridal Collab (makeup)
  • Stylist: Cacky’s Bride Aid 
  • Groom’s Attire: Grady Ervin & Co. (tuxedo), Jos A. Bank (dinner jacket & shoes) Brackish (bow tie)
  • Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse, Jack & Miles (tie)

The Wedding Row

February 24 2020
Molly and Chris’s colleagues at J.P. Morgan in New York had a feeling the two were perfect for each other and tried for months to set them up. When they finally met up at an event? Cue: magic. Over...

February 24 2020
After Long Islanders Tom and Danielle met in chorus class during their freshman year of high school, it took him a full year to build up enough courage to ask her to be his girlfriend. Her response...

February 24 2020
On the first day of college at the University of Georgia, a complete stranger tried to convince Sarah to drop freshman English; he’d heard the professor was terrible. Turns out the professor was,...

February 14 2020
To all the single ladies (and gents): Valentine’s Day isn’t only for those already in love. As Alex and Pete’s story proves, it may be the perfect day for a meet-cute. Pennsylvania-born Pete was in...

February 12 2020
Four days before Allison and Brendan’s dream Charleston wedding, Hurricane Florence was making its way toward the Lowcountry and the city was under evacuation orders. The Dallas-based couple pulled...

February 11 2020
Courtney wasn’t looking to settle down, but when friends convinced her to take Kristen on a date, something felt different. Before long, they found themselves in a long-distance relationship—Courtney...

February 7 2020
Bumble may be responsible for introducing this couple, but it was a magical first date filled with sushi, hours of conversation, karaoke, and endless laughter that truly brought together Michelle and...

February 6 2020
Maggie and Mike’s story puts a whole new spin on bro-mance. It all started in Chicago when her boss, who was dating a fellow named Eric, wanted to set Maggie up with her boyfriend’s younger brother....