Meant to Be



WRITER CREDIT: 
PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 
Meant to Be | Hibernian Hall plays host to this Lowcountry classic wedding
Hannah Summer & Ryan Shannon
November 20, 2021 / Hibernian Hall
 
Their mothers saw it before they did. Growing up in small town Lake Wylie, Hannah says that although she didn’t necessarily take notice of her future husband Ryan Shannon, her mother did, pointing out his wonderful qualities. Ryan’s mother noticed Hannah, too. But it wasn’t until a hike on Crowder Mountain years later that the two caught on: they were meant to be. After Ryan proposed at Seabrook Island, they were surrounded by family to toast them into their new life together. 
 
“Ryan and I fell in love in Charleston,” says Hannah, who is a College of Charleston alum. They chose First Baptist Church for the ceremony and Hibernian Hall for their reception for 250 guests. 
 
“We wanted a classical Lowcountry-style wedding, but not over the top,” says Hannah. That meant a menu of local favorites such as grilled shrimp skewers and chicken biscuits as late-night munchies. After a day full of happy tears, guests reveled with Finesse Band, an entertainment choice Hannah calls “one for the books,” adding that many guests commented that “it was the most fun wedding they had ever attended.” When all the elements came together, it was the day of a lifetime for a couple destined for each other. 
 
Tips
 
• Think out of the box. Hannah’s custom gown by Antonio Gual incorporated the top of one dress and the bottom and fabric of another. Her veil combined lace that her 85-year-old grandmother removed from her mother’s custom wedding gown with a veil from Blanca Veils. 
• Wear comfortable shoes. It’s not worth your feet hurting all day, says Hannah. If you fall in love with an uncomfortable pair, use them for detail shots.
• Wedding favors are often overlooked. Hannah made oyster-shell embellished blessing beads that were personalized with a poem by her mom. 
• Don’t save the top cake tier.  Year-old frozen cake is not the best. Have your baker make you a fresh top tier on your first anniversary. 
 
Vendors
Coordination: Grove Designs
Venue: Hibernian Hall
Photographer: Maggie Braucher   
Videographer: Haley Sirisky 
Florals: Branch Design Studio (ceremony), Fresh Weddings and Events (reception)
Catering: Salt House Catering
Stationery: Reaves Engraving
Entertainment: Finesse Band
Bridal attire: Antonio Gual
Rentals: EventHaus, Snyder
Bar Service: Snyder
Linens: Nuage Designs
Cake: ABC Cakes

The Wedding Row

February 8 2019
One of the things about being wedding-obsessed is that we’ve seen (more than) our share of Big Days thrown here in Charleston. So for us to pass on a post to you, it’s got to be an event that was...

February 7 2019
Emily and Alex’s Big Day may look effortlessly picture-perfect (thanks to the expert styling skills of Blythe Hill at Hill & Co. Creative), but according to Emily, there was a moment before the...

February 6 2019
Beer, pizza, and donuts each play a pivotal role in Brent and Lauren’s romance, which hit a majorly high note last fall when they wed at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. But before we get to the big...

February 5 2019
If, after looking at these photos, you find yourself scrolling down to the vendor credits to see which planner was at the helm of this traditional-meets-artsy fête at The Cedar Room, you won’t find...

February 4 2019
There’s a lot you can tell about a wedding from photos—the color palette, what kind of dress the bride wore, how amazing the cake was—but we’ve learned that the best wedding info often comes straight...

February 1 2019
Watch out, Lowcountry, there’s a new wedding venue down the road. Previously a private home, Coosaw Plantation sits just outside Beaufort, making it a short (and scenic) drive from Charleston. And as...

January 31 2019
There are so many cool details about this couple and their sleek black-tie wedding by Bouquets and Bowties that we hardly know where to start. How about let’s back up for a sec and start with the...

January 30 2019
We got a live one, y’all! You know when we get a great first-person(s?) story from a couple that we like to let them tell their tale. Well, meet Kingslea and Preston. Get ready to take notes because...