The Perfect Blend

Winter 2020

WRITER CREDIT:

PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT:

The Perfect Blend | Learn how, despite cultural or religious differences, tying the knot can pay homage to your individuality as well as your union

wedding wedding gown Big Day White budget Jazz rehearsal dinner gown groom rehearsal

Love has no boundaries (this we know; it’s 2020), but what is less known is the fact that one in six people marry someone of a different ethnicity. To unite and celebrate cultures, there’s no better time than the wedding—or rehearsal dinner, in this case. Charleston residents Brittany Mathis and Daku Siewe did just that, setting aside the actual Big Day to honor the bride’s traditional, Southern roots (think beautiful white wedding gown, Southern fare, jazz music) while using the rehearsal dinner at The Room on Meeting Street as the time to observe Daku’s vibrant Cameroonian heritage. The bride, groom, and guests donned traditional African attire; Daku’s mother selected the color, pattern, and fabric and had the ensembles handmade in Cameroon. Every detail from the tabletop décor down to the menu were on par. They even incorporated a pre-wedding Cameroonian tradition whereby Brittany, blindfolded, was escorted around the room and tasked to identify her husband-to-be by just his voice, which she did successfully to convivial applause. No doubt, we’d be cheering, too.

Tips for the Mixer

Talk It Out: Although opposites may attract, if you are coming from different backgrounds, it’s advisable that you discuss the biggies (you know, money, child-rearing, faith) before heading down the aisle. Bonus points for talking with a professional. This can help ground a marriage and strengthen it down the road.
Offer Explanation: It’s not always necessary but if you or your beloved are incorporating traditions that are unfamiliar to a majority of guests, consider clueing them in through invitations or programs. Tight on budget? Have your officiant announce during your ceremony instead.
Consider Your Choices: While it may make sense for some couples to simply meld their respective traditions into wedding day festivities, for others, having two separate events—like Brittany and Daku—that are solely dedicated to each background may be a better solution.
Be True to You: It’s easy to get lost during the planning process, especially if you are opting for a blended wedding, so make sure that you and your significant other also incorporate your own likes and dislikes. It’s your day, after all

Images by Richard Bell Photography // Day of Coordination: Everything After the Ring // Venue: The Room on Meeting Street // Linens: Amazon // Florals: Bonnie Green Design

The Wedding Row

June 5 2019

Marissa & Chris | The William Aiken House

Hey Mon! We have some serious tropical vibes happenin’ on the blog today and seeing that the official start of summer is just a few weeks away, we thought it only fair to share it with you all cuties...

June 4 2019

Sunrise Styled Shoot | Folly Beach

Wakey wakey, all you sleepyheads. It’s a beautiful day and us gals over here at The Wedding Row office are here to make sure you roll out on the right side of the bed. How now? Well, once you lay...

June 3 2019

Kelly & Jeff | The Gadsden House

If Kelly and Jeff’s relationship beginning was to have a theme song, it would have to be “With a Little Help by My Friends” by The Beatles. The two were introduced by way of mutual friends (hint,...

May 30 2019

Vendor Spotlight | Chug-A-Lug Wagon

Just one more workday separates us from our beloved weekend and in the spirit of such, we wanted to set the mood and get you all primed and ready for what is to come. So let’s drink happy thoughts...

May 29 2019

Bridgitt & Hayden | The Cedar Room

Bridgitt and Hayden met and became fast friends during their sophomore year of college at Wake Forest University. More than five years later, the duo got engaged on its campus which is sweeter than...

May 28 2019

Shelby & Len | Hibernian Hall

Shelby and Len owe a big thank you, really and truly, to Len’s father. How now? After finishing a round of golf together at the Country Club of Charleston, Len’s dad noticed a pretty blonde across...

May 23 2019

Rachel & Jason | Engagement Session

Likely you’ve heard the phrase before, “There are plenty of fish in the sea.” You’ve probably heard it from a consoling girlfriend, trying to bolster your confidence in the fact that you are sure to...

May 22 2019

Sophia & Alex | The Gibbes Museum

Talk about one cool and cultured couple. From New York City to St. Thomas, Amsterdam, and France, Sophia and Alex have seen it all. So, it comes as little surprise that their Big Day was pretty...

Feature

Your Day, Your Way

One of the Lowcountry’s most iconic venues might be known for massive weddings, but see how they are throwing open their storied gates for microweddings and elopements