C A L L A WA S S I E I S L A N D C L U B
Callawassie Island, South Carolina
PROPOSAL: It was love at first sight for Brandon the first time he saw Hilliary. She had been invited to a Young Life leader event by some of his friends who hoped the two would hit it off — Brandon remarked to those friends that evening, “I’m going to marry that girl someday!” Fast forward to the happy couple heading to Hilton Head for the bride’s family vacation. Little did Hilliary know that Brandon had arranged for her closest friends to make their way to the island to help him pull off a dream proposal. A close friend’s backyard dock was set up with sparkling lights in the trees and a soft blanket with roses while music played in the background. Hilliary was stunned once she realized what was going on and cried tears of joy throughout Brandon’s proposal speech.
BRIDAL STYLE: The bride’s mom scheduled an appointment at the Ladies of Lineage bridal boutique in Charlotte for Hilliary to find her perfect gown. After a few other gowns missed the mark, an Aire Barcelona design turned out to be the one! After fitting and bustling by Charlotte designer Luis Machicao, who also made the mother of the bride’s dress, the gown was ready. Hilliary’s hair was styled half up in long, loose curls and complemented her soft, smoky makeup look. “I wanted to go for a look that was still me, but a little extra fancy,” the bride said. Cherished keepsakes completed her stunning look: a diamond and sapphire necklace made from her grandmothers’ rings and an embroidered handkerchief that had belonged to her grandfather.
CEREMONY: The centerpiece for the ceremony was a 9’ cross made for the couple by Hilliary’s father from cypress timber provided by her uncle. The striking piece was adorned with white roses and carnations and served as the perfect backdrop. The ceremony was infused with the couple’s faith as all in attendance sang worship song together and the bride and groom took communion as their first act as a married couple. Hanging floral arrangements along the aisle complemented the natural beauty of the venue. After the ceremony, Hilliary put on her dancing shoes (in this case, white high-top Chuck Taylors) to perform a choreographed father-daughter dance. “Laughter, joy, and beauty were our focus points and what we wanted the day to encompass most of all,” reflected Hilliary.
AESTHETIC + COLOR PALETTE: Aiming for a thoroughly Southern, summery wedding, the couple chose hydrangeas in the bride’s favorite shade of blue accented with white and peach roses, and white carnations, a nod to her late grandfather’s alma mater and his wife’s favorite flower. The handmade cross and stunning inlet view were the main focus at the ceremony. At the reception, crisp white linens were the backdrop to elegant tables with floral arrangements, candles, blue napkins, and a custom water-colored note from the bride and groom at each setting.
THE MENU: Guests dined on classic Lowcountry fare at the reception’s dinner buffet. The Callawassie Island Club catering team thought of everything, from grilled pimento cheese sandwiches and fried green tomatoes, to smoked brisket, mac and cheese, and even a Lowcountry boil. The bride and groom each chose a signature cocktail — the “Frenchy” for her (gin and grapefruit) and a “New Fashioned” for him (an Old Fashioned with Amaretto).
written by Sarah Lasher
FEATURED VENDORS – Venue: Callawassie Island Club l Floral Design: Little Vase Events l Photographer: Hannahbeth Photography