Lowcountry Charleston Wedding

Caroline Bell and Jon Stowe met in chemistry class at the College of Charleston, but it wasn’t until a few years later that they discovered their own chemistry and began a long-distance courtship. After Jon proposed, they began planning a laid-back, Lowcountry wedding. “We fell in love with the Woodlands Inn, but the weekend we had chosen wasn’t available,” says Caroline. “They offered the option of a Friday morning wedding, and it couldn’t have been more perfect: We woke up, got dressed, and walked down the aisle before the heat of the day set in.” The day’s schedule also allowed the couple’s out-of-town guests the freedom to explore and enjoy historic Charleston.

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  Planner:Kristin Newman Designs; 843/723-6301
• Photographer:A Bryan Photo; 205/705-3173
• Wedding gown:Watters & Watters
• Groom's suit:Jos A. Bank
• Flowers:Gathering Floral + Event Design; 843/723-3387

The Woodlands Inn, a 1906 Charleston estate-turned-luxury resort, was the setting for the wedding.

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Ceremony and reception venue: Woodlands Inn; 800/774-9999

• Charleston Travel Guide

Sometimes a beautiful outdoor setting is all you need. The croquet lawn at the Woodlands Inn was picturesque, so the couple left it unadorned for natural beauty.

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  Ceremony and reception venue:Woodlands Inn; 800/774-9999
• Rentals:Snyder Event Rentals; 843/766-3366
• Flowers and decor:Gathering Floral + Event Design; 843/723-3387

Caroline's twin sister, Virginia, wore blue. Friend Amanda Hendrix, who was pregant at the time, also opted for a different dress.

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• Bridesmaids' dresses:Priscilla of Boston
• Matron of honor's dress: Melissa Sweet through Priscilla of Boston
• Flower girl's dress:Us Angels
• Flowers:Gathering Floral + Event Design; 843/723-3387

Jon and his groomsmen kept it Southern-casual in seersucker suits and flip-flops.

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• Groom's and groomsmen's suits:Jos A. Bank
• Bow ties:Southern Proper

Woven palm boxes, with names in calligraphy on top, directed guests to their tables.

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Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones; 843/209-7545

Brunch was served under white umbrellas at the reception.

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Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals; 843/766-3366
Flowers and decor: Gathering Floral + Event Design; 843/723-3387

Table numbers were hand painted onto croquet balls.

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Printed materials and graphic design: STITCH; 843/722-6296
Flowers and decor: Gathering Floral + Event Design; 843/723-3387

Though originally planned to be all-white, the blush-colored peonies on the wedding cake were "the most beautiful I had ever seen," says Caroline.

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Wedding cake: The Cake Stand; 843/991-4446

Bellinis and mimosas were served at the reception.

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Catering: Woodlands Inn

Polaroids gave the couple instant snapshots of their wedding day.

The couple exited in style in a vintage Rolls Royce.