Southern Living
Weddings
Proof that the Porch is the Perfect Place for a Wow-Worthy Wedding Reception

Proof that the Porch is the Perfect Place for a Wow-Worthy Wedding Reception

By Southern Living Editors

October 04, 2017

The Happy Bloom

Rich with resort-like tones and textures, Emily and Liam’s Lowcountry fete was overflowing with local flavor and lively designs. The two sought to keep things simple, working off of the surrounding live oaks, Spanish moss, and nearby marshlands for built-in ambiance like no other. Small touches, like vibrant pops of blues, ikat patterns, and palm fronds placed here and there, went a long way to make their day entirely their own. Beautifully captured by The Happy Bloom, scroll on to swoon over their palm-perfect wedding day and picturesque porch celebration.

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The Bride and Groom

Credit: The Happy Bloom

Though Emily still refers to herself as a Virginian, Emily and Liam are now northerners who couldn’t resist flying South for their Big Day. These two lovebirds fell for the coastal, Southern charm of the Lowcountry and played off of the region’s rich colors and relaxing vibe to plan the perfect day.

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Paper with a Pop of Palms

Credit: The Happy Bloom

Emily and Liam set a laid-back, coastal tone with pretty paper invitations featuring casual fonts and a festive, palm-patterned envelope liner.

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Ready to Walk Down the Aisle

Credit: The Happy Bloom

The bride stepped out in a stunning set of shoes from Sam Edelman that brought a beautiful neutral tone to her otherwise bright and colorful day.

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Beauties in Bright Palm PJs

Credit: The Happy Bloom

Emily’s bridesmaids started the day with a bit of coastal fun wearing a coordinated set of palm frond PJs.

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Stunning in All White

Credit: The Happy Bloom

Emily’s simple yet splendid bridal ensemble is enough to take your breath away. She paired a gorgeous Watters gown with a nearly all white bouquet, allowing natural greens to subtly coordinate with the colors of her day.

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Lovely Supporting Ladies

Credit: The Happy Bloom

Emily's bridesmaids looked lovely in dark blue gowns that blended with the bride's water-inspired color palette.

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A Toast to the Groom

Credit: The Happy Bloom

Liam and his men cleaned up well, boasting beautiful white boutonnieres for a timeless wedding look.

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An Intimate Afternoon Ceremony

Credit: The Happy Bloom

The two said “I do” at Saint Andrew Chapel surrounded by friends and family.

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Laid-Back Lowcountry Landscape

Credit: The Happy Bloom

Guests were greeted by a relaxing patio scene peppered with wicker and blue for a cocktail hour overlooking the Okatie River.

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Dazzling Seating Chart Design

Credit: The Happy Bloom

A punchy blue ikat pattern played backdrop to Emily and Liam’s green leaf seating chart display.

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Dinner on the Patio

Credit: The Happy Bloom

Guests made their way through the historic home and out onto the veranda for an intimate, al fresco dinner that offered the very best of porch party ambiance and marsh scenery.

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Southern Style Dinner Full of Lowcountry Cuisine

Credit: The Happy Bloom

Wicker chargers paired with pops of blue and tabletop greenery to create the perfect patio dinner setting. Soon, plates were piled high with foods full of Southern charm. Emily played homage to her Southern roots with a menu featuring everything from BBQ and pimento cheese to Lowcountry crab cakes and seafood.

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The Most Memorable Moment

Credit: The Happy Bloom

After dancing the night away on the grounds of the antebellum estate, the newlyweds bid the day adieu from the back of a vintage Rolls-Royce. It was that moment that stuck with the bride the most. “It was bittersweet, because I was sad that our wedding was over, but so overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who celebrated with us as we began our life together,” Emily reminisced.

Cheers to the vendor team that brought this Big Day to life:

Photography: The Happy Bloom

Design + Planning: Design Studio South

Florals: Kato Floral Designs

Reception Venue: Oldfield Club

Cake: Brown Sugar Custom Cakes

Hair + Makeup: Bride’s Side Beauty

Band: The 919 Band

Ceremony Music: New Arts Ensembles

Ceremony Venue: Saint Andrew Chapel

Rentals + Lighting: Amazing Event Rentals

Transportation: Kelly Tours