Real Bride Spotlight: Courtney

Courtney and her husband Chris had a sweet, southern wedding in Charleston where they exchanged heartfelt vows in front of family and friends. Read all about their wonderful day below!

Chris and I met while we were both attending the University of South Carolina. I was getting my undergrad degree and he was in medical school. We hit it off immediately, having many similar interests and goals. In 2016, Chris moved to Houston, TX to start his surgery residency and I traveled back and forth because my company is based in South Carolina.

On one of my trips to see him, he was dressed in a suit at the airport to pick me up and told me we had dinner reservations. While in the car, a photographer kept trying to call him and Chris was acting very nervous—I had a feeling something was going on. He surprised me by renting out the rooftop of a gorgeous restaurant in downtown Houston and proposed with a photographer present. It was very romantic and I’m grateful that someday our kids will be able to see those pictures!

My venue, Cannon Green, has a certain vibe that I really wanted to go along with. It’s downtown historic Charleston but with a modern twist. Cannon Green is so beautiful on its own—with natural greenery, fountains, bistro lights, wood beams, etc. that I didn’t want to take anything away from it. My goal was to enhance its natural beauty so I chose simple floral arrangements and greenery in unique vases and added little touches of personalization that captured the style of my husband and I whenever possible.

We chose crème, white, ivory green and gold for our color palette. Of course we still wanted to give guests who've never been to Charleston a Lowcountry experience, so we served a family-style dinner with deviled eggs & cornbread with whipped honey butter, buttermilk fried chicken, blackened catfish, smoked cheddar mac & cheese, apple and Napa cabbage slaw and peach cobbler with vanilla gelato served in cast-iron skillets. 

I wouldn’t change anything about my wedding day, every memory I have is amazing. However, we really enjoyed doing a first look. It was so nice to have a few special moments alone together and it really helped calmed my nerves. Chris’ reaction was something I will never forget. We did our first look in the courtyard at the Planter’s Inn, which was so gorgeous and romantic—I couldn’t have asked for a better setting.

I used to live in Atlanta a few years ago and my sister purchased her wedding dress at Wedding Angels. I traveled from South Carolina about nine months before my wedding to shop for mine at Wedding Angels because they are so wonderful to work with and have a beautiful selection. It was actually the only place I looked and I found my dress on the first try!

I tried on about six dresses that were all good options, but I took another circle around the showroom and saw my dress hanging up at the front of the store ready to be picked up by another lucky bride. I instantly fell in love with the sweetheart top and lace details. I felt like the dress was perfect for my venue. Luckily, Wedding Angels had one I could try on. People always say that when you see your dress you’ll know, and I guess that was true for me! 

Their whole team is so professional and talented—I couldn’t have imagined a more special experience. I worked with Cindi and she really took the time to get to know my style and preferences and selected dresses for me to try on that fit my criteria perfectly (or looked even better!) She was always honest and had great suggestions. The whole process was fun, easy and organized—they truly care about you and having everything perfect for your big day.

Photography – Andrew Cebulka Florist – Tiger Lily Venue & Catering – Cannon Green Cake & Cupcakes – Sugar Bake Shop Bride’s Dress – Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique Hair & Make-Up – Lashes & Lace Day-of Coordination – Sarah Hicks DJ – David Fox of Bunn DJ Company