A Formal Outdoor Destination Wedding at a Historic Home in Charleston, South Carolina

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Happy and John

After a surprise proposal, Happy and John decided on a winter wedding in Charleston, South Carolina. "John loves its Civil War history, and I adore its soft, haunted air," she says. Once they found Lowndes Grove, a grand riverfront plantation, the rest of their black-tie affair easily fell into place, in part due to its simplicity. "We wanted it to feel natural -- no over-the-top details, no extravagant flowers, no chichi foods," she says.

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The Venue

"We rolled the dice and lucked out," says Happy about booking their "Gone with the Wind"-esque manor online without seeing it in person.

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A Custom Crest

A closer look at the couple's invites: The family crest Happy designed -- initials from the pair's last names encircled by foliage -- honored their new start together, while bright-red edges "gave them the festive Dr. Seuss kick they needed," says the bride.

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The Boutonnieres

John pinned a cluster of cedar, rosemary, and ranunculus to his lapel. His crew wore sprigs of juniper in lieu of flowers.

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An Artful Accessory

"I'd wanted to wear one all along," says Happy of her goddess-style head wreath. To make sure her florist, Charleston Stems, got it just right, she quickly drew up this sketch on copy paper with colored pencils.

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The Finished Hair Wreath

And the real deal, made of gardenia leaves, rosemary, and seeded eucalyptus, with a few white ranunculus and garden-snow spray roses added in here and there, was exactly what she'd envisioned.

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The Vows

A friend officiated the nondenominational service, held on the banks of the Ashley River. Though a tad chilly, "I had on my adrenaline sweater," says Happy.

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The Reception

Hurricane vases were filled with moss and a candle. The place cards and table numbers were cut and hand-painted by the bride at 5 a.m. the morning of.

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Stylish Guests

Attendees donned black-tie duds. "I thought formality would help make everyone feel extra special," says Happy.

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Portraits

The newlyweds took a moment for themselves on Lowndes Grove's second-floor veranda. Below them: family, friends, and lots of love.

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The Wedding Cake

See More White Wedding Cakes

After getting engaged, Happy and John had celebrated at Charleston's Peninsula Grill, ending their meal with the restaurant's famed coconut cake. Their caterer's take on the classic was equally delicious.

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Sources

Location: Lowndes Grove Plantation

Planning: Red Letter Events

Catering: Fish Restaurant

Flowers and Bride's Hair Wreath: Stems

Stationery and Calligraphy: Happy Menocal (the bride's company)

Photography: Tec Petaja

DJ: DJ Wade of Other Brother Entertainment

Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals

Gown: Ivy & Aster

Groom's Attire: suit, Paul Stuart; shoes, Stubbs & Wootton

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A Formal Outdoor Destination Wedding at a Historic Home in Charleston, South Carolina

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Happy and John

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The Venue

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A Custom Crest

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The Boutonnieres

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An Artful Accessory

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The Finished Hair Wreath

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The Vows

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The Reception

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Stylish Guests

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Portraits

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The Wedding Cake

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Sources

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A Formal Outdoor Destination Wedding at a Historic Home in Charleston, South Carolina

1 of 13

Happy and John

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2 of 13

The Venue

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3 of 13

A Custom Crest

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The Boutonnieres

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An Artful Accessory

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The Finished Hair Wreath

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The Vows

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The Reception

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Stylish Guests

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Portraits

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The Wedding Cake

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Sources

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