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

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.

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

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.

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

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.