Charleston Micro Wedding Inspiration

I wrote this blog to give some inspiration to the Covid-affected couples now planning a Charleston micro wedding. Planning a wedding normally is stressful, but planning a wedding during a pandemic takes stress to a whole new level. I've been a wedding photographer in Charleston, SC for the past 16 years and would love to share my expertise with couples in order to bring down that stress level!

The motivation for this editorial shoot was to tell the complete story of a day in the life of a spring micro wedding/elopement bride. Even though Covid has messed up her plans for a big celebration of love, she still hosts a dreamy wedding to celebrate her nuptials in style! Read on to be inspired to host your own budget-conscious Charleston Micro Wedding.

I'on Chapel Wedding Venue

I chose the I’on Chapel of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina as the wedding venue because it's the perfect size for intimate micro weddings. Moreover, the chapel’s exterior is extremely charming which means if you have a large number of guests a tent would still look gorgeous. Inside the chapel, there are simple gold chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings. Furthermore, there are beautifully arched windows that let in a ton of natural light. This is most important because it makes the venue an excellent backdrop for my light and bright style of photography.

 

Exquisite Florals

Wedding florals can make or break the vibe of a wedding. Here the Bearded Florist used budget-friendly smilax vine installed around the arched windows to create a show-stopping focal point for this wedding reception!  An additional tip to save money on your wedding day is to focus your budge on the bridal bouquet as opposed to the wedding party's florals. After all, it is the main bouquet that will be featured in the majority of photos. In this editorial wedding, the creative floral combination of Anthurium, café latte garden roses, shimmer garden roses, Vanda orchids, euphorbia, coxcomb Celosia, and assorted eucalyptus were used for the bridal bouquet and centerpieces.

Wedding Dress Details

Edith Elan, a local Charleston, SC wedding designer, made two wedding dresses for this wedding. Both dresses are featured in her 2020 collection and are proudly made in the USA. The finely detailed embroidered back dress is named Jane. Her pricing starts at $1,800. Both the beading and embroidery are custom-made just for the designer. Jane is an elegant figure-hugging crepe dress.  The v-front bodice features a peekaboo line of pearls down to the waist.  Meanwhile, the straps that form the v in the back sit on top of bespoke flower embroidery with the word “love” hidden within. This unique beaded illusion back is closed with delicate pearl buttons.

The other wedding dress is named Milly. Her pricing starts at $2,385. Milly is a statement-making, full-sleeve wedding dress. All of the 3D flowers and beading are done by hand. Her bodice features a surplice wrap decorated with charming three-dimensional flowers and pearls. The same are found on her sleeves and cuffs. While the long crepe train adds to the drama, her trumpet skirt hugs a bride's curves in all the right ways.

Modern Groom

The modern groom wore a peak lapel tuxedo. It was rented from the online retailer Black Tux. It definitely made a statement with upward-pointing 100% silk satin notch lapels. Moreover, the lapels not only framed our groom’s face but elongated his frame. This merino wool tux was made even more dapper with an iconic black bow tie. Keeping with the groom's modern look, his pants were slim fit.

More Charleston Micro Wedding Inspiration

In conclusion, I hope this editorial wedding encourages couples to still celebrate their love despite Covid restrictions with a dreamy detail-filled wedding! You can view another Covid Charleston micro wedding at this venue here.

Interested in learning more about my Charleston Micro Wedding Photography Packages?

Photography: @leighhaywardphotography

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