![Newlyweds first dance inside clear tented reception](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-52.jpg)
![Newlyweds stand on dock at Lowndes Grove](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-25-1024x681.jpg)
Lowndes Grove Fall Wedding
Caroline and Russel’s Lowndes Grove wedding was elegant, glamorous, and had a wonderful feeling of family and community. The bride, Caroline, grew up in the low country and the groom, Russell, attended the Citadel Military College of South Carolina which is within walking distance of this gorgeous waterfront venue.
![Lowndes Grove Dock with herron stting on railing](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-40-1024x681.jpg)
Lowndes Grove Property
Lowndes Grove consists of a grand lawn and historic house built circa 1786 that overlooks the Ashley River. Some of its unique features include mature oak trees, a spiral staircase, original sconces and chandeliers as well as period interior decorating.
I met up with the bride prior to her wedding day to capture bridal portraits at Lowndes Grove. We had so much fun moving throughout the floors and grounds of this remarkable property taking photos. You can see the period grand window treatments, palace rugs, and sideboards in the final images.
![wedding dress hanging from chandelier inside Lowndes Grove House](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-1-681x1024.jpg)
![bride standing next to period window treatment in Lowndes Grove House](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-6-681x1024.jpg)
![Close up bridal portrait surrounded by veil](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-15-681x1024.jpg)
![pearl and crystal earrings in blue ring box with flower petals surrounding them](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-3-1024x681.jpg)
![Bridal Portrait on Spiral Staircase at Lowndes Grove Wedding](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-9-1024x681.jpg)
![Bride standing outside of Lowndes Grove framed by arched window](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-11-681x1024.jpg)
![bridal portrait in front of fireplace inside Lowndes Grove](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-7-681x1024.jpg)
Caroline gave off old Hollywood glam vibes with her long curl waved hair and bold red lipstick. Her satin dress hugged all of her curves and was completed with a large statement detachable bow train. Her look was perfected with a pair of bright red high heel shoes.
![Closeup of bride looking down at her flowers](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-13-681x1024.jpg)
![bridal portrait in Lowndes Grove portico](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-14-681x1024.jpg)
Russel and Caroline's Lowndes Grove wedding was held this fall on Labor Day, which is still pretty steamy weather in Charleston, SC. There was a threat of thunderstorm, but luckily the rain held off! Another bonus of having a wedding at Lowndes Grove is that there is a permanent clear tent attached to the house over a large patio. I love how the tent is included in the rental of the house as it helps calm nerves about any last-minute rain backup plans!
![bride and groom stand together on lawn in front of Lowndes Grove Plantation House](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-33-1024x683.jpg)
![Inside of clear tented outdoor wedding reception](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-34-1024x683.jpg)
![Groom portrait outside at Lowndes Grove](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-20-683x1024.jpg)
![Engagement ring sitting on top of blue hydrangeas](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-4-681x1024.jpg)
![Bride holding train of dress while standing in front of curved arch entryway](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-12-681x1024.jpg)
Wedding Day Flow
On the wedding day, we used various locations on the property for photos. The bridal party got ready inside the home in multiple rooms. Then I photographed the bride and groom’s first look on the immense lawn in front of the house. Afterwards, the couple read personal vows to each other by the dock leading out to the Ashley River. We then returned for some energetic wedding party photos in front of the iconic house before the wedding ceremony.
![Groom and Groomsmen joking around outside](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-21-1024x683.jpg)
![Groom getting ready inside Lowndes Grove Historic House](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-19-683x1024.jpg)
![wedding bouquet of white and red roses and blue thistle](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-17-681x1024.jpg)
![bridesmaids in blue dresses pose with bride inside historic home](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-37-681x1024.jpg)
![bridal party sitting down on couch and chair](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-35-1024x681.jpg)
![Bride and groom have first look on Lowndes Grove lawn](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-23-1024x681.jpg)
![pale blue vow books on floor with flowers](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-18-1024x683.jpg)
![Bride and groom reading vow books on Lowndes Grove dock](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-24-1024x681.jpg)
![newlyweds walk away from waterfront towards reception](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-26-681x1024.jpg)
![Newlyweds nuzzle under wedding veil](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-28-681x1024.jpg)
![Wedding party walks arm in arm in front of Lowndes Grove House](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-31-1024x683.jpg)
![Newlyweds run through cheering tunnel of wedding party](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-30-1024x683.jpg)
Nod to Citadel
The ceremony was held on the side lawn facing the river. Beautiful blue and white vases held white flowers to mark the location. Other colors included in the wedding palette, were light and dark blue with pops of cherry red which gave a nod to the Citadel colors. Furthermore, to honor the groom’s Alma mater, eight Citadel cadets attended in full uniform. They performed a sword arch for the bride to enter the ceremony through. It was a super impressive entrance!
![Citadel Hat with feathers](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-38-683x1024.jpg)
![outside wedding ceremony overlooking Ashley River](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-36-1024x683.jpg)
![Bride and Father enter ceremony under Citadel Sword Arch](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-42-1024x681.jpg)
![Groom's reaction to seeing his bride walk down the aisle](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-41-681x1024.jpg)
After the ceremony, the newlyweds processed under the arch of swords. Following military tradition, the last two cadets dropped their swords and formed a cross to block the path of the couple. They only raised them to pass after the groom kissed his bride. Fun fact- it’s also military tradition to cut the wedding cake with a sword which is exactly what Russel did! Made me nervous when he licked the cake off of it!
![bride and groom hold hands during outdoor wedding ceremony](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-43-681x1024.jpg)
![Citadel Sword Arch Newlywed Exit](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-44-1024x683.jpg)
![wooden tray of cocktails at wedding reception](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-45-1024x681.jpg)
![newlyweds hold leashes of their dogs on wedding day](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-46-683x1024.jpg)
![bride pulls in groom for kiss under arch](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-27-681x1024.jpg)
![newlyweds kiss on dock overlooking wedding reception](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-54-681x1024.jpg)
Family is Everything
Family was very important to this couple. So much so, that they tested all wedding vendors for Covid, and temperature checked all guests to make sure all of their elderly guests would be safe. Caroline and Russel had an extensive family photo list. However, I was able to organize and take numerous family photos quickly since I had given the couple a family wish list questionnaire before their big day. I love doing this so that I am able to organize friend and family groupings to be the most fast and efficient on the big day. We all know couples want those special family photos, but they also can’t wait to celebrate with all of their out-of-town guests at their reception!
![Newlyweds entrance into wedding reception](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-51-683x1024.jpg)
![white couch with greeny wall behind it with neon saying"The Hendersons"](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-49-1024x681.jpg)
![Tufted brown leather couch and two blue velvet chairs set up at wedding reception](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-48-1024x681.jpg)
![Newlyweds first dance at wedding reception](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-50-681x1024.jpg)
![closeup of place setting with gold silverware and blue and white china plate](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-47-681x1024.jpg)
![newlyweds listen to wedding speeches at head table](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-53-1024x681.jpg)
![newlyweds cut wedding cake with sword](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-56-1024x681.jpg)
![groom licks wedding cake off of sword](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-57-1024x681.jpg)
![newlyweds nuzzle on dock during sunset](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-55-1024x681.jpg)
![newlyweds dance at wedding reception on checked floor](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-58-1024x681.jpg)
![bride and groom dancing at wedding reception](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-59-1024x683.jpg)
![newlyweds dip and kiss at sparkler send off](https://leighhaywardphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lowndes-Grove-Wedding-61-1024x681.jpg)
Lowndes Grove Wedding Vendors:
Photographer | Leigh Hayward Photography
Venue | Lowndes Grove
Wedding Planner | Lee Domikis @directmydaycharleston
Makeup/ Hair Artist | @silhouetteonsite @julia.laurenn
Florist | @coastalcreationsfloral
Rentals | @thefrencheclectic @snyderevents @eventworksrentals
Lighting/ DJ | bunndjchs
Entertainment | @otherbrotherentertainment
Videographer | @willwrightfilms
You might also like:
Caroline’s Bridal Portraits at Lowndes Grove
Kristen and Clayton’s Summer Wedding at The Gadsden House
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