Eden at Gracfield Spring wedding
What a picture perfect day on March 23rd, 2024! From the amazing florals, to the fantastic vendors and live band, it was definitely a day to remember!
This wedding was very dear to me as it hosted a number of special people that are local our area. One big one was the owner of the beautiful Eden at Gracefield, Laura Walker - this was her precious little girl's fairytale wedding. When Laura reached out to me to see if I was available that day I think I may have fallen out of my seat. Having hosted countless weddings at Eden, Laura has worked with a number of fantastic vendors, including photographers - so when she asked me - to say I was honored is an understatement. Kelsey, the bride, lived in Florida, so she was basically doing a destination wedding - but what a magical place to have one which was at the gorgeous venue your mother has.
The whole week leading up to the wedding the chance for rain was pretty high. The day before, I reached out to the event coordinator, BA Rhode with Sparkles Event and Decor (this is another very special company that means a great deal to me) to see what the plan was and she said they were going to make the call the day of. I have a superstitious theory - because it has happened to me legit a number of times now - that when I fully prepare and prep for rain, packing my umbrellas - rain boats/jacket - plastic bags etc. - it ends up not raining (and bless it if I don't prepare you can be sure it will monsoon). So, sure enough, I pack my all my rain gear, even tell my second shooter and assistant (I will mention them later) to bring their rain gear etc. ....well by golly it sure enough did not rain that day - theory proven! There were a few clouds and a few spits of rain right at the ceremony but other than that we could not have asked for better weather.
To start the day, I checked in with the lovely bride and mother of the bride in the bridal suite at Eden. Then my lucky handy dandy assistant, Stephanie Platts, assisted me with gathering all the detail items to carry over to the Manor House for getting ready moments. My second shooter for the day, Rachel Araneo with Rachel Araneo Photography, arrived to work with the guys hanging out getting ready and to get some decor shots of the venue itself. Also, the amazing videographer team, Trevor and Amber with Will and Grace Films arrived to capture everything in motion. Once all the ladies made their way over to the Manor House the celebrations continued with champagne toasts at the pool. As a photographer, you get giddy and excited over venues that have that pretty windows with "creamy" lighting - and oh my goodness - the Manor House is the queen of creamy lighting. Kelsey slipped into her one of a kind dress by Justin Alexander from the Bridal House of Charleston. She shared some special moments with her mother, Laura, and then went on to have her first looks with her father and the groom, Scott. Eden at Gracefield almost has like a "secret garden" feel to the grounds of the Manor House with fountains, bridges, flowers and greenery so that is where we chose to do the first looks. We then went on to grab some fun moments with her bridesmaids before the ceremony began.
The ceremony - wow - the center point of Kelsey and Scott's ceremony was this beautiful, towering oak tree with arms that extended out and hovered over the ground, almost creating like a canopy. Covering the entire trunk of this oak tree were hundreds of freshly cut pastel florals. This is where I mention another note worthy vendor, Tulips and Twigs Floral Design, who hand crafted this creation. Guests arrived either by their own accord but also for out of towners, Laura booked a transportation service, The Little Pink Bus "LUCY" by Lowcountry Valet, to carry guests to and from their local hotel reservations. Guests were also greeted with champagne with the friendly bar services from Stock and Serve Bartending (another great company) while the Charleston Elite Musicians played in the background (and also for cocktail hour). Once all guests and family were seated, the groom watched his bride arrive in a one of a kind horse and carriage from Brice Herndon Carriage Company. Kelsey was escorted down the aisle by her father and was placed in the hands of Scott. It was so romantic! Vows were led by Officiant Steve Kalinowski The Lowcountry Wedding Guy and then sealed with a sweet kiss between Kelsey and Scott!
The grounds at Eden boast many many acres of beautiful oaks, ponds, greenery, wildlife, and more. When getting married at a venue with such lovely accommodations you just can not NOT go explore and take photos. We were escorted to our photo op locations by the day of venue manager, Amelia (check out her store Abillow - no shame here!), in a comfy leather seated golf cart. Once we got back from our exploration it was time to get the reception started!!
The reception in the Barn was beyond dreams. Inside there were hanging florals, sparkling lights, romantic candles everywhere, white drapery flowing from the ceilings, velvet blue golden chairs, beautiful china...Outside there was lounge areas with a cigar bar, photo booth camper - The Little White Box by Chelsea Paige Photography - cafe lighting, fully stocked open bar. Most of these gorgeous pieces were provided by Sparkles and/or Curated Events Charleston and Southern Elegance. The event was catered by the one and only, Jimmy Fitts Catering, who offered an extensive southern palette menu of appetizers, entrees, dishes and more. First dances were had and then the REAL party began. This was my first wedding, and hopefully not the last, that I was given the delight of watching The Band Punch perform! They are fan-freaking-tastic! Wowzahs! Stock and Serve Bartending kept the drinks flowing all night and the fun just kept going!
When the night came to an end, Kelsey and Scott waltzed through a literal wave of bubbles and loving guests saying their best wishes and farewells. The beautiful couple then drove off into the evening in a Model A Ford. It was the epitome of a fairytale wedding - lead by Laura (MOB and owner of Eden) and BA and her fabulous team at Sparkles. I will never forget this day with an A list team of vendors.
