I’m back with part II (missed part I?) of Nicole + Craig’s gorgeous wedding reception at the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation.  An old wooden structure with a tin roof and large fireplace as its centerpiece, the Cotton Dock is Southern rustic-chic perfection.  I LOVE the curtain framed doors that By Invitation Only designed for this event.  Billowing in the breeze and softening the space, they make for a wonderful juxtaposition against the wood texture.

Individual fans at each place setting make for a lovely and practical addition to the tablescape.  Guests put them right to use during the hot July night.  And again I have to marvel at those flowers!  I so hope bride Nicole will stop by to give us a few pointers on how to pull off something so elegant while not losing your mind in the process!

Red beans and rice, shrimp and grits and other yummy options by Royal Grand Events Catering kept the menu true to Nicole + Craig’s “all things Southern” vision.  Jean Paul’s Creative Cakes designed the grand finale – a sugar magnolia adorned cake that looks almost too pretty to eat!

Could this wedding by any more magical?  I love the soft warmth of the images.  The love is just palpable.  Thank you Juliet for sharing these with us!  Be sure to check out more of Juliet’s work on her blog and website.  And of course a great bit THANK YOU to the wonderful bride & groom for letting us share in your special day!

I am totally smitten with today’s real wedding.  Not only is photographer Juliet Elizabeth obvsiously super talented, she is also a warm and an all-around lovely person – exactly the kind of person you can feel comfortable with on a day that is sure to carry its fair share of anxious moments.  Nicole & Craig were married in one of my all time favorite churches – The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Charleston.  It doesn’t get much more regal than this!  Melanie Murphy of By Invitation Only worked with the couple on all the details of the day, keeping them cool under pressure (even in the July heat!) and bringing their vision of a truly Southern inspired affair to life.

And would you believe that that spectacular bouquet of white hydrangeas and bells of Ireland was crafted by the bride herself (as were all the other florals! Holy DIY undertaking!)  Back in a bit with reception details from the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation.

I am loving this sneak peak into LulaKate’s new bridesmaid collection via the talented Juliet Elizabeth’s blog.  If you aren’t familiar with LulaKate, they are a fabulous line of modern bridesmaid gowns designed by Charlotte native and UNC alum Katharine McDonald.  Even better news…she’s just introduced a few bridal gowns to the collection that are so lovely, I can’t stand it!

I love the LulaKate designs for their modern simplicity and those gorgeous, vibrant color choices, but I have to say that black, one-shouldered number is hot, hot, hot!

The Lowndes Grove Plantation in Charleston served as the backdrop for this shoot…and what a backdrop it is!

LulaKate designs are available at the flagship boutique on Charleston’s King Street and exclusively at Bella Bridesmaid locations throughout the Carolinas.  Be sure to check out Juliet’s blog for more stunning images from this shoot.