Modern Wedding Under the Oaks at Middleton Place

Newlyweds walk down the aisle at Middleton Place as guests throw flower petals

It’s been just over a year (yes, I realize I’m WAY behind in posting these), but it’s finally time to share Lauren & Patrick’s June wedding at Middleton Place. The gorgeous day was featured on Magnolia Rouge, and the couple recounted their wedding journey for the article, so I thought it fitting to share here:

Middleton Place

After evaluating their options between the bride’s roots in Mississippi, the groom’s roots in North Carolina, and their combined life in Colorado, Lauren & Patrick decided a destination wedding in Charleston, SC seemed like the perfect central location for the festivities. Lauren tells us, “My husband Patrick is a history buff and stumbled upon America’s oldest garden which happens to be historical GOLD, the Carolina Gold Rice plantation and first-generation plantation of The Author Middleton, signer of the declaration of independence. I wanted to keep the traditional southern charm with a carefree flow of grace and simplicity. My ultimate goal and inspiration was the environment of the gardens on the beautiful Ashley River that ultimately transcends time.” 

Overhead photo of the formal gardens at Middleton Place with a wedding ceremony setup

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS LOCATION? 

Charleston, SC was close enough for both families to travel and it was divine intervention that lead to the cultivation of the most amazing vendor team in that area.

HOW DID YOU MEET? 

Patrick and I met at a concert while I was visiting a friend in Raleigh. He was a true gentleman, and it really was love at first site. I lived in Denver, CO at the time, but after that weekend we were determined to be together eventually. 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROPOSAL: 

After being together two years, one being locked down in COVID-times, we knew we could survive anything. He planned the most romantic weekend getaway in Colorado Springs, at Garden of the Gods Wellness Resort. After a weekend indulging in amazing views, food, wine, and spa treatments he proposed on a perfect evening sunset on the Terrance at the reflecting pool overlooking Garden of the Gods State Park and Pikes Peak. It was magical and we often go back to relive the moment. I highly recommend that resort to everyone!

TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR WEDDING DRESS/ATTIRE:

After many attempts at dress shopping in Colorado alone, I knew this task had to be a group effort. I planned a trip for his family to visit my family in Mississippi one weekend and with the help of his Mom and Grandmother and my mom and sister, we found the perfect dress at MAGGIE LOUISE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE in Collierville, TN. The designer or the dress was Anne Barge. 

Bride getting into her Anne Barge dress with the help of her mother and sister
Bride's mother putting an heirloom bracelet on her for her wedding day
Anne Barge wedding gown, bouquet, and loeffler randall shoes
Bridesmaids and bride cheers with personalized cups filled with mimosas

DID YOU HAVE ANY DIY ELEMENTS? 

No, thank goodness! The stress of traveling and the emotional toil of the whole event was enough for me to handle. I’m very thankful for my Wedding planner, Kate Bogner with THE COORDINATION COMPANY!

Wedding day details loeffler randall shoes, flowers, a purple ring box and gold rings
Purple monogrammed Mrs. box with loeffler randall shoes in the background
Bride and groom share a first look in downtown Charleston
Bride and groom stand together after their first look in downtown charleston
close up of bride and groom holding hands in black and white
Vintage Volkswagen bus pulls up to Middleton place
bride and groom celebrate as they step off a green vintage Volkswagen bus
bride kisses her grandma on the cheek under the oaks at Middleton Place

DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS: 

The flowers were the ultimate manifestation of pure abidance and joy. ROSEBAY FLORAL CO. absolutely understood the assignment and stunned the guest and me with the ultimate designs. The organic style with wild colorful summer blooms, tipped the scale from classic to a dreamy fairy-tale wonderland.

Close up of spring pastel floral bouquet by Rosebay Floral Co

FAVORITE DETAIL OF THE DAY:

 I would have to say the flowers were over the top amazing and way more than I expected. From the moment I saw them I could not believe they were all for Patrick and me. It was super special.

Groom walks arm in arm with his mother down the aisle at middleton place
Sundial with flowers draping out at the head of a wedding aisle
Groom standing at the alter as his bride walks down the aisle towards him
Flower girl carrying a small flower basket walks down the aisle at Middleton Place
Bride and her father walk arm in arm down the aisle towards her groom
Bride's father gives her away between pillars of flowers
Bride and groom stand hand in hand at their wedding ceremony under live oaks and spanish moss
Pastel flowers line the aisle of a wedding ceremony under the oak trees at Middleton Place
Newlyweds walk down the aisle at Middleton Place as guests throw flower petals

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUT TO A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

 It’s ok to not be ok. You can’t control everything, and everyone so try to live in the moment and enjoy the finish product!

Bride and groom walk through the butterfly garden at middleton place
Bride and groom share a kiss in front of the old house at Middleton Place
bride and groom share a kiss among the sheep at Middleton Place
Bride and groom walk hand in hand and smile at each other at Middleton Place
Bride and groom in horse drawn carriage ride around Middleton Place
Bride and groom share a kiss in the carriage at middleton Place
Groom helps his bride down from the carriage at Middleton Place

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?

 Walking into the reception as a married couple and having all eyes on you as you embark on the first dance gave me chills all over my body. Thankfully, Kelsey captured the pure joy of that moment in the photos and I’m very grateful for that.

Sailcloth tent under the oaks at Middleton Place
Sailcloth tent with reception setup at Middleton Place
Modern lounge furniture under a sailcloth tent with string lights
White bar with copper glassware under a sailcloth reception tent
modern lounge furniture under a sailcloth tent at a reception
Reception setup at Middleton Place with pastel flowers
Mirror escort card setup at wedding reception
White cake topped with summery pastel florals
pastel summer florals in a white urn at a reception table with rattan place chargers
Reception setup at Middleton place
Sweetheart table with pastel florals at Middleton Place
Groom shares a toast with guests at his wedding reception
Woman in a yellow floral dress holds a copper cup with moscow mule
guests enjoy appetizers under a sailcloth tent at Middleton Place
Bride and groom dance as they enter their reception at middleton Place
Bride dances her way into her reception holding a glass of wine
Groom dips bride during their first dance at Middleton Place
Guests dance to Motown Throwdown at a wedding reception
Cut side of a wedding cake with berries and cream

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WEDDING WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU BOTH?

The Music. We are both passionate about our love of music, we had enjoyed hand-picking the songs and putting together a symphony that represented out lives together. Motown Throwdown was the amazing band that put it all together for us and they were so fun!

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE OR DO DIFFERENTLY?

 We learned a lot, but honestly no, it was all perfect!

Sunset photo of a wedding reception setup under a sailcloth tent at Middleton Place

Photographer KELSEY HALM | Wedding planner THE COORDINATION COMPANY | Florals ROSEBAY FLORAL CO | Venue MIDDLETON PLACE | Bridal boutique MAGGIE LOUISE BRIDAL | Cake SWEET RHI | Live Painter CHLOE STRICKLAND | Rentals & decor CURATED EVENTS | Band MOTOWN THROWDOWN | Transportation LOWCOUNTRY VALET | Catering & Beverages Middleton Place

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