Kiera and Ian’s Charming Charleston Destination Wedding Weekend

Our Mon Amie Events team loves it when we can plan a destination wedding. This one, in particular, was exceptional. 

We’ve known the bride’s family for over twenty years. Additionally, we had the honor of planning the bride’s sister’s wedding in the Spring of 2019. 

But Why Charleston?

Kiera and Ian chose Charleston, South Carolina, for their destination wedding after falling in love with the city while watching Bravo’s “Southern Charm.” Their wedding venue was even featured on the show.

Thomas Bennett House was named after the governor of South Carolina, whose family originally owned the land. The staircase on the main level is one of two free-floating staircases still standing in Charleston. 

Destination Charleston

The wedding invitation suite and welcome bag evoked that warm southern charm with soft colors and native foliage. 

Guests arriving the night before the wedding were treated to a “Late Night Nearly-Wed Cocktail Celebration on the rooftop of a local restaurant.

The Wedding Day

For Kiera and the ladies, the day began with on-site hair and makeup services, a light lunch, and plenty of time to relax, photograph wedding details, and get ready.

Ian and the guys enjoyed lunch at an iconic local chophouse before returning to relax and get dressed. 

Dad’s First Look

With mom looking on, the bride’s father stood anxiously awaiting seeing his daughter for the first time. It was a beautiful moment, followed by photos of the bride and her parents.

It’s Ian’s Turn!

Standing in the doorway, Ian was overcome with emotion seeing Kiera for the first time. 

They are such a cute couple, and the historic property made for the ideal backdrop for their portrait session.

Their time together was followed by photographs taken with their families and the wedding party and some time to freshen up before the wedding ceremony.

Charmed

The estate’s lawn was set for the couple’s beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony. A tree-lined brick walkway and fountain led to the ceremony, which included white garden chairs and columns overflowing with white floral arrangements.

Guests were greeted with beautiful wedding booklets that shared information on the couple, their engagement, and the day’s events. The booklet also provided each guest with a table assignment for the evening’s reception.

Here Comes The Bride

With everyone in place, Kiera, escorted by her father, made her way down the aisle to Ian to the instrumental version of Shania Twain’s “Looks Like We Made It.”

The touching wedding ceremony included the couple’s exchange of vows and rings, concluding with the newlywed’s recessional to “There She Goes” by The La’s!

Comfort Food Cocktail Hour

Following the outdoor wedding ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and light bites in the garden. 

The delicious food included two hors d’oeuvre stations. 

Chilled Oysters on the Half Shell served with Mignonette Sauce or Cracked Black Pepper Cocktail Sauce. 

And an incredible Biscuit Bar including Sweet Potato and Wisconsin Cheddar and Chive Biscuits, Buttermilk Biscuits with Pimento Cheese, and Red Pepper Jam. As well as Smoked Cranberry Jam, Apricot Jam, Lusty Monk Mustard, Lemon-Boursin, Bacon Chive Butter, Local Honey, and Chef’s Selection of Cured Meats and Cheeses.And an incredible Biscuit Bar including Sweet Potato and Wisconsin Cheddar and Chive Biscuits, Buttermilk Biscuits with Pimento Cheese, and Red Pepper Jam. As well as Smoked Cranberry Jam, Apricot Jam, Lusty Monk Mustard, Lemon-Boursin, Bacon Chive Butter, Local Honey, and Chef’s Selection of Cured Meats and Cheeses.

Passed hors d’oeuvres included Mini Smoked Chicken Tacos, Pickled Peach Bruschetta, and a traditional southern Tomato Pie Tartlet.

We love that the mansion’s balcony provided a private space for the newlyweds and the wedding party to enjoy cocktails and see their guests.

Under The Stars

Off to one side of the house was a beautiful clearspan tent. A custom dancefloor was flanked with tables draped in textured black linens. 

The tables were filled with delicate centerpieces of white flowers and greenery. Black and white charger plates, custom table numbers, and an assortment of candles filled the center of each table.

To one side of the tent was the couple’s head table—a long rectangular table adorned with tall arrangements overflowing with pillowy baby’s breath.

A nearby fountain was the perfect location for Kiera and Ian’s elegant three-tier white wedding cake, which featured a gold monogram. The couple chose a Banana and Vanilla Wafer cake with Buttercream frosting. 

Dinner and Dancing

With guests seated, the couple made their grand entrance. Following a welcome by the bride’s father, the newlyweds took to the dancefloor for their first dance to “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor.

After the blessing, guests dined on a delicious dinner that included:

Salthouse Salad

Local Greens, South Carolina Roasted Pecans, Aged Gouda, Dried Blueberries, Grape Tomatoes, White Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Entree selections included:

Cast Iron Seared Lemon Thyme Chicken

Carolina Gold Grits, Benne Seed Asparagus, Lusty Monk Honey Mustard

Or

Vegetarian Pea Risotto

English Peas, Snap Peas, Smoked Mushrooms, Oven Roasted Tomatoes, Lemon,

and Reggiano Parmesan with a side of Benne Seed Asparagus.

And then there was that incredible Banana and Vanilla Wafer wedding cake for dessert. The night continued with several toasts and family dances before the dancefloor opened.

Everyone took a brief break for a fun Late-Night Snack from McDonald’s! You’d have to know what happened the day Ian proposed to appreciate this fully. The evening concluded with one last dance to “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers.

Congratulations, Kiera and Ian! We’re so glad our Mon Amie Events team was part of this incredible Charleston destination wedding weekend.

Merci Beaucoup

Thank you to all the incredible wedding professionals who helped make this elegant Charleston destination wedding so charming.

Planner / Designer: Mon Amie Events, Inc.

Wedding Officiant: Nick Leavenworth

Ceremony and Reception Entertainment: Darby Events

Wedding Venue: The Governor Thomas Bennett House

Catering: Salthouse Catering

Wedding Cake: The Tenacious Tart

Tenting: Snyder Events

Lighting: Light It Up

Floral Design: Petaloso

Rentals: BBJ La Tavola Specialty Linens / Snyder Events

Photography: Jessica Strickland Photography

Hair and Makeup: Silhouette On Site

Paperie: Oliver’s Twist

Transportation: Low Country Valet

Guest Accommodations: Francis Marion Hotel

Rehearsal Dinner: Stars Rooftop