Friday’s wedding at Saint Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Charleston, SC and the Porter Room at Holy City Brewery was total perfection! Throughout the weekend, guests and family mentioned that Megan and Will are soulmates. After spending the weekend with them, I can absolutely concur this is true. The pastel color palette, painted oyster shells, Palmetto Roses woven by local Gullah artists, and two joyful souls ready to be married set the scene for a quintessential Charleston wedding day.
Will and Megan met at Auburn University while Megan was serving as a first year FOCUS Missionary and Will was taking his “victory lap”. They met on the Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary at Auburn’s chapel during daily Mass. Megan walked in late and the only seat in the chapel was next to Will in the very front. She asked for his name after Mass (in missionary mode) and Will fell head over heels and started coming to daily Mass every Tuesday and Thursday. After two months, he asked her out, and she said no because of her mission year dating fast. They held our for each other and started dating a few months later. Then, just a few months later, they got engaged in Charleston. They credit God, Mama Mary, and St. Anthony of Padua for helping them find each other!
Megan got ready in a trendy Airbnb with all of her bridesmaids! These pretty ladies were talented enough to do their own makeup – which held up well in the southern humidity. The bride herself watercolored the oysters for their wedding invitations, printed by Village Press. The butter yellow bridesmaids dresses were perfect for summer and keeping things breezy. We dodged the summer rain showers all day! Will and his guys got ready at the iconic Charleston Place hotel, conveniently located behind Saint Mary. The grand interiors made the perfect backdrop for groomsmen photos!
Before the Mass, Megan and Will shared a tearful and hopeful private moment, where they exchanged letters they’d written to each other. This was my first time at Saint Mary, and it did not disappoint. The art and lighting in the oldest Charleston Catholic church is spectacular. The old wooden pews, beautiful altar, and heavenly music – I loved it all. I will never get tired of witnessing people enter into the Sacrament of Marriage, with eyes full of hope and excitement to begin their lives together. June 13 is St. Anthony of Padua’s feast day, one of Megan’s patron saints. Surprisingly, a statue of him was perched in the corner behind their heads during their wedding Mass.
After the Mass, we scooted over to Rainbow Row with the wedding party. We were in Charleston, how could we not? Thank you to all the cars that let all 24 of us take up the street for a few minutes of photos! The reception, held at the Porter Room, is set next to the marsh amidst the Spanish moss and live oaks. Megan and Will needed no prompts from me as we dashed all over for their couple’s portraits. They pulled in more of their southern theme with hydrangea and oyster table decor, a shrimp and grits station for dinner, and a shoe change into blue cowboy boots for the bride! One of Megan’s students made their wedding cake and tasted absolutely delicious (and I consider myself a wedding cake snob!)
Velvet City Sound kept the party roaring throughout the night with their energetic live band. The DiPiazza and Dukes crew loved to party. I was fortunate to witness the largest Italian family dance I’ve seen to date. I found myself marveling several times throughout the night at the love Megan and Will’s family had for them and everyone around them. At the end of the night, a personalized beer to go and sparkler exit wrapped up this fun summer night. Congratulations to the newlyweds!
VENDORS:
Reception Venue: The Porter Room / Photographer: Nicole Sandercock Photography / Church: Saint Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Charleston / Band: Velvet City Sound / Stationery: Village Press / Florals, table decor, & signage: Megan DiPiazza / Bride’s dress: Jenny Yoo / Smiley Face Cookies: Savage Bakery
