Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Travel Destination Weddings A Formal Outdoor Destination Wedding in Charleston, South Carolina By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 11, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Happy and John After a surprise proposal, Happy and John decided on a winter wedding in Charleston, South Carolina. "We wanted it to feel natural -- no over-the-top details, no extravagant flowers, no chichi foods," she says. 01 of 11 The Venue "We rolled the dice and lucked out," says Happy about booking their "Gone with the Wind"-esque manor online without seeing it in person. 02 of 11 A Custom Crest A closer look at the couple's invites: The family crest Happy designed -- initials from the pair's last names encircled by foliage -- honored their new start together, while bright-red edges "gave them the festive Dr. Seuss kick they needed," says the bride. 03 of 11 The Boutonnieres John pinned a cluster of cedar, rosemary, and ranunculus to his lapel. His crew wore sprigs of juniper in lieu of flowers. 04 of 11 An Artful Accessory "I'd wanted to wear one all along," says Happy of her goddess-style head wreath. To make sure her florist, Charleston Stems, got it just right, she quickly drew up this sketch on copy paper with colored pencils. 05 of 11 The Finished Hair Wreath And the real deal, made of gardenia leaves, rosemary, and seeded eucalyptus, with a few white ranunculus and garden-snow spray roses added in here and there, was exactly what she'd envisioned. 06 of 11 The Vows A friend officiated the nondenominational service, held on the banks of the Ashley River. Though a tad chilly, "I had on my adrenaline sweater," says Happy. 07 of 11 The Reception Hurricane vases were filled with moss and a candle. The place cards and table numbers were cut and hand-painted by the bride at 5 a.m. the morning of. 08 of 11 Stylish Guests Attendees donned black-tie duds. "I thought formality would help make everyone feel extra special," says Happy. 09 of 11 Portraits The newlyweds took a moment for themselves on Lowndes Grove's second-floor veranda. Below them: family, friends, and lots of love. 10 of 11 The Wedding Cake After getting engaged, Happy and John had celebrated at Charleston's Peninsula Grill, ending their meal with the restaurant's famed coconut cake. Their caterer's take on the classic was equally delicious. See More White Wedding Cakes 11 of 11 Sources Planning: Red Letter Events Catering: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group Flowers and Bride's Hair Wreath: Stems Stationery and Calligraphy: Happy Menocal (the bride's company) Photography: Tec Petaja DJ: DJ Wade of Other Brother Entertainment Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals Gown: Ivy & Aster Groom's Attire: suit, Paul Stuart; shoes, Stubbs & Wootton Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit