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  4. This Couple Celebrated Their Charleston Nuptials on the Porch of an 18th-Century Estate
Martha Stewart Weddings

This Couple Celebrated Their Charleston Nuptials on the Porch of an 18th-Century Estate

By Sara Dickinson
August 15, 2019
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paula terence wedding couple crossing the street
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

The duo invited 160 guests to their destination wedding at a historic mansion in the heart of the city where they originally met.

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paula terence wedding couple crossing the street
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

Shortly after Paula graduated from the College of Charleston, she met Terence on a whim at a bar on the beach. Paula learned that Terence was visiting Charleston for the weekend from Chicago, which just so happens to be Paula's hometown—and the city she was planning on moving back to the very next week. The pair met up for a dinner date once she was back in the Windy City and their relationship took off from there.

Several years into their relationship, the couple took a New Year's Eve trip to Carmel, California. Terence took the opportunity to pop the question on their private hotel balcony. "We kept it a secret for a day, enjoying the moment distraction-free, and then told the exciting news to all of our family and friends," Paula says. To bring their relationship full circle, they decided to tie the knot at the William Aiken House in downtown Charleston, a block away from the bar where they initially met.

The couple chose a neutral color palette with accents of gold and blush for their décor; the scheme played into the locale's Southern romance, but offered a modern twist. Ultimately, their refined aesthetic was a contemporary translation of the vibe of their venue, a historic estate originally built in the 18th century. They invited 160 guests to join them for their destination nuptials in the city where it all began for their semiformal wedding on April 13, 2019. Paula describes the event simply, but poignantly: "It was most joyous and fun day filled with love from our closest friends and family."

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On Location

paula terence wedding venue rustic gate entrance
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

The William Aiken House, full of greenery-covered nooks and crannies, provided the ultimate backdrop for the couple's nuptials—and played right into their theme of Southern romance.

  • 12 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Wedding Venue

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Special Sleeves

paula terence wedding bride against rough wall
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

Paula hit the jackpot when it came to wedding dress shopping—she chose the very first gown she stepped into: a form-fitting number from Sarah Seven. "I tried on a couple of dresses, but nothing compared to the first—I decided on that one," she says. She always expected to choose a wedding dress with sleeves, so she went ahead and had them added to the garment. Naturally, they ended up being her favorite detail.

  • Our Favorite Wedding Dresses with Long Sleeves

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Something Borrowed

paula terence wedding ring in purple box with flowers
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

The bride wore the same earrings that her mom and aunts wore at their weddings; she borrowed a veil that each of her sisters-in-law donned on their big days.

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Wedding-White Bouquet

paula terence wedding bouquet on chair
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

Paula's mostly-white bouquet, arranged by Urban Petals, was comprised of ranunculus, sweet pea, and barely-blush peonies.

  • Our Favorite White Wedding Bouquets

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The Groom's Look

paula terence wedding groom in blue suit
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

Terence went with a navy Hugo Boss suit on the wedding day; he paired his ensemble with a matching navy shirt and tie, also from Hugo Boss.

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Coordinated Bridesmaids

paula terence wedding bridesmaids in mauve
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

Paula and Terence's wedding party consisted of the couple's closest friends and siblings. The bridesmaids wore dresses from either BHLDN or Show Me Your Mumu and stuck to neutral colors; a few wore solid colors, while others chose floral gowns.

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Petite Bouquets for the 'Maids

paula terence wedding bridesmaid bouquet
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

The bridesmaids' bouquets—no two were the same—were smaller renditions of Paula's.

  • More Bridesmaids' Bouquets We Love

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The First Look

paula terence wedding couple first look
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

Paula and Terence parted ways after sharing welcome drinks the night before the wedding; they came together again the next morning, meeting in Charleston's historic district for their first look. "The first look was way more meaningful and special than I ever would have guessed," Terence says. "It was one of the best moments of the entire day. I felt so happy, in love, and excited to finally be with Paula for the day."

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Quaint Ceremony Setup

paula terence wedding ceremony location black doors with wreath
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

The ceremony took place outside, in front of the property's black shuttered windows and large door. The couple worked with Urban Petals to decorate the ceremony area with white petals, floral arrangements, and a statement greenery wreath, which marked the altar.

  • More Altar and Aisle Decorations We Love

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On the Aisle

paula terence wedding ceremony processional bride and father
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

A violin and cello duo played as guests were seated and the wedding party made their way down the aisle. Paula's father escorted her to the altar to Sting's "Field of Gold."

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A Spiritual Service

paula terence wedding ceremony bride and groom's recessional
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

At the start of the non-religious, but spiritual service, the officiant—a close friend—began with a moment of silence, asking guests to stretch their hands outward towards the couple "to send us their love," recalls Paula. The duo then exchanged vows they wrote together, making sure to incorporate themes of support, commitment, and shared values.

After they were declared husband and wife, they recessed back up the aisle to "Can I Have This Dance" by Francis and the Lights to get everyone into the party mood.

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Find Your Seat

paula terence wedding escort cards on champagne glasses
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

The couple had fun with their escort cards, creating scrolls with each guest's name and attaching them to Champagne glasses.

  • Discover More of Our Favorite Boozy Escort Cards

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Stylish Guests

paula terence wedding guests in colorful clothing
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

Paula and Terence's guests were a stylish bunch—most donned colorful ensembles, which suited the semiformal event style.

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To the Porch

paula terence wedding reception table on porch
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

The reception took place both inside the William Aiken House and on the porch; the dance floor was located outside. A total of 15 tables were set up for dinner, with round tables inside and rectangular tables outside. While the tables inside held lush centerpiece arrangements and tapered candles, the couple wanted a simpler look for the tables outdoors, which held tea candles and smaller vases with single stems.

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Blooming Tablescapes

paula terence wedding place setting and floral centerpiece
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

Tables that did feature traditional floral arrangements were just as stunning as their simpler counterparts; the abundant blooms, including peonies, sweet pea, and garden roses, were placed in brass vessels, which referenced the silverware.

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Colorful Place Settings

paula terence wedding plate setting with golden silverware and ornate plate
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

Each place setting included a blush fabric napkin, a colorful patterned plate, and gold cutlery.

  • Trending Now: Cluster Wedding Centerpieces

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Plenty of Food

paula terence wedding appetizers on plate
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

Along with passed hors d'oeuvres, guests enjoyed a tasty dinner that featured braised short ribs or quinoa stuffed peppers, twice-baked potatoes, and herb-roasted squash and zucchini. For dessert, the couple offered mini donuts and mason jars filled with blueberry crumble.

As if that wasn't enough to keep guests full, the duo also served buffalo chicken biscuits and grilled cheese later in the evening.

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A Simple Cake

paula terence wedding cake on ornate table in house
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

The couple worked with the venue to make a simple round two-tier confection, which they sliced into during their cake-cutting ceremony.

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The First Dance

paula terence wedding couple first dance
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

When the newlyweds first met in Charleston, Terence played Paula music from the artist Kygo, who has since become one of their favorite musicians. It was only natural for them to share their first dance to Kygo's remix of "Wait" by M83 right after dancing with their guests to "Firestone," another one of the band's hits.

There was one other special musical moment of the evening: "It's become a tradition amongst our friend group to end our weddings with 'I Will Wait' by Mumford & Sons. Everyone was on the dance floor jumping up and down to this song—it was electric!"

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Sources

paula terence wedding couple toasting champagne
Credit: O'Malley Photographers

Photography, O'Malley Photographers

Venue and Cake, William Aiken House

Event planning, Kelly Strong Events

Day-of coordination, Peper Events

Flowers, Urban Petals

Catering, Patrick Properties Hospitality Group

Bride's gown, Sarah Seven

Hair and Makeup, Wedding Hair by Charlotte

Bridesmaids' dresses, BHLDN; Show Me Your Mumu

Groom's suit, Hugo Boss

Music, DJ Megan Taylor; Palmetto Strings

Rentals, EventWorks; Other Brother Entertainment; BBJ Linen

Lighting, Lowcountry Entertainment

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    1 of 21
    2 of 21 On Location
    3 of 21 Special Sleeves
    4 of 21 Something Borrowed
    5 of 21 Wedding-White Bouquet
    6 of 21 The Groom's Look
    7 of 21 Coordinated Bridesmaids
    8 of 21 Petite Bouquets for the 'Maids
    9 of 21 The First Look
    10 of 21 Quaint Ceremony Setup
    11 of 21 On the Aisle
    12 of 21 A Spiritual Service
    13 of 21 Find Your Seat
    14 of 21 Stylish Guests
    15 of 21 To the Porch
    16 of 21 Blooming Tablescapes
    17 of 21 Colorful Place Settings
    18 of 21 Plenty of Food
    19 of 21 A Simple Cake
    20 of 21 The First Dance
    21 of 21 Sources

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