Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Real Weddings A Kiawah Island Wedding with the Most Upbeat Colors and Unparalleled Views of the Atlantic Ocean By Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on August 20, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Perry Vaile Daniel's plan to propose to Lauren while on a wine tasting trip in Willamette Valley, Oregon, was very nearly thwarted by the weather. "It rained the first two days we were there, but on the third day the sun finally came out!" says Lauren. Daniel said he wanted to take advantage of the weather and drive to the coast, so the pair headed to the beach—where he proposed at sunset. "The next night, back in Portland, he surprised me again—all of our parents had flown there to celebrate with us!" recalls the bride. Wedding planning commenced once the duo returned to their home in Houston; the pair put a lot of thought into the locale. "Our families and friends are spread out across the country," says Daniel. "Since we knew so many people would have to travel regardless, we wanted to pick a place that was not only important to us, but would be a fun destination for everyone." Kiawah Island in South Carolina ultimately fit the bill. "I've been going there for vacation with my family since I was in middle school," says Lauren, "and Daniel has joined me for the family trip every year since [we got together]." With its ocean views and emerald green lawns, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort quickly became their first pick for the event. With the location locked in, the couple was able focus on the overall feel of their nuptials. "Our running joke on the theme was that it was 'beach-adjacent'—the Ocean Course [lawn] overlooks the ocean, but we wanted to make sure that nothing felt beachy or nautical," explains Lauren. "We also knew that we wanted all the color and nothing too traditional. Having the entire event feel fun and comfortable was our biggest priority." The pair had a great time planning the details. "Everyone always says to step back and remember the wedding as it is happening, but I feel like it's important to also do that with the planning," says Daniel. "There are a lot of fun elements (like the tasting) that are great memories." On August 30, 2019, Lauren and Daniel were married in an outdoor ceremony in front of 150 guests. "Keeping the guest list small was really important to me," says the groom. "I knew it was going to be such a special day and I wanted to make sure everyone there was someone special to us and our families." As planned, the day was filled with color, family, friends, and music—all of which were important to the pair. "The band was phenomenal," says Daniel. "The dance floor was packed the whole night." "I think the color was the most special thing about our wedding," adds Lauren of the day's bright hues. "It definitely helped our big day feel like it represented the two of us!" 01 of 19 Vivid Wedding Stationery Perry Vaile The brightly-hued backing on the couple's wedding invitation suite by Yonder Design was reflected in the envelopes, setting the tone—color-wise—for the entire wedding. "We wanted our invitations to give a hint at what people could expect for the wedding. They were bold and fun," says Daniel. How to Choose Your Wedding Invitations Based on Your Color Palette 02 of 19 A Bright Bridal Bouquet Perry Vaile Full roses, sweet peas, and ranunculus blossoms in shades of peach, pink, and gold starred in the bride's lush bouquet by Philo Floral. More Ultra-Romantic Peony Wedding Bouquets 03 of 19 Colorful Bridesmaid Dresses Perry Vaile When it came to her bridal party's ensembles, Lauren had a very specific overarching vision in mind. "I knew I didn't want them to match or be traditional bridesmaid dresses," she says, "and I knew I wanted color!" She chose golden yellow dresses with a fun, bohemian vibe for her sisters before helping her other bridesmaids select bright pink gowns for the big day. The bride's own ensemble came together unexpectedly. "I fell in love with the embroidered texture of one particular wedding dress, but it had a plunging neckline and I knew I wanted something with more coverage," she explains. I decided to try it on backwards and fell even more in love with it. That way, the neckline was high but had a fun dip in the back." Seamstresses at Casa de Novia were able to make the garment's long sleeves removable, so that she could switch up her look for the reception. "It was truly one of a kind and wouldn't have been possible without their awesome team!" More Looks That Prove Bridesmaids' Dresses Can Be Chic 04 of 19 Unique Tuxedos Perry Vaile Daniel wanted his half of the wedding party to feel equally nontraditional, so he chose navy blue tuxes for himself and his groomsmen. 05 of 19 A Site to Behold Perry Vaile Located on the green of a world-class golf course, the site for the couple's ceremony featured an arch paved with blush pink baby's breath. Large ferns marked the entryway, enhancing the emerald green of the lawn. More Beautiful Ceremony Arches 06 of 19 Lovely Live Music Perry Vaile A string trio played a slowed-down version of the song "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure for the bride's processional. 07 of 19 A Personal Ceremony Perry Vaile The pair's pastor from Houston officiated the moving ceremony, which featured two religious readings and a book passage. For Lauren, it was the best part of the day. "Finally getting to hold Daniel's hands once I got up to the altar was my favorite moment," she says. "I had specifically said to the pastor beforehand that I wanted to get to the part where I could hand off my bouquet and hold Daniel's hands as quickly as possible!" The ceremony was also the first time the couple saw each other that day. "Our first look was as Lauren was walking down the aisle," says Daniel. "It was a moment I had been waiting for all day because I had missed her so much. My heart felt full." 08 of 19 Back Up Perry Vaile Lauren and Daniel newlyweds recessed back up the aisle to "Flowers in Your Hair" by The Lumineers. Everything You Need to Know About Picking Recessional Music 09 of 19 An Elegant Escort Board Perry Vaile Guests found their seating assignments on a colorful board designed to reflect the couple's wedding flowers. "The escort board was 100% our wedding planner's idea and it was perfect!" says Lauren. More Unique Wedding Seating Charts We Love 10 of 19 A Graceful Reception Tent Perry Vaile A towering white tent trimmed in multicolored flowers housed the couple's reception. Here's What Every Type of Wedding Tent Looks Like 11 of 19 Handsome Lounge Areas Perry Vaile Indoor furniture was arranged to mimic mini living rooms (table lamps and all!), creating lovely outdoor lounge areas for guests to gather around. 12 of 19 Coordinating Flowers Perry Vaile Tiny hyacinth arrangements matched the pink in the pillows used throughout the lounge areas. 13 of 19 A Spectacular Floral Arrangement Perry Vaile Under the tent, however, floral arrangements were super-sized. The center of the space was marked by a wooden stand overflowing with fresh, colorful flowers. Lush ferns were suspended from the ceiling overhead. More of Our Favorite Tent Decorating Ideas 14 of 19 Vibrant Reception Tables Perry Vaile Swathed in white linens and draped with gingham runners, the reception tables were dotted with vibrant flowers in shades of yellow and pink. "We knew we wanted long tables and family style service," says Lauren. "The linens were, again, fun and bold." Discover More Statement Linens That Will Take Your Reception to the Next Level 15 of 19 Rosy Reception Seating Perry Vaile Blush Lucite chairs surrounded the tables left without white linens for a splash of color. The Best Lucite Wedding Ideas 16 of 19 Pretty Place Settings Perry Vaile Each place setting featured personalized décor. "The week before the wedding, we decided to do Lucite place cards for every guest and I'm so glad we did," says Lauren. "They were fun keepsakes and looked so beautiful on the tables!" 17 of 19 A Classic Wedding Cake Perry Vaile The couple was decidedly hands-off when it came to choosing a wedding cake. "All we knew was that we wanted it to look simple and taste good—my mom actually picked the rest!" says Lauren. The confection's three tiers were iced in white buttercream and dotted with fresh blooms. 18 of 19 Generous Gift Bags Perry Vaile Guests received monogrammed gift bags filled with drinks and special treats sourced from small businesses close to the destination. 19 of 19 Sources Perry Vaile Photography, Perry Vaile Venue, Kiawah Island Golf Resort Event planning and design, Fox Events Catering, Kiawah Island Resort Flowers, Philo Floral Videography, Artistic Eye Stationery, Yonder Design Calligraphy, Yonder Design; J.Lily Cake, Kiawah Island Resort Music, Le Pumpe Rentals, Emerson James; La Tavola; Ooh Events; Snyder Event Rentals Hair and Makeup, Lashes and Lace Lighting, Technical Event Company Transportation, Coastal Limo; Ten Twenty Travel Draping and custom fabric, The Social Spool Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit