Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. Wedding Styles
  5. Seasonal Weddings
  6. Fall Weddings
  7. One Couple's Personalized Fall Wedding in South Carolina
Martha Stewart Weddings

One Couple's Personalized Fall Wedding in South Carolina

emily-platt-contributor-0616.jpg
By Emily Platt
Skip gallery slides
Pin
madeline brad wedding couple smile
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

The outdoor event was filled to the brim with timeless, traditional, and rustic-chic details.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
madeline brad wedding couple smile
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

It's not often that a wedding beautifully masters multiple themes, but when one does, it's especially captivating. That was the case for Madeline and Brad's fall celebration. The black-tie event was undeniably formal but didn't shy away from rustic touches, including country motifs. "We would have to describe our wedding as a sophisticated southern affair with the understated elegance of autumn," the bride shares. We would have to agree.

"We wanted to show our friends and family how much they mean to us by having the very best food, drinks, and entertainment along with an atmosphere that was elegant and dreamy at the same time," Madeline explains. Shortly after getting engaged, the couple asked Meagan Warren to help them achieve their vision. Together, they planned a timeless event that centered around nature and tradition. The former inspired their rich color palette; the latter inspired their many meaningful touches.

Madeline and Brad officially tied the knot on November 4, 2017. Despite hosting 125 guests, the event felt surprisingly intimate. That's in part due to their warm, inviting color scheme and their relaxed reception setup. Above all else, though, the personalized details set their wedding apart from the rest. "Our wedding was special because we feel like it really portrayed who we are as a couple," Madeline says.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

You're Formally Invited

madeline brad wedding stationery
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography
24 Illustrated Crests and Monograms That Prettied Up Invitations

Madeline and Brad's stationery suite began with a custom save-the-date. It was adorned with the couple's pastoral crest by Lemontree Calligraphy & Illustration.

Their wedding invitations—which featured the whimsical script of Calligraphy by Request—were printed on white paper and tucked into matching envelopes finished off with a wax seal. The simple design balanced out the intricate save-the-dates.

2 of 20

3 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bridal Style

madeline brad wedding getting ready
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

Madeline got ready with the help of her mother, pictured here fastening the bride's custom chapel-length veil.

"I wanted a classic, timeless style with a ball gown look that I can keep as an heirloom item and hopefully pass down in my family one day," Madeline shared of her wedding dress. "I love stories where brides wear their grandmother's dress and since I did not have anything like this in my family, I wanted to create a tradition." She found this lace-sleeved Barbara Kavchok "Grace" gown at the Columbia, South Carolina, bridal boutique London and Lace.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Special Muse

madeline brad wedding shoes
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

Some women don't select their bridal accessories until they're far along in the wedding planning process. Others, like Madeline, base their entire color palette around them. While browsing online, she stumbled upon these velvet shoes by Manolo Blahnik. As with the venue, she "just knew" the green heels were for her, so she ordered them on the spot. "After getting the bold shoes, the other pieces started falling together, including the bridesmaid dress color choice," she says.

Madeline also accessorized with her great-grandmother's earrings, which she borrowed from her aunt.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The First Look

madeline brad wedding first look
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography
Why Your Wedding Photographer Really Wants You to Think About Having a First Look

"My most memorable moment was our first look. I can't remember when I've been that nervous and excited to see Madeline," Brad shared. "The sun was perfect, shining through the oak trees while I waited for her. When she was walking up behind me, before I turned around, her dress sounded like a ship's sail coming in. When I turned around, I saw Madeline looking as beautiful as I had ever seen her. It was really a great memory!"

His bride agrees. "It was such a special and personal moment for us to share with each other! I will never forget the way Brad looked at me the first time he saw me."

5 of 20

6 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beautiful Bridesmaids

madeline brad wedding bridesmaids
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

Remember how Madeline based her color palette off her green wedding shoes? When it came to her bridesmaids' dresses, the rich color choice didn't disappoint. Each woman—all friends of the bride, aside from the maid of honor, her sister—wore the V-neck "Harper" gown from LulaKate in a stunning forest shade.

The ladies carried bouquets of peonies, hypericum berries, amaranthus, copper beech, roses, and pampas grass tied with trailing ribbons.

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Rings

madeline brad wedding rings
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography
Everything You Need to Know About Having Your Wedding Band Engraved

Brad proposed with a platinum estate setting from the late 1900s and an antique stone from the same era. "Brad knew I really liked the look of antique filigree on rings and picked it out himself," Madeline explains. On the big day, she slipped a classic 14K-gold band from Benchmark with the wedding date engraved inside on to her husband's finger.

7 of 20

8 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony

madeline brad wedding ceremony
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

The couple wed in front of a giant oak tree right. The top of the aisle was decorated with urns borrowed from Madeline's aunt. Each held arrangements of foxgloves, "antique caramel" garden roses, money plant seed pods, and red buckeye made by Côte Designs.

8 of 20

9 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Processional

madeline brad wedding processional
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

Madeline and her father descended the house's steps for an elegant grand entrance to the sounds of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Main Event

madeline brad wedding ceremony vows
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

Reverend Kevin Roberts led the ceremony, which Madeline describes as "not overly religious." Instead, they focused on a simple message: "one of love and happiness."

Clearly no strangers to sentimental touches, the couple opted for personalized ceremony music. "We had a dear friend, who is a vocalist, sing James Taylor's version of 'The Water Is Wide' accompanied by strings," Madeline shares.

Music was actually an important part of the entire event. Throughout the rest of the ceremony, a string quartet played songs by some of their favorite artists, from Stevie Wonder to Jeff Buckley to The Beatles.

10 of 20

11 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Burying the Bourbon

madeline brad wedding pappy vanwinkle
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography
16 Wedding Traditions and Superstitions

Brad, a bourbon enthusiast, decided to partake in the southern tradition of "burying the bourbon," which is said to bring couples good weather on the wedding day. He chose a rare bottle of Pappy Van Winkle for the ritual, which he thought would make things "extra special." He also custom-built the wooden box the whiskey was buried in, engraving the couple's initials and wedding date on it.

As per tradition, the bourbon was buried upside down on the venue's grounds a month before the wedding. The couple dug it up after their ceremony and shared it with their wedding party. Funny enough, the tradition seemed to work! "The weather was perfect," Madeline shared. 

11 of 20

12 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Cocktail Hour

madeline brad wedding cocktail hour
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

During cocktail hour, guests ordered drinks from an open bar and snacked on a tasty appetizer pairing: tomato-bisque soup shooters and grilled-cheese sandwich wedges.

As everyone enjoyed their refreshments, a violinist played classical music. John James Audubon art, from Madeline's mother's personal collection, served as meaningful décor.

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Signed with Love

madeline brad wedding guestbook
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography
46 Guest Books from Real Weddings

Guests wrote their well wishes inside an album from Artifact Uprising printed with the couple's crest from their save-the-date and a handful of engagement photos.

13 of 20

14 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Reception Setup

madeline brad wedding reception
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

Come reception time, guests seated themselves at a mix of round and farm tables. The former came with ivory infinity-back chairs, while the latter came with aged iron benches with upholstered tops.

The reception space was also decorated with a chic lounge area, featuring two emerald velvet sofas and three round coffee tables between them. The al-fresco setting was finished off with enchanting café lighting.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Wedding Centerpieces

madeline brad wedding centerpiece
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography
Elegant Ways to Decorate Your Wedding with Mercury Glass

While no two reception centerpieces were alike, the Côte Designs arrangements stuck to the same autumnal color palette. This one, at the head table, included "antique caramel" carnations, cooper beech tree foliage, bronze amaranthus, and pheasant feathers. It was placed in a mercury-glass vessel.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dining Outdoors

madeline brad wedding place setting
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

White linen napkins with abalone-shell flower-shaped napkin rings adorned each place setting at the head table. Meanwhile, vintage pheasant-pattern salad plates sat atop vintage gold-rimmed chargers and dinner plates. The water goblets were also vintage and made from amber glass, while gold, hammered flatware added a bit more texture. The wedding party found their seats thanks to skeleton magnolia leaves calligraphed in gold.

Southern Way Catering served a whole barbequed hog alongside an eclectic mix of other rustic and comfort fare. Chicken poblano tacos and shrimp, ham, and gravy grits were among the menu items. Guests helped themselves at food stations.

16 of 20

17 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

An Unexpected Guest

madeline brad wedding painting
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography
Why You Should Consider Hiring an Event Painter for Your Wedding

The wedding venue's owner surprised the bride and groom with an event painter, Trahern Cook, who memorialized their reception in piece of artwork. Now, the painting hangs proudly in the couple's living room.

17 of 20

18 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

An Autumnal Dessert

madeline brad wedding cake
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

Madeline and Brad's semi-naked wedding cake was decorated with pears, blackberries, and figs. A caramel drizzle made the dessert look even more scrumptious. The four tiers came in two flavors: sweet potato and pound cake. The couple's saving the top tier to share on their first anniversary—another wedding tradition.

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The First Dance

madeline brad wedding first dance
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

The couple took their first dance as newlyweds to "Lady Soul" by the Temptations. Later, they would join the band on stage as Right to Party played upbeat tunes. For their last song, they requested Prince's "Purple Rain."

19 of 20

20 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

madeline brad wedding couple hug
Credit: Michael and Carina Photography

Photography, Michael and Carina Photography

Event planning, Meagan Warren Weddings

Catering, Southern Way Catering

Flowers, Côte Designs

Videography, Cinema Couture Films

Officiant, VOW

Stationery, Lemontree Calligraphy & Illustration (crest); Print Shop of West Ashley (layout and printing)

Calligraphy, Calligraphy by Request

Cake, Bonnie Brunt Cakes

Music, EdgeWire Music (ceremony and cocktail hour); Right to Party via EastCoast Entertainment (reception)

Rentals, Ooh Events

Bride's gown, Barbara Kaychok from London and Lace

Bride's shoes, Manolo Blahnik

Hair, Kelli Hoff

Makeup, Deidre Outlaw

Bridesmaids' dresses, LulaKate

Groom's attire, Jos. A Bank tuxedo; J.Hilburn shirt

Groom's accessories, Benchmark wedding band; Allen Edmonds shoes

Lighting, Ambient Media

Transportation, Southern Valet

Event painter, Trahern Cook

Guest book, Artifact Uprising

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Emily Platt

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple's Whimsical Garden Wedding in California
    • 9 Wedding Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers
    • 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20
    2 of 20 You're Formally Invited
    3 of 20 Bridal Style
    4 of 20 A Special Muse
    5 of 20 The First Look
    6 of 20 Beautiful Bridesmaids
    7 of 20 The Rings
    8 of 20 The Ceremony
    9 of 20 The Processional
    10 of 20 The Main Event
    11 of 20 Burying the Bourbon
    12 of 20 The Cocktail Hour
    13 of 20 Signed with Love
    14 of 20 The Reception Setup
    15 of 20 The Wedding Centerpieces
    16 of 20 Dining Outdoors
    17 of 20 An Unexpected Guest
    18 of 20 An Autumnal Dessert
    19 of 20 The First Dance
    20 of 20 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    One Couple's Personalized Fall Wedding in South Carolina
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.