Get inspiration from these clever ways to celebrate under the sky.
Written by KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER
WE’VE GOT NOTHING AGAINST a stately, decorated ballroom or a sweet little chapel. But some wedding ideas are best experienced al fresco. Here are three ways to make the most of an outdoor setting for an unforgettable party.
1. Have a Posh Picnic
Kearsten and Cody got married in a small ceremony at Cotton Hall in Yemassee, South Carolina. After the wedding, the couple toasted to their new life together with a luxury picnic. Cotton Hall catered the charcuterie and other picnic foods, and the couple also savored their cake, crafted by Ally’s Bakery. An upscale picnic like this one is an intimate way to celebrate with just the two of you or you can do a relaxed picnic basket theme for multiple guests. Picnics also offer plenty of photo opportunities for documenting precious moments.
Kearsten & Cody’s Wedding Details
Location of ceremony and reception: Cotton Hall
Officiant: Sarah’s Hilton Head Vows
Number of guests: 6
Photography: Bronston Photography
Videographer: Wiggins Film Co.
Florals: Coastal Daisy
Hair and makeup: Dolled Up by Caroline
Bride’s attire: Ava Laurenne Bride; shoes by Bella Belle
Groom’s attire: BLACK by Vera Wang tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse
Bride’s rings: Jared Jewelry
Groom’s ring: Antler Rings
2. Let the Sparks Fly
For Kylie and Jason’s wedding at The Ford Field & River Club, Tara Skinner Events created a dramatic departure moment for the bride and groom. The couple left in a golf cart, surrounded by cold sparks. Safer than traditional fireworks, cold sparks don’t have as much heat or risk of fire, but the special effect still creates a dazzling display. For this wedding, the cold sparks were provided by JLK Events, based in Bluffton, South Carolina.
3. Slip Away to a Private Island
For their wedding reception, Ellie Becker and Brandon Denker chose Page Island, a remote, private island in the South Carolina marshlands owned by Outside Brands. (The reception was designed and executed by Outside DMC, a division of Outside Brands.) The island is only accessible by boat, and is a rugged, natural outpost, notes Carol Kavanaugh-Arrington, director of sales for Outside DMC. “You have to be all in for the venue,” she notes. Everything has to be delivered by boat, from the furniture rentals to the band, and at the end of the event, the island is returned to its natural state. But the tranquility and unique experience is worth it.
Ellie and Brandon had 26 guests at their reception, and everyone was shuttled from Palmetto Bluff onboard Outside’s 47-foot luxury catamaran, Ohana. During the 50-minute ride, guests enjoyed appetizers, such as sweet potato blini with Beluga caviar. As they disembarked, they were served French 75 cocktails. Later, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, such as oysters, followed by a sit-down dinner with a menu featuring salad with crab, filet mignon, and wedding cake. After the four-and-a-half-hour event, guests were whisked back to Palmetto Bluff on the boat, while nibbling on grilled pizzas as a late-night snack. SCw
Ellie & Brandon’s Wedding Details
Location of reception: Page Island, South Carolina (The couple were married earlier that day at Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina.)
Number of guests: 26
Photographer: Amia Marcell Photography
Wedding planning and design: Kelli Corn Weddings and Events
Catering: Anne Pufal/FISH Casual Coastal Seafood
Rentals: EventWorks
Linen: BBJ La Tavola
Reception music: Andy Masker Band
