Once upon a time, a doe-eyed West Virginia girl fell for one of the handsome Lavin boys. Love, adventure and travel followed. He asked him to marry her. Magic ensued.
That may seem a little dramatic, but after spending several days documenting their perfect wedding weekend at The Sanctuary at Kiawah, it really was like a fairy tale in so many ways.
Monica’s recommended vendors include The Sanctuary at Kiawah, Gown Boutique of Charleston, Berlins (groom’s attire), Colucci’s Jewelers, Tiger Lily Florist, Cakes by Kasarda, Soul Function Band, letterpress by Heather Forsythe.
And after you swoon over the wedding, check out earlier posts to see their engagement session and Monica’s morning in the bridal suite.
.jpg "Bridal gown with an ocean view. Guys don ties on wedding day. Ladies quench thirst en route to downtown Charleston.")
.jpg "Wedding day portraits of the bride and groom at St. Philips and The Sanctuary at Kiawah")
.jpg "Wedding Party poses for portraits at St. Philips on Church Street in historic Charleston")
Five minutes until showtime! Finger-pointer attempts to direct the bridesmaids.
.jpg "Wedding in Five Minutes, tick tock! Bridesmaids try to ignore the finger-pointer in the painting.")
.jpg "A beautiful bride leads her bridesmaids to the sanctuary at St. Philips in historic Charleston, SC")
Chills. We had chills! Entering the narthex, the choir was belting out angelic strains. They sing at only a couple of weddings each year. Since Monica is a choir member, they sang for her wedding. Want to know what it sounded like? Watch the wedding in “The Sound of Music.”
.jpg "Bride at St. Philips is in awe of the choir's a cappella pre-wedding songs")
.jpg "Choir and wedding party wait at St. Philips doors for the processional to begin.")
.jpg "Ring bearer, check. Handkerchief for bride, check. Let's do this!")
.jpg "A Charleston bride walks down the aisle at St. Michael's and exits the church a married woman.")
.jpg "Casey and Monica exit St. Philips after having tied the knot.")
.jpg "Summerville Newlyweds exit St Philips, Charleston's church on Church Street")
.jpg "After the ceremony, the wedding party regroups.")
.jpg "Newlyweds in St. Philips Episcopal in Charleston, SC. Father-in-law escorts bride.")
.jpg "After the ceremony and a few portraits, the wedding party boards limo, bus and cars to head to Sanctuary at Kiawah.")
.jpg "A kiss from the Mrs. and it's off to Kiawah for the reception!")
.jpg "Wedding cocktail hour: on the grand lawn and in the bridal suite, The Sanctuary at Kiawah")
.jpg "Newlyweds kiss with a sea breeze at The Sanctuary at Kiawah")
.jpg "Just married, Monica and Casey joined Carolina Photosmith on the lawn of The Sanctuary at Kiawah for portraits")
.jpg "Newlywed portraits on the beach at The Sanctuary at Kiawah while guests enjoy cocktail hour on grand lawn.")
.jpg "Prince William and Kate have nothing on these two. Except a crown and a castle.")
.jpg "The Sanctuary at Kiawah, Grand Oaks Ballroom wedding setup, Tiger Lily Florist")
.jpg "Sanctuary wedding guests receive newlyweds in Grand Oaks Ballroom")
.jpg "Italian wedding fare at The Sanctuary at Kiawah includes fresh pasta, caprese salad, manicotti, tiramisu")
The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat!
.jpg "Battles ensue for bride's bouquet and garter. Always a hoot!")
.jpg "Awesome dance moves with this crowd and Soul Function Band")
.jpg "Soul Function Band rocks the house at Sanctuary wedding on Kiawah Island")
Casey, the consummate entertainer, treated everyone to a rousing rendition of “Piano Man.” The crowd went wild!
.jpg "The groom busts out \"Piano Man\" and the crowd went wild!")
More dancing, as is always the case when Soul Function plays. Then a final group hug to wrap up an amazing weekend. Sweet Monica was one of several people in the huddle saying she just didn’t want it to end.
.jpg "Last dance wraps with a group hug and several saying they didn't want it to end.")
