Jessalyn and Jefferson’s spring wedding at Middleton Place in Charleston, SC, was picture perfect. The couple shared their first look under a giant Live Oak tree, dripping in Spanish Moss, right on the water. After a beautiful garden-inspired ceremony at the Butterfly Lakes, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour followed by a stunning tented reception created by the talent of A Charleston Bride and Palmetto Bloom. / Images by Aaron & Jillian Photography.
Says Jessalyn, “We were looking for an outdoor venue where we could celebrate both of our religious faiths. I am from Boston and Jeff’s family lives in Charleston. We looked at multiple venues in Cape Cod and Charleston, but once I saw Middleton, we both knew that was where we wanted to get married. I was drawn to a classic, elegant, subtle and romantic style which was perfect for a spring wedding there. And being born and raised in the South, Jeff naturally wanted a classic black tie wedding.
I had a hard time finding a dress I loved and kept waiting for THE moment. After looking at several bridal stores, all of the dresses looked alike and I started to get discouraged. At the last store I went to, I finally found the dress I was looking for – a classic style with a twist – and the one I felt most confident wearing.
Favorite moment? There were a lot of great moments from the day that made it a really happy wedding. Being surrounded by our family and friends from different parts of our lives, and watching them celebrating and laughing with us was something neither of us will ever forget. But seeing Jeff during our first look was a really special, private moment for us to be together during a crazy weekend.
We made sure to include small touches throughout the day that reflected our backgrounds and families, like traditional Southern food for Jeff, New England lobster rolls for me and some Asian flair since my mom is Chinese. We also blended traditions from the Christian and Jewish faiths into our ceremony which made it very special for us and our friends and family. It was also really important that we had a connection to our officiant. Our officiant was someone Jeff had known since he was little and had also officiated Jeff’s mom/step-father’s wedding 26 years ago!
Jessalyn & Jeff’s Love Story | Jeff and I met in class at Duke University nearly ten years ago. I was a sophomore, and he was a senior sitting in the back of the class. He noticed me in the front row, and each class he moved a seat closer to me until he was right next to me. From then on, I was excited but nervous to go to class because I knew I’d get to see him. He finally asked me out, and since then we’ve survived long distance on different continents, medical school, business school and two crazy careers.
Jessalyn’s advice? We made sure to pick a few ‘must haves’ for both of us. I really wanted a great photographer and high quality food. Jeff wanted a good bar (with nice bourbon!) and a great band. But most importantly – stop and enjoy every minute of the day because it goes by way too fast!
The couple is honeymooning to Hawaii soon!
Credits: Photography: Aaron & Jillian Photography | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Middleton Place | Event Planner: A Charleston Bride | Florals: Palmetto Bloom | Wedding gown: Pnina Tornai | Groom’s Attire: Balani Custom Clothiers | Bride’s jewelry: Schiffman’s | Bride’s veil: Mignonette Bridal | Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Hayley Paige Occasions | Wedding stationery: The Silver Starfish | Wedding cake: DeClare Cakes | Caterer: Cru Catering | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle | Hairstylist: Paper Dolls Wedding Hair and Makeup | Tent: Sperry Tents | Wedding Rentals: Snyder Events | Linen Rentals: Nuage Designs | Bar Service: Middleton Place | Wedding Videographer: Siegel Films | Ceremony Musicians: Classical Charleston | Lighting Design: IES Production | Wedding Band: Voltage Brothers | Wedding Dress Boutique: Kleinfeld’s | Groomsmen Suits: The Black Tux | Calligraphy: J. Lilly Design
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