This past July, Hunter and I got married in an intimate Charleston wedding ceremony! The coronavirus pandemic forced us to postpone our original wedding date like so many other couples this year. We were devastated to pause all of our plans only a week before the big day in March. But of course, we knew it was the right decision to protect those we love most. Since getting married in the interim, we’ve realized the many perks of having an intimate wedding!
Back in March when we postponed, we had already finalized every wedding detail. Luckily, all of our vendors were willing and able to postpone along with us to October. We postponed again to June 2021 when we realized the pandemic was not going to be “over” by then. Completely changing our wedding was out of the question, so our only option was to postpone until we felt we could have the original wedding we planned. Besides the logistics of vendor contracts and date availability, we had our hearts set on the original vision of the day and wanted as many guests as possible to feel completely comfortable attending.
Although we weren’t sure it could happen, Hunter and I still wanted to get legally married this year. We were so ready, and the thought of waiting over a year was pretty painful. But, we had a lot of factors to consider with the pandemic. Coronavirus cases and deaths sharply increased starting mid-June in Charleston. Some family members, including Hunter, are considered high risk. We had no interest in putting anyone in danger of contracting COVID. My sister and brother-in-law would also have to drive over 15 hours to get to Charleston. Luckily, our families were more than willing to quarantine before we all came together. They also enjoyed getting out of their normal routines at home!
Our Charleston wedding venue and vendors
When considering a location for our intimate Charleston wedding, Zero George hotel instantly came to mind. Hunter and I stayed in 2017 for a staycation, and we felt at home the entire time. Four historic homes converted into 16 hotel rooms and an award-winning restaurant comprise the hotel. Inside the grounds, canopies of greenery cover cozy brick courtyards. Along with their COVID safety protocols, I knew Zero George would be the perfect place for a safe outdoor ceremony.
We had just three Charleston wedding vendors: our officiant Doug Farmer, our florist Lily of Flowershop, and my dear friend and photographer Gayle Brooker. I can’t thank them enough for making our intimate ceremony as safe and special as it could be!
Emily Kotarski custom designed my dress and veil. It felt so special to have a dress that was one-of-a-kind! My necklace is from my sweet photography client Grace + Hudson Jewelry, my earrings are from BHLDN, and my shoes are from Cole Haan. For this ceremony, I did my own nails using Dazzle Dry, my own makeup, and my sister did my hair!
It was definitely strange not having our extended families and friends at the wedding. But if all goes to plan, our June 2021 wedding will be so relaxed! We’ve already done the never-ending planning, nerve-wracking first look, and the tear-jerking ceremony. All we have to do in June is celebrate everyone coming together. Bonus: I get to wear my dress twice!
Such a beautiful day celebrating such a great couple! Congratulations and love!
Thank you so much Katie! We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone next summer!