On warm November day in 2013, Elizabeth Mathison and RJ Maricich were married on the picturesque 18th hole at Harbour Town Golf Links course in Sea Pines. Adjacent to the iconic Hilton Head lighthouse, the couple stood under a beautiful custom-designed arch in front of over 250 friends and family members.
It was a day that both thought was so perfect, they’d do it all over again.
Their reception was held in the Champions Ball Room at Sea Pines Resort. Lowcountry luxury wedding designer and planner, Amanda Spencer, of Spencer Special Events, worked closely with Maricich and Mathison and a long list of local vendors to create a rustic yet country-club glamorous wedding with a nautical twist.
Warm and inviting, it was a wedding dotted with personal touches throughout.
We sat down with Elizabeth to hear more details of this truly picture perfect Hilton Head wedding.
Monthly: How did you & RJ meet?
A: RJ and I met the summer after my junior year in high school in my hometown in North Carolina, and we were instantly smitten. We continued to date off and on through college, but always remained best friends. He was living in Las Vegas, I was living in New York City, but we started dating more seriously again and I ultimately found a job and moved to Las Vegas. Fifteen months after I moved, we were in Italy with my family for Thanksgiving and RJ asked me to marry him. Another transcontinental move later, this time back to North Carolina, we were married. A little over 12 years after we met, we’ve come full circle.
Q: Where did you find your dress and what did you love about it?
A: I found my dress at Bleu Belle Bridal in Savannah. When I tried it on, I was with my mom, sister, stepmom and now mother-in-law. It was a great day with special women, and the dress was an added bonus! What I loved most about it was that it was classic with beautiful details, but not over the top.
Q: Tell us the story about the blue suede shoes and groom’s attire?
A: I wanted the ceremony and reception to feel personal to both of us, and RJ really does have his own sense of style. Working in an industry driven by design, RJ shows his flare on his feet. When we decided on a more organic color palette, we thought it would be fun to add a pop of color in a non-traditional way. RJ picked them out, and they could not have been more perfect! Also, the boutonniere was a special touch. Under the guidance of his dad, RJ and his brothers have become avid fisherman and fly-tiers. So the boutonniere was tied with a popular fly to honor that tradition.
Q: Why did you choose to get married at Sea Pines?
A: I have grown up coming to Sea Pines, first to visit my grandparents, now to visit my dad. There is something truly magical about being in this part of the world. The willowy trees, salty air and beautiful beaches have always brought me a sense of peace, and I could not imagine a more special place to celebrate our marriage with friends and family.
Q: What was the design inspiration for your reception?
A: Well, I would say we wanted a simple, warm elegance with a nautical twist. I wanted it to feel magical and Amanda at Spencer Special Events really delivered. From the lighting concept to the trees behind the stage, our vision really came to life! It was rustic but sophisticated. Nautical and classy.
Q: Tell me a little bit about the furniture that was custom designed for your wedding?
A: Having a family in the furniture industry, my parents were adamantly opposed to the idea of buying disposable furniture, so we went an alternative route. My stepmom found some old sofas at a yard sale and had them recovered. It still was disposable furniture, but it left our conscience clean. The sofas are now on my brother’s covered porch in Charlotte and look great. My dad provided strips of leather, which were wrapped around the vases on the cocktail tables. It probably went unnoticed by many, but I loved that little detail.
Q: Tell us about those props and entertainment at your wedding.
A: We all like to have fun, and it was a couple days after Halloween, so I thought I would add a little flare to the dance floor. We have all seen the photo booth flare, I just amped it up a notch. Who else can say they had the Clintons, Obamas and Reagans at their wedding (besides the political elite!)?
Our band, Deaz Guyz, did not disappoint! Reggie’s voice is amazing, and they really have a knack for getting everyone involved. I have never had so much fun on the dance floor. RJ does not dance, but his wedding gift to me was to spend 60 percent of the reception on the dance floor. My little sister and maid of honor said that was the truest sign of his love and commitment that day.
Q: What was the most fun part of your wedding?
A: The whole weekend was truly incredible. Stepping onto that green to walk down the aisle to RJ was exhilarating and saying “I do” in that amazing setting in front of so many special people was more than I could ever imagine – a true dream come true.
To see more of the Elizabeth Mathison and RJ Maricich Hilton Head wedding, visit www.hiltonheadmonthly.com.
VENDORS
Florist: Flowers by Freshcuts
Ceremony: 18th hole, Harbour Town Golf Links, Sea Pines Resort
Ceremony music: Hilton Head Entertainment (Phyllis Mauney Trio)
Choir: Voices of El Shaddai
Reception: Champions Ballroom, Sea Pines Resort
Cake: Sea Pines Resort
Hair and makeup: All About Me
Invitations and paper goods: Studio R
Reception entertainment: Deas Guyz
Linens: Party Tables
Rentals (farm tables and chairs): Amazing Event Rentals
Lighting: Technical Event Company
Draping: Meeting Dynamic
Photographer: Landon Jacob
Event Planning: Spencer Special Events
