Hilton Head Monthly Magazine Voice of the Lowcountry 
Sometimes when you’re in love, one set of wedding vows just isn’t enough.
Caroline Santorum and Lee Ayres exchanged traditional wedding vows on June 11 at Sea Pines Country Club in front of 215 family members and friends. But a couple hours before that, they exchanged a different set of vows, promises of love and devotion they wrote themselves.
For a bride who grew up in Sea Pines and a groom who hails from Louisville, Kentucky, the Harbour Town wedding of Megan Dolyniuk and Stewart Koch on May 7, 2016 — the same day as the famed horse race in Stewart’s hometown — was a destination wedding with a bit of derby celebration.
Once your engagement is announced, the planning process begins. This timeline will help keep you on track when it comes to planning a stress-free wedding. (Yes, it’s possible, right?)
While most toasts are for the bride and groom, there is much to be celebrated at a wedding. The newlyweds may toast their bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as their families, friends and guests.
Build a buzz around your wedding with photos, videos and other digital tools.
The band or DJ will stop playing, the cake and food will be eaten, the flowers will sadly die. How will you make your memories of this day last? Turn to your photos and videos. This area is home to many fantastic photographers to fit any budget — from students to celebrity photographers who have retired to the Lowcountry.
From the proposal to the prenup, there are a few nitty gritty details that need to be handled before that sweet walk down the aisle.
You’ve met the love of your life and you’re ready to tie the knot. But how should you propose, and what will you need to make it down the aisle? Here are a few tips to help you on the road to wedded bliss.
You’ll know it’s a good party when palates are pleased and plates are empty. Make sure your menu’s a winner with some careful planning.
Forget flowers and favors for just a moment: The one component you won’t want to skimp on at your wedding is the food. Aside from the music (which often translated to “how the party was”) and how the bride looked, the food is one of the most talked about elements of a wedding. Ever been to a wedding with bad food? Don’t let sub-par selections or flat flavors steal the spotlight on your big day. Here are Hilton Head Monthly’s biggest tips to ensure guests leave the table sated and impressed — no matter your budget.
Wedding flowers pack a punch that’s way more than just fragrant.
Get creative with your use of greenery and blooms! Go over-the-top with mounds of arrangements in opulent vases or settle on an understated look with simple stems in mason jars. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best blossoms for your big day.
You’ll be the belle of the ball no matter what you wear, but finding the perfect gown is easier with a little fashion know-how.
FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT
On the day of your wedding, all eyes are on you. You’ll want to look and feel your best, which means finding the dress that fits both your style and your personality. But how to find “The Dress” out of the millions of beautiful wedding dresses out there?
Wedding traditions are as old or new as the couple wants them to be.Here are seven common examples of bridal traditions:
It’s your first dance as husband and wife, and you probably have considered dozens of songs to capture that special moment in center stage at the reception.
Complete your perfect day with a memorable reception.
With all the fun that you will have planning your wedding, perhaps the part most enjoyed by brides and grooms is planning the reception. Who doesn’t love a party? Especially one where they’ll eat, drink, dance and be merry with their family and friends, celebrating their marriage.
With a plethora of Pinterest ideas and online info at every bride’s fingertips, today’s wedding couple can do plenty of planning on their own. But everything goes smoother with the help of professionals. Luckily, the Lowcountry is home to top-notch wedding industry pros to fit every bride’s budget, style and personality.
Wrangling the guest list is a tough job, but keeping it under control is possible with fair play and an ‘eyes on the prize’ focus.
One of the biggest decisions in planning your wedding is the guest list. The size of your wedding can affect so many other aspects of your big day. If you are planning a large wedding, you’ll need a venue that can accommodate many people, while if you’re hosting a smaller gathering, you’ll want to find a more intimate space. Your guest list will also need to work with your budget — obviously, the more people you invite, the higher the cost.
