College of Charleston alumni Chanel and Alex returned to their old stomping grounds to profess their forevers to each other in downtown Charleston, South Carolina and they certainly did it to the nines. Aaron and Jillian Photography captured the opulence and southern charm of their big day and those wine and blush shades are calling our name. Deep jewel-toned colors were the supreme winners for the day, with the bridesmaids in luxe berry Hayley Paige gowns, exquisite burgundy florals by Petaloso, and a merlot wedding invitation suite with hints of gold. Rich colors and romance reign supreme in this Charleston affair planned to perfection by Pure Luxe Bride!
In their own words
How did you meet?
We met at College of Charleston our Sophomore year through mutual friend groups! I kept seeing Alex at parties and such and on day spilled the beans and told one of our friends “hes’s cute” so she lit the fire and we have been together ever since! Had to make the first move to get what I wanted!
What is your proposal story?
DISNEY! Alex surprised me with a trip to Disney for Christmas 2 years ago, I made all the plans to have a magical vacation in March. Little did I know Alex had a few things up his sleeve! The first afternoon we arrived we took a stroll around the lagoon that connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios and completely surprised Alex tricked me to turn around for a photo and popped the quested! On top of that he surprised me with coordinating both of our families to be there to celebrate shortly after and for the rest of the vacation!
What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?
The most important things to use were location and food! I myself am in catering and events and have a passion for food so we really wanted to have fun with late night and duet option. Cake flavor was also very important as well and PPHG helped recreate a custom design! We really splurged on Floral as my mom wanted that “Royal Wedding” feel on the gate and pergola! Our Floral design was jam packed with dahlias being my favorite flower!
What were your favorite parts of the day?Â
We were so anxious for our dance as we are not dancers at all and had a special surprise for all our guest with a lift! So very memorable. Another, favorite memory was our getaway as we had a rickshaw take us away and drive us back through the streets of Charleston and most significantly the College campus where is all started! I also remember my heels being very thin and sinking while taking pictures and my planner, Francesca, offering to run out and get heel stoppers, then putting them on me like Cinderella! Above and beyond! Alex and I also stepped away at one point during the height of dancing to sit down on one of the beautiful couches in our lounge and just take in what was happening!
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Plan ahead, get done what you can during slow periods (if you have any) and ask for help! Soak every second in and just embrace the day. Take a moment with your new husband to step away from the dance floor and soak in all the love that surrounds you on your day!