Carly + Brian: Montage Palmetto Bluff Wedding // Casablanca Vibes

I think I saw humphrey bogart in the crowd…

There is something about Carly‘s energy that reminds me of Ingrid Bergman. Very classic, pure, classic beauty. Something I kept hearing over and over again is: “Gosh, Carly is so devastatingly naturally beautiful, and she doesn’t even know it.” I mean… come on, this kind of beautiful energy between these two? How could I not!?

She made her way up the Rose-petal Covered Stairs

I fell in love with their love story. Before our first phone call, I watched their Proposal video on their wedding planning and logistics website. It made me cry. Brian put so much sweet thought into it— surprising her with rose petal-covered stairs, their loved ones handing her roses at various stages as she’s making her way through the apartment, leading her out to their New York City apartment balcony where he got down on one knee and proposed.

MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF Wedding Video aesthetic: Green lights on the creative

For the wedding video collection, Carly and Brian two gave me a green light for our full creative energy when it came to filming their Montage Palmetto Bluff wedding weekend. They loved our video collection with did for another one of our Montage Palmetto Bluff couples, — Marissa and Bill. “I love the soundtrack, I love the energy, all of it - if you copied and pasted that, I would be so happy!” Carly remarked when we first chatted.

So you know we had to do them justice. 

…For the sound score for their collection, I wanted to have something that was dynamic and felt as honest as they are. I wove in some of the little moments from Casablanca, one of my all-time favorite films into their wedding story into the appropriate beat drop, or transitional scene.

Casablanca-INSPIRED fete | Montage Palmetto Bluff Wedding

Carly and Brian chose Montage Palmetto Bluff — one of our favorite wedding venues in Bluffton, South Carolina, for their wedding week.

Montage Palmetto Bluff is such a fun space for groups with a big crowd to come and really settle in for the week.

More Than Just A “Belieber” Wedding Venue

Many “Beliebers” know of Montage Palmetto Bluff as the iconic place Justin Bieber was married; this venue and the entire grounds and staff is truly a five-star operation. From their resort staff to their grounds management to the valets, every time we work here, even as wedding vendors, we are treated with the utmost excellence and hospitality. I cannot recommend Montage Palmetto Bluff enough.

The First Look + Signing The Ketubah at Iconic May River Chapel, Montage Palmetto Bluff Wedding

We kick off with their first look. Such a kind moment. I loved playing with grayscale leading into full color when Brian saw Carly. If you know our work, you know I love a First Look for no other reason than a couple getting some quiet moments together to align energetically going into taking on the day together.

The two looked out over the May River, and a dolphin said hello during our shoot (of course, he made the highlight reel!)

So tender and kind.

I loved Nathaniel Rateliff’s Winded for the signing of the Ketubah, and I loved catching the nuances of all of Carly and Brian’s family and friends surrounding them for this moment. 

If you’re unfamiliar, the signing of the Ketubah is an important ritual in a Jewish wedding. It takes place before the actual wedding, usually on the same day. The bridal couple, officiant or Rabbi, witnesses, and a few close family and friends gather in a room to witness the act.

…Standing in the May River Chapel, we all giggled with the Rabbi commenting on the irony of a Ketubah signing in a chapel.

…The Ketubah signing was surrounded with song.

…Grandparents coming in late.

…One of my favorite parts of the wedding day.

Wedding Ceremony On The May River Lawn, Montage Palmetto Bluff

At the wedding ceremony on the May River Lawn, there were these simple, small portrait moments. I loved the aesthetic of the chuppah. How simple and classic the design was. 

Jewish Wedding Traditions: The Chuppah

In a Jewish wedding, a chuppah is a canopy under which a couple stands for the duration of their ceremony, traditionally joined by both sets of parents and the officiating rabbi.

The chuppah in a jewish wedding represents the new home that the newlyweds will build together, symbolized by the cloth covering and four poles that outline the structure. 

Greenery lined the aisle, with an array of beautiful living plants. 

What a beautiful way to literally crush open a new chapter for these two.

Cocktail Hour On May River Lawn In Front Of The Ruins

You know I can’t cut an epic edit wedding without Labrinth being a part of it; I’ve held onto the song, ”Fun At Then Alley” by Labrinth for QUITE some time. I needed the right energy of a couple, and Carly and Brian have it.

I loved this May River Lawn Cocktail Hour. Reagan Event slayed on the layout, too.

Girl Crush: Reagan Events Created A Five-Star Wedding Experience

Carly and Brian’s Montage Palmetto Bluff wedding was a big party, big energy, full throttle design with Reagan Events— one of our favorite Charleston-based full-service wedding designers. Reagan’s website reads:

…Are you in love with these ladies yet?!) Can’t get enough of them and their work. Always smiling faces, grace in their maneuvering. Can’t say enough about this team.

I loved the sound score transitioning everybody through these sweet cool moments, coming under that incredible tent into the reception, the band kicking up. I also loved how in the wedding day timeline, there was a note of an “organic entrance into the reception.” Carly and Brian were empowered to mull their way into the activity under the tent when they were ready. 

Once they arrived on the dance floor, Jessie’s Girl band kicked off with The Hora (you know, the coolest lets-pick-everyone-up-in-an-awesome-chair-in-mid-air… such a fun thing to document with video, the rings of people rotating around one another, all centralized around celebrating the merging of two families together. The joy on everyone’s faces.

Shout Out: It was also a treat to work with wedding photographer Clark Brewer

Clark and his second shooter had such amazing energy that was approachable and kind, and gentle. I loved their candid approach — everyone immediately is put at ease in front of their cameras. No yelling was involved. I loved watching his process with the variety of cameras he interchanged. He really jumped in and wasn’t afraid to catch a moment.

Wedding Video Soundscore shift: Then we move into Rain On My Parade by Jacob Banks, I thought this was such a fun moment to showcase the camaraderie of the boys - Brian dancing with his dad and brothers.

Welcome speeches evolved into proper speeches and the next thing we knew — the golden hour was gone.

Now- before you panic- this is one of my favorite parts of the story of this day.

So many couples would be disgruntled and beside themselves that they lost that last bit of iconic light on their day — but Carly and Brian and our photo + video teams - we had better ideas.  

Enter Moonlight Wedding Portraits

That’s right, you heard me. Life gives you lemons? You better have a dang good lemon bar recipe (which we do.) So enter the full vibes, full grain, cranking on the ISO (turn it up to 11!!)

I love playing with the grain in post-production so I leaned in. I shot an ultra slow motion so I could pull little mini moments.

SOUNDSCORE CHECK:

I loved getting to play with Shaed’s Trampoline remix and also “I Found” by Amber Run.

(Note: I’ve been holding onto “I Found” for two years, waiting for the right couple! This song is so delicate, and it’s moody and full feels — I needed a couple that could embody the comfort of that kind of sweetness. C+B were it!!) as a vignette of the two of them and their energy together.

Big Energy RECEPTION At May River Lawn, Palmetto Bluff: Jessie’s Girl Band Slays

We kick it up. The Band Jessie’s Girl (this amazing collective of musicians out of Atlanta- can’t recommend them enough, ten out of ten energy and performances, wardrobe, appealing to the crowd, nailed it on the Hora, just — across the board incredible performers and professionals.)

Coming into the reception and the celebration of the evening, speeches first dances, the candid moments of Carly with her dad having quiet giggles exchanges during their first dance, Brian‘s mom adoringly getting to celebrate her son, it was beautiful. 

Then we drop into the EDM vibes, mixes of ultra slow motion with key moments, his grandmother going through the Limbo line (the sweetest!!), Brian being the top of a collapsing pyramid (it seemed structurally sound from where we were standing…!) 

Favorite cameos? Shout-out to the friend who brought a tiny microphone to the wedding —this was an absolutely vital tool for the night (Carly sang her heart out into it!)

An Unforgettable Love Story Unfolds at Montage Palmetto Bluff

Carly and Brian, a magnetic couple with an undeniable spark, chose the luxurious Montage Palmetto Bluff for their enchanting wedding weekend. As a luxury destination wedding videographer, I was captivated by their timeless romance and the effortless elegance of their celebration.

[Embed or link to the wedding video]

Montage Palmetto Bluff: A Haven for Luxurious Celebrations

Nestled in the heart of South Carolina's Lowcountry, Montage Palmetto Bluff exudes an irresistible allure that has attracted discerning couples worldwide, including the likes of Justin Bieber. With its sprawling landscapes, world-class amenities, and impeccable service, this haven of Southern hospitality sets the stage for weddings that are both sophisticated and unforgettable.

Carly and Brian's celebration seamlessly blended classic romance with modern flair. The weekend kicked off with a glamorous rehearsal dinner and welcome party at Moreland Landing, followed by an intimate ceremony at the iconic May River Chapel. The festivities culminated in a breathtaking reception on the May River Lawn, where a custom-designed sail tent became the epicenter of an unforgettable night.

A Cinematic Journey: Unveiling the Magic of a Jewish Wedding

Their wedding film is a cinematic masterpiece, weaving together the couple's love story with the timeless beauty of Montage Palmetto Bluff. The video captures intimate moments like the signing of the Ketubah under the enchanting chuppah, as well as the joyous energy of the Hora and the exhilarating crowd surfing that ensued.

The soundtrack, a carefully curated blend of modern hits and classic movie scores, adds a layer of depth and emotion to the film. The inclusion of subtle nods to "Casablanca," a favorite of the couple, creates a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere that transports viewers into their love story.

Ruby Riot Creatives: Your Luxurious Wedding Storytellers

At Ruby Riot Creatives, we specialize in crafting bespoke wedding films that capture the essence of your unique love story. We understand that your wedding is more than just an event – it's a celebration of your love, your journey, and your future together. Our team of skilled filmmakers is dedicated to creating cinematic works of art that you'll cherish for a lifetime.

Your Dream Wedding Awaits at Montage Palmetto Bluff

If you're envisioning a destination wedding that exudes elegance, romance, and unforgettable moments, Montage Palmetto Bluff is the perfect backdrop for your love story. Contact Ruby Riot Creatives today to discuss how we can turn your dream wedding into a cinematic masterpiece.

Oh That Slow Motion Sparkler Exit.

I loved the sendoff. Again shot in ultra slow motion, I always love snatching a sparkler from a highly inebriated guest to hold just in front of my camera for that cinematic real-time spontaneous fireball action as they kiss. 

Enter The Hush: Downstairs Secret Cellar Trap Door After-Party | The River House

But the night’s not over. No, we are transitioning into the sickest after-party ever known to mankind.  Reagan Events knocked it out of the park. You go through the SUPER secret mirror in the basement; that’s right. You heard me correctly. 

For those less inclined to rage until 2 AM, they had an amazing s’mores station and fireside space in the back lawn, so loved ones could sit, relax, and unwind with a nightcap.

Cheers to Carly and Brian!

You two are beyond beautiful — thank you for sharing your presence and your energy and allowing us to celebrate you guys and tell a part of your story together.

Ruby Riot Creatives | Destination Weddings + Events. We travel everywhere! [Currently booking 2023-2024] 

Visit https://www.instagram.com/rubyriotcreatives @RubyRiotCreatives to view our portfolio and current work, hear some embarrassing stories on our podcast, The Ruby Hour, and check our availability for your event! If you have an upcoming wedding or event, we would LOVE to be a part of it.

Which Wedding Video Package Was This?

This is our signature Head Over Heels collection, 11-Hours Base + Drone, and added IG mini clips!

Getting married soon? Friends with Carly and Brian? Omg if you’re friends of theirs… we totally want to film your wedding. We travel anywhere. Let’s schedule a time to chat after you check out our media kit.

Check out our other Montage Palmetto Bluff Wedding ViDeo Collections

MEGA SHOUT OUT

And mega, MEGA shout out to the incredible vendor family who absolutely ROCKED it and knocked it out of the park for Carly and Brian’s big day. I would proudly stamp my endorsement on any of this dream team of vendors— This day COULD NOT BE what it was without your brilliance and professionalism to bring this dream into reality — I celebrate you!

Montage Palmetto Bluff Wedding Vendor Dream Team FOR THIS Bluffton, SC Destination WEDDING:

INCREDIBLE VENDOR TEAM:

Wedding Planner // Reagan Events

Wedding Venue // Montage Palmetto Bluff

Bride Concierge // Cackie’s Bride Aid

Wedding DJ // DJ Mike

Wedding Videography // Ruby Riot Creatives (us, of course!!)

Wedding Photographer // Clark Brewer (I can't recommend him enough! He has Great genuine, laid-back energy!)

Wedding Music // Jessie’s Girls

Draping // Party Tables

Wedding Florist // Blossom Bay

Hair and Make up // Pampered and Pretty

Lighting // TEC

Printed Materials // Emily Baird

Rentals: Amazing Event Rentals, Crush By EventWorks, Curated Events, Snyder Events

Specialty Linens // Stradley Davidson

Transportation // Old Savannah Tours

Venue Catering + Bar // Montage Palmetto Bluff

Welcome Gifts // A Signature Welcome