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Timeless Elegance: A Grand Wedding at Prince George Winyah Parish & Private Estate, Georgetown SC

This Fairytale Wedding At a private estate Begins at Prince George Winyah Parish.

The grandeur of Katie B. and Sterling's wedding was no accident. It was the result of meticulous planning and flawless execution by Erica Missel of Soeur Events, the sister company of the renowned Tara Guerard Soiree. With their impeccable reputation for crafting bespoke luxury weddings in the Southeast, it's no surprise that their collaboration resulted in an event of unparalleled elegance.

Katie B. and Sterling's wedding was the epitome of a timeless fairytale, where old-world elegance met Southern charm. Their choice to begin their love story at the historic Prince George Winyah Parish Church in Georgetown, South Carolina, added a layer of sophistication and grandeur to their celebration. As a Charleston-based luxury wedding videographer, I was honored to document their special day.

Prince George Winyah Parish: A Historic Gem

Founded in 1721, Prince George Winyah Parish Church is steeped in history and architectural significance. Its red brick façade, oyster-shell mortar, and English stained-glass windows create a breathtaking backdrop for wedding ceremonies. The church's interior, with its box pews and soaring ceilings, evokes a sense of reverence and timeless beauty.

A Grand Celebration on a Private Estate

Following their elegant ceremony, the celebration continued at a private estate on Black River, Georgetown. The expansive grounds, adorned with lush greenery and panoramic views, provided a romantic and enchanting setting for the reception. The couple's vision for a sophisticated and timeless celebration was expertly executed by Erica Missel of Soeur Events, who transformed the space into a magical oasis of old-world charm.

A Cinematic Wedding Film: Capturing Timeless Elegance

Ruby Riot Creatives approached this wedding video with a focus on capturing the couple's unique story and the timeless beauty of their chosen venues. The film opens with the couple's emotional exchange of vows at Prince George Winyah Parish Church, followed by their grand entrance into the reception on a private estate.

The soundtrack, featuring classic tunes like Van Morrison's "Someone Like You" and Etta James' "At Last," perfectly complements the couple's sophisticated style and the timeless elegance of their celebration. The film also showcases the intimate moments, heartfelt speeches, and joyous celebrations that made their wedding day truly unforgettable.

Prince George Winyah Parish: Your Dream Wedding Ceremony Location

If you're dreaming of a wedding ceremony that exudes historic charm and timeless elegance, Prince George Winyah Parish is the perfect location for your special day. With its stunning architecture, serene atmosphere, and rich history, it provides a unique and unforgettable setting for your vows.


The couple’s venue, held on private grounds at Black River, is unabashedly romantic, steeped in history, and framed in open greenery.

Stately and elegant in equal measure, the space ushers in a serene and enchanting energy that is atypical of weddings as big as this.

Instead of the frenzied buzz permeating through the air, Katie B. and Sterling’s day was heartfelt and steady.

And nothing encapsulates that quiet,  ethereal feeling like a great expanse of nature brimming with distinct Southern charm.

The Journey Begins at Prince George Winyah Parish Church

LIke many other couples, Katie B. and Sterling’s story begins with an earnest exchange of vows.

But their story stands out in large part due to the picturesque venue that they chose for their ceremony. 

Held at the Prince George Winyah Parish Church, the historic church is a 300-year-old site that’s one of the few original church buildings located at the seaport town of Georgetown, serving the oldest congregations in South Carolina, dating back to 1721.

The architecture of the church is a reflection of the classic elegance of this couple’s wedding. The red bricks, the church’s signature facade, is held together with oyster-shell mortar and follows a design typical of many colonial church structures.

But like Katie B. and Sterling, the facade gives way to nuanced details that are uniquely it's own. For instance, Prince George Winyah Parish Church has English stained glass windows and a Jacobean gable, as well as box pews inside.

The ceremony’s solemnity was punctuated by the church’s historic architecture and on the day of their wedding, was awash in natural light–perfectly setting the mood and vibe for what would arguably be one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve been to.


A Grand, Elegant Affair

I would be remiss not to mention the talented Erica Missel of Soeur Events, the sister company of Tara Guerard Soiree, who spearheaded this wedding.

There’s obviously a reason why these two companies are recognized as the top planners in the Southeast for bespoke luxury weddings; Erica’s floor plan and design for this wedding were incredible. 


A Grand, Elegant Affair: Curated by Charleston's Wedding Planning Maestros

The grandeur of Katie B. and Sterling's wedding was no accident. It was the result of meticulous planning and flawless execution by Erica Missel of Soeur Events, the sister company of the renowned Tara Guerard Soiree. With their impeccable reputation for crafting bespoke luxury weddings in the Southeast, it's no surprise that their collaboration resulted in an event of unparalleled elegance and sophistication.

Soeur Events: Elevating Your Wedding Experience

Erica Missel, the creative force behind Soeur Events, is a visionary known for her ability to transform weddings into extraordinary experiences. Her passion for storytelling, eye for detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of her work. From conceptualizing a unique design aesthetic to overseeing every logistical detail, Erica ensures that your wedding is a seamless reflection of your love story.

Tara Guerard Soiree: A Legacy of Southern Sophistication

Soeur Events is the sister company of Tara Guerard Soiree, a name synonymous with luxury weddings in Charleston and beyond. With decades of experience and a portfolio filled with breathtaking celebrations, Tara Guerard Soiree has established itself as a leader in the industry. Their unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and personalized service has earned them a reputation for creating weddings that are truly unforgettable.

Erica Missel's Vision for Katie B. & Sterling's Wedding

For Katie B. and Sterling's wedding, Erica envisioned a celebration that would seamlessly blend the timeless elegance of Prince George Winyah Parish with the natural beauty of the private estate on Black River. Her floor plan and design were nothing short of breathtaking.

The ceremony was held in the historic church, where the couple exchanged vows under the watchful gaze of centuries-old stained-glass windows. The reception, held on the estate's sprawling grounds, featured elegant lounge areas, twinkling lights, and stunning floral arrangements that perfectly captured the essence of Southern romance.

A Wedding Planner's Touch: The Difference is in the Details

Erica's meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the wedding was flawless. From the carefully curated menu to the perfectly timed fireworks display, every element was thoughtfully considered to create a seamless and unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests.

Your Dream Wedding, Orchestrated by the Best

If you're seeking a wedding planner who can transform your vision into a reality, look no further than Erica Missel and the talented team at Soeur Events. With their passion for storytelling, impeccable taste, and unwavering commitment to excellence, they'll ensure that your wedding is a truly magical experience.

This leads me directly to how the couple’s vision for their wedding reception, held on a swatch of private property on  Black River, Georgetown was brought to life.

Dashing, old-world elegance meets natural Southern charm at this picturesque venue where strategic pockets of nooks and lounge areas allowed guests to bask in the breathtaking, panoramic views while ensuring that the spotlight was still on the beautiful bride and her handsome groom.


This leads me directly to how the couple's vision for their wedding reception, held on a breathtaking private estate on Black River, Georgetown, was brought to life.

A Private Estate Wedding: A Canvas for Your Dreams

Choosing a private estate as your wedding venue offers a level of exclusivity, personalization, and flexibility that simply cannot be matched by traditional venues. The sweeping grounds of the Black River estate, with its stunning natural beauty and panoramic views, provided a blank canvas for Katie B. and Sterling's vision.

  • Unmatched Privacy: A private estate wedding ensures complete seclusion and intimacy, allowing you and your guests to celebrate without distractions.

  • Limitless Customization: Unlike traditional venues with pre-set layouts and restrictions, a private estate allows you to design every detail to your exact specifications. From the ceremony location to the reception layout, you have the freedom to create a truly unique and personalized experience.

  • Enhanced Guest Experience: A private estate wedding offers a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere for your guests. They can explore the grounds, enjoy the scenery, and truly immerse themselves in the celebration.

  • Unforgettable Memories: The exclusivity and personalized nature of a private estate wedding create lasting memories for both you and your guests.

Dashing Elegance Meets Natural Charm

At Katie B. and Sterling's wedding, old-world elegance met natural Southern charm. The picturesque estate, with its strategic nooks and lounge areas, offered guests breathtaking views while ensuring that the spotlight remained on the beautiful bride and groom.

The reception unfolded as a journey through different spaces, each with its own unique ambiance. Guests were welcomed by manicured greens, then meandered through intimate, flower-filled areas before entering the main reception under softly draped lights. The overall effect was a magical and immersive experience that transported guests to a world of romance and celebration.

Curating Your Private Estate Wedding with Expertise

Transforming a private estate into a wedding wonderland requires a skilled team of professionals. Erica Missel of Soeur Events, with her impeccable taste and meticulous attention to detail, orchestrated a flawless event that exceeded the couple's expectations. From the custom-designed floor plan to the perfectly curated décor, every element was thoughtfully considered to create a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Whether you have a clear vision for your private estate wedding or need guidance from experienced professionals, the possibilities are endless. With the right team, your wedding can be a true reflection of your unique love story, set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty and unparalleled exclusivity.


I loved how the space was transformed into something for everyone as the celebrations wore on. It started as a pretty avenue of manicured greens that welcomed guests for the reception, transforming into comfortable, outdoor spaces framed against flowers and musicians to set the mood, to softly draped lights setting the stage for a romantic, al fresco venue for revelry.

To capture every memorable moment, Sarah of Sarah Bradshaw Photography was on call and worked alongside us to document this incredible day. If you’re on the lookout for a wedding photographer with a laid-back energy who can easily snap every tiny, nuanced memory of your biggest milestones, Sarah is it.

You will adore her easy, approachable and no-nonsense approach to work where she manages to capture moments that you would think were too innocuous to be noticed by anyone. In fact, one of the best parts of the day was Sarah’s touching photo reveal, where she and her assistant brought a printing set up and took the time to share a properly framed print with the bride and groom, in real-time, during the reception.

Classical Notes


For the wedding video, collaboration was key to creating a classic soundscore. 

It kicks off with a little Van Morrison (Per our dear client’s recommendation, because, who doesn’t love Van?) before easily transitioning into Katie B. and Sterling’s absolute “us” song — “At Last” by Etta James.

On the bus, in between portrait locations, Katie B. remarked that the moment they heard that song (pretty early in their relationship–I might add) they had this instinctive AHA!  moment. “Yep, this is our song, isn’t it?” With that little anecdote, it only makes sense that Etta beautifully warbles the couple and their guests into cocktail hour and toward the evening.

Horns played and escorted these two from the cake cutting–in the most iconic, darling greenhouse we’ve ever seen in our lives (I tell you, the details that went into this wedding are just incredible!)--to the dance floor for their first dance.

As the night progressed and celebrations were in full swing, blinky cowboy hats and various swag were given out, all the while the TPG Band performed and kept guests on their feet for HOURS.


Firework Chic Send-Off

Of course, Katie B. and Sterling were sent off in style. 

As fireworks lit up the sky (by Sky Magic Fireworks) and cold sparklers from the crew at Technical Event Company (we love these guys so much!!!) created a colorful canopy above, the couple was escorted on their final horn procession towards their boat–replete with blinky cowboy hats and a cinematic, slow-motion kiss to cap the evening off.


No doubt, this wedding is one for the books, with lots of memorable moments that will live in my memory for years to come.



Katie B. + Sterling Wedding Round Up 

Video Package

Ruby Riot Creatives

Event Planner

Soeur Events

Ceremony Location

Prince George Winyah Parish


Caterer

Cru Catering


Bride + Entourage Bridal Services

Cacky's Bride Aid


Bridal Hair

Meg Workman Beauty


Music

Kiral Artists

​​TPG Band


Pianist

Tom Santopietro


Transportation

Marquee Limo Co.


Photographer

Sarah Bradshaw Photography

@arahbradshawphoto


Fireworks

Sky Magic Fireworks


Draping

The Social Spool Co.


Floral Arrangements

Soirèe Flowers


Lighting

TEC

@technicalevent


Reception Cocktails/ Bar

Spike by Snyder 

@snyderevents





Ruby Riot Creatives | Destination Weddings + Events. We travel everywhere!

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