Charleston Locals Taylor and Alyssa - An Intimate Low Country Fete At The Farmhouse At Kiawah River

A sea island, oak tree, farmhouse

style of celebrating.

That's one way to describe this intimate, beautiful gathering this mid-November Saturday.

Like many of our Fall 2020 clients, Alyssa and Taylor were COVID-19-affected events. Originally planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean, these two partnered with Blythe Hill of Hill & Co. Creative to bring this intimate low country fete at the Farmhouse at Kiawah River to life.

Under these ancient oak trees, along side the beautiful flats that run along the property, the Farm House at Kiawah River showcased the iconic features we all love about the low country.

Oyster mounds surfacing at low tide, marsh birds flying in the background of the ceremony, the Spanish moss swaying in the breeze during the magic hour, and those elusive alligators musing in the shallows across the waters.

Alyssa and Taylor's families and friends gathered (in the signature socially-distanced way of this era :) ) to celebrate the love and life of these two and their young family near the old homestead at Kiawah River. Taylor and Alyssa took bridal portraits under canopies of grand oak trees with idyllic views across the winding saltwater creek toward Jack Island.

Our favorite freakin’ moment of all time? That time Taylor surprised Alyssa and sang to her for their first dance.

Uh… yeah, that happened. The best part? Before being officially introduced onto the dance floor, Alyssa looked at Taylor and said, "Don't do anything crazy, okay?" In the weeks leading up to their wedding, Taylor kept playing off practicing for their first dance…little did Alyssa know what he had up his sleeve! He performed "Dressed Up In White" by Cal and stole not only Alyssa's heart at that moment but also EVERY OTHER PERSON WITH EARS who witnessed this sweet, sweet moment.

The Farmhouse At Kiawah River - A Relaxed Low Country Chic Wedding Venue

I mean, can we talk about how darling the Farmhouse at Kiawah River is — here's a brief blurb to whet your appetite on this wonderful venue, courtesy of the Kiawah River website:

The Farmhouse at Kiawah River's sea island lifestyle and sustainable mindset begins naturally.

Just 20 miles from Charleston and across the river from Kiawah Island, a farm stand and greenhouse greet your arrival.

Kiawah River's maritime forests and riverfront are well-suited for tree houses and bay boats. Paths lacing out toward the oyster beds and the saltwater river are remarkably unspoiled. Cottages are painted in a wash of white. Here, shared green spaces and trails through the palmetto and oak tree scenery are a gift to everyone who will live and gather at Kiawah River.

Vendors Who Made This Day Nothing Short Of Magical:

Wedding Venue: The Farm House At Kiawah River https://kiawahriver.com/weddings/

Planning + Event Design: Hill & Co. Creative https://www.hillandcocreative.com/

Videography: Ruby Riot Creatives (us! :) )

Photography: Stephen Atohi https://www.stephenatohi.com/

Entertainment/Music: Emerald Empire Band https://www.emeraldempireband.com/

Floral Design: Stephanie Gibbs Events https://www.stephaniegibbsevents.com/

Hair & Make Up: Wild Ivory Beauty http://www.wildivorybeauty.com/

Catering: Harvest Catering https://harvestcateringcharleston.com/

Cocktail Bar: Stephen Blackmon https://www.stephenblackmon.com/bar

Rentals: Snyder Events https://www.snyderevents.com/

Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music: Palmetto Strings https://www.palmettostrings.com/

Cake: Charleston Dessert Company https://charlestondessertcompany.com/menu

Officiant: Vance Polley