Our real wedding couple Sydney and Carter tied the knot in a sunlight-bathed oceanfront wedding that really leaned into the softness of golden hour. The theme of their nuptials was all things coastal and the luxurious Ocean Course at Kiawah Island proved to be a venue of dreamy proportions. Their open-air ceremony played out against the vista of the sandy dunes on the verdant green course and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean was the perfect backdrop. Although it was an autumn wedding, as it was South Carolina, gorgeous weather was guaranteed for the happy day. If you're dreaming of getting married in the States then get ready to pore over the beautiful images exquisitely lensed by Jacqueline & Laura.
Our bride Sydney hails from Pittsburgh and Carter is from Tennessee, but our lovebirds are currently doing long distance between Louisiana and North Carolina, as they are completing their studies in veterinary medicine and medical school respectively. So it really was all the sweeter to get 150 of their nearest and dearest together to celebrate their union. They met at university, at Sydney's sorority function but as she only had a few months left in college, they would soon be doing long distance love.
The romantic proposal took place on Carter's farm. "It has always been a special place for Carter growing up. He proposed to me the day before my graduation from veterinary school! It was such a special weekend." The couple knew they had found their dream place to tie the knot the minute they set foot on the coastal wedding venue - the scenery and the amazing food then sealed the deal. It was their place in Longboat Key, Florida, that inspired the stunning aesthetic of the day. "That has been such a special place for me growing up, so the touch of the beach made it extra special," says Sydney.
The bride opted for an A-line wedding dress with a semi-sheer top and voluminous skirt which was loaded with lace and 3D floral accents. She slipped into a pair of pearl-dappled heels which she married with pearl and diamond drop earrings. Her blonde locks were scooped back into a chic half-up half-down hairstyle which was the perfect stage for her floor-skimming sheer veil. Her mother was equally a picture of elegance in her floral dress with a soft pink and blue flower print that suited the wedding day aesthetic to perfection.
Sydney paid a seriously sweet tribute to her beloved late father on her wedding day. He was a passionate watch collector throughout his life and she ensured he was there in spirit as Sydney, her mum and her sister all wore one of his watches. Not only that, Sydney gifted one of her dad's watches to Carter on the morning of their wedding. What a heartwarmingly poignant gesture.
Pink is a perenially popular shade for bridesmaid dresses and Sydney's bridesmaids demonstrated exactly why. With a flowing silhouette, their dresses boasted romantic ruffled sleeves, that suited the fluffy florals to a tee. They carried bouquets filled with dainty flowers which included striking white anemones which symbolise anticipation, and they brought a pop of sophisticated navy to the soft palette, and tied in the navy blue groomswear.
Carter looked oh-so-dapper on the day and accessorised his look with an inky blue satin dickie bow and black leather brogues. In a break from tradition, which we adore, the couple invited members of their family to be present for their first look photos before the ceremony. We've no doubt there wasn't a dry eye in the house, plus it created a lovely intimate moment for the families before the bigger celebration.
Check out that light. Carter and Sydney exchanged vows under an exquisite floral arch where pastel hydrangeas stole the show. During the ceremony, they included ceremony readings that were important to them from both sides of the family with Jewish prayers and traditions (and Irish traditions too!).
The couple even hired a live painter to capture the moment they officially became husband and wife - what a gorgeous memento to treasure forever.
Like seriously, HOW incredible is the venue?
The day was marked with deeply personal flourishes for the two of them - like their table number board which featured sand dollar escort cards that they collected from Longboat Key through the years. Each guest received a sand dollar when they found their seat as a way to remember this special, oceanfront occasion. We adore a touch of DIY personalisation in any wedding.
Adding to the coastal wedding theme was the sailcloth tent that took centre stage on the lawn with hurricane lanterns dotted up to the entrance. The tablescape continued the floral and pastel theme with tables draped with textured luxury linen tablecloths that incorporated the sage and pink colour palette.
No stone was left unturned when it came to creating their dreamwedding day look. Envelope liners also sported a light shade of sage green and a floral pattern while they had a custom wrap made for the bar to tie into the whole aesthetic. The couple are serious foodies so getting the menu mouth-wateringly scrumptious, from the rehearsal right through to the reception, was a top priority.
The classic white wedding cake has made a fierce revival and the couple's cake adorned with fresh flowers was spot on-trend. Their coastal theme percolated through every fibre of their special day, right down to the first time they hit the dancefloor as husband and wife.
The song for their first dance was Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran. As for their words of wisdom for future couples-to-be, relish every single second: "Enjoy every moment, because it goes by so fast. In the blink of an eye the day is over, but the memories will last forever."
A massive thank you to Sydney and Carter for sharing their special day with One Fab Day and a huge thanks to Jacqueline & Laura for the divine images. See even more pictures of the chic coastal wedding in the gallery below.
Planning your own wedding abroad? Check out more of our Destination Weddings! Follow One Fab Day on Instagram for even more inspiration.Â