Sally and Gabe’s Charleston Wedding at The Tides

Tears welled up in her eyes and threatened to spill down her face as she stood listening to the words her almost-husband was saying. As he read the vows he’d written himself he described his past: the dark days he’d had to face alone and the light that came into his life when he met her. He described the present and how, of all the things that made him nervous about their wedding day, she was the one thing he’d never been more sure of. And finally, he described the future. A future in which he’d love her, honor her, and choose her. And then, voice breaking from emotion, he made vows to her daughter and to his two sons and daughter.

A Day Filled With Love

The night wore on, and friends and family took turns standing up to share a few words. They shared stories of strength and stories that made their guests laugh. They shared inside jokes that only the bride and groom understood. They shared stories of admiration and determination. They shared things that brought tears to all of our eyes. There was even a performance of a Hamilton song that had been re-written to fit the evening.

Everything about Sally and Gabe’s Charleston wedding suited them so perfectly. Because their engagement story was the best one I heard all year, I had high expectations for their wedding. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint. A wedding day has never been more filled with love, joy, and genuinely unscripted emotion than theirs!

Plans Change

When they first started planning their Charleston wedding, they wanted a beach ceremony at sunset followed by portraits on the pier. Unfortunately the day was calling for rain. My weather app predicted a 100% chance of heavy rain from 8am until 11pm on their wedding day. Without missing a beat, Sally and Gabe changed plans. They moved the wedding to inside and never complained once.

Even though it wasn’t what they’d originally planned, Sally and Gabe’s focus for their wedding was always on their guests and their marriage, and the rain didn’t change that. From my first conversation with them they made it clear that their priorities were 1. To be together and 2. to have an amazing celebration with their family and friends. When that’s your attitude there is literally nothing that can ruin the day for you!

A Charleston Wedding

Sally and Gabe, the two of you are a class act. You are beautiful, fun to be with, genuine, and loving. You love each other so much and so well, and that is evident in every interaction you share. What’s more, I’ve heard that you can judge a person by the people they’re closest to; if that’s true, then it just reinforces everything I’ve said here. Your children, your family, and your friends are true reflections of you and your kindness, generosity, ambition, and love.

I wish you every blessing, every happiness, and a lifetime of love and laughter. Congratulations!!

Venue: The Tides Folly Beach
Hair and Make-up: Apocalipstick