Best of My Love: Catherine + Alex's Charleston Garden Party
by Margaret Taunton |

Catherine + Alex knew exactly what they wanted for their wedding: something elegant and elevated, but above all, fun! They dreamed of throwing a party that felt like a colorful Southern garden soiree: lush, romantic, and whimsical, but with the energy of downtown Charleston.
CHARMING IN CHARLESTON
Surrounded by the historic charm of downtown Charleston, Catherine + Alex (who currently live in Chicago) created an evening that was truly magical.
From the moment guests opened the envelope of the wedding invitation, it was clear this wouldn’t be just another wedding, it was going to be an experience. The suite likely featured elegant fonts, vibrant hues of pink and green, and a monogram from Shuler Studio, which intertwined the couple's first initials.


Adding a wedding monogram throughout Alex and Catherine’s wedding day brought a touch of timeless Southern tradition and personal elegance to their celebration. In true Southern fashion, where monograms often represent heritage, hospitality, and attention to detail, the couple used their design as a way to show purposeful planning and attention to detail.
In a celebration full of color, texture, and personality, the couple's Shuler Monogram was a beautiful blend of old-school Southern charm and Catherine + Alex's modern couple style.
From the gorgeous invitation suite and custom matchboxes to napkins embossed with Shuler's "AC" duo in metallic pink, their monogram added a thoughtful and cohesive element to the overall design. It wasn’t just decorative, it told their story.

SECRET GARDEN CEREMONY



Catherine + Alex opted to have their ceremony and reception at the historic William Aiken House, nestled in the heart of downtown Charleston. The grand 1800s mansion features vibrant yellow walls, wrought-iron gates, and lush private courtyards that make you forget you're in the middle of a bustling city. It was the perfect combination that highlighted the couple's vision for their big day.



The ceremony felt like it was taking place in a secret garden. Springy, pastel flowers flanked the rustic wooden benches where guests took their seats. The bridesmaids and groomsmen processed in and took their places beneath a trellis with airy greenery climbing the columns. Catherine + Alex exchanged heartfelt vows and were pronounced husband and wife -- and now the party could begin!
COCKTAIL HOUR
From the ceremony, guests were ushered into the lavish rooms of the William Aiken House for cocktail hour, featuring champagne and scallops galore.


Catherine + Alex snuck away from the crowd and took a stroll down King Street. As if stepping out of an Old Hollywood movie, Alex dipped Catherine for a kiss in front of the American Theatre marquee which read, "Best of My Love, The Julians."



As cocktail hour came to a close, guests got one last drink (and snagged a few monogrammed napkins and match boxes that adorned the bars) and prepared to take their seats for dinner. The seating chart featured gorgeous chinoiserie wallpaper with monogrammed wax seals on each table's list.

THE RECEPTION



The seated dinner was full of Southern charm, featuring some of Charleston's famed flavors: chicken & waffles, scallops, lobster, and sweet corn risotto, to name a few. Can you imagine the guests delight when reading of the delightful meal to come on monogrammed menus?
The elevated garden party vision came to life with patterned floral table linens and towering lilies. Once speeches and first dances were out of the way, Catherine + Alex delighted guests with a decadent cake table. Instead of one towering wedding cake, the couple had six cakes with unique flavors and pastel colored icing.


From there, Catherine changed into a flapper-inspired dress to dance the night away.
Alex's personality got to shine too as he donned his signature Indiana Jones- style hat and monogrammed cufflinks. No detail was left untouched at this wedding!


To end the night, guests lined the limestone patio with sparklers to send off Mr. and Mrs. Julian onto their next adventure.

Catherine + Alex's wedding wasn't just a party, it was a reflection of who they are as a couple: vibrant, thoughtful, and always giving the best of their love. Cheers to the Julians!
Vendor List:
Venue: William Aiken House
Planning, Design, and Coordination: Grove Designs
Photographer: Kailee DiMeglio
Florist: The Bearded Florist
Catering and Bar: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group
Cakes: Sugar Bake Shop
Invites and Save the Dates: Minted
Day-of Paper: Betty Lu Paperie
Linens: Stradley Davidson
Two-Letter Monogram: Shuler Studio
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