Fairy Tale Wedding

Everything about Catherine Scott-Wilson and Kerrick Wilson's wedding was completely personal, and fit the outdoorsy couple to a tee.

From the nature-based setting of Middleton Place's lovely gardens, to the role that Catherine's beloved chocolate lab played in the nuptials, it was picture perfect.

The Raleigh based couple knew precisely what they wanted for their destination wedding. First and foremost, they wanted a setting that was environmentally sensitive. Middleton, with its ancient grounds and its Earth-friendly inn fulfilled that dream. The couple also wanted a pet-friendly atmosphere, as Catherine's best friend - four legged Allie - was to be an actual member of the bridal party. They also wanted a ceremony and reception that bespoke simple elegance - a 1920s chic from the era when couples danced the Charleston.

As one wishes for in fairy tale weddings, their every dream came true.

As evening descended on a golden fall day, the couple exchanged their vows within the Terrace Garden overlooking the famed Butterfly Lakes at Middleton. Cocktails were served in the Octoganal Garden, and a seated dinner followed in the plantation's pavilion. After a sumptuous meal, guests were invited to dance the night away to a nine-piece big band. With a soaring tented roof dripping with chandeliers illuminating a black and white dance floor, the outdoor space extended the elegant theme that had been set from start to finish.

"I knew we'd designed the wedding that we'd dreamed of when a dear friend said it was like a soiree out of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel," says Catherine.

It was the apex of a wedding weekend, but the couple had planned a trilogy of events - all designed to capture the essence of Charleston, a city they'd long loved.

The weekend had begun with a casual shrimp boil at a dockside spot in Mt. Pleasant. Watching the trawlers along the creek, guests were entertained by a Bluegrass band. And because their guests were scattered to lodgings at the beach, downtown and at Middleton, the couple arranged for shuttles from the party to each accommodation.

The thoughtful touches extended to Sunday, when Kerrick and Catherine hosted a farewell brunch at a historic home downtown. "It completed the plan to provide our guests with a real flavor for one of the South's treasured gems, Charleston," Catherine said.

The couple visit frequently, and love the natural beauty of the region - as well as the historic charm of Charleston. "It was truly a wedding weekend to remember, for us and all of our family and friends who attended. Most of them are planning visits back very soon! And we'll be back to celebrate our first anniversary."

 

Real Stories

Introduced by popular demand, this section features real-life weddings from you, our readers. We want to give you real stories as told by real couples. We would love you to be part of this section. To submit your wedding day story, tell us in less than 600 words the details of how you met, the proposal, wedding preparations, and the details of the day itself.

Please email the story and up to five low-resolution photos to realweddings@charlestoncvb.com.