Are you dreaming of a magical White Point Garden wedding? Follow along as we reveal the enchanting day of Carrie & Dillon, filled with love, charm, and the captivating beauty of Charleston.
At StoryBright Films, we specialize in turning wedding dreams into reality. As you can see in our Charleston Elopement Packages, we believe in creating more than just a wedding day; we aim to craft an entire experience that reflects your unique love story. Our approach is to take your vision and wishes, even the ones you can’t quite put into words, and transform them into a perfectly tailored, unforgettable day. Behind the scenes, we’re meticulously planning every detail – from the ceremony location to the best spots for intimate moments, ensuring your wedding flows seamlessly from one magical experience to the next.
Carrie & Dillon’s special day unfolded like a romantic novel, set against the picturesque backdrop of White Point Garden and the historic streets of Charleston. Here are some highlights from their incredible day:
- A heartwarming first look in a quaint French Quarter courtyard at their Airbnb.
- An intimate ceremony under the oak trees at White Point Garden.
- Exploring the lush landscapes of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, surrounded by live oaks, spanish moss and blooms — yes in January!
- A “behind the scenes planned” impromtu stop at a local coffee shop, adding a casual twist to their adventure.
- Ending the day with a private reception at Church & Main, a culinary gem nestled on Market Street.
Join us as we dive into the story of Carrie & Dillon, a celebration of love and adventure in the heart of Charleston!
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White Point Garden Wedding | An introduction
White Point Garden, located at the southern tip of Charleston’s peninsula, offers a charming setting for an intimate wedding. This scenic park, surrounded by the historic Battery promenade and grand mansions, combines natural beauty with a touch of Southern elegance.
The garden’s centerpiece, a gazebo surrounded by lush greenery, provides a picturesque spot for couples to exchange vows. The grand live oaks, with their sweeping branches, add a sense of serenity and timelessness to the venue. It’s a place where history gently complements the present, creating a unique and romantic atmosphere.
This tranquil spot is more than just a venue; it’s a part of Charleston’s heritage, offering a beautiful backdrop for couples starting their new journey together. At White Point Garden, the blend of nature and charm creates an ideal setting for a wedding that’s both memorable and deeply personal.
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White Point Garden Wedding | Carrie + Dillon
How we crafted their personalized day
Carrie and Dillon came to us with a clear vision for their Charleston elopement: a day that was uniquely theirs, embracing the charm of the city while including their beloved dog, Scooby. Our goal was to tailor an experience that wasn’t just beautiful, but also deeply meaningful and personal to them.
Finding the right accommodation was crucial. We chose a dog-friendly Airbnb in the French Quarter, not only for its convenient location but also for Scooby’s comfort. This decision ensured that their furry family member was a part of their special day, right from the start.
Their desire to explore Charleston was at the forefront of our planning. Beyond the well-trodden paths of the French Quarter, they wanted to experience the natural beauty and diverse scenery of the area. Our challenge was to seamlessly integrate locations like plantations, beaches, and gardens into their day, turning their wedding into a true Charleston adventure.
A large part of their celebration involved dining with family and friends. We selected Church & Main for its ability to host their group in a warm, inviting setting. This choice was about more than just a meal; it was about finding a place where their celebration could continue comfortably.
The entire day was planned as a cohesive journey through Charleston, with each location and activity naturally leading to the next. From walking with Scooby through historic streets to the intimate ceremony at White Point Garden and the lively reception, each moment was a piece of their story.
An unexpected delight was discovering a local coffee shop, adding a spontaneous touch to their well-planned day. It was these moments, combined with the intentional ones, that made Carrie and Dillon’s wedding not just an event, but a heartfelt journey reflecting their love and the essence of Charleston.
Now, let’s explore how Carrie and Dillon’s day unfolded in detail…
French Quarter Airbnb | Starting the day together
We loved finding this spot for them! Often you have to sacrifice convenience for the sense of privacy, but this was the perfect find with a semi-private courtyard and yet steps away from great restaurants. Right in the middle of the French Quarter, and dog friendly too! This place had a spacious living area which was perfect to easing into their wedding day together with Scooby.
Getting ready
One of our top tips for selecting an Airbnb is to book one with at least one more room than you need. That way we have an uncluttered room for portraits of you and your detail shots too. Love how the many windows here brought in lots of natural light!
First look
When we first starting planning together, having a first look was part of the equation so we wanted to make sure we booked an Airbnb that had a space for this! One of the many considerations that comes into planning your day is what spaces you’ll need for your plans. We knew this place would work great because of the semi-private courtyard, and the two stories as well.
We brought Dillon outside to wait and then Carrie descended the stairs for them to see each other — and with Scooby too!
A leisurely walk through the city
As part of the plans for their day, they didn’t want to just be whisked around between places in Charleston but to see it on foot together … and get a walk in for Scooby at the same time! By choosing an Airbnb in the French Quarter we were able to make this happen easily because White Point Garden was an easy 3/4mi walk away. Loved seeing all the architecture & iconic Charleston scenery on the way!
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White Point Garden Wedding | Ceremony
This was the first time they would see their ceremony guests on the day, so we made sure to build in some time for everyone to say hello and visit! Then we faded into the background to capture their intimate ceremony with very special family present. Love the setting at the White Point Garden gazebo!
While we did enjoy the walk to White Point Garden earlier, the sun started to hide behind the clouds and the temperature got a little chilly (it was January after all). We called in an Uber (pro-tip, if you’re wearing a wedding dress get an UberXL!) and were able to warm up in the vehicle as we were taken back to their Airbnb. We gathered a few things and then ventured off to our next stop for more Charleston scenery!
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White Point Garden Wedding | Lowcountry Garden Setting
Coffee stop
Very early in our process, as we were gathering all the planning ‘needs and wants’ it was clear that Carrie would really like a stop at a local coffee shop “if at all possible.” We didn’t want to squeeze too much into one day, so this one we just kept in the back of our minds just in case the opportunity would arise. And it did! We were a few minutes ahead of schedule on our way to the gardens, so we asked if they wanted to stop for some hot coffee to warm up and a snack. Of course they said yes! It’s always fun strolling into a store in your wedding attire … because it doesn’t happen every day!
Exploring the Gardens
One of the planning “must haves” for the day was to escape to a more private setting and feel surrounded by live oaks, spanish moss and blooms if they were in season. Of course these gardens are our favorite in the area for just that! Far less people than at the Charleston Battery and plenty of space to take it all in together.
Taking time to soak it all in
The sun was playing hide and seek with us all day, but towards the afternoon … right before we were headed back to the reception, we caught the most glorious golden glow amongst the live oaks. It was the perfect setting for a first dance in total privacy, and then to sit and feel the sun with the chilly air around. Right here at this moment, we remember how quiet it was … nothing but the tree frogs speaking. No traffic noise, no other people around. We loved how the stars aligned for them to have this moment together towards the end of their wedding day!
White Point Garden Wedding | Reception Dinner
To complete this perfect day, we met back up with family and friends in a private room at Church and Union, an exquisite restaurant right on Market Street in Charleston! It was just the right setting for a reception with everyone in the heart of Charleston.
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Planning a White Point Garden Wedding
To have a wedding at White Point Garden you need a permit, but it’s easy and straightforward!
- Permit Requirement: A permit is required for any organized event at White Point Garden, including weddings.
- Attendee Limit: Events at White Point Garden, including weddings, are limited to a total of 25 people. This includes the bride and groom, and officiant, photographer, etc. If you have more people to include in your wedding day, our suggestion is to have a ceremony with just your immediate family and then a reception at a restaurant nearby (there is a good selection of restaurants with large private rooms!)
- Permit Fees: The cost of the permit depends on the complexity of the event. For a small wedding, it’s not expensive!
- Permit Application Process:
- Contact the City of Charleston Recreation Department at least 14 business days prior to the event.
- Verify if the desired date is available.
- Apply for a permit in person at 823 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403 or by first calling the city parks permits and reservations department.
- Secure the date by paying assigned fees and obtaining an approved permit.
- Accessibility: Inquire directly with the City of Charleston for detailed information on accessibility and nearby amenities like restrooms.
- Best Times for Weddings: Late fall or early spring, or winter are great times! Weekdays, and mid-day events are recommended for less tourist traffic too.
Free Download: Elopement Budget Spreadsheet
White Point Garden Wedding | Nearby attractions and Activities
Getting married in Charleston is much more than just finding a ceremony spot. You’ll want to remember the entire experience, and there is so much to see in the area. Complete your day by incorporating experiences like these for your wedding day!
- Historical Attractions:
- Art and Culture:
- Parks and Outdoor Spaces:
- Romantic Activities:
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours and nearby restaurants for dining.
This list only scratches the surface of what there is to see in Charleston. Get in touch with us and we’ll create a personalized wedding day experience for you in Charleston!
Ready to get started planning your White Point Garden Wedding?
At StoryBright Films, we don’t just capture moments; we create extraordinary elopement experiences that are as unique as your love story. Our commitment is to transform your vision into a breathtaking reality, ensuring that your wedding day is more than just an event – it’s an unforgettable adventure that truly represents you.
Our specialized approach to elopements goes beyond the standard. We believe in personalizing every detail to reflect your individuality. From selecting idyllic locations like the enchanting White Point Garden to crafting a day filled with intimate and adventurous moments, we are dedicated to making your wedding an exclusive and memorable experience. With our extensive planning expertise and hands-on coordination, we ensure a seamless and stress-free celebration, allowing you to immerse yourselves fully in the joy of your special day.
Every couple has a unique story, and we’re here to help you tell yours. Whether it’s a tranquil ceremony under the oaks at White Point Garden, a picturesque carriage ride through historic Charleston, or a bespoke reception at a charming local venue, your elopement will be a beautiful reflection of your relationship.
Ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime? Reach out to us at StoryBright Films for a consultation. Let’s start planning your dream elopement, tailored just for you, in the beautiful settings of Charleston and beyond. Connect with us today, and together, we’ll create your best day ever!
Adventurously Yours,
?? Mark & Carolyn
