REAL WEDDING INSPIRATION: Katelyn & Benjamin’S timeless WILLIAM AIKEN HOUSE wedding

REAL WEDDING INSPIRATION: Katelyn & Benjamin’S timeless WILLIAM AIKEN HOUSE wedding

Teddy stole the show…

Katelyn + Benjamin Shuford
Wedding Date: February 24, 2018
Ceremony & Reception: William Aiken House

Katelyn had just moved to New York after graduating from the College of Charleston when she first met Benjamin at a bar in the Hamptons. They reconnected three weeks later at a mutual friend’s birthday in NYC. The very next night they went out for dinner and drinks in SoHo and the rest was history… they have been completely inseparable ever since!

Katelyn tells us their romantic proposal story & all the details about their timelessly beautiful William Aiken House wedding

We were in Washington DC for an alumni event for Ben’s high school class. We spent most of the weekend with close friends eating our way through the city and were having brunch at Le Diplomate, a French restaurant in DC. I was talking about how much I enjoyed French food and he looked at me and said: “Well, I’m glad you do because we are boarding a plane to Paris in the 3 hours.” Ben is not one for surprises, so when he told me this I knew he had something up his sleeve! We arrived in Paris on a Sunday morning and the next day we ate lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower before going on an afternoon walk. Ben proposed to me as we crossed Pont de Bir-Hakeim – he even had a photographer waiting to capture the special moment with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop! The entire experience was extremely romantic – it was just the two of us, which made it incredibly intimate and special.


The loud music and joyous laughter coming from the special corner on King & Ann Street always mesmerized me when I attended the College of Charleston. My dream had been to get married at The William Aiken House ever since college – it’s a timeless venue that embodies all the charm of Charleston.  When planning the decor for the wedding, we both knew we wanted a classic look. I wanted to include shades of white, soft blues and a lot of greenery. My planner, Ashley Wentz at Boutique Planning, definitely listened carefully to what Ben and I wanted. The venue has so much greenery and natural beauty, that it really speaks for itself.

My flowers were designed by SYG with the same whites, blues, and greenery, which complimented the stunning ivy walls behind the pergola and the venue’s natural landscape. I did greyish blue and beige linens and the X back wing chairs created a chic look that brought the whole look together.


My cake by PPHG Pastry Chef, Jessica Grossman, was really beautiful as well! The gold leafing is so different and really gave it a “Wow” factor without being over the top. Jennie Lou Art live-painted the ceremony and reception. The finished piece is now hanging in our home – definitely my favorite gift! Charleston Duo was also a huge part of our special day. They played the guitar and violin while my cousin, Beth McClure, sang, “It feels like home to me.” This was a very intimate moment for Ben and me at the altar. I think the entertainment was the most important part of the night. Atlanta Rhythm and Groove definitely keep everyone dancing all night!

 

Ben’s favorite part of the day was standing at the altar with me, knowing that when left I would be his wife. My favorite was when my cousin sang, “It Feels Like Home to Me” right after my Dad shook Ben’s Hand. At that moment, I was like “Ok, this it it. This is what you have been waiting for”. It was such a special moment of the day.


ADD IN AN ADORABLE PUP AND A COCKTAIL NAMED TEDDY AND YOU HAVE ONE PERFECT DAY!


(see Katelyn & Ben’s full wedding gallery HERE)

VENDORS

PHOTOGRAPHER: Priscilla Thomas with Riverland Studios
VIDEOGRAPHER: Sam Keel with SK Films
WEDDING COORDINATOR: Ashley Wenz at Boutique Planning
CEREMONY MUSIC: Charleston Duo and Beth McClure (singer)
BRIDAL GOWNS: Vera Wang from The Collection (Winter Park, FL)
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Jenny Yoo
MENSWEAR: Grady Ervin & Co and Brackish Bow Ties
SHOES: Jimmy Choo
ACCESSORIES: Marisa Perry Atelier, David Yurman, and Tiffany & Co.
HAIR & MAKEUP: Stephanie Simpson at Elysium Salon (bride) and Lashes & Lace (bridesmaids)
INVITATIONS/STATIONARY: Paper and Palm by Ashleigh Graber
FLOWERS: SYG Designs
RENTALS: Snyder Events
LIGHTING: Technical Event Company
CATERER: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group
BAND: Atlanta Rhythm and Groove
LIVE WEDDING PAINTING: Jennie Lou Art