Though a New Englander, Julianne’s heart has been held by Charleston ever since a trip to see friends in college. When she met Brendan, he swept her off her feet! The two traveled to Paris and London, and life together went on until one day Julianne asked Brendan if “he would be interested in seeing a place that I called my real home.” He was excited, and sure enough, he brought her back for her birthday. “I showed him the cobblestone streets, historic piazzas, gas lanterns, and glistening palmettos. I introduced him to the smell of fresh pralines, my favorite beach bar, pimento cheese, and my favorite rooftop view of the city. For the next nine years, we spent every one of my birthdays in Charleston.”
So, when Brendan proposed, naturally it was in Charleston. He brought Julianne to the Avenue of The Oaks, and, says Julianna, “We took one of our long walks down our favorite road. The sun shone through the oak trees, and the hot breeze made the shadows shimmer. Halfway down the road, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. After I got over her shock, I said yes! We then went to dinner at our favorite restaurant, Halls Chophouse, and enjoyed every second of our start of forever.”
They knew they wanted to get married in Charleston, a place filled with many special memories and moments. At the recommendation of a friend, they visited Lowndes Grove, and the rest is history! Together, they planned a genuine, heartfelt day that also celebrated the city they love.
Charleston is also where Julianne found her gown! “I had the most amazing experience at Maddison Row South, Michelle was a dream to work with. I was having coffee at Hotel Bennett across the street and noticed the most beautiful dress store. I had this instantaneous feeling that I would find my dress there. A few months later, I was lucky enough to get an appointment. Michelle pulled the Sofia dress off the rack, and I knew it was the one. We all laughed because from the second I laid eyes on that skirt, I said, “That’s my dress.” Adding the strapless top and bow made it into a dress that was authentically me.”
Find more about Julianne and Brendan’s gorgeous, traditional, blue-and-white-filled wedding from our sweet bride below.
Tell us about your day!
“We were married at Lowndes Grove, and the day was beautiful. We have been together for 12 years, so when we got engaged during the pandemic, we were not afraid to have a longer engagement. Our wedding day was full of blues. We wanted a traditional Southern wedding. Ombre hydrangeas were a major part of our day. Our Stradley Davidson linens completed the scene with beautiful, embroidered patterns. Our rehearsal dinner and welcome party were held at the William Aiken House on Cinco de Mayo, so naturally, we had to have a margarita tower! The day after our wedding was the Kentucky Derby, so we held a Kentucky Derby party at Parcel 32, an event venue in downtown Charleston, SC.”
wedding gown: customized Lea-Ann Belter Sofia via Maddison Row South | photographers: Sarah Elaine Photography + Brandon Lata Photography | scroll down for full vendor list
What was your first dance song?
“We hired a saxophone player to play “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.”
One detail you couldn’t live without?
“My heirloom items and things I will save for my children when they get married. Specifically, a special monogrammed pearl bracelet that was purchased with the final gift my grandfather gave me before he passed away. My grandfather passed away just before Christmas in 2017. He gave an envelope of cash to every grandchild on Christmas, I didn’t have the heart to spend mine, so I saved it for my wedding, knowing that I could purchase something special that made me feel like he was with me on my special day.”
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
“Creating an authentic event, something that was true to both of us. We are both old souls with a love for Charleston, I wanted guests to enter our wedding and say to themselves, This is so Brendan and Julianne.”
An extra special moment in your day?
“My grandparents mean the world to me, and we are very close. We had our getaway car, a vintage white Rolls Royce pick them up at Charleston Place (their hotel) and bring them to the venue. It was an extra special way for us to include them in our day.”
Any tips for couples getting married?
“Enjoy the special moments in the planning process and the day itself. There will be trials and moments where you will be tested, but if you can see past any negativity, you will see the positivity. Never lose sight of the “why” behind the day. These moments are special, and most importantly, this day is about you both, so enjoy every minute!”
Julianne + Brendan’s Charleston Wedding Vendors
wedding gown: customized Lea-Ann Belter Sofia via Maddison Row South | photographers: Sarah Elaine Photography + Brandon Lata Photography | venue: Lowndes Grove | planning: The Petal Report | hair + makeup: Bridal by Brittany of Lashes and Lace Charleston | florals: Petaloso | paperie: Studio R Design and SAS-E Ink | calligraphy: J. Lily Design | rentals: Ooh! Events and Stradley Davidson | catering: Snyder Events | car: Lowcountry Valet | draping: Low Country Entertainment | lighting: Innovative Event Services
