When Lisa and Jon met on a blind date (thanks to a friend that set them up), the connection was immediate. Time passed so quickly as they talked and laughed in that Charleston coffee shop that Lisa wound up being late for work! That sweet beginning was echoed the day Jon proposed. Shares Lisa, “We got engaged over cappuccino and latte in our apartment. Jon re-created our coffee date exactly three years after we first met. I was totally taken by surprise!”
When choosing a venue for their Charleston wedding, Lisa knew the moment she walked into the Governor Thomas Bennett House that it was the place for them! “The setting is just the dreamiest—an historical home, Southern piazzas, ethereal Spanish moss, and gorgeous gardens. This was the third time I fell in love, after my fiancee, and my dress!”
Speaking of Lisa’s bridal gown, it may have taken her a few trips (11 bridal boutiques!), but when the ladies at Maddison Row South introduced her to Sunny, she knew she’d met her match.
More about Jon and Lisa’s delightful day (including an amazing wedding planning tip from her photographer) from our darling bride below:
How did you choose your gown?
“My journey to finding my wedding dress was a long one! Believe it or not, I had visited ELEVEN boutiques in my city of Charleston, and my hometown of Pittsburgh. I tried on many lovely gowns, but none felt right for me. At Maddison Row South, I felt as though I was going to leave empty-handed once again, when boutique buyer Michelle pointed out a gorgeous gown on a mannequin. I tried it on, and the rest is history! I fell in love with Sunny.”
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Sunny via Maddison Row South | photographer: Carrie Elizabeth Photography | scroll down for full vendor list
Tell us about your day!
“We got married in October at Governor Thomas Bennett House in Charleston. The setting is just the dreamiest—an historical home, Southern piazzas, ethereal Spanish moss, and gorgeous gardens. This was the third time I fell in love, after my fiancee, and my dress!
Looking back at our pictures, I am smiling SO HARD while walking down the aisle with my father. I remember feeling so happy, excited, blessed, and it was written all over my face!
We had our guests toss petals at us as we walked back up the aisle, and it was the best idea! We, along with our family and friends, were laughing each step of the way.”
Any tips for couples getting married?
“My best advice for couples is a tip that was passed to me by the photographer who captured our engagement pictures. I floated the idea of the petal-tossing to him, and he whole-heartedly cheered the idea and told me to “make it a moment” whenever I could.”
Lisa + Jon’s Charleston Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Sunny via Maddison Row South | photographer: Carrie Elizabeth Photography | planner: Carolina Occasions | venue: The Governor Thomas Bennett House | officiant: Wedding Belle Rev | hair: Slate | make-up: Glam by Christine | ceremony music: Gregory Guay | wedding cake: FlowerChild | videographer: O.ski Films | DJ: Dream Day Charleston