Mercer Gown in a Palmetto Club Wedding | Nicole + Parker

Best friends turned sweethearts Nicole and Parker’s wedding journey started with a marathon. Parker, who is a runner convinced Nicole, who is not, to train and run with him in Charleston’s Charleston Cooper River Bridge Run (10k). “After the race, we planned to celebrate with a walk around Waterfront Park and dinner afterward. Little did I know, he had secretly arranged a proposal before dinner.” Parker had even organized photographers to be nearby to capture the moment, and, “when he popped the question, it was such a perfect surprise. The whole day and the entire weekend were truly amazing.”

The Dress That Said Yes

As they planned their classic, elegant wedding, Nicole hoped to find an equally timeless wedding gown. Her mom flew in to help, and they started shopping. At first, nothing felt quite right—until they arrived for their appointment with Betsy at Elizabeth Cole Bridal and met Lea-Ann Belter Mercer. “The moment I put it on, we all knew it was the one. My favorite detail was the botanical embossed jacquard fabric. It felt elegant, timeless, and perfectly me.”

Including Everyone in the Magic

From the beginning, Nicole and Parker knew they wanted their guests to feel ‘included, loved, and part of something special’—including their VIP family member, sweet pup Olive. Every choice was made in service of that vision, and the day was more than they dreamed. “The Palmetto Club gave us the perfect setting and had incredible Southern food that made our guests feel right at home. Our band, Seven Til Sunrise from Sam Hill Entertainment, brought so much life to the night, keeping the dance floor packed and the energy high from start to finish.”

Get all of the details and see more of their day below!

When did you realize Parker was special?

It happened naturally. After spending so much time together, we became best friends, and that friendship gradually grew into a deeper connection.

Could you share your engagement story?

My husband is a runner, and I am not! But we trained for a Turkey Trot together, and he eventually convinced me to do the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston. After the race, we planned to celebrate with a walk around Waterfront Park and dinner afterward. Little did I know, he had secretly arranged a proposal before dinner. He had photographers hidden nearby, and when he popped the question, it was such a perfect surprise. The whole day and the entire weekend were truly amazing.

What atmosphere did you want to create on your wedding day?

I envisioned a traditional church wedding with a timeless and elegant feel. The ceremony itself was classic and simple, but the heart of the day was making sure our guests felt included, loved, and part of something special. At the reception, we wanted everyone to experience a welcoming and warm environment. The Palmetto Club gave us the perfect setting and had incredible Southern food that made our guests feel right at home. Our band, Seven Til Sunrise from Sam Hill Entertainment, brought so much life to the night, keeping the dance floor packed and the energy high from start to finish. More than anything, our goal was for our friends and family to leave feeling the depth of our love and to walk away with memories of pure joy, laughter, and celebration.

Tell us about finding your gown!

My mom flew in from New Jersey, and I knew I wanted it to just be the two of us for this special moment. We visited one shop and found a few dresses we liked, but nothing felt quite right. The next day, we went to Elizabeth Cole Bridal and met Betsy. I had originally been drawn to the shop for a different Lea-Ann Belter gown, but when that one didn’t work out, we decided to try on more gowns from Lea-Ann Belter’s collection. The moment I put on the Mercer ball gown, we all knew it was the one. My favorite detail was the botanical embossed jacquard fabric. It felt elegant, timeless, and perfectly me.

What part of your wedding felt most meaningful to you both (other than the getting married part, of course!)?

Our reception speeches meant the world to us. We each had two best men and two maids of honor, and all of them shared heartfelt toasts. They reflected on who we are individually and as a couple, and spoke about the love and support we’re surrounded by. It was a beautiful reminder of the people who shape our lives and walk alongside us.

Do you have advice for couples planning their day?

Stay focused on what you want as a couple, not on what others expect. Things won’t always go exactly as planned, but don’t be too hard on yourself, just enjoy it. The day truly flies by, so soak in every moment together.