Tradition Meets Southern Style: Wedding in Charleston, SC

Cupids arrow struck true when Ashely and Richard initially crossed paths on the popular dating application.

One date led to another and before long the sound of wedding bells could be heard in the distance as Richard began planning their perfect proposal. Richard took a knee in front of the Robert Indiana “LOVE” Statue at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas (the bride’s hometown), where he asked Ashley to forever be joined together as husband and wife.

Featuring photography by MunaLuchi Coterie member Kareem Virgo, and set within the historic Merchants Hall in Charleston, South Carolina.

Bride & Groom: Ashley & Richard
Occupations: Student Housing Executive Director/ Student Housing Maintenance Supervisor
Wedding Date: May 26th, 2019
Wedding Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met in Charleston using OKCupid! Richard proposed in front of the Robert Indiana “LOVE” Statue at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas, my hometown.

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? For the wedding we wanted the attire to be very traditional with some southern style. My wedding dress was a white taffeta sweetheart ballgown with pockets, Richard wore a white dinner jacket with a black shawl lapel. Our bridesmaids wore black Vera Wang halter gowns with bow details and pockets, our groomsmen wore black tuxedos with shawl lapels.

Tell us about the wedding planning process? I started with a playlist of music that reminded me of us, from there I used Instagram to find most of the vendors and venue. I knew I wanted it to be extremely romantic with a little southern charm so the floral arrangements and use of stripes and candles were important. The biggest hiccup in the process was the number of guests that RSVP’d, initially we planned for 100 people we ended up with over 150 in attendance for the ceremony. The change in guests is what prompted us to bring in a planner (Emore Campbell) and in many ways, she saved the day.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Richard’s family is from John’s Island, one of the sea islands surrounding Charleston. It was really important for us to honor his heritage by having the wedding on Market St., our venue overlooked a historic slave market (most likely the market his great grandparents were sold in). We also jumped a sweetgrass broom, the broom was made by a local woman who had been making sweetgrass baskets since she was 5 our broom was her first broom. Charleston favorites like shrimp and grits and pimento cheese were served at the reception. Our pictures were taken on cobblestone streets, rainbow row, and in front of the US Customs House. During the ceremony, there was a memorial table at the end of the aisle that allowed to me see my father’s image before looking forward at Richard. Also, my family has a history of baking (my grandfather was a baker by profession), in that tradition, we had a cake made by my cousin (Okemah Holloway) and brought in all the way from Wichita, Kansas.

Wedding Party Gifts: Bridesmaids-Robes, flower crowns, monogrammed champagne glasses/ Groomsmen- monogrammed shot glasses, cognac, and cigars.

What is your best memory from your wedding? My favorite memory was our first look, Richard said to me “This is so amazing, I just want to kiss you but I don’t think I can just yet”

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Make sure your wedding is a reflection of all the things you love, guests will enjoy it more that way.