Courtney and Eric’s first look unfolded beneath towering palms at Lowndes Grove in Charleston just as rain began to fall. Their private moment, which included reading vows to one another, was punctuated by the first drops of what quickly became a steady rain.
The drizzle started light enough for outdoor portraits with photographer Kailee DiMeglio, but the weather soon forced the couple and their party indoors. Instead of scrapping the photo session, DiMeglio used the open doorways of the River House to frame the couple against the rain, turning the storm into a soft, romantic wash around them.
Originally, Courtney and Eric had planned to say their vows in front of Lowndes Grove’s main house. But as the rain intensified, Parte Events & Design swiftly shifted the ceremony to a tent beside the water. The smaller space squeezed guests closer but offered a new, unexpected view — the ceremony backdrop became a sprawling oak tree and the waterfront, while raindrops continued to fall just beyond the tent.
This change added a different kind of charm to the day. Instead of fighting the weather, the couple embraced it as part of the atmosphere. The wet landscape brought a quiet, reflective tone that matched the personal touches woven through the ceremony.
Among the guests, an empty seat in the front row was marked with flowers, reserved for Courtney’s mother, who had passed away. This small but meaningful gesture ensured she was part of the day. Later, guests received late-night bags of soft candy, a favorite treat of Courtney’s mom, extending her memory through the celebration.
Inside the reception space, long tables set the tone for an intimate evening. Personalized menus awaited guests at each place, while floral arrangements by Festoon added color with vintage-inspired hues. Oversized lamps gave the room a warm, dinner-party feel — polished but welcoming.
The mood shifted when Courtney changed into a two-piece outfit, ready for the night ahead. The dance floor featured a bold black-and-white checkered pattern, turning the space playful and inviting. Velvet Bay Groove kept the music lively, and the crowd didn’t hold back, filling the floor well into the evening.
Despite umbrellas and changing plans, the mood never dropped. The rain didn’t steal attention from the moments that mattered: the vows shared in a drizzle, portraits framed by stormy skies, and a ceremony beneath an oak tree by the water.
Courtney and Eric’s wedding day was shaped by weather, but it wasn’t defined by it. The empty seat for a loved one, the candy tribute, and the intimate reception details gave the day a personal warmth that outshone the rain. Their Plan B wasn’t just a backup — it came with its own kind of Charleston romance.
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