November 2024 | Photography by Taylor Rae
Kelsey and Weston’s September wedding at Cannon Green was a beautiful celebration of their journey together, set against the lush, natural charm of downtown Charleston. Their love story is filled with meaningful moments, from their first connection on a spontaneous weekend trip to Tybee Island to an unforgettable proposal by the water in Southport. Surrounded by family and friends, they brought their vision to life with warm, candlelit details and delicate yellow florals that perfectly complemented the venue’s elegant ambiance.
Where did you two meet?
We first crossed paths at the University of South Carolina—Go Gamecocks! Though we had mutual friends in Weston’s fraternity and saw each other a few times, we didn’t really connect until the end of our Sophomore year. That all changed on a trip to Tybee Island, GA, where Weston spontaneously offered to teach me how to swing dance, even though we weren’t each other’s dates. After that weekend, we started chatting every time we ran into each other, and one thing led to another until we were officially together.
What was your first date?
Weston was genuinely surprised to learn I’d never tried ramen, especially since I’m such a fan of soups. For our first date, he took me to a cozy little ramen spot in Columbia, SC, and afterward, we went on a haunted hayride. It was the perfect combination for a cozy fall evening, and by the end of it, Weston asked me to be his girlfriend.
How did Weston pop the question?
Oak Island, NC, holds a special place in our hearts since it’s where Weston’s grandparents live. When we were living in NYC, we’d go there every summer for a week, which eventually inspired us to move back to the Carolinas. Last September, after returning from a trip to Croatia, we headed to Oak Island for the weekend to reunite with Weston’s family, who had been watching our sweet Sallie girl while we were away. Weston surprised me with a day trip to Bald Head Island, a beautiful island accessible only by ferry. We spent the day relaxing on the beach and exploring the island’s charming shops.
On the ferry back, he revealed that we’d actually be staying overnight at an adorable inn in downtown Southport—somewhere we’d never stayed before. That evening, on our way to dinner, we took a stroll to the end of a pier, where Weston got down on one knee and proposed. The best part was that the nearby waterfront restaurant and bars had the perfect view of our engagement, and when we walked over, I was thrilled to see all our family members there to surprise us. We enjoyed an unforgettable weekend celebrating with both our families in such a meaningful place.
What was the vision and design/floral inspiration for your wedding?
We loved Cannon Green’s natural beauty, which hardly needed any extra decor. When it came time to plan the florals, I envisioned a warm, inviting atmosphere with plenty of candles to complement the wood accents. We added delicate yellow blooms to tie in our wedding colors, creating the perfect touch.
How did you select Cannon Green as your venue?
Cannon Green was the only venue we visited—and we knew instantly it was something special. The location was ideal, allowing our out-of-town guests to experience the heart of downtown, with shops and restaurants just a short walk away. Unlike other venues, Cannon Green offered everything in-house, from chairs and tables to catering, saving us the hassle of coordinating multiple vendors. Tayla’s walk-through presentation made it easy to envision our day, showing us exactly how all the details we wanted could come together beautifully at this venue.
What was most important to you on your special day?
Staying together was a top priority for us. We made a point not to leave each other’s side, so we could connect with as many people as possible without having to catch up at the end of the night. It wasn’t always easy, as so many guests wanted a moment with us, and we wanted to make time for everyone who had traveled to be there. But we found that staying together helped us make the most of our time with each guest.
What #1 piece of advice do you have for couples planning their own weddings?
Most weddings are planned one to two years in advance, giving you plenty of time to bring everything together. The key is finding vendors who truly connect with you and your partner and understand your vision. Our vendors were the reason our wedding was such a success—they made us feel comfortable sharing our needs, yet we also trusted their judgment and expertise. Their experience and guidance were invaluable.
