Katie B. + Sterling: A Timeless, Old-World Fairytale Begins
KATIE B. AND STERLING: A TIMELESS, OLD-WORLD FAIRYTALE BEGINS
Katie B. and Sterling’s wedding is the very definition of a fairytale.
The couple’s venue, held on private grounds at Black River, is unabashedly romantic, steeped in history, and framed in open greenery.
Stately and elegant in equal measure, the space ushers in a serene and enchanting energy that is atypical of weddings as big as this.
Instead of the frenzied buzz permeating through the air, Katie B. and Sterling’s day was heartfelt and steady.
And nothing encapsulates that quiet, ethereal feeling like a great expanse of nature brimming with distinct Southern charm.
The Journey Begins at Prince George Winyah Parish Church
LIke many other couples, Katie B. and Sterling’s story begins with an earnest exchange of vows.
But their story stands out in large part due to the picturesque venue that they chose for their ceremony.
Held at the Prince George Winyah Parish Church, the historic church is a 300-year-old site that’s one of the few original church buildings located at the seaport town of Georgetown, serving the oldest congregations in South Carolina, dating back to 1721.
The architecture of the church is a reflection of the classic elegance of this couple’s wedding. The red bricks, the church’s signature facade, is held together with oyster-shell mortar and follows a design typical of many colonial church structures.
But like Katie B. and Sterling, the facade gives way to nuanced details that are uniquely it's own. For instance, Prince George Winyah Parish Church has English stained glass windows and a Jacobean gable, as well as box pews inside.
The ceremony’s solemnity was punctuated by the church’s historic architecture and on the day of their wedding, was awash in natural light–perfectly setting the mood and vibe for what would arguably be one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve been to.
A Grand, Elegant Affair
I would be remiss not to mention the talented Erica Missel of Soeur Events, the sister company of Tara Guerard Soiree, who spearheaded this wedding.
There’s obviously a reason why these two companies are recognized as the top planners in the Southeast for bespoke luxury weddings; Erica’s floor plan and design for this wedding were incredible.
This leads me directly to how the couple’s vision for their wedding reception, held on a swatch of private property on Black River, Georgetown was brought to life.
Dashing, old-world elegance meets natural Southern charm at this picturesque venue where strategic pockets of nooks and lounge areas allowed guests to bask in the breathtaking, panoramic views while ensuring that the spotlight was still on the beautiful bride and her handsome groom.
I loved how the space was transformed into something for everyone as the celebrations wore on. It started as a pretty avenue of manicured greens that welcomed guests for the reception, transforming into comfortable, outdoor spaces framed against flowers and musicians to set the mood, to softly draped lights setting the stage for a romantic, al fresco venue for revelry.
To capture every memorable moment, Sarah of Sarah Bradshaw Photography was on call and worked alongside us to document this incredible day. If you’re on the lookout for a wedding photographer with a laid-back energy who can easily snap every tiny, nuanced memory of your biggest milestones, Sarah is it.
You will adore her easy, approachable and no-nonsense approach to work where she manages to capture moments that you would think were too innocuous to be noticed by anyone. In fact, one of the best parts of the day was Sarah’s touching photo reveal, where she and her assistant brought a printing set up and took the time to share a properly framed print with the bride and groom, in real-time, during the reception.
Classical Notes
For the wedding video, collaboration was key to creating a classic soundscore.
It kicks off with a little Van Morrison (Per our dear client’s recommendation, because, who doesn’t love Van?) before easily transitioning into Katie B. and Sterling’s absolute “us” song — “At Last” by Etta James.
On the bus, in between portrait locations, Katie B. remarked that the moment they heard that song (pretty early in their relationship–I might add) they had this instinctive AHA! moment. “Yep, this is our song, isn’t it?” With that little anecdote, it only makes sense that Etta beautifully warbles the couple and their guests into cocktail hour and toward the evening.
Horns played and escorted these two from the cake cutting–in the most iconic, darling greenhouse we’ve ever seen in our lives (I tell you, the details that went into this wedding are just incredible!)--to the dance floor for their first dance.
As the night progressed and celebrations were in full swing, blinky cowboy hats and various swag were given out, all the while the TPG Band performed and kept guests on their feet for HOURS.
Fiery Stylish Send-Off
Of course, Katie B. and Sterling were sent off in style.
As fireworks lit up the sky (by Sky Magic Fireworks) and cold sparklers from the crew at Technical Event Company (we love these guys so much!!!) created a colorful canopy above, the couple was escorted on their final horn procession towards their boat–replete with blinky cowboy hats and a cinematic, slow-motion kiss to cap the evening off.
No doubt, this wedding is one for the books, with lots of memorable moments that will live in my memory for years to come.
Katie B. + Sterling Wedding Round Up
Video Package
Head Over Heels Signature Collection, 11 hours on-site, with drone coverage
Event Planner
Ceremony Location
Caterer
Bride + Entourage Bridal Services
Bridal Hair
Music
TPG Band
Pianist
Tom Santopietro
Transportation
Photographer
@arahbradshawphoto
Fireworks
Draping
Floral Arrangements
Soirèe Flowers
Lighting
@technicalevent
Reception Cocktails/ Bar
@snyderevents
Ruby Riot Creatives | Destination Weddings + Events. We travel everywhere! [Currently booking 2023-2024]
Visit https://www.instagram.com/rubyriotcreatives @RubyRiotCreatives to view our portfolio and current work, hear some embarrassing stories on our podcast, The Ruby Hour, and check our availability for your event! If you have an upcoming wedding or event, we would LOVE to be a part of it.
Which Wedding Video Package Was This?
This is our Head Over Heels Signature Collection, 11 hours on-site, with drone coverage.
Getting married soon? We totally want to film your wedding. We travel anywhere. Let’s schedule a time to chat after you check out our media kit.