Elegant Southern Wedding at Middleton Place :: Tally & Blake

Few brides wish for rain on their wedding day, but unexpected wet weather didn’t put a damper on Tally and Blake’s beautiful celebration at Middleton Place. We’re crazy about the lush setting (that Spanish moss!), the bride’s stunning garden rose and peony bouquet, and their incredible 6-foot wedding cake… but their grins beneath a big white umbrella at the ceremony are our very favorite part!

SEE THE GALLERY FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS ELEGANT SOUTHERN WEDDING BY TRENT BAILEY AND CALDER CLARK.

“We were inspired by the incredible historic surroundings of Middleton Place: camellia trees, manicured English gardens, giant azaleas, and lazy peacocks parading the grounds. We wanted our wedding to feel like a natural extension of Middleton, and tried to imagine the way they would have entertained there so long ago!”

Did you include any traditions at your wedding?  I carried a small Bible in my wedding bouquet that had been carried by all the women married before me in my family. Three generations of women have signed the Bible and have carried it down the aisle with them.

The Ceremony

“Although I was stressed about the one thing I could not control, the rain made for beautiful pictures under white umbrellas!”

Your ceremony in three words.  Spiritual, natural, musical.

Why did you choose this location for your ceremony?  We adore Charleston, South Carolina, and fell in love with Middleton Place at first sight! The grounds are a beautiful place to have a destination wedding, and we knew from the moment we saw the majestic Butterfly Lakes that it was the perfect setting for our ceremony.

How did you go about planning your ceremony?  I had help from the terrific team at Calder Clark. Calder is unbelievable, and her team took my vision and executed beyond my wildest dreams!

Who officiated your ceremony?  A family friend and pastor married us.

What was your ceremony music?  A string quartet played “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, “The Lord’s Prayer,” and “The Way You Look Tonight.”

What were your vows like?  I love the simplicity of traditional vows. The thought that so many before us have spoken those same words and spent 50 or 60 years together is so beautiful!

What was your favorite thing about your wedding ceremony?  I think my favorite thing about our wedding ceremony was the scenery of the Butterfly Lakes at Middleton Place. It made for such a gorgeous backdrop, even though it was raining!

The Reception

“Our reception was boisterous, lighthearted, and fun. We wanted everyone to dance and be merry, so we had small plates tasting stations instead of a seated dinner to keep the energy up and allow for great flow.”

What was the best advice you received as a bride?  Planner Calder Clark had one thing to tell me before my wedding – take five minutes along with your new husband to see your reception and take it all in! Those are about the only five minutes I remember because the day was such a whirlwind, and I am so grateful we took those few moments to ourselves!

What was your wedding menu?  Highlights included stone crab claw in a horseradish-black vinegar aioli, a seared strip steak with pomme frites, fried green tomatoes on chive biscuits with house-made pimento cheese and corn dogs with spicy yellow mustard. At the end of the night, we also served beignets with powdered sugar and a chipotle chocolate drizzle. 

Your ceremony in three words.  Joyful, nonstop, blissful

Did you have a signature cocktail?  One of our favorite details was the two signature bars: the bourbon bar and the Champagne bar. There was something for everyone.

What type of cake or dessert did you serve?  A spectacular 6-foot wedding cake in gold and pastels was the first thing you saw as you walked into the reception. We also had a marble slab bar that served Blue Bell ice cream!

What was your first dance song?  We danced to “Everything” by Michael Buble.

Please tell us about the music at your reception.  The Atlanta Party Band made our reception so much fun! Not only was I surrounded by my wonderful family and all my closest friends, I had the pleasure of spending the evening dancing to fabulous music.

What was your favorite moment or part of the reception?  My sweet groom singing “L.O.V.E.” by Michael Buble to me!

Tell us about your big exit.  A local gospel choir sang “Oh, Happy Day” as we left the reception. It was an absolutely amazing way to end the day.