Elsbeth and Franky’s Winter Wedding at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, SC was a dream! This venue features a picturesque, romantic garden setting perfect for a wedding! Elsbeth and Franky have been waiting for this wedding day celebration to arrive for a while now.
Both Elsbeth and Franky are in the Air Force, which is where they met. A few years ago they spontaneously eloped in Las Vegas in order to be together more often with their military assignments. After their elopement, they planned for a big wedding celebration, but like many couples, they had to postpone their plans due to the pandemic, as well as military assignments. Needless to say, their wedding day celebration has been in the works for some time, and it was most definitely worth the wait!
Currently, Elsbeth flies all over the world while Franky flies drones. To honor their work and love for each other, Franky incorporated the design of Air Force wings on Elsbeth’s ring when he proposed. Elsbeth’s ring also features a gorgeous pink stone. I love the uniqueness of the ring and the story it tells.
The First Looks
Their beautiful wedding day included five first looks! Some were filled with emotional happy tears, while others overflowed with laughter! Before the first looks occurred, the day started off with Elsbeth getting ready with her bridesmaids. Elsbeth finished getting ready with her mom, which was a special moment for both of them as she wore her mother’s wedding veil.
After completing the finishing touches to her dress, she did a first look with her longtime childhood friend. Her reaction was priceless! She was genuinely overcome with emotion at the sight of her close friend, the radiant bride. Then, the rest of the bridesmaids entered the room for their first look. A few tears were shed as everyone marveled over how absolutely stunning Elsbeth looked!
While Elsbeth finished up her first look with her bridesmaids and prepared for her first look with her groom, Franky had an unexpected first look with his best friend who surprised him in a wedding dress! This was the greatest!! I am sure neither of them will ever forget this hilarious moment!
Next, Franky and Elsbeth had their first look together followed by her first look with her dad. Elsbeth’s dad teared up a bit when he saw her. I am always so thankful to capture these heartfelt memories for my clients, as I know how much images like these will be treasured in the years to come.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens Wedding
Before the wedding ceremony we grabbed some truly breathtaking pictures of them around the grounds of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, which is the oldest public garden in the U.S. It is also one of the most picturesque gardens I’ve ever seen! I was thrilled to shoot at this venue and capture the Spanish moss covered trees that create such a whimsical and fairy-tale like backdrop.
The gorgeous scenery doesn’t stop there though! The venue featured festive, red winter berries, blooming camellias, and holiday evergreens that decorated the iconic white bridge. Elsbeth and Franky shared that they knew they wanted to have their wedding at Magnolia the second they saw the big drive with the ancient oak trees and Spanish moss.
After capturing the bride and groom and then the bridal party, it was finally time for the ceremony! Right before Elsbeth walked down the aisle she added a fluffy skirt to her dress, which was a fun surprise to everyone, including Franky! Their adorable two dogs also joined in the ceremony! We made sure to capture a couple family photos of the bride and groom with their two dogs after the lovely ceremony as well.
The Reception
Many of the wedding guests were also members of the Armed Forces, or had served at one time. Later in the evening during the reception, they all stood and were honored for their service. It was very touching and moving to see so many examples of courage and sacrifice in one room. Thank you to everyone out there who serves! The wedding guests spent the rest of the evening dancing and celebrating with Elsbeth and Franky.
Their Magnolia Plantation and Gardens winter wedding was truly perfect from start to finish! Both Elsbeth and Franky are the sweetest people and are absolutely meant for each other! It was such an honor to capture their wedding day celebration and these happy memories! Congratulations!
Wedding Vendors
Venue: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Planner: Bouquets and Bowties Charleston
Flowers: Something Borrowed Blooms
Catering: Hamby Catering and Events
Transportation: Coastal Limo
Music: Joyful Entertainment
Draping/Lighting: Lowcountry Entertainment
Rentals: EventWorks
Bar: MIX Charleston
Dress: Lovely Bride Charleston
Hair: Shadows and Shears
Make Up: Galya Makeup Artistry
Are you planning your dream wedding day? If so, Congratulations!! Please Contact Me today to learn more information about my wedding photography offerings!
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Check out a few more romantic weddings and moments on the blog:
Spring Wedding at Historic Rice Mill | Charleston, SC
Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens Wedding
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