Outdoor Fall Garden Wedding at Magnolia Plantation in Charleston

Oct 27

Charleston, South Carolina

Kayla + brad

When Kayla and Brad first reached out to me about capturing their wedding, their vision was crystal clear. An outdoor fall garden wedding at Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, SC, and from that point on, I knew we were in for something SO dreamy. As a Georgia wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of documenting love stories across the South, but there's something undeniably special about Charleston. The historic charm and the sprawling oak trees create a romantic atmosphere that's simply unmatched. Kayla and Brad's wedding was the perfect example of why Charleston remains one of the most sought-after and dreamiest destination wedding locations in the country.

From our very first conversation, Kayla knew she wanted a formal garden party wedding that embraced the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. Charleston in the fall is absolutely breathtaking and is definitely a competitive season for getting married. The oppressive summer heat gives way to crisp, comfortable temperatures, and the light takes on that golden quality that is irreplaceable. The weather gods were definitely shining down on Kayla and Brad's wedding day, providing us with clear skies and the most perfect fall breeze, which was absolutely perfect.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: A Dreamy Outdoor Charleston Wedding Venue

Let me tell you about Magnolia Plantation…if you haven't been, add it to your bucket list immediately. This isn't just a wedding venue; it's a piece of living history wrapped in 500 acres of stunning gardens and moss-draped oak trees. As a wedding photographer who has photographed countless of destination weddings, I'm always scouting for locations that offer variety, natural beauty, and that intangible "wow" factor, and Magnolia Plantation delivers on every front.

The vastness of the venue is truly remarkable. We're talking about romantic gardens, with pathways that wind through azaleas, camellias, and magnolias. The iconic bridge over the pond and the maze give you a glimpse into some of the endless possibilities to photograph natural beauty throughout this venue. What really sets this venue apart, however, is the way that it makes everything feel both grand and intimate at the same time. One second, you can be capturing sweeping landscapes, and then the next, you find yourself in a secluded spot that feels like your own private sanctuary.

For Kayla and Brad's wedding, we utilized the sprawling lawn areas for both their ceremony and reception, taking full advantage of the natural cathedral created by the towering oak trees covered in the swaying Spanish moss. It was a picturesque scene that was unlike anything I have ever seen before.

FIRST LOOK & PORTRAITS

Here's where we made a decision that I'm so grateful Kayla and Brad embraced: we did all of their portraits before the ceremony. I know, I know, some couples are traditionalists who want to save that first look for walking down the aisle, and I completely respect that. However, there's something incredibly special about taking time before your ceremony to not only see each other but to actually slow down and soak in the moment together.

We chose a spot under one of the towering oak trees for their first look, and y'all, it was perfect. The way Brad's face lit up when he turned around to see Kayla, now THAT’S what I’m talking about. The sunlight filtering through the trees created the most romantic atmosphere, and the fact that we had this incredible location essentially to ourselves made it feel even more intimate.

After their first look, we dedicated time to capturing portraits, prior to all of the guests arriving. The vastness of Magnolia Plantation meant we could create variety without ever feeling rushed. We wandered along garden paths, posed on the romantic bridge, and took advantage of those iconic oak trees that have become synonymous with Lowcountry weddings. It was the way that there were moments of complete stillness that truly made every part of this day so memorable and special.

MISMATCHED BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES

In my most recent blog post, I mentioned mismatched bridesmaids' dresses being a huge “yes” for wedding trends this year. For Kayla and her girls, their mismatched dresses tied together the wedding theme perfectly. Some in that buttery yellow that reminded me of spring sunshine, others in the softest blush pink and lavender. The mismatched approach felt fresh and modern while still maintaining a cohesive, elegant look that aligned perfectly with their garden formal theme. Kayla and her bridesmaids each also held cala lilies, a stunning addition created by Rosebay Florals. It was the perfect addition that felt romantic and refined, and the touches of greenery enhanced the garden theme just that much further.

Kayla and Brad’s Outdoor fall Garden Wedding Ceremony at Magnolia Plantation

As guests began to arrive, you could feel the anticipation building. CHS Weddings By Allison had transformed the ceremony space into something straight out of a Southern fairy tale. This is where I need to give major props to Allison and her team because wedding planners are the unsung heroes of any wedding day. Allison and her team made sure every single detail was absolutely perfect, and everything ran as smoothly as you could imagine.

When Kayla appeared at the end of the aisle, I could see Brad's eyes well up with tears. As a wedding photographer, I live for these moments; the raw emotion, the joy, the "this is really happening" realization that crosses a groom's face. The ceremony itself was beautiful and heartfelt, with the late afternoon light casting everything in that dreamy, golden glow.

The Spanish moss swayed overhead, the breeze carried the scent of flowers, and two people who were already best friends promised to spend forever together. It was simple, it was elegant, and it was a perfect representation of Kayla and Brad. Documenting all of this beauty was Event Art by Sarah Jane, finishing a live painting of Kayla and Brad, which is a beautiful memento that many couples have been incorporating into their special day.

Cocktail Hour and Reception

Cocktail hour is the pre-game to the reception. The opportunity for you, as the couple, to be able to mingle with guests, get a drink or two, and really relish in the fact that you’re married! It was at this point that we could tell that everyone was itching to see the beauty of the reception space and see what the rest of the night had in store.

Fast forward to dinner, and we just HAVE to talk about Salthouse Catering since they absolutely knocked it out of the park. The dinner setup was something straight out of Pinterest with long farmhouse tables stretched across the lawn, each one adorned with simple, elegant centerpieces that echoed the wedding's color palette. Twinkling lights were strung overhead, which would create an ethereal and cozy atmosphere come nighttime.

There's something about eating dinner under the stars, surrounded by nature, that makes everything feel more connected and meaningful. Salthouse Catering didn't just provide food; they created an experience. The farmhouse tables encouraged conversation and connection; instead of feeling like separate islands, everyone felt like part of one big celebration.

As dinner concluded and toasts were made (so many happy tears and laughter), the dance floor opened up, and this group was ready to celebrate. There's something about outdoor receptions that brings out everyone's festive side. Maybe it's the fresh air, maybe it's the setting, but people just seem more relaxed and ready to have fun.

The party that followed was exactly what a wedding celebration should be: joyful, energetic, and full of love. Guests danced under the stars, the DJ kept everyone on their feet, and the whole evening had this magical quality that felt like a movie.

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Kayla and Brad's outdoor fall garden wedding at Magnolia Plantation was everything I love about destination weddings. They chose a location that meant something to them, they surrounded themselves with people who made their vision come to life, and they embraced every moment of their day with joy and intention.

If you're planning your own destination wedding and looking for a photographer who will capture not just what your day looked like but what it felt like, I'd love to chat. Because at the end of the day, that's what it's all about! Preserving these fleeting, precious moments so you can relive them for years to come.