Abbi and Mark’s Agapae Oaks wedding in Beaufort SC was the perfect way to round out 2020!
These two originally chose Agapae Oaks as for their classic low country venue in order to sneak their horses into some of their family portraits, but were able to purchase the perfect farm together a few miles up the road before tying the knot in December.
While it was bittersweet to miss out on having their horses watch them walk down the aisle, Abbi and Mark found lots of ways to make the day feel like their own. (Hint: One of those ways involved Abbi’s grandma throwing bottles. 👀 Definitely keep scrolling!)
As a nod to their absent horses, Abbi had part of her horse’s mane wrapped around her bouquet as well as a locket containing a sentimental photo.
Melanie Brown took great care of the ladies by creating an elegant yet relaxed hair and make up look that perfectly complimented Abbi’s Maggie Sottero dress from Ivory and Beau.
As if the first look with Dad wasn’t emotional enough, Abbi’s mother pulled me aside moments before we all started down the staircase towards the ceremony to let me know that the bride’s brother had been granted unexpected leave from Virginia and would be waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. It was such an emotional surprise!
To really paint the picture of just how dreamy this moment was, I need you to know that Abbi walked down the aisle to Mark to “At Last I see the Light” because they watched Tangled together on their first date. It was the perfect theme for their whimsical, Disney-level love story!
Following their ceremony, Abbi and Mark exited to cocktail hour through a traditional saber arch lined by Mark’s fellow Marines.
After all, Abbi said it best during our timeline consultation: The serious photos are good fond memories, but the photos we’re going to love, frame in our house for the rest of time, have front and center on our phones and on social, are going to be the goofy pictures of the two of us just having a good time. We want the nice smiley pics of course, but the more candid photos you can capture the better!”
After the sun set on Agapae Oaks, we headed to the Officer’s Club at MCAS Beaufort for an evening of dinner, drinks and the infamous bottle throwing room. Bloom Custom Cakes created a drool-worthy spice and vanilla cake, even incorporating a cute little wink to Abbi and Mark’s horses in the topper.
The Santorini Room was a big hit with most of the pilots and their spouses. Guests were invited to throw bottles at the back wall – even Grandma took a turn! Cheers erupted from the onlookers after she successfully broke her bottle beside her granddaughter.
Bottle throwing in the Santorini Room was such a unique tradition to incorporate, while still focusing on the connection and story that these two share.
Abbi was previously a boudoir client of mine (and high school gal pal!) and it was so special to be invited to photograph such an important day. I can’t wait to sneak back to Beaufort soon and snag some more photos of these two with their horses… and maybe Mark’s flight jacket too! 😉
If you can’t get over how chic and timeless Abbi’s Maggie Sottero wedding gown is, you should definitely click another one of my Maggie Sottero brides here!
Vendors List:
Invitation Suite by: Caroline Heeren Creative
Hair and Make Up by: Melanie Brown
Dress designed by Maggie Sottero, purchased at Ivory & Beau
Florals by Steven Fogleman at Southern Coast Flowers
Cake by Bloom Custom Cakes
DJ by MXM Productions
Favors by CustomStickerAndTag
Videography by SK Signs Designs
[…] In the mood for a dreamy sunset ceremony? You don’t want to miss Abbi and Mark’s wedding at Agapae Oaks. […]