in partnership with 
New Jersey residents Kirsten and Paul, who met through friends, knew they wanted to have their wedding in Charleston. Kirsten had lived there for four years after college, and the couple frequently visited the quaint city. After Paul surprised Kirsten with a proposal during a trip to Ireland, the couple hired a planner and spent the next year-and-a-half making arrangements for their Southern-style wedding.
THE BRIDE: Kirsten, 29, human resources director
THE GROOM: Paul, 30, police officer
THE DATE: October 24
The day was centered around moss trees, a South Carolina fixture, which provide much-needed shade.
The Ceremony
The couple exchanged vows under a tree by the river at Lowndes Grove.
The Bouquets
The bridesmaids held bundles of vibrant orchids, tulips, dahlias and ranunculus.
The Reception
The dinner tent was white chiffon with hanging chandeliers. Candles and vases of burnt orange flowers decorated the tables.
The Cake
A stand (with branches as pillars) displayed cupcakes of various tasty flavors, such as lemon, pecan and Lady Baltimore, a traditional Charleston wedding cake.
The Boutonnieres
The groomsmen wore a single orange vanda orchid.
INGREDIENTS
LOCATION: Lowndes Grove, Charleston, SC
EVENT PLANNING: Ellen Robinson, WED, Charleston, SC
PHOTOGRAPHY: Marni Rothschild Pictures, Charleston, SC
FLOWERS: Dahlia Designs, Charleston, SC
CAKE: Sugar Bakeshop, Charleston, SC
© 2011 The Knot Inc. All rights reserved.
-- Lisa Freedman