Madison and Robert’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, surrounded by family and friends in the charming Oldfield Club Riverhouse in O’Katee, South Carolina. Every detail reflected their joy and connection, from heartfelt moments to unforgettable surprises, making it a day filled with laughter, love, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Location: Okatie, South Carolina, USA
Style: Sentimental, whimsical, classic
Time of planning: 10 months
Number of guests: 250
Setting: Backyard
Season: Summer
Madison and Robert both live in Athens, Georgia, US. Although they went to high school just 10 minutes apart, their paths didn’t cross until after college, when they lived and worked in Atlanta, where they finally met through mutual friends. They spent a few weekends together as friends, getting to know each other in a group setting, leading to New Year’s Eve 2020. As the countdown to midnight began, Madison decided it was the perfect moment for their first kiss. And from there, the rest was history!
Vision & Photography
Madison and Robert chose a meaningful weekend for their wedding, sharing the dates with Madi’s maternal grandparents, who were married on 6/23/1963, and Robert’s paternal grandparents, who married on 6/22/1957. Madison’s family has had a beach house in Beaufort, SC for 30 years, and she spent her childhood visiting and falling in love with the Low Country. When she and Robert began dating, they made regular trips with friends and family, quickly becoming a special place for him. Madison always knew she wanted to marry here, surrounded by their favorite people, in the place that meant so much to her. Oldfield Club, a stunning local venue, was the perfect spot for their ceremony and reception, with the rehearsal and dinner held at the Beaufort Inn in downtown Beaufort.
Christi Clark Photo did an exceptional job capturing every moment of this wedding weekend, paying close attention to the smallest details that made it so special. From the intimate, emotional vows exchanges to the vibrant energy of the day, her photos truly brought the couple’s love story to life. Each photo radiated with personality, capturing not just the big moments but the joy and emotion in every glance, every laugh, and every loving touch. The result was a collection of photos that were as lively and vibrant as the couple themselves.
Rehearsal Dinner
The wedding weekend started with a relaxed rehearsal dinner, during which the couple and their guests enjoyed the sunny day, sipped cocktails, and savored every moment together.
Wedding Day
Couple's Morning & Fashion
Madison and Robert, with their bridesmaids and groomsmen, spent the entire day casually hanging out before the big event, creating a laid-back, relaxed vibe for everyone. The morning of the wedding was equally as peaceful, with Madison surrounded by her bridesmaids, enjoying the calm before the excitement.
Madison’s stunning wedding look came together beautifully with a dress from Aisle & Veil, Dolce & Gabbana shoes, and accessories from Anthropologie. Her hair and makeup were expertly done by Southern Belle by Maria Noel and her talented team. The bouquet, designed by Tulips & Twigs Floral Design, had a special nod to Madison’s maternal grandmother, with a draping orchid that also graced her grandmother’s own wedding bouquet.
One of the highlights of the morning for Madison was her first look with her father. It was a truly touching and heartwarming experience, filled with emotion and love.
The bridesmaids’ dresses were a reflection of Madison’s thoughtful approach to the big day. Instead of choosing a single style, she encouraged each bridesmaid to pick a dress that best suited her personality. The result was a beautiful mix of styles and colors, making each bridesmaid feel unique and truly part of the celebration.
Robert wore the suit from Perno’s Formal Wear with a boutonniere. His accessories were especially meaningful, featuring his father’s gold cufflinks, engraved with the initials they both share.
First Look
After getting ready, Robert and Madison shared a magical private first look. The moment was filled with emotion as Robert couldn’t help but compliment Madison, telling her how stunning she looked. With hearts full and smiles wide, they were ready for the ceremony.
Ceremony
The ceremony was absolutely stunning, held at the beautiful Oldfield Club Riverhouse in O’Katee, South Carolina. The couple chose a traditional ceremony with a special twist—they exchanged private vows earlier that morning. During the ceremony, their officiant shared some heartfelt moments and high points from those personal vows, adding a touch of humor and warmth to the occasion.
"Guests said it was the most beautiful and special ceremony service they had ever witnessed."
Cocktail Hour
The couple felt completely loved, happy, and at ease throughout the entire day. After the ceremony, they celebrated with a lively cocktail hour featuring passed hors d’oeuvres and signature drinks: the Paloma “Madi’s Married Margarita” and the refreshing Vodka Soda Lime, dubbed “Bobby’s Big Dawg Bark.” It was the perfect way to start the celebration!
Reception Decor & Celebration
The reception was held outdoors, embracing a minimalistic yet vibrant style. The color palette featured a beautiful mix of lavender, light blue, periwinkle, light green, and orange—as a nod to the stunning Beaufort sunsets and the colors found throughout the landscape. Tulips & Twigs crafted the floral arrangements, with white and greenery as the central elements, creating an elegant and natural vibe that perfectly complemented the setting.
One of the highlights of the evening was the first dances. The newlyweds shared a beautiful moment to “Heaven” by Jason Aldean while the groom and his mother danced to the emotional “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins. To cap off the special dances, the band kicked off their set with “My Girl,” setting the perfect tone for the Bride and Father of the Bride’s dance. It was a night filled with unforgettable memories and emotional moments.
The cake was a stunning five-tier Lambeth-style raspberry lemon creation from Bloom Custom Cakes. Madison ordered the groom’s cake as a sweet surprise—an incredible Cookies and cream-flavored replica of Sanford Stadium. The groom was completely shocked and absolutely thrilled by the thoughtful and unexpected gesture!
Sunset
For the second part of the reception, Madison changed into her elegant reception dress, the “Ellery” by Maria Lucia Hohan. The couple took a peaceful moment to watch the sunset and reflect on the day’s magic. The moments were perfectly captured by photographer Christi Clark, whose talent for detail and natural ability to document emotions brought the couple’s love story to life.
The Night
The night was filled with laughter and nonstop fun, with everyone hitting the dance floor and letting loose. But the bride’s niece and nephew, the ring bearer and flower girl, truly stole the spotlight. Mills, the 5-year-old ring bearer, took the mic and started singing “Who Let the Dogs Out” by the Baha Men, turning into an unexpected star. He even got a drum solo with the band, bringing the house down and making it a reception no one would forget!
As the night went on, Madison and Robert added one more special touch to keep the fun going. For the late-night celebration, they surprised their guests with streamer sticks to light up the dance floor and McDonald’s-inspired McPhillips” branded hats. The treats were just as unique, featuring delicious wagyu beef sliders and crispy French fries, all packaged in personalized “McPhillips” branding—making for a playful and memorable snack break before the night ended.
To end the night, the newlyweds made a grand exit, walking hand-in-hand down a dock as guests cheered with sparklers before heading off on a boat to begin their new journey together.
Advice from the couple:
• Take it all in! All brides and grooms should take a moment to step back and soak in the room. Look at all the people there who love you and have traveled to celebrate your love. There is no feeling like it! If you’re able, sneak away to the bridal suite to eat in private for a moment so you actually get to taste your food & cake and have a moment to breathe and take it all in as newlyweds.
PHOTOGRAPHY Christi Clark Photo | FLORALS Tulips & Twigs | SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER Kaley Wilson Photo | VIDEOGRAPHY Toast Wedding Films | PLANNING Pinnacle Weddings, Ella Vance | MUAH Southern Belle by Maria Noel | DRESS Aisle & Veil | RECEPTION DRESS Maria Lucia Hohan | VENUE & CATERING Oldfield Club | BAND Loose Chain Band | CAKE Bloom Custom Cakes | RENTALS Beachview Event Rentals
