I married my husband in a backyard ceremony on Nantucket Island. Present at the event were our families and our closest friends and no one else. I tell you this not apropos of nothing, but because it’s important to acknowledge that weddings come in all styles and in all sizes, and that every wedding is beautiful in its own unique way. This was certainly true for Andy and Whitney.
Whitney and Andy met while Whitney was taking graduate classes with Andy’s sister, Ashley. They met when Whitney tagged along on one of Ashley’s Spring Break trips to Boston, and Andy turned out to be an amazing host. Over the years, they stayed in touch, and when Whitney wound up moving to Boston four long years later, they reconnected. The rest is history…but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the awesomeness of their first date, which happened when Andy invited Whitney to Haymakers for Hope’s charity boxing match, Belles of the Brawl. Essentially, this event consisted of watching amateur female boxers fighting to benefit breast cancer research. And lots of whiskey gingerales. Over the following weeks and months, Andy found himself falling in love with Whitney’s humor, smile, and sick dance moves. Whitney fell in love with Andy’s selflessness.
When Andy proposed, he and Whitney were at Latta Plantation, one of their favorite places. The dogs were splashing through the water when Andy suddenly dropped to one knee and proposed. Whitney was so shocked that she only said, “Stand up! Stand up!” and completely forgot to answer the question. The ring was handmade by a jewelry designer the couple knows from their time in Boston. Andy knew the jewelry designer’s aesthetic aligned perfectly with Whitney’s, and he couldn’t imagine getting a ring anywhere else. Whitney loves how her ring is modern and unique, but still classic in shape and design.
When they got home, Whitney’s mom was there to share in the celebration. They celebrated at brunch and then met up with Andy’s family that evening for a low-country boil. It was the perfect intimate proposal followed by a celebration with both of their families.
The wedding was held at Mecklenburg County Courthouse with Andy and Whitney’s immediate family. Andy and Whitney had a lot of non-traditional ideas they explored, but ultimately decided on stripping the Big Day down to the only thing that matters to them, sharing the special moment with those closest to them. Once they agreed to keep the details simple, the rest fell into place. For their reception, they spent the evening with their closest friends and family at Haberdish, eating delicious food and enjoying the company of their nearest and dearest.
Thank you to the McGill Rose Garden for letting us linger after hours for the family portraits in the gardens, and to Nectar for creating Whitney’s stunning bouquet. And thank you to Whitney and Andy for allowing me to celebrate with you.
Ceremony Location: Mecklenburg County Courthouse
Post-Ceremony Photo Location: McGill Rose Garden
Floral Design: Nectar
Hair and Make-up: Beauty Asylum
