Shades of blue, delicate hydrangeas, and sumptuous velvet textures set the stage for Kendall and Cole’s elegant winter wedding. The Scarritt Bennett Center, with its historic charm, served as the sacred setting for the heartfelt ceremony with the grandeur reception taking place at 14TENN. Every detail, from the table settings to the dance floor, echoed an elegant winter theme swooning with incredible floral detailing. Including one flower in particular that was of importance. Kendall incorporated her late mom’s favorite bloom, orchids, in the sweetest of ways at the ceremony and wedding reception. The thoughtfulness only enhanced the terrific and touching elements that this celebration carried. Keep on scrolling to see exactly how she honored her mom and get ready to be amazed by these photos documented by Hannah Miller Photography!
Kendall + Cole
2.18.2023
Guests ~ 180
How did you guys meet?
Kendall: Kendall was working for a public accounting firm in Atlanta, GA. Cole worked for the same firm but was located at the Columbia, SC branch. Kendall’s audit client needed more staff and Cole was randomly assigned to assist on it. After working many long hours and weekends together, we developed feelings and started dating.
Tell us about your engagement!
Kendall: My sister was visiting from Birmingham, AL so we were going to my parents house for a family dinner. When Cole and I arrived, there were candles and rose petals all in and along the pool. Cole proposed and surprised me with having four of my best friends in town. We celebrated with my friends and family all night.
What was the vision for your wedding?
Kendall: The vision was simple. I love blue and I love hydrangeas. I always imagined having my reception dripping in flowers and my florist, Veraflora, did not disappoint.
What was your theme and what inspired it?
Becky (Planner): The design of Kendall’s wedding was inspired by her love for the color blue and her love of hydrangeas. She wanted black tie winter wedding so the goal was to bring elements that created the feel of an elegant garden party but with a twist of winter.
What details were used to create your theme?
Becky (Planner): The focus of the design was taking the blank slate that 14Tenn provides and making it feel like a cozy, upscale winter garden party. We kicked off the garden party design with her stationery that featured a hand painted blue hydrangea velum wrap. Vera Flora Design pulled together the most fabulous flower design to warm up the space and add to the garden party feel. But since it was winter, we brought in heavier fabrics such as velvet to tie it all together.
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
Kendall: I splurged on the photography, videography, band, and florals. I really wanted everyone to enjoy themselves with a high energy band and flowers are always my favorite decor piece. Also, after the end of a glorious wedding weekend, all you have left are memories and photos. Therefore, it was extremely important to me to capture as much of the weekend as possible so I can look back on them for forever. My photographer and videographers did a wonderful job of capturing how much love and joy we felt throughout the weekend. I saved by not having a Photo Booth, props, or late night snacks. These little extras can add up quickly monetarily speaking. Instead, I prioritized transportation for my guests to/from the ceremony, reception and hotels as well as a wonderful caterer who provided 3 meats and a vegetarian meal to choose from in the buffet. As an obsessed dog mom, I also knew it was important for me to have my dog be part of the day in some way. Wagnolia Bells was affordable pet sitting and she brought my dog, Gunner, to/from the church for photos with me and my husband before the ceremony. It is so special looking back at photos and having Gunner be part of some of them.
What words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Kendall: My advice would be to write down the three most important things you could not live without on your wedding day. Keep those three items as the priority and focal point of your wedding day and you cannot go wrong. For example: my three most important items were florals, photography, and the band. The extra items outside of the three priorities will fall into place or you will realize you can live without. Keep in mind that this is just one weekend of your life and is supposed to be centered around the love between you and your partner. Do not let the small details come between this joyful phase of life.
Can you share any special moments or highlights from your wedding day?
Kendall: My mother passed away November 2019. It is extremely overwhelming thinking about taking on planning a wedding without your mom especially when we were as close as we were. We talked every single day and were best friends. It was important to me to honor her throughout the day. My wedding planner, Becky, also helped plan my sisters wedding in November 2020 so I knew she would be the only person I trusted in planning mine. She blew me away with all of her creative ideas and concepts. To honor my mother, besides solely having the “in memory of” section of the wedding program, we had my bridesmaids carry their bouquets as well as my moms favorite flower, an orchid, down the aisle. They placed the individual orchids in a vase in the front pew of the church to represent where she would have been sitting. We had a moment of silence for her during the ceremony and then the welcome table at my reception had her photo and the bouquet of orchids. Words cannot express how much I miss her but her presence and love was felt by everyone on my wedding day.
Absolutely stunning! Huge thank you to this beautiful couple and amazing team of vendors for sharing!
