1 of 62
I love how our wedding invitations came in a box, which guests said was like opening a present! Inside the box, the invitations set the tone for our wedding weekend. We chose to incorporate lots of lemons alongside a yellow, white, and blue color scheme, which was reminiscent of our engagement in Capri, Italy.
2 of 62
Welcome bags included snacks, beverages, and a watercolor map of Charleston highlighting important wedding locations. Guests were also given sunscreen “compliments of Dr. Julianna Harrell.”
3 of 62
The rehearsal dinner invitations were inspired by Italian pottery. The bold blues contrasted the softer hues of the wedding invitations.
4 of 62
Overwhelmed with joy and excitement, our wedding weekend had finally arrived!
5 of 62
We had a lot of difficult times leading up to this moment, including a COVID-19 pandemic which forced us to delay our wedding by a year and a broken nose that occurred one week before saying “I do”—but Clay held my hand through it all.
6 of 62
Behind one of the bars there was a neon sign with our new shared last name. It now hangs in our home today!
7 of 62
A beautiful seating chart helped guests find their seats for the rehearsal dinner.
8 of 62
Italian-inspired vases and fabric adorned each table. Family members were seated inside…
9 of 62
… And the wedding party was seated outside on the balcony. Bridesmaids had lemon tote bags waiting for them in their chairs, which included everything they would need for the next morning.
10 of 62
The place settings were beautiful and included monogramed napkins.
11 of 62
I wanted to wear something bold, bright, and fun for the rehearsal dinner. This marigold yellow Carolina Herrera dress was perfect and definitely stood out!
12 of 62
Our wedding rings. Clay and I gave each other the Cartier bands when the pandemic pushed back our big wedding and we decided to elope. I was going to get him another band for our big wedding, but this band already meant a lot to him and he wanted to continue wearing it.
13 of 62
Clay’s aunt hand-painted this bottle of champagne. We popped it and poured ourselves a glass when toasting our guests and cutting the cake.
14 of 62
On the morning of our big day, the bridesmaids wore lemon pajamas and pink slippers. I had the best time getting ready with this amazing group of women!
15 of 62
Once my wedding attire was laid out and steamed, everything felt so real! This was finally happening!
16 of 62
These Stella McCartney platform shoes were perfect for the afterparty and allowed me to comfortably dance the night away! When I found these shoes, I was so excited because they matched the corset on my afterparty dress perfectly.
17 of 62
As soon as I put on this Galia Lahav gown, I was speechless. It was the wedding dress I had always dreamed about. I couldn’t wait for Clay to see me wearing it as I walked down the aisle.
18 of 62
Dressed in this spectacular gown and about to marry my prince charming, I felt like I was starring in my own fairytale!
19 of 62
I will never get over the grandeur of this gown with all its intricate details! At the same time, I loved how it was also light, modern, and fresh.
20 of 62
Coming down the stairs, I was greeted by my favorite people.
21 of 62
One of many shoe changes, and I couldn’t have done it without the help from my friends!
22 of 62
Some of the bridesmaids who lived in New York got together, went to several stores, and tried on numerous dresses before picking out this one. I think they did an awesome job!
23 of 62
I felt so honored to be surrounded by this incredible group of smart, beautiful, and kind women!
24 of 62
Seeing my dad before the ceremony was so special. He has been there for me through thick and thin, and he is someone I’ve always looked up to.
25 of 62
Clay getting ready with his older brother, who was also his best man.
26 of 62
Clay was all smiles for the big day!
27 of 62
Clay heading to the church with all his groomsmen.
28 of 62
An infinity candle (with a lemon of course) was present at our ceremony to symbolize our marriage and unity.
29 of 62
Clay walking his mother down the aisle at the start of the ceremony.
30 of 62
Clay waiting at end of aisle, eagerly anticipating the entrance of his bride.
31 of 62
When the doors opened and I saw Clay waiting at the end of the aisle, I couldn’t help but smile. It's a moment I will remember forever.
32 of 62
I asked my dad to accompany me as I walked down the aisle. It was an honor to have him there with me.
34 of 62
Still grinning from ear to ear, we walked out of the church as husband and wife!
35 of 62
An impromptu kiss upon exiting the church made for a picture-perfect moment.
36 of 62
Walking together down the street, we shared the details of our morning apart.
37 of 62
We posed together for portraits after the ceremony. It felt so good to finally be married!
38 of 62
Clay and I dancing through the park together was so special.
39 of 62
After taking pictures together, Clay and I headed to the reception.
40 of 62
Upon entering the reception, guests were greeted by an archway of lemons.
41 of 62
Guests were also greeted with individual limoncello shots, inspired by all the shots of limoncello Clay and I were given during our time in Capri, Italy.
42 of 62
Our wedding cake was lemon flavored with hand-painted Italian tiles.
43 of 62
The groom’s cake was inspired by Clay's favorite ski mountain.
44 of 62
Signature cocktails and dinner stations were set up outside the William Aiken house. Because we chose stations over a sit-down dinner, we were able to walk around and chat with most of our guests!
45 of 62
Following dinner, Clay and I made a toast and cut the cake together.
46 of 62
I always knew that I wanted to separate dinner from dancing, and an air-conditioned tent really helped with that. Once people entered what we like to call the "party tent," they knew it was time to dance.
47 of 62
Lemons not only decorated the stage, but also hung above the dance floor!
48 of 62
Having a bar inside the tent near the dance floor made it easy for guests to grab a drink and keep dancing.
49 of 62
The swings that lined the dance floor were a huge hit!
50 of 62
Clay and I danced our first dance to "Dancing in the Moonlight," because we knew we wanted something up-beat and fun.
51 of 62
Our first dance was full of energy and set the tone for the rest of the party.
52 of 62
Clay and his mother shared a special dance together.
53 of 62
Water bottles with our monogram, and napkins with a watercolor of our puppy, Leonidas!
54 of 62
After our first dance, I underwent a hair and makeup change for the rest of the reception. This updo was perfect for dancing!
55 of 62
I wore a Rasario dress with Chanel pumps that was perfect for the reception. I was so grateful these pumps were comfortable enough to last all night!
60 of 62
While everyone lined up and prepared for our exit, Clay and I shared a special last dance together in the tent. Clay says this was his favorite part of our reception.
61 of 62
During our grand exit, guests showered us with yellow rose petals and celebrated by waving lemon handkerchiefs. I bustled my reception dress to shorten it and paired it with lemon earrings and platform tennis shoes for the afterparty.
62 of 62
After living in New Orleans for a few years, I knew that we needed a to have a second line. So once we excited the reception, the band continued to play and led everyone to the afterparty. We were all dancing in the street in true New Orleans fashion!