One of our favorite parts of being in the wedding planning industry is learning about our bride and groom’s story on how they met, where they fell in love, and their dreams for the future. We love them so much that we want to start sharing these magical stories with you!
Kaley & Pete’s upcoming fall wedding at Magnolia Plantation is sure to be picturesque, romantic, and memorable. We cannot be more excited to be apart of making their visions of tying the knot a reality. We chatted with Kaley and got some insight on how their love story unfolded, why they chose Charleston, and so much more!
Pete pops the big question.
How did you two meet?
We met a few years ago when Pete was living with a mutual friend. We were both dating other people at the time but were always friends and one day, the timing finally worked out and we had our first date on Halloween night of 2015. After that first night, we were inseparable.
How did Pete pop the question?
Our engagement was an elaborate scavenger hunt around downtown Orlando, at places that were significant to our relationship, like the place where he asked me to be his girlfriend. My sister and best friends were stationed at each location to give me my next clues. My final clue led me to a garden where we often took our dog Scout for walks. Pete (and Scout) were waiting for me inside the gardens and the rest is history. Right after I said “yes!” He led me around the corner to another surprise of all of our family and friends waiting with champagne to celebrate. We all went back to our place and had a giant pool party to keep the fun going.
What made you decide on getting married in Charleston?
As soon as we got engaged we decided we wanted some kind of destination wedding. We had both been to Charleston numerous times and absolutely loved it. It was an easy pick for us! Beautiful scenery, awesome restaurants and fun bars. What more could we need?!
How did you narrow your focus on venue spaces?
Once we decided on Charleston, we knew we wanted to get married somewhere with beautiful outdoor spaces. We started doing some research and found Magnolia Plantation. As soon as we saw it, we knew it was the one. Pete’s younger brother Chris was actually a wedding planner in Charleston a few years ago. He still had contact with a some of the other planners there and put us in touch with Chelsye, who is one of his good friends. We had a quick phone call and felt good about it but then completely fell in love with her when we met her in person for the first time at Magnolia. Chelsye has been such a godsend since day one of the planning process. She is so easy going, enthusiastic and makes the planning process easy and fun. We adore her.
What are your dreams for your big day?
Pete and I actually agree on the most important aspect of our wedding- Fun! We want a beautiful night of dancing, eating and celebrating our love with our closest family and friends. Honestly though we have agreed on almost everything thus far with the planning- Either that or he just lets me run the show and goes along with it 😉
Where do you see yourselves after tying the knot?
After the wedding we will still be living in Orlando, hopefully in a house that we will be shopping for in the next few months. We will be honeymooning in summer 2019, either in Thailand or Switzerland most likely. TBD!
Kaley + Pete.
Tying the Knot Abroad: Ten Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding
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With weddings planned and coordinated in Sydney, Toronto, London, and Cancun, Intrigue has no shortage of experience throwing a great party across the globe (not to mention countless destination weddings in Charleston!) To help you create a remarkable & unforgettable celebration, we have prepared a list of ten planning tips to make your visions come true.
An Intrigue wedding in Sydney, Australia.
1. Organize a detailed timeline
This includes for the day of as well as the days leading up to your wedding. If working with a wedding planner, collaborate with one another to create a timeline that makes the event move seamlessly and naturally. For meetings, calls, and appointments, be sure to use an intricate calendar to mark all your deadlines.
2. Send your invites out early!
By doing so, your guests will have enough time to RSVP and make travel arrangements. Additionally, getting a precise headcount will allow you to receive a precise quote from your vendors.
3. Contact vendors well in advance
With plenty of time to research vendors in the area, you will be able to compare their services and find those that are applicable for your wedding style.
4. Book accommodations for your guests
Be sure to block out hotel rooms and offer a few choices to ensure you meet the needs and budgets for all your guests.
5. Visit the location in person if possible
You want to ensure that everything appears as it does online. If you cannot, we recommend having your planner do a video walk through with you.
One of our many clients who picked Charleston as their location for a destination wedding.
6. Bring your dress on board the plane with you!
If it will be bunched up in a tight space, make arrangements for someone to professionally steam it upon your arrival at your destination.
7. Take into consideration the exchange rate if your wedding is international
Your budget at home can go a lot farther, or shorter, in another country. The customs in different locations will also be reflected in your budget (see #8).
8. If marrying overseas, learn the culture of the other country
You may want to add some of their traditions into your ceremony or reception. For example, Italy offers more orthodox wedding ceremonies while in Colombia the celebration lasts for an entire 24 hours! Adopting these rituals can alter your budget.
9. Consider all weather options
If you are getting married in an outdoor venue, be sure to have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Look at the potential indoor space and learn the layout to strategically plan for the set up of stations and seating to ensure your wedding runs smoothly.
10. Be relaxed and enjoy
This is the most wonderful experience of your life! By planning ahead, everything will fall perfectly into place that you and your guests will want to do it all over again!
