A Modern Garden Wedding at Cannon Green in Charleston

When Ashley Brundrett and Will Schutze started planning their May 14, 2017 wedding, they searched for a modern, intimate setting that would be just the right size for their 90-person guest list. “The first time I visited Cannon Green in Charleston was right around Christmas, and seeing the courtyard lit with café lights was so enchanting,” the bride recalls. “It was magical and romantic, perfect for our garden wedding vision.”

With the modern-meets-romantic venue set, the couple set out to create a chic, candle-lit celebration full of natural accents and enlisted the talented Amy Osaba to make that all happen. And it did! On the big day, Will and Ashley surrounded themselves with their loved ones amid installations of lush flowers and vibrant greenery. So keep reading for a peek at a romantic spring wedding with a modern twist, as photographed by Austin Gros.

Flowing brush calligraphy was soft and whimsical, while the black-and-white palette of the invitation suite kept things contemporary.

Ashley’s Romona Keveza gown added a modern edge to the event, as well. “I saw the dress online and just knew it was the one. It was elegant, sophisticated, and definitely not traditional,” she says. The asymmetric neckline topped a sleek skirt, while the slit revealed Ashley’s Valentino Rockstud pumps.

Ashley added a soft chignon and floral hairpiece to complete her bridal look. Will donned a royal blue suit, paired with a pink and blue tie and a blush pocket square.

Green hellebores made up the modern boutonnieres, while Ashley’s bouquet was filled with garden roses, ranunculus, and sweet peas.

“I loved the idea of having bridesmaids in white,” says Ashley of her ‘maids ivory gowns. Each girl also wore a delicate flower crown, which added a bohemian air to the flowing dresses.

The ceremony took place beneath an altar of greenery and blush roses, set in front of Cannon Green’s living wall. Guests were seated in modern acrylic chairs. “My two half brothers walked me down the aisle, and our officiant read love letters that Will and I had written to each another as part of the ceremony,” Ashley explains.

As the ceremony wrapped up, guests headed to cocktail hour to nibble on crispy oysters with sambal mayo, duck confit carnitas, and fried green tomatoes—while a bridesmaid waded into a fountain to cool off in the South Carolina heat!

Inside, long tables were topped with champagne-hued crinkled linens. An installation of ivy and olive branches was lit with twinkle lights and sparkled over the head table. Nearby, pink and ivory arrangements featured ranunculus, spray roses, and garden roses.

A fresh, seasonal dinner was followed by a petite almond cake with raspberry filling and cream cheese frosting. Modern bud vases held long-stemmed roses.

“Will and I were so nervous for our first dance,” Ashley recalls. “We did the Texas Two-Step to ‘Be My Baby’ by the Ronettes, and all of our guests were cheering!” When the party really got started, the bride changed into a sleek white mini dress. She adds, “Have as much fun as you can. It’s such a beautiful day, filled with everyone you love!”