A Mountain Ceremony and Lakeside Reception in South Carolina

A year and a half after meeting at Janet Marsch’s best friend’s wedding, her then-boyfriend Richard Webb invited her to Austin for Valentine’s weekend in February of 2015. “I lived in Austin for the first year after we met, so it was so nice to go back together,” says Janet. As she and Richard wandered the streets, they found themselves in front of the famous “I Love You So Much” graffiti on the side of Jo’s Coffee Shop on South Congress — and Richard got down on one knee.

Instead of a long engagement, the future Mr. and Mrs. got right to wedding planning, deciding to wed at two different The Cliffs properties in South Carolina on November 7, 2015. “Richard loves the mountains and I love the water, so we wanted to have our ceremony at the Glassy Chapel high on a mountain, then our reception at Keowee Vineyards overlooking Lake Keowee,” says Janet. “It was peaceful, rustic, and picturesque — perfect for our classic, organic vision.” With help from a fantastic team of vendors and a neutral palette in mind, they created a soft, candlelit destination wedding for just 100 guests that was elegant, intimate, and everything they’d hoped for. You’ll love this light and airy take on a fall wedding, photographed by Chris Isham!

Janet wore a detailed Mira Zwillinger wedding dress with a floating tulle skirt and applique throughout. “I had tried the dress on the day before and already knew I loved it, but when my mom and my sister got to see it, that sealed the deal,” she says. She paired the dress with classic nude Christian Louboutin peep-toes and her gorgeous oval-cut engagement ring.

“I actually ordered a veil from a local shop,” says Janet. “They asked me what color my dress was, and I just assumed it was white. But when I went to put the veil on on my wedding day, we realized that the veil was white and my dress was definitely ivory! Thankfully I had a beautiful headpiece to wear instead!”

Richard kept his look refined, yet relaxed, with a navy blue Burberry suit. His groomsmen wore dark navy pinstripe suits with matching vests, while Janet’s bridesmaids wore soft blush Joanna August gowns in a variety of silhouettes.

“I’ll never forget the way Richard looked at me during our first look,” Janet says. “Something about the look on his face nearly took my breath away, and I’ll hold it near and dear to my heart for the rest of my days.”

The bride’s organic bouquet combined garden roses, peonies, ranunculus, and anemones, tied with flowing silk ribbons. Richard’s boutonniere was a dusty pink rose, while the groomsmen’s contained white blooms.

We can’t get over how perfect the cliffs of South Carolina were as a backdrop for Richard and Janet’s portraits!

The couple wed at Glassy Chapel, a quaint stone chapel with airy windows providing unparalleled views. “I wish I’d gotten to see our flower girls walk down the aisle,” says Janet. “The younger girl totally hammed it up!”

Janet followed close behind on the arm of her father before exchanging vows with Richard in a traditional ceremony.

“I’m so glad we chose to get married relatively quickly,” says the bride. “It didn’t give me much time to linger on decisions!” It also encouraged the couple to let their vendors create a unique celebration based on their vision, making the most of their team’s talents.

The vine-like detailing on Janet’s gown fit seamlessly into the vineyard setting chosen for the couple’s reception.

Playful gold calligraphy and a floral motif came together on Richard and Janet’s invitations, giving guests a peek into the celebration to come. The reception took place beneath a tent overlooking Lake Keowee, with the fall trees providing a colorful backdrop.

A nod to the vineyard setting, escort cards were tucked into wine corks (and assembled by the bride and her matron of honor!).

Long, bare farm tables were flanked by cross-back chairs. The flowers followed a neutral fall palette, with ivory and cream roses against burnished-gold mums. A combination of votive and taper candles were set in gold and Brass candle holders. Each place setting featured a bag of candied pecans, also handmade by the bride herself.

Janet’s idea for the table numbers is one you’ll definitely want to steal: The numbers were written on rough-edged pieces of stone!

After a meal of chicken picatta, potato-crusted salmon, and grilled beef tenderloin, Janet and Richard hit the dance floor before she took a spin with her father.

“I came to find out that, for the ceremony, my dad had actually worn the limo driver’s tie! He’d forgotten his at the reception site,” Janet laughs. “The groomsmen still get a good laugh out of how frazzled he was.”

The newlyweds cut into a two-tiered red velvet cake, frosted with buttercream and draped with fresh blooms. Guests also had a choice of mason jar desserts, from key lime pie and apple crisp to brownie trifle and chocolate peanut butter mousse.

After the evening came to a close, Janet and Richard jetted to Hawaii for their honeymoon. “Keep your wedding small, and have a destination wedding if you can,” says the bride. “And remember, what they say is true: Only you will notice every single tiny detail, so don’t get too swept up in it all!”