Wow. A simple word that can convey so much in its mere three letters. And that was exactly the reaction John Michael had to Jensie walking down the aisle. He whispered it to her when she finally made her way up to where he was waiting in front of their family and friends who had gathered in Charleston, and specifically on the back lawn at Boone Hall that warm spring evening. It was exactly like the moment the world had gone crazy for last year when Prince Harry similarly whispered to Megan Markle. But while that moment was broadcast for the world to see, this was a quiet moment just for them that I was just close enough to catch. And I can honestly say it took my breath away.

Throughout their wedding ceremony, Silvia, Jensie’s UVA medical school friend and officiant, talked about the deep roots of the oak trees surrounding the ceremony, much in the same way Jensie and John Michael’s deep roots connect the two of them. You see, these two date all the way back to high school when they first started dating and even went to prom together. They split up and got back together a few times before making it official, so the roots of their relationship really have had time to form deep into their own proverbial ground. During the day there were little nods to those deep roots, such as the knot cufflinks John Michael wore since he had met Jensie in sailing club. Or the invitations designed specifically for them by Jensie’s talented niece and bridesmaids, Lily, with a cartoon picture of the two of them standing under an oak tree.

What I also loved about this southern soirée is that Jensie and John Michael chose to hold their reception underneath the stars and string lights of the back lawn of Boone Hall, unlike most couples who choose the cotton dock. It was absolutely stunning and gave their guests the chance to enjoy cocktail hour at the front of the spectacular house where lawn games were set up for them to have fun with. It put such a beautiful spin onto the entire evening.

Jensie and John Michael, the two of you clearly share a rich past together, but it’s now your future that I’m so excited to see the two of you take together. It will be so much fun for the two of you to reminisce about the path that led you Boone Hall on that April evening. For the roots you share together truly are as strong as an old historic oak tree, and they’ll hold the two of you together for all time. I am so happy I was able to be just a small part of what you two have created.

The fabulous vendor team:

PLANNING/FLORALS: LOLUMA EVENTS VENUE: BOONE HALL PLANTATION AND GARDENS HAIR AND MAKEUP: LASHES AND LACE CATERING: HAMBY CATERING CAKE: CHOCOLATE CAKE CHARLESTON DRESS: JEAN’S BRIDAL GROOM’S ATTIRE: M. DUMAS AND SONS RENTALS: SNYDER EVENTS AND EVENT HAUS CEREMONY MUSIC: CLASSICAL CHARLESTON RECEPTION MUSIC: HEATHER RICE BAND TRANSPORTATION: SEA ISLAND EVENT CO