Remember when my husband and I hosted our youngest daughter’s wedding on May 14? The wedding photos are finally here. Of course, I have to give you all the deets about Caitlin’s nautical wedding. If I shared all of her nautical wedding photos, this would be the longest post in history and I can’t do that to you. So, I’ll just share a few.
Nautical Wedding Venue
Caitlin and David were married in Charleston aboard The Carolina Girl Yacht. The yacht is privately owned and you can book it for weddings and corporate events. The yacht accommodates 150 people.
When Caitlin decided that she wanted to get married in Charleston, we visited all the wedding venues and ultimately decided on The Carolina Girl because it’s so different from everything else. Nautical and different topped the list of her wedding wants.
The Carolina Girl Yacht has three floors. The dining area is on the middle floor and the ceremony is held on the top floor. The bridal party took over the bottom floor to get dressed and have our hair and makeup done.
The Carolina Girl drops anchor during the ceremony and cruises around the harbor of Charleston for dinner and dancing. A DJ/DJ Booth and some impressive sound equipment are included. As you can imagine, the scenery is spectacular. Once it gets dark, the lights of Charleston are stunning.
Helpful Hint: Captain Bob is so much fun to work with and he’ll let the kids take the helm for a little while.
The Caterer
Once The Carolina Girl was booked, we set out to find the best catering company in Charleston.
Because I’m a foodie, the wedding dinner has to taste amazing. Choosing the menu is always fun too.
When we arrived for our tasting at Hamby Catering and Events, we were treated like royalty. The tasting room is rustic, with a for-real brick wall. The table setting is dreamy and menu cards top each china place setting.
The food courses just keep on coming. There was way more than we could eat. Oh, and a complimentary iced bucket of champagne is waiting on a sideboard.
Once we tasted the food, we canceled our other tasting visits. It’s that good. From the sweet potato biscuits to the shrimp and grits with tasso gravy, everything was superb. If you get hitched in the Charleston, SC area, go with Hamby!
Appetizers and drinks were served as our guests boarded the yacht for my daughter’s nautical wedding. It took about 15 minutes for the yacht to reach the point where the anchor was dropped for the ceremony.
The Floral Designer
The venue is about 150 miles from where we live, so many weekends were spent in Charleston. I’m not complaining at all. Most of our trips turned into mother/daughter weekends and we made memories we’ll cherish forever.
Believe it or not, all correspondence with the florist was done online. We met in person the day of the wedding while the floral team was decorating.
We are 100% satisfied and wholeheartedly recommend Lisa Thomas of Ooh! Events.
The Wedding Planner
For an additional fee, you can book a wedding planner when you book The Carolina Girl Yacht. Ashley Davis is the best wedding planner ever. She would not let me lift a finger to do anything. When she was informed that my mom had suddenly passed exactly a week before the wedding, she made sure I didn’t have any added pressures. By the end of the night, I wanted to adopt her. She was well worth the price.
I admit that it’s hard to pass the reins when I’ve been planning parties and directing weddings for a long time. This time, it was so worth it to pass it on to someone else.
The Wedding Cake
Ashley Bakery in Charleston is simply amazing. The gold foil on the middle layer of the wedding cake is gorgeous.
The only day my daughter, Caitlin, could do a tasting was on a Saturday. Ashley Bakery closes at lunch on Saturdays, so they boxed up the 12 cake flavors and had the box waiting for us around 11ish.
Starbucks was the perfect place for a cake tasting and a cup of coffee. Everyone in Starbucks was cheering us on.
The cake tasting includes a checklist with each cake named and numbered. It’s so hard picking 3 flavors. Chocolate Kahlua with White Chocolate Mousse, Carrot Cake, and Vanilla with Strawberries and Cream made the cut.
The Photographer and Videographer
Caitlin is all about photography, so skimping on photography and videography is never an option. All photos included in this post are by the very talented Ashley Bosnick Photography of Willmington, NC.
This is one of my fave photos. She’s not a runaway bride. She’s walking back down to the yacht after a photo session under the moss-covered trees.
The videographer, Adam Chase – founder of MPA Weddings, brought along his drone and captured the beauty of Charleston and the beautiful wedding. The video is incredible!
The Bride/Wedding Gown
The moment Caitlin slipped into her Vera Wang wedding gown, she knew it was the one.
She went ahead and tried on several more gowns, but we all knew this one was it. With tears running down my face, I watched as she said yes to the dress.
Caitlin’s shoes were hurting her feet from walking so much during the photo session before the wedding. Don’t tell anyone, but I told her to ditch the shoes and she walked barefoot down the aisle. No one even knew – until now.
It was too late to change the programs/flowers after my mom passed away, so my dad escorted me to my seat and was seated next to me. Caitlin carried my mom’s wrist corsage with her bridal bouquet down the aisle and gave it to my father. We were all in tears at that point.
My husband, a pastor, officiated the ceremony. My son-in-law, Josh (the grandsons’ dad) assisted as my husband walked our daughter down the aisle.
I’m the most unphotogenic person in the world, but I’ll take one for the team. 🙂 This pic below is special because the photographer caught my BFF/cousin and me talking to my daughter and snapped the photo.
The Groom
I can’t leave out my new son-in-law! David was handsome in a slim-fit gray suit, blush bow tie, and blush vest.
He and his mom surprised all the guests (even me) when the mother-son dance started out with Forever Young and turned into whipping, nay naying, and a little bit of everything else. The choreography was awesome and they nailed it.
The Boys
Navy and blush are the colors that Caitlin chose for her wedding. The grandsons (belong to another one of my daughters) wore blush nautical shorts, white linen shirts, and navy bow ties with white anchors from Janie and Jack. Even their navy belts had white anchors.
The oldest two served as Jr. Groomsmen and the youngest two served as bubble boys. Yep, since the wedding was outside, they blew bubbles as they walked down the aisle.
Happily Ever After . . .
A vintage Rolls Royce was waiting (well, actually the driver was late) at the end of the pier to whisk them off for a romantic night at The Vendue Boutique Hotel in downtown Charleston.
The next morning, they boarded a plane to The Cap Juluca Resort in Anguilla.
Nautical Wedding Highlight
As the bride and groom were about to say their vows, a speedboat went flying by and someone shouted, “Don’t do it!”
If you’re about to plan a wedding, please follow your heart and plan the wedding of YOUR dreams. It doesn’t matter if it’s large, small, or if you elope.
When my oldest daughter was married at a southern plantation, she had about 170 guests in attendance. My middle daughter had a classic cinderella wedding with a 4-piece stringed quartet and 250+ in attendance. Caitlin, the youngest, wanted a smaller, less formal wedding, so we had about 90 in attendance. Always go with your heart when planning your wedding.
We’re so thankful to everyone who traveled near and far to be at Caitlin’s wedding. Hanging out with everyone at the host hotel was so much fun.
PS – When our guests checked into the hotel, I had welcome bags waiting for them. In it was a book detailing everything to do in Charleston. It also included snacks, bottled water, and a candle made in Charleston.
PSS – Pralines from River City Sweets – a southern classic – served as favors for the wedding.
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67 comments
Love it!! This was the best day of my life and I think we should redo the cake tasting since you didn’t get any at the wedding. ? Love you!
We made precious memories that I’ll never forget! I’m so glad you were calm, cool and collected throughout the entire year and a half of planning. You were never a bridezilla and it was a special time that I’ll remember forever.
Looks like it was a grand Southern affair with quite that just kind of let you sail away. The nautical wedding ideas you used were perfect and everyone looked so gorgeous. What a lovely way to have a party.
Thanks! We had a lovely time and it was so different from any other wedding I’ve planned.
I had my wedding at a yacht club. It wasn’t nautically themed as such, but had a nautical feel to it because of the location. It really is a lovely vibe and you captured it well 🙂
We tried not to go “overboard” with the nautical theme – just enough to convey the nautical feel. The guests really enjoyed cruising around Charleston.
These are some really good ideas. And I love Charleston its has so much history, you look so beautiful and that yacht is unbelievable, The color theme fits.
Wow, it looks like a beautiful wedding. I love all the little touches that seem to really make it special.
That’s amazing! You and your husband make a gorgeous couple! Your wedding venue was absolutely fantastic.
Thanks! Actually, it’s my daughter and her husband. 🙂 My husband and I hosted the wedding. But I think they are an adorable couple also.
Nautical weddings are so fun and pretty. The last one I was at I was pregnant with my 3rd child. It was not the best situation for myself!
Being pregnant at a wedding can be overwhelming.
I love the outfits that the boys are wearing. Bubble boys is also a great idea.
Thanks! I thought they were adorable too and the two little ones were so intent on blowing those bubbles as they walked down the aisle.
Wow. Not only did she look stunning but this whole entire thing looked beyond amazing. What a gorgeous wedding, and the theme is just lovely!
Thanks, Jeanine! We had a really good time and were so blessed that so many friends came and enjoyed the weekend with us.
My favorite pic is the one with the boys at the end and that cute little fella with his leg raised. Everything was gorgeous in every way. Love that cake!! I’m so glad y’all were able to have such a nice day and enjoy the wedding. The mother-son dance is awesome!!
They were adorable and the two little ones blew those bubbles like little pros. We have so many cute photos of the boys, but I had to stop at some point. 🙂
What a great list of nautical wedding ideas. I will have to look further into these some day just for fun!
Wow, I love it! The blush pink is just right. Congrats, Cait and David!
We eloped for our wedding! Love to look at all the cool wedding ideas though!
Your daughter is beautiful. I am glad that her wedding day went as planned. I remember my wedding day.
So so so beautiful! And oh my bubble boys! ❤️❤️ What a great wedding and perfect in its own way. Congrats to your children and wishing them forever of happiness.
Those little bubble boys took their job seriously and the bubble blowing was executed perfectly. 🙂
You simply can’t deny how beautiful this wedding was! From the venue to the little details, everything was just, WOW! I’m sure everyone had a great time, it was all planned to perfection anyway. The theme is perfect!
Thanks! We had so much fun planning Caitlin’s wedding.
Nautical wedding is a great option! And these ideas are so cute and helpful.
Wow i love the wedding dress! Very elegant..
Thanks! I love it too and we’ve had it preserved and boxed. I hope one day that my (future) granddaughter will wear it. 🙂
I never ever thought of a nautical themed wedding. This is so classy and beautiful.
Thank you, Debbie! We had a great time.
This has to be one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve seen! It’s really nice how you’ve managed to plan the whole thing. I love the theme and everything about this wedding. The bride is very beautiful as well!
Thanks so much for your sweet words. We had a great time celebrating with family and friends.
OK. Now that I have gotten a break and contained myself from all the emotions in this post, I can finally comment. Seriously, this wedding was BEAUTIFUL! I started scrolling through the pictures around 12:30 last night and was so in awe of how beautiful your daughter is and looked on her wedding day (she took after you). And then I got to the mother and groom dance and couldn’t stop laughing. And your comment “they nailed it” was so funny. And then there was the grandson with his knee up and mouth expression – and Shirley’s comment. I couldn’t stop laughing. And then this morning, I went back to read the details and my laughter turned to a bit of happy/sad tears for all the emotions you all expressed in the wedding. I love everything about it. That shoe is lovely even though she had to take it off. too much to explain. But that dance and grandson photo. . . .funny. I used to live in SC and we never visited Charleston. Congratulations on all your daughters awesome weddings!
Thanks for all your kind words, Zan! I wish I could have shared all the wedding photos, but it would have been the longest post in history. It was so difficult picking out the ones to share. It was the wedding of her dreams and we spent a year and a half planning the wedding. Charleston is such a beautiful city and was the perfect backdrop for her wedding. Now I’m gearing up for my son’s wedding in November. Good thing I’m just the groom’s mom this time. And, no, I can’t dance, so we’ll be sticking to the basics. 🙂 Not being able to dance never stops me from participating, but when all eyes are on my during the mother-son dance, I’ll be too nervous to do much of anything. We’ve already picked out our song. Now we need to practice! 🙂
These photos are incredible and I love the overall feel this concept offers. It would really make a nice wedding!
These pictures are great 🙂 Love to do this
That looks SO beautiful! Such a grand wedding! I wish we lived near there- I would love to host a party like that. Nothing of the likes in the panhandle of TX. Congratulations!!
This looks like it was an amazing nautical wedding indeed. These idea are amazing for anyone looking to have a nautical wedding. The photos are just perfect and gorgeous. I love all these ideas. Thanks for sharing these fantastic nautical wedding ideas.
This is very unique. I rarely see boat themed weddings. I love the theme, style, and originality I’m taking notes 🙂
This looks like such a beautiful, fairy tale type wedding. Your daughter is beautiful and everything looked perfect.
When you said nautical I wasn’t expecting it to be on an actual boat too! I LOVE that cake!
Pretty wedding concept! I love everything about it and the kids outfit are just so adorable!
These are some great nautical themed wedding ideas! I agree, the venue, food, and photog are definitely a priority for any event, especially a wedding!
I agreee the food at a wedding has to taste amazing! The pictures here are great, I love the nautical theme and I love the background faces in the dancing pic!
What a cool wedding ideas, It’s so great to have a memorable wedding it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
This is such great ideas. Love the decor, the wedding dress, the flowers and all the pictures. Thanks for sharing 🙂
These are all such wonderful ideas. I never had a real wedding when I got married. My husband and I got married at the court house.
What a beautiful bride and wedding!! Love the flowers!!
Thanks, Krystal! I loved the flowers too.
Such a gorgeous wedding!! I love the idea of bubble boys. It is so cool and such a fun job to have.
Your daughters wedding looked beautiful. I love her dress, and that cake is awesome.
Thanks so much, Katy. We had fun planning it.
WOW! Se manfique. What wonderful photography and description. my cousin is getting married in October. Going to share this awesomeness with her.
Thanks so much, Enricoh! We made beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Beautiful, that mac & cheese looks baked to perfection. When I saw the colors I thought “My colors are blush and bashful”. hahahaha Beautiful wedding, I love the little people with the bride. They looks so happy to celebrate with her.
You can tell that a lot of thought went into this idea. Looks like this would be the dream wedding for some couple out there.
I am just loving these beautiful wedding photos and MPA Weddings has done a wonderful job in capturing those precious moments. The outfit looks gorgeous and all the ideas are amazing to make it a great one!
Thanks, Lisa! We really had a great time and it was everything my daughter wanted and more.
What an absolutely fabulous wedding venue! I’ve never ever seen photos of heard of people marrying on a yacht – it all looks perfect!
This wedding is stunning and so unique, I want to do a vow renewal ceremony and this time We will keep it small and near/on a beach. We love Charleston! Thanks for hosting Pretty Pintastic Party with us and I hope you will link up with this week’s Small Victories Sunday Linkup starts tonight 8pm EST and open all week.
Stunning photos! I have attended many weddings of various themes, but this Nautical Wedding tops it all!
Wow! What a beautiful wedding!
I love the location, the flowers, the boat idea.
Fantastic photos!!!!
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From the great photos and the commentary it really sounds like your daughter had a wonderful wedding day! The gold foil on the cake was so unique, and I loved the photo of the groom and his mother. A nautical wedding on a yacht is so special. Thank you for sharing!
All of these nautical wedding ideas are great because it makes the wedding really more beautiful and unique than most weddings. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
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