Pavilion at Patriots Point Wedding
A Pavilion at Patriots Point wedding is always special, with sweeping waterfront views of the Cooper River and the Ravenel Bridge creating the most breathtaking backdrop. Lexi and Tyler’s celebration was no exception, beautifully designed and truly unforgettable, even with an unexpected nor’easter rolling in. Their day was a perfect reminder that with the right team and the right attitude, a little rain only adds to the magic.
Getting Ready at The Cottages on Charleston Harbor
Both Lexi and Tyler spent the morning getting ready at The Cottages on Charleston Harbor, which offered the perfect blend of charm and convenience for their Pavilion at Patriots Point wedding. Lexi’s cottage had a bright, clean white interior that made her details and getting-ready moments absolutely breathtaking. Thankfully, it also had a spacious, covered front porch, because the rain didn’t let up on this day.
Lexi and her bridesmaids started the morning in their adorable matching pajamas, popping a bottle of champagne on the porch and filling the air with laughter. Inside, Lexi slipped into her bridal gown with the help of her mom and sister. Once she was ready, we stepped onto the porch again for her first look with her dad, followed by the sweetest bridesmaid reveal.
Just a few cottages away, Tyler and his groomsmen got ready together, sharing a celebratory drink on their own covered porch before heading out for the day to officially begin.
A Cozy First Look & Wedding Portraits in Mount Pleasant
While the original plan for the first look called for a more open outdoor space, the steady rain prompted us to pivot, and once again, that covered porch saved the day. When Tyler turned to see Lexi, they both lit up with the biggest smiles. Those few minutes where they shared private vows and exchanged sweet, quiet laughter felt intimate and perfectly them.
Afterward, the rain lightened just enough for us to sneak to one of my favorite portrait spots in Mount Pleasant, a charming ivy-covered fence and a beautiful oak tree that frames photos like a dream. Their clear umbrellas, which I always recommend my couples bring, came in handy and even added a romantic touch to the portraits. We captured a blend of couple photos, wedding party portraits, and a few sweet moments with the trolley that picked us up afterward.
A Ceremony Change Handled with Grace
One of the things I admired most about Lexi throughout the day was her mindset. A Pavilion at Patriots Point wedding usually includes a waterfront ceremony, but the weather had other plans, and the ceremony was moved to St. Andrews Church.
For any bride, reimagining a ceremony at the last minute can be emotional, but Lexi handled everything with such grace and trust. She leaned into the joy of the moment rather than the things she couldn’t control, and it made the entire day feel calm and meaningful.
The church ceremony was warm, sincere, and absolutely stunning. As Lexi and Tyler exited as newlyweds, the sky revealed a faint rainbow in the distance, one of those little wedding-day gifts that feels almost too perfect to be real. The two of them hopped onto the back platform of the trolley, popped a bottle of champagne, and celebrated as the rain gently tapped overhead.
Timeless Reception at The Pavilion at Patriots Point
The design team transformed the Pavilion at Patriots Point wedding space into a timeless, New England-inspired dream with hints of Southern charm before guests arrived for the reception. Since Lexi is an interior designer, she loved working closely with her planner, Ashleigh from Everything After the Ring, to create a design that felt layered, elegant, and personal.
Shades of light and medium blue paired with white florals, lush greenery, natural accents, and patterned linens. The tent ceiling was draped with greenery, and rattan pendant lights glowed warmly above the white-and-tan checkered dance floor. It was the perfect blend of coastal and classic.
Tyler and Lexi shared their first dance as they were introduced into the reception, followed by sincere toasts that had everyone laughing and wiping away tears. They shared a sweet cake cutting surrounded by family and friends, a beautiful moment that perfectly reflected the joy of their day.
If you’re dreaming of your own Pavilion at Patriots Point wedding, I would love to be the one to capture it for you. Rain or shine, this venue offers an incredible backdrop, and with the right vendor team, your day can be every bit as special as you imagine. Reach out through my contact form when you’re ready to hire a photographer.
Kind Words From the Couple:
“From the moment we met Emma at our engagement session, we knew we were in good hands. She made us feel comfortable and taken care of, and that same energy carried through to our wedding day.
Despite a nor’easter rolling through Charleston, Emma and her team didn’t miss a beat. I was nervous about how the weather might affect our photos, but she immediately came up with a thoughtful plan, found new photo spots, braved the rain with us, and kept such a calm, positive attitude throughout it all.
They were organized, encouraging, and a steady presence the entire day. We’re blown away by how beautiful our photos turned out, you’d never know it was raining, thanks to Emma’s incredible eye and talent. We’re so grateful to have had a photographer who made our wedding day feel joyful, relaxed, and truly special.
Hiring Emma Lili Photography was one of the best decisions we made.”
Charleston Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony venue: St. Andrew’s Church
Reception venue: The Pavilion at Patriot’s Point
Photographer: Emma Lili Photography
Planner: Everything After the Ring
Entertainment: Power 2 Party
HMUA: Charleston I Do
Bridal dress shop: White on Daniel Island
Bridal dress designer: Anne Barge
Bridesmaids dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Dessert: Publix
Catering: Good Food Catering
Rentals: Curated Events, Bunn DJ
Patterned linens: Stradley Davidson
Transportation: Lowcountry Trolley
