William Aiken House Charleston Wedding
There’s something timeless about a William Aiken House Charleston wedding. Its sweeping porches, colorful gardens, and historic charm make it a dream venue to photograph. Justine and Will’s spring wedding was a perfect reflection of the venue’s beauty and warmth, with vibrant florals, heartfelt moments, and an atmosphere filled with joy from start to finish. The moment I arrived, I knew the day would be special.
A Lovely Morning at the William Aiken House
Justine spent the morning surrounded by her bridesmaids in the beautiful getting-ready suite at William Aiken House. She wore a white robe while her girls matched in light green pajamas embroidered with their initials. The room was full of laughter, music, and the quiet buzz of anticipation.
After stepping into her gown and putting on the finishing touches, Justine shared a touching first look with her father. He reacted with pride and emotion, offering a tender reminder of the bonds that weddings bring into focus.
Timeless William Aiken House Wedding Portraits
Will and Justine chose to share a private first look before the ceremony, and it was easily one of the most sincere moments of the day. Will was awe-struck when he turned around and saw Justine in her stunning gown adorned with floral appliqués. He gently kissed her hand, a quiet, beautiful gesture that spoke volumes. These small, unscripted moments are always some of my favorites to capture.
From there, we moved into portraits of the two of them, taking full advantage of the venue’s vibrant backdrops. With Will in a classic black suit and Justine carrying a whimsical bouquet bursting with pinks, purples, and other vibrant spring hues, the contrast was stunning. Every glance they exchanged radiated love.
One of the things I adore about a William Aiken House Charleston wedding is the variety of photo locations. From the elegant interiors to the garden pathways and iron-gated courtyards, every corner of the property offers a beautiful backdrop for portraits. We explored several corners of the venue for portraits, and later in the evening, we snuck away during sunset for a few more intimate shots in the gardens.
We were even joined by their sweet dog, Benji, who arrived in a black bowtie collar and completely stole the show for a few minutes. Dogs at weddings are always the cutest. Justine’s bridesmaids wore mismatched green dresses in a mix of textures and tones, which paired beautifully with the vibrant spring florals. The groomsmen kept it classic in black, complementing Will’s sleek suit. I’ve always loved a white, black, and green palette; it’s timeless and effortlessly chic.
William Aiken House Charleston Wedding Ceremony
Their ceremony took place in front of the Carriage House, a clean white brick façade with classic black shutters. The florals adorning the door added a playful pop of color, echoing the whimsical tones from Justine’s bouquet.
They exchanged personal vows during the ceremony, and tears of happiness were shed. The setting, paired with the emotional atmosphere, made the entire moment feel sacred and celebratory.
An Evening of Celebration and Sweet Moments
Guests made their way to the reception space underneath a clear-top tent, one of my favorite features at the William Aiken House. The reception décor was an elegant balance of simplicity and creativity. Rather than large centerpieces, the tables were styled with single bud vases, each featuring different types of blooms. At each place setting, guests found customized oyster shells with their names on them, a personal and perfect Charleston touch.
Before being introduced, Justine and Will shared a celebratory moment of celebration with their wedding party, then stepped onto the black-and-white checkered dance floor for their first dance. The open-air setup, with string lights overhead and friends cheering from the wraparound balcony, created a magical, celebratory atmosphere.
As the night settled in, guests enjoyed a candlelit dinner beneath the glowing lights. The toasts were heartfelt and filled with laughter. Justine and Will quietly stepped away to cut their cake privately, a quiet moment for just the two of them amid the celebration.
The evening wrapped with dancing, laughter, and that unmistakable feeling of a day well-celebrated.
Ready to Hire Your Charleston Wedding Photographer?
Planning your own William Aiken House Charleston wedding? I’d love to photograph your special day and deliver joy-filled images that you will treasure forever. Fill out my contact form here, and I will be in touch with more information!
Charleston Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony venue: William Aiken House
Reception venue: William Aiken House
Photographer: Emma Lili Photography
Planner: Cruz Coordination
Florist: Charleston Flower Girl
Entertainment: OtherBrother Entertainment
HMUA: Lashes and Lace
Bridal dress: The White Dress by the Shore
Bridal shoes: Loeffler Randall
Catering: PPHG
