A Southern Celebration Full of Heart at Agapae Oaks

Captured beautifully by KAILEE DI MEGLIO, Catherine and Wil’s coastal wedding at AGAPAE OAKS in Beaufort, South Carolina was equal parts timeless and relaxed. With a focus on connection, intentional design, and unforgettable moments, this elegant weekend celebration unfolded with Southern charm and effortless ease.

Although they live in Charleston, Catherine and Wil hadn’t found a local venue that truly felt like “them.” That changed the moment they stepped onto the grounds of AGAPAE OAKS. The historic home, with its oak-lined driveway, green roof, and sprawling porches, immediately stole their hearts. From skeet shooting on the property to a dock for sunset views, the venue offered the perfect laid-back backdrop to gather their favorite people for a full weekend of celebrating.

The ceremony took place at Historic St. Peter’s Catholic Church—an intimate space with only 80 seats. It was the ideal setting for the couple’s most important moment, witnessed by the people closest to them.

Catherine and Wil first crossed paths at a gym in Mount Pleasant—although it took a Clemson football game and a little courage for Wil to finally introduce himself. After six years of dating, Wil proposed on a dock at Shem Creek under the guise of viewing boats for sale. With two of Catherine’s best friends secretly photographing the moment and a boat full of friends arriving afterward for a surprise sunset cruise, it was a picture-perfect proposal.

Catherine’s dress—a clean and classic silhouette with a bow detail—was found at MADDISON ROW SOUTH, a boutique she’d admired since college. Wil surprised everyone by opting for a classic tux, complete with a Brackish bow tie and engraved cuff links gifted by Catherine’s parents.

The floral design by FARMCITY FLOWERS echoed the couple’s love for hydrangeas, which they grow at home. White peonies and soft greenery kept the look romantic and fresh, allowing the coastal beauty of the venue to shine through.

One of the most emotional moments of the day came when Catherine’s mother gifted her the sapphire and diamond ring from her own wedding—a heartfelt “something blue.”

Catherine and Wil also made time to have dinner alone on the porch before the reception kicked off, giving them a quiet moment to soak it all in. “It was so special to just breathe and talk and relish in the fact that we were married,” Catherine shared.

From the beginning, Catherine and Wil prioritized three things: an intimate ceremony, a packed dance floor, and a great bar. With their favorite people filling the pews at the church and an incredible band keeping the energy high all night, they checked every box.

They embraced the unexpected, too—like being 20 minutes late to the ceremony due to an open bridge. “We were both laughing,” Catherine recalled. “They couldn’t start without us, and it gave us time for one more glass of champagne!”

Another memorable moment? When their cake was accidentally dropped and had to be replaced before the reception. But as Catherine put it, “We had our cake and ate it too!”

One of the most special aspects of the weekend was having their friends stay onsite. The groom and groomsmen had one house, the bride and her bridesmaids another, creating an environment that felt more like a vacation than a formal event. From shooting skeet to backyard barbecues, it was a weekend full of memories beyond just the wedding day itself.

After the wedding, the newlyweds spent two weeks in Italy and Greece. From wine tasting in Tuscany to island hopping in the Aegean Sea, their honeymoon was a dream. Planned by Ends of the Earth Travel, the itinerary gave them the freedom to relax and just enjoy being newly married.

Catherine and Wil’s wedding was everything they hoped it would be: heartfelt, joyful, and filled with the people they love most. A true reflection of their personalities and priorities, this celebration at Agapae Oaks was one for the books.