A Southern Soirée with Heartfelt Personal Touches

Captured beautifully by MADISON SAPP, Abby and Stephen’s wedding at the historic BOONE HALL PLANTATION in Charleston, South Carolina, was a joyful blend of timeless charm, personal touches, and Southern hospitality. Surrounded by moss-draped oak trees and the soft glow of golden autumn light, their day was a heartfelt reflection of their long journey together and the beautiful life they’ve built.

The couple first met while studying at Mississippi State University—Stephen pursuing a graduate degree in wildlife biology, and Abby working as a teaching assistant in biology. A mutual friend introduced them, sparking an unexpected connection that quickly blossomed. After just a few months, their lives took exciting new turns—Abby heading to veterinary school in Illinois, and Stephen starting a PhD in South Carolina. What followed was a three-and-a-half-year long-distance relationship marked by love, travel, and unwavering support.

Stephen’s proposal was every bit as meaningful as their journey. During a visit over the Fourth of July, he took Abby to Caper’s Island, a place they had explored together in earlier summers. There, on a quiet stretch of beach, he got down on one knee. The celebration started instantly with mimosas and monogrammed cups, and continued with a surprise party attended by family and friends—many of whom had flown in just for the occasion.

For their wedding day, Abby and Stephen chose the iconic Boone Hall—one of the Lowcountry’s most breathtaking venues. “We were drawn to its natural beauty and timeless charm,” Abby shared. “We loved it so much, we even named our dog Boone long before the wedding!” Their vision was to create a day that felt organic, elevated, and deeply personal.

Abby wore a stunning Anne Barge “Piedmont” gown—timeless, structured, and refined. She added a romantic bow detail to make it her own. Her second look was a bold, patterned dress that brought a splash of personality to the party. Bridesmaids wore elegant LulaKate dresses in a fresh Key Lime hue, perfectly echoing the surrounding greenery and oak canopy.

Before the ceremony, the couple shared a private first look beneath the trees. After years of long distance, it was a tender moment of stillness and emotion—just the two of them, soaking it all in before the festivities began.

The ceremony took place on Boone Hall’s side lawn beneath towering live oaks. Guests were welcomed with glasses of champagne and serenaded by instrumental versions of the couple’s favorite songs. Officiated by Stephen’s uncle, SC Congressman Lt. Col. Joseph Bustos, the ceremony felt deeply personal and full of meaning.

Dinner was served family-style to create a welcoming, communal feel. Guests enjoyed beef tenderloin, macaroni and cheese, and even a pig roast station. The couple’s bar, affectionately named “Boone’s Bar” after their pup, served up their signature drink—the “Mayhew Moscow Mule,” named after the road where they first met and featuring cranberry and lime.

Entertainment was provided by DJ Wade of Other Brothers Entertainment, who kept the energy high and the dance floor packed. A standout moment came when inflatable guitars—just like the ones from Abby’s parents’ wedding—were passed out during the reception, honoring a sweet family tradition. The evening wrapped up with late-night Chicago dogs and fries before guests boarded a trolley to the afterparty.

Following the wedding, the newlyweds spent the week exploring downtown Charleston with their Labrador, Boone, introducing him to all their favorite spots. It was a fitting way to ease into married life—surrounded by love, laughter, and a whole lot of Southern charm.

Cocktail hour featured Lowcountry-inspired bites like fried oysters, duck confit, and fried green tomatoes, courtesy of Cru Catering. Abby and Stephen added a personal touch with a custom welcome sign crafted by Stephen, complete with duck decoys as a nod to his love of duck hunting. Their seating chart highlighted meaningful locations in their relationship, with tables named after places like Mississippi State, Clemson, and Caper’s Island.

BOONE HALL PLANTATION is one of Charleston’s most iconic and picturesque wedding venues, offering couples a truly timeless Southern setting steeped in history and natural beauty. With its famous Avenue of Oaks, sprawling grounds, and centuries-old architecture, Boone Hall provides an unforgettable backdrop for celebrations both grand and intimate. The venue combines rustic charm with refined elegance—whether couples envision an alfresco ceremony beneath moss-draped oaks, a cocktail hour by the cotton dock, or a reception in the elegant open-air pavilion. Its versatility allows for seamless customization, while the stunning landscape ensures every moment is steeped in Lowcountry romance.