An Elegant Coastal Wedding at The Sanctuary at Kiawah

When Delaney and Ryan began searching for a wedding destination, they hoped to find somewhere that felt like an escape while remaining easily accessible for their guests travelling from across the East Coast. They found exactly that at THE SANCTUARY AT KIAWAH ISLAND. Captured beautifully by KAILEE DIMEGLIO, and brought together with planning by ELLEN ROBINSON EVENTS and florals by FESTOON CHARLESTON, their wedding celebrated the natural beauty of the South Carolina coast while embracing a timeless sense of elegance.

Their story began shortly after college when both relocated to the same city for work. A chance meeting during a night out with separate groups of friends led to an invitation to a Halloween party, and before long, the foundations of their relationship were firmly in place.

Years later, Ryan planned a proposal that reflected their shared love of travel. During a trip through Europe, the couple found themselves in Copenhagen, where Ryan arranged a private boat complete with wine and snacks. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of the city’s waterways, he asked Delaney to marry him.

That sense of thoughtful simplicity would later inspire many of the choices they made for their wedding day.

The moment they visited THE SANCTUARY, Delaney and Ryan knew they had found the perfect venue. The sweeping Grand Lawn overlooking the ocean immediately captured their attention and became the inspiration for much of the celebration’s design.

Their stationery paid tribute to the setting, incorporating soft greens and blues drawn from the landscape alongside an oak tree motif that reflected one of Kiawah Island’s most recognisable natural features. It offered guests an early glimpse into the aesthetic of the weekend while creating a strong connection to the destination itself.

Wedding morning unfolded in two very different settings. Delaney spent the morning with her bridesmaids in the bridal suite at The Sanctuary, while Ryan and his groomsmen prepared at a nearby beach house. Before changing into their formalwear, the groom and his friends even managed a quick dip in the ocean.

One of the most memorable moments of the day came before the official festivities began. At sunrise, Delaney and Ryan met on the beach to exchange private vows. Away from the excitement of the day ahead, they shared an intimate moment together as the sun rose over the Atlantic.

The couple also chose to do a first look, along with a special reveal with Delaney’s father, creating additional opportunities to slow down and savour the significance of the day.

Delaney envisioned a wedding that felt elegant, comfortable, and true to herself. Her ANNE BARGE satin gown embodied exactly that vision, pairing timeless sophistication with understated beauty. Ryan complemented her perfectly in a custom Loro Piana suit.

Later in the evening, Delaney changed into a long-sleeved lace mini dress with an open back, bringing a playful energy to the celebration. Bridesmaids wore sage green satin gowns in a variety of silhouettes, adding softness and cohesion to the wedding palette.

The ceremony took place on the Grand Lawn, framed by expansive ocean views and accompanied by a string quartet. A floral broken arch of white blooms and lush greenery enhanced the setting without distracting from the natural beauty surrounding it.

Following the ceremony, guests remained on the lawn for cocktail hour, enjoying a menu inspired by Southern and coastal flavours. Deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, and fresh scallops offered a delicious taste of the region while guests mingled beneath the coastal sky.

For the reception, celebrations moved into the Grand Oaks Ballroom, where the couple transformed the space into an elegant extension of the landscape outside.

Trees positioned around the dance floor helped blur the line between indoors and out, while banquette seating created inviting gathering spaces for guests. Suspended overhead was a dramatic floral installation featuring thousands of stems, creating a breathtaking focal point that echoed the organic beauty of the ceremony setting.

Beyond dinner and dancing, guests discovered a number of thoughtful experiences throughout the evening, including a bourbon tasting bar, a donut station, and a custom coffee cart positioned in the ballroom entrance hall.

As the live band seamlessly blended contemporary favourites with beloved singalong classics, family and friends filled the dance floor and celebrated late into the night. It was a wedding that balanced elegance with ease, beautifully reflecting the couple at the centre of it all.

Following the festivities, Delaney and Ryan departed for a two-week honeymoon exploring the Hawaiian islands of Lanai and the Big Island, beginning the next chapter of their story in paradise.