Captured beautifully by KAILEE DIMEGLIO, Maddi and Bennett’s wedding at LOWNDES GROVE was the perfect blend of timeless style, meaningful traditions, and joyful celebration. Planned by CAROLINA OCCASIONS, the weekend embraced everything the couple loved most about Charleston — historic charm, incredible food, and the chance to gather loved ones from all over the world in one unforgettable place.
Their story first began at West Point during summer leadership training while in college. Although they didn’t begin dating until after Maddi graduated in 2022, their relationship flourished through two years of long distance between Oklahoma and New York before Bennett proposed overlooking the Savannah River during a romantic getaway.
Thoughtful Details with Personal Meaning
From the very beginning, the couple infused the celebration with deeply personal touches. Their save-the-dates featured a watercolor painting of LOWNDES GROVE created by Maddi’s childhood friend, while their invitation suite by DODELINE DESIGNS incorporated delicate vellum wraps adorned with lily of the valley — Maddi’s favorite flower since childhood.
With guests traveling from as far as Hawaii and Germany, the couple intentionally designed the wedding as a full weekend experience. Festivities began with an intimate rehearsal dinner at High Cotton before welcoming all their guests to a rooftop soirée at The Dewberry. Set against the Charleston skyline, the evening created the perfect reunion atmosphere before the wedding day arrived.
Soft blush bridesmaid dresses paired beautifully with classic black suits, while the overall design embraced understated elegance rather than fleeting trends.
A Timeless Vision in Soft Neutrals
For Maddi, creating a wedding that would feel timeless for years to come was always the priority. Soft blush bridesmaid dresses paired beautifully with classic black suits, while the overall design embraced understated elegance rather than fleeting trends.
Florals by BLISS IN BLOOM brought that vision to life in the most exquisite way. Crisp white blooms layered with soft greenery framed the ceremony space overlooking the Ashley River, while subtle centerpieces allowed the beauty of the venue itself to shine. One of the most meaningful details of all was Maddi’s lily of the valley bouquet — a lifelong favorite flower that carried memories of childhood gardens back in New York.
Inside the reception tent, candlelight, layered linens, and soft lighting created an atmosphere that felt both refined and inviting despite the brisk November temperatures outside.
One of the most meaningful details of all was Maddi’s lily of the valley bouquet — a lifelong favorite flower that carried memories of childhood gardens back in New York.
Emotional Moments Beside the River
The wedding morning unfolded with a relaxed energy as the bridesmaids gathered upstairs at Lowndes Grove, sharing stories and laughter while getting ready together. Meanwhile, the groomsmen spent the morning at Haberdash enjoying some time together before the festivities began.
Before the ceremony, Maddi and Bennett shared a private first look beneath the iconic black-and-white portico flooring at Lowndes Grove. Away from the anticipation of the day, the emotional moment gave them the opportunity to simply be together before celebrating with everyone else.
Although the couple had privately eloped earlier that year, this ceremony held immense significance as the moment they could celebrate alongside the people they love most. Officiated by one of their close friends, the riverside ceremony was made even more memorable by a traditional military saber arch formed by Bennett’s college baseball teammates from West Point.
For Maddi, creating a wedding that would feel timeless for years to come was always the priority.
A Celebration Filled with Energy
Cocktail hour unfolded beside the river and dock, where guests gathered around lounge seating and custom cornhole boards hand-painted by Bennett featuring the couple’s rival baseball teams, the Red Sox and Yankees. Signature cocktails including a Hugo Spritz, a Transfusion, and a Mexican Mule kept the atmosphere festive as guests moved between the waterfront and the warmth of the tent.
Dinner by PPHG highlighted a mix of southern comfort dishes and fresh seafood served station-style, encouraging guests to mingle and move throughout the evening. Once the dance floor opened, however, the celebration truly came alive.
With entertainment by ML ENTERTAINMENT, the reception quickly transformed into a nonstop party. From packed dance floors to interactive DJ moments, the energy carried late into the evening and perfectly reflected the joyful spirit of the entire weekend.
Following months of planning and celebration, Maddi and Bennett escaped to La Romana in the Dominican Republic for a relaxing honeymoon — the perfect ending to a timeless Charleston wedding weekend overflowing with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
From packed dance floors to interactive DJ moments, the energy carried late into the evening and perfectly reflected the joyful spirit of the entire weekend.
Although the couple had privately eloped earlier that year, this ceremony held immense significance as the moment they could celebrate alongside the people they love most.
