Nestled behind towering oak trees and the iconic LOWNDES GROVE mansion is the River House, an intimate venue for sophisticated Southern romantics. This secluded site is surrounded by lush manicured lawns and a sunset-facing view of the Ashley River – a perfect spot for musicians like Ashley and Josh who could spend all night cutting it up on the dance floor with their loved ones. Fusing their country music roots and Ashley’s love for pink details, they put their very own twang on their special day which was captured by Charleston Wedding photographer KAILEE DIMEGLIO.
Kailee shares with us, "Walking into the immaculate sunlit corridor of the River House we found Ashley radiating bright with a wedding day glow. Stepping into her fabulous fitted sheath gown with a cowl neckline, Ashley gave us a twirl, showing off her brown locks and the sheer tulle falling from her thin spaghetti straps. Opening the bridal suite door, the bridesmaids swooned and squealed when they saw Ashley in her bridal glory. Pulling on Ashley’s train, the wide-eyed flower girl gazed up at the bride like she was a fairytale princess come to life. Ready for her first look, Ashley hugged her girlfriends and headed into the garden to meet her hubby-to-be.
Calm, cool and collected in his white tux and black cowboy boots, Josh stood on the lawn reflecting on the far-reaching vista of the Ashley River. Finding a private corner surrounded by thick palms and blooming azaleas, Josh waited for his bride. Ashley approached him with a glowing smile and gently clasped his hands from behind. Turning to his bride, the groom melted when he laid his eyes on her. Wiping his tears with her hands, Ashley wrapped her arms around him. Taking out their letterpressed vow books, the two exchanged their heartfelt words in the peaceful oasis of the garden.
Making the most of the glorious landscape, the bridal party gathered outside the mansion for their portraits. Leading the pack in his white tux, Josh heeled over in laughter as his groomsmen picked him up by his feet and laid him perpendicular in their arms. Punctuating every hue in Ashley’s spring bouquet, the pretty in pink bridesmaids surrounded their bride with warm loving smiles. Elated to be living out her fairytale dreams, the small flower girl in white gloves showed off her pearl-embellished tulle skirt for the camera. Wearing her polished “A.S.” cowgirl hat, Ashley cozied up on the outdoor settee next to her sweetheart, giving him a few more kisses before she met him at the top of the aisle.
Taking in the captivating view, the excited guests sat back in the garden chairs facing the river. An inviting row of pink velvet roses and towering larkspur bloomed at the top of the aisle, contrasting with the green and blue coastal backdrop. The handsome procession began to walk down the aisle, led by the dapper groom in white. Walking through the double French doors of the River House, Ashley floated across the brick terrace and towards her sweetheart at the arbor. Taking in every detail, Josh watched his bride walk towards him with her father at her side. With their handsome pup Rae and all of their loved ones as a witness, Ashley and Josh turned to a new chapter of their love story as Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd."
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR WEDDING STYLE? The inspiration behind our Spring wedding was to create a light, airy atmosphere with pastel colors, evoking a sense of freshness. I aimed for a modern style with a garden party twist, allowing florals and the natural landscape to shine and make the day feel like a breath of fresh air.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS LOCATION? We chose the River House for its breathtaking location along the Ashley River, which perfectly embodied the natural beauty we wanted for our wedding. I’ve always dreamed of a venue that could speak for itself, and the River House’s stunning riverside setting provided just that, offering a coastal feel without the need for a beach. The long dock extending over the water added a touch of relaxation, while the overarching oak trees under which we exchanged our vows created a romantic and timeless backdrop.
The venue’s intimate charm was ideal for our 85-person guest list, making it a perfect fit for celebrating with our closest friends and family. Additionally, we wanted a venue that captured the unique charm of Charleston for our guests, all of whom were visiting from out of town. The combination of the beautiful natural surroundings, the cozy, personal atmosphere, and the distinct Charleston charm made the River House the perfect setting for our special day.
HOW DID YOU MEET? We met in the spring of our senior year in high school through mutual friends, and we both went to rival high schools. Josh kept hitting on me, but I didn't want to give him the time of day since we were about to graduate and go off to different colleges. It's funny—when he first tried to hold my hand, I actually tried to pull away!
But Josh stayed persistent and his charm and humor won me over! We ended up dating long-distance for six years, four years of which included when he was in the military stationed across the country. Despite the distance we made it work, and here we are 10 years later!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROPOSAL: Josh planned the whole day filled with my favorite things. He dropped me off at my favorite spin studio and from there, each of my friends joined me along the day each with a handwritten note from him, letting me know of my next stop on my journey. He arranged for me to grab breakfast tacos at one of my favorite spots in town with friends, had another friend pick me up to get my nails done after, and then had me go home and get pampered, and then he popped the question in a peaceful Nashville park that overlooks the state capital.
From there, he took me to one of our favorite date night spots where we enjoyed live music at The Listening Room. He truly thought of every detail throughout the day, even with his handwritten notes on custom notecards that had a picture of a golden retriever on them. (We are obsessed with our golden!!)
TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR WEDDING DRESS/ATTIRE: I found my wedding dress with my mom and grandma at Lovely Bride Charleston! Both my mom and grandma scheduled a girls trip to visit me in Charleston and it was the most special time to find a dress, especially since years ago my grandma found her wedding dress on King Street, just like I found mine on King! Funny enough, the dress I ended up picking was the very first dress I tried on!
Another fun detail of the wedding weekend attire was my rehearsal dinner dress. I had my same grandma take my mom’s old wedding dress, and make it into a short cocktail dress for my rehearsal dinner (she even made a matching bandana for my dog to wear on our wedding day!). It was so special to repurpose such a meaningful item, and bring it back to life over 30 years later!
FAVOURITE DETAIL OF THE DAY: How can I pick one? The details were my favorite part. I really wanted to have meaning behind many of the elements throughout my wedding. From the custom matchboxes with hand drawn icons of our favorite things, to the hand painted “guestbook” guitar, and our custom napkins with our dog’s face on them, every detail did not go un-thought of. I am very intentional so I wanted little touches of us and our story to be weaved throughout every element of our wedding.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUT TO A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING? Try to soak up every moment of your day! It truly goes by so fast. Take a moment after the ceremony to let the “just married” wedding bliss settle in before you head into your cocktail hour and reception.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? My dad and I’s Father Daughter dance was THE best!! Backstory, I grew up dancing from the age of 3 and my dad always loved dancing -- back in his day he was part of a “breakdancing crew” in middle school. Fast forward, we knew we always wanted to do an unconventional Father/Daughter dance starting off in a slow dance, and then breaking out into a fun choreographed medley. So that’s exactly what we did, and we surprised EVERYONE at the wedding-- yes, even my now husband had NO idea! Since my dad and I live in different states, I would choreograph and record the dance and my mom would teach my dad the choreography. From there, we had plenty of Facetime dates where he would learn the dance virtually. The first time we actually practiced the dance together in-person was just a few days before my wedding, and we pulled it off! It was so much FUN, and we will remember it forever! My husband's face was priceless watching the dance unfold!
Gathering under the ancient oak trees for cocktail hour, the joyful friends and family filled the lawn with smiles and laughter. Reinvigorated by the salty spring breeze, they sipped on Aperol Spritzes and snacked on mini crab cakes. The newlyweds arrived on the scene, taking their time to connect with their guests and revel in their special day. As the sun set over the river we joined the couple for a romantic golden hour photoshoot on the dock. Nose to nose, the two sweethearts snuggled in close as the fading light shifted the hues of the coastal landscape. Josh gave his bride a twirl as the delicate tulle of her dress caught the salty wind. Watching the sun set on what would forever be their day, they walked back hand-in-hand ready to kick off an unforgettable night.
Finding their names on the floral embellished seating chart, the guests eased into the opulent outdoor dining area. Whimsical pink ranunculus and blush taper candles bloomed from every surface, contrasting elegantly with the glistening gold flatware and immaculate white linens. Surrounded by lush greenery and golden sun, every ornate detail looked effortlessly beautiful. Ready to charge the dance floor with their cowboy boots, the bride and groom held each other close for their first dance. They laughed and swayed to Dylan Gosset’s “Beneath Oak Trees” as everyone looked on with adoring eyes. Following Josh’s special dance with his mother, Ashley invited both of her parents up. Much to everyone’s surprise, Ashley and her father had an elaborately rehearsed jig that started sweet and ended silly, sending everyone over the edge of their seat in laughter. Buzzed on good laughs and great cocktails, the party shared an intimate candlelit dinner full of sweet words and mouth-watering bites.
Ready to get footloose, Ashley summoned all of her friends and family to the dance floor. Wearing her bespoke cowgirl hat, she kicked her white boots high in the air. The little ring bearer and flower girl looked up in amazement, smiling from ear to ear as the adults showed off their moves. Josh broke it down low with his groomsmen, looking like a silver-screen cowboy in Ashley’s hat. Some sweet-toothed guests gathered in the River House for a bite of wedding cake and to sign loving messages on the couple’s white guitar “guest book.” Holding one another close on the dance floor, the happy newlyweds sang the words to their final song and sealed the party with a kiss. Saying their goodbyes to their beloved friends and family, they strutted through a sparkler runway and out into the starlit night.
A big thank you to Charleston Wedding photographer KAILEE DIMEGLIO for sharing this most beautiful wedding with us. This husband & wife team wedding capture cherished moments in the Lowcountry and beyond. Their passion for chronicling their client's grand celebrations, small moments, and everything in between continues to drive their pursuit of creating lasting, meaningful images. Their style is charming, light, harmonious and warm. Kailee and Tim love to keep things in the moment. In their free time, they love a good book, relaxing around the house, or enjoying a good meal at one of Charleston’s many restaurants.You can see more of their portfolio here.
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