Lucas and I have always been, and will always be, the absolute worst at keeping a gift or a secret from each other. When Christmas rolls around at our house, we typically do not have a gift left to give to each other on Christmas day because we’ve already opened everything in the days leading up to Christmas – normally just after the other has wrapped the gift. The same thing applies to our wedding gifts. We exchanged gifts about a week before the wedding, and Lucas gave me the most beautiful yellow gold signet ring from Diamond Collection in Georgetown. It has a beautiful filigree on either side of the center, where he had a “W” initial engraved. Signet rings were big in the 1800s when people often stamped the back of their outgoing mail with wax and sealed it with a signet ring with the initials of their last name. It was such a special and thoughtful gift that I wore it on my right hand on the day of the wedding. The second wedding accessory that was special to me was my earrings. I wanted to have something special to pass to our children one day that represented both of us. I was searching for a special pair of earrings when I walked into my favorite jewelry store, Diamond Collection when I spotted these earrings from afar. They were gorgeous drop pearl earrings with diamonds and a single sapphire. These were exactly what I’d been looking for and were a true representation of Lucas and myself. I love pearls, and Lucas’ birthstone is sapphire, so I know that these will be special to one of our babies one day.
Georgetown Plantation Wedding at Hobcaw Barony by Pasha Belman Photographers. Find out why Kristen and Lucas chose this gorgeous venue for their wedding.
Why Choose Hobcaw Barony as your Wedding Venue?
Lucas didn’t want to be like every other wedding and give money to a golf course and exchange vows on a golf cart path, so we kept looking. We were on the way home from a venue tour and passed Hobcaw Barony, and Lucas asked me to call them just to see if we could tour there. We didn’t think they did weddings, but it was worth a shot! I called them that following Monday, and we did a tour by the end of the week. It was March 2018, and it should have been so cold outside, especially on Winyah Bay, but it was absolutely beautiful. We were given the full tour and history of the barony and all of the historical significance that went along with the property. Lucas was wide-eyed and so captivated by the stories, and it was then that I knew this is where we’d be married. When we actually arrived at Hobcaw House, which is four miles off of 17 bypasses, we were in awe. The house was absolutely beautiful, and the views of Winyah Bay were breathtaking. The scenery was something that should’ve been straight out of a southern movie. There were hundreds of beautiful oak trees with Spanish moss gently blowing in the breeze. The Baruch family purchased the Barony in 1905 and upon arriving at the house, you could see the century-old character it had. When we walked inside, it was like a time warp, back to the early 1900s, which is what Lucas and I live for. We share a love for anything old and enjoy plundering through antique shops together. This home was like our very own antique shop to sift through. Everything in the home held its own story, and we were so overwhelmed with joy to be in the house. Hobcaw House became a retreat for US President Franklin Roosevelt and foreign dignitary Winston Churchill, who were close friends with the Baruch family. When we left the house, I saw the happiness that took over Lucas’ face, and while he wouldn’t say “yes” on the spot, I knew in my heart that’s where we’d be married!”
Finding Your Wedding Dress
I’ve always been a very classic and traditional girl. I love how more modern dresses look on other people, but I’ve always loved a traditional gown. My mom and I traveled to a bridal shop in Wilmington, North Carolina, and I tried on several gowns but none of them were quite what I was searching for. I’d come across Modern Trousseau’s designs and fell in love with one gown I saw on their website and knew I had to try it on. I made the appointment in their Charleston, South Carolina location and mentioned that I loved the Hilary gown. Upon arrival, we were greeted with such warmth that I knew it would be a wonderful experience. I first slipped on the Hilary gown, and I just knew this was it for me! No lace, a simple fabric that spoke of classic, southern elegance, and beautiful oversized, off-the-shoulder sleeves, this was my gown! I added a beautiful bow to the back that entailed a long train and the most perfect bolero, and it ended up being the perfect gown for me.
There are three moments that stick out the most to me. The most special to me was when someone mentioned that Lucas and his groomsmen were outside at the back of the house taking pictures. I knew that I wasn’t supposed to, but I peeked outside and caught a quick glimpse of him, and I swear I felt my heart skip a beat. We hadn’t spoken that day, nor had we seen each other, so when I saw him, it was just dreamy. He was so handsome, and at that moment, I could not believe I’d be his wife in just over an hour. The second moment was when I was in the “Roosevelt Room,” as they call it at Hobcaw. This is the room that US President Franklin Roosevelt stayed in. I was utterly changed into my wedding dress and talking to one of my bridesmaids. Only three of us were in the room, and they were both standing in front of me. I had on my veil that was completely covering my back, and I swear, I felt someone touch my back with the pad of their finger. When I turned around, no one was there, and my bridesmaids confirmed that no one was behind me. I’ll just leave that thought with you… The last moment that came to mind was when my mom and Lucas’ mom first saw me, fully dressed, in my wedding dress. My mom and Ms. Linda were in tears, and his mom asked, “can I touch you?” Of course, she gave me a huge hug, followed by my mom. It was such a special moment for the three of us to share.
Years ago, I started following Pasha Belman’s work, and I knew that he had to be the one to capture the memories of my wedding day. I’ve always adored his work and knew how special it was, so when Lucas and I got engaged, I wasn’t “looking for” anything in a wedding photographer, I knew Pasha and Natallia were the ones we wanted. There was no second choice for us. Their work is timeless and unparalleled to any other work I’ve seen.
From the beginning, hire a wedding coordinator and splurge on the photographer. The wedding coordinator will make your life much easier, and getting the best photographer will ensure that all of your memories are captured perfectly. My biggest advice is to enjoy every moment, every defeat in the planning process, and every win. Lucas and I had so many ups and so many downs, and looking back, it was so special because we went through it together.
Hobcaw Barony South Carolina Wedding Venue
Hobcaw Barony is one of the best wedding venues in Georgetown, South Carolina. Featured wedding photos from Kristen and Lucas’s beautiful wedding in Georgetown, SC, at Hobcaw Barony.
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