“Sam and Alex were married on a beautiful sunny day two weeks ago. Their Beaufort, South Carolina wedding ceremony was held at First African Baptist in downtown Beaufort. First African is a historical marker of Beaufort, it’s the very first church built by freed slaves in South Carolina builtin 1865 and is a big tourist attraction for the city! Their reception was held in a new venue, Elegant Events Hall.

There was so much JOY and relaxation in this day! When we arrived, Sam was doing everyone else’s hair. We got her in her dress and headed to a local park covered in Spanish moss for her bridal party photos, which were filled with laughter and so much fun. Sam pulled up to the church and within minutes was walking down the aisle to see her man! Alex was grinning from ear to ear her whole walk down! They have been together for 6 years {since they were 15}, and had no nerves. They were just SO excited.

So much of this Beaufort wedding was prepared by the couple and their close friends and family. Sam’s Mom made the anchor cake topper, signifying Christ as the anchor to their marriage. Sam’s mom also made the blueberry jam favors that every guest received. Her bridal party made sheet music flowers to decorate their baby’s breath bouquets {Sam is an opera singer! Classical music and opera are very important to them, which was apparent through her music note flowers and her string quartet that played during her walk}. Sam made the garter and the ring bearer pillow as well. She is a crafty one! Alex’s Aunt and Uncle made the letter A wooden guest book sign that the two will hang on their wall.

His Aunt made the amazing cake, and wait for it, Alex’s family CATERED the entire wedding! It was delicious!! Sam’s family is of German descent and some grandparents who attended spoke only German. Alex is from Mexico, and some of his family only speaks Spanish. The families all spoke the same language of laughter, as they danced and ate and enjoyed watching Sam and Alex have a blast with their friends! The catering was southern cuisine and was delicious! The couple exited to a tune of kazoos which is the most hilarious thing I can think of for an exit. It fit this couple’s silly fun musical style to a tee!” –Jessica Roberts Photography

What is your favorite wedding day memory?

My favorite memory of our wedding day is how our families came together. Our wedding involved a lot of love and care from people on both sides of the family. It was awesome to truly see two families become one!

What did you DIY for your wedding?

We DIY’d so many things! DIY I made, are the candy sea glass for the cake that I actually found on Something Turquoise found here! My Mom designed and made our wedding cake topper out of chicken wire. She also made blueberry jam from scratch and I designed the tags and cut the fabric that were on the jars for our wedding favors. I also sewed the ring pillow and “Here Comes the Bride” banner, as well as my garter. The bouquets and boutonnieres were made by my bridal party and myself, as well as the paper flowers made from sheet music for the hymn ‘Come Thou Fount’. I also made chalk board signs out of old thrifted framed prints. My Aunt baked our wedding cake and my Mother-in-Law cooked all of the delicious southern food! I also did my own hair and makeup!

Did you have a something old, new, borrowed and blue?

My something old was a crown that both my Mother and Grandmother wore at their weddings. My something blue was my garter!

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

Try not to get too bogged down in the details of planning. The important part is that you are marrying your best friend. Someone who you are vowing to serve and cherish for the rest of your life. God’s grace is with you as you plan, just as He will be present to strengthen and guide your marriage. Try to focus less on the wedding and more on the marriage! -Samantha, the bride

Event Credits

Photographer: Jessica Roberts Photography // Ceremony Venue: First African Baptist Church of Beaufort // Reception Venue: Elegant Events Hall // Wedding Planner: Kitty's Touch of Elegance // Invitations: Vistaprint // Engagement Ring: Jared // Bride's Attire: David's Bridal // Bride's Shoes: ModCloth // Bridesmaid's Dresses: ModCloth