A Sunset Ceremony by the Water: Kara's Charleston Wedding at Dunes West
There’s something about Charleston weddings that never gets old—the lowcountry marsh, the golden light, and the couples who know how to keep it elegant *and* meaningful. Kara and her husband chose to say “I do” at the classic Dunes West River and Golf Club, and their big day was every bit the dreamy, water-front wedding that Charleston brides dream about.
Planned by Lyndsey Langley of Bluebird Events, Kara’s wedding brought together simplicity, sentiment, and just the right amount of fun. From the start, she and her husband knew they wanted an outdoor ceremony and fell in love with the scenic cobblestone path and tree-lined aisle at Dunes West. “We chose the venue because we really wanted an outdoor ceremony and it was just beyond beautiful by the water with the tree and cobblestone path for the isle,” Kara shared.
And beyond the view, Dunes West delivered so much more—catering, bar service, chair rentals, a dance floor, indoor backup space, and even reception planning, all wrapped into one. “Because they covered so much, it took a lot of weight off of our shoulders,” Kara added. “Jason Hanson, the coordinator there, was on top of things the entire time and made it such a smooth process.”
As a lifelong local, Kara leaned into the beauty of a Charleston wedding setting, choosing to keep things effortless and meaningful—from their 3-tier Publix cake with greenery to a reception filled with personal touches, including portraits painted by her sister from their engagement cruise photos.
One of the most heartfelt moments? Kara’s mom walking her down the aisle. “I haven’t had a present dad. My mom has played both roles for the last 10 years so she took that place,” she said. The moment added deep emotion to an already beautiful ceremony—timed just right to capture the sunset glow over the water.
The couple kept transportation fun and relaxed—no fancy getaway cars, just her husband's truck covered in window marker messages from the bridal party, sending them off in true Charleston fashion to their Hawaiian honeymoon.
Inside the reception, DJ and emcee Nathan Dalecheck of Elite Events kept the energy high, complete with a photo booth, open bar, and laugh-out-loud entrances from the bridal party, who each created their own fun way to enter. The whole night was joyful, lighthearted, and full of love.
Style Notes
Kara was the epitome of a Charleston bride, glowing in a romantic David’s Bridal gown paired with classic jewelry from Skatells in West Ashley. Her bridal hair and makeup was done by Rachel Coleman Long, who created a stunning, pink glam bridal makeup and half up with classic curls that highlighted Kara’s features and made her blue eyes pop. We kept the hair classic and princess inspired with a bridal hair half-up style, perfect for the breezy spring evening and her veil moment. It was polished, effortless, and totally her.
Her florals by Bird’s Nest Florals and Gifts were delicate and minimal—just enough to complement the scenic backdrop. It was a perfect example of how Charleston brides can blend the grandeur of a venue with simple, thoughtful details.
Final Thoughts
This was one of those weddings that reminds us why we love doing what we do—early spring Charleston bridal parties, timeless style, heartfelt traditions, and a couple who keeps it real while still making it beautiful. Kara’s wedding day was all about joy, intention, and letting the right team make the magic happen.
Congratulations to the happy couple—we’re still not over those sunset ceremony photos captured by the incredible Matthew Evan of Evo Photo. Pure glow.