The Story: Southern Romance Reimagined

Destination Micro-Wedding at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Maddie & Johnny | Charleston, SC

When dreaming of an iconic historic Charleston garden venue, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens stands as the definitive choice.

Known for its centuries-old live oaks, vibrant blooms, and tranquil river views, it is a property where pure Southern romance meets timeless Lowcountry beauty.

When couples book a wedding here, the standard experience centers around the historic Carriage House. But in true Love, Evermore Events fashion, we like to think outside the box, or in this case, completely outside the venue walls.

Maddie and Johnny came to us dreaming of an entirely immersive, open-air celebration completely true to their unique vision. They were planning a romantic destination wedding, gathering an intimate group of under 60 of their absolute closest friends and family. For many of their loved ones, this was their very first time traveling to Charleston, making it even more vital to show them the absolute best of the Lowcountry.

Rather than moving inside for the reception, we designed a fully custom, luxury al fresco experience that leaned entirely into the stunning natural landscape of the property. Every single element of their beautiful April day was celebrated entirely under the Carolina sky, allowing their guests to fully experience the magic of the city Maddie and Johnny love so much.

Work with us

An Intimate Al Fresco Flow Across the Grounds

By intentionally utilizing different pockets of Magnolia's expansive outdoor footprint, our full-service planning team constructed a seamless, breathtaking progression for this special micro-wedding:

  • The Ceremony Beneath the Live Oaks: Maddie and Johnny exchanged their vows in a deeply moving ceremony shaded by a sweeping, ancient oak tree. Draped in Spanish moss, the setting provided a grand yet intimate natural altar where their families traveled from afar to witness them unite as one.

  • The Cocktail Hour Along the Ashley River: Guests then transitioned to a vibrant cocktail hour on the lawn directly alongside the scenic Ashley River. With soft afternoon light filtering through the trees and river breezes keeping the April air perfect, the atmosphere struck the ideal balance of high-end elegance and laid-back Lowcountry charm.

  • The Reception on the Oyster Tabby: The grand finale took place entirely outdoors on the historic oyster tabby. Because of the intimate guest count under 60, we were able to transform this uniquely textured, coastal space into a deeply romantic, candlelit dinner setting. Long tables adorned with exquisite florals, custom rentals, and ambient lighting allowed everyone to dine, laugh, and celebrate like one big family under a canopy of stars.

Thinking outside traditional venue blueprints for a destination micro-wedding requires meticulous logistics, strict timeline management, and absolute grace under pressure. From tracking the elements to managing complex outdoor vendor power setups, our team handled every underlying structural detail so Maddie, Johnny, and their traveling guests could simply lose themselves in the magic of their day.

Maddie and Johnny's April celebration proves that when you look beyond traditional floor plans, embrace the intimacy of a micro-wedding, and trust a dedicated Charleston wedding planner to innovate, the results are absolutely timeless.

Are you ready to design a bespoke destination wedding experience that is completely true to your vision? Let’s dive into planning your dream day!

The Collective Creative

A pair of white embroidered shoes on lace fabric with floral pattern and scalloped edge.
A bride getting ready for her wedding with help from a woman, possibly her bridesmaid or stylist, in a softly lit room.
A black cannonball placed on a stone pedestal with a ribbon-tied card attached, alongside others in the background.
A bride and three flower girls walking out of a rustic wooden chapel surrounded by trees and bushes.
A wedding party outdoors with a bride in a white gown holding a bouquet, surrounded by bridesmaids and flower girls in black and white dresses, on a grassy area with trees in the background.
Wedding invitation, rings, necklace, and a white rose with a ring on it laid on grass at the base of a bush with white and yellow flowers.
Wedding invitation with an engagement bracelet and a small card on grass.
Five women dressed for a wedding, standing outdoors on a lush green lawn with trees and Spanish moss hanging from branches in the background. The woman in the center is in a white wedding gown, holding a bouquet of white flowers. The other four women
A bride in a white dress standing with four women in black dresses outdoors, holding white bouquets, surrounded by trees and greenery.
A bride in a white wedding gown and veil walking with four bridesmaids in black dresses holding bouquets of white flowers, outdoors in a lush green park with tall trees.
A smiling bride in a white wedding gown holding a bouquet of white flowers, standing on a grassy area under trees with sunlight filtering through
Black and white photo of an outdoor event on a lawn with a white house, trees, and a fence in the foreground.
A bride and groom walking down the aisle outdoors during their wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests and large trees with hanging moss.
A couple in wedding attire share a kiss during outdoor wedding ceremony under a large old tree, with officiant and groomsmen in formal suits watching, and guests seated nearby, candles on the ground.
Bride and groom walking down the aisle outdoors during their wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests clapping and celebrating under a large tree.
Black and white photograph of a wedding party outdoors under a large tree with sunlight filtering through. The group includes adults and children, with the bride and groom in the center, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen, all smiling and celebr
Outdoor dining setup with white tablecloths, black chargers, white floral centerpieces, candles, and glassware, under string lights at dusk.
An outdoor wedding reception with guests seated at tables, string lights overhead, and a white house-style building in the background surrounded by trees.
A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception, smiling, with string lights hanging overhead, in an outdoor setting at night.
A small wooden house with a dark green front door, surrounded by green bushes and trees. A white cloth or garment hangs on the front door handle, and there are steps leading up to the door.
Pink roses growing among green leaves in a garden.
A man with sunglasses and an open shirt revealing a cross necklace is adjusting his shirt in front of a mirror. Two other men in white shirts are observing him inside a small room, possibly a dressing area or behind-the-scenes space.
An older man in a white dress shirt and black bow tie helping a younger man in a black shirt with his sleeve cuff in a dressing room or backstage area.
A man getting his shirt cuff adjusted by another man in a suit, while sitting on a couch. Reflections in a large mirror behind show more people in a room with natural light.
An older man adjusting a young man's tuxedo collar in a well-lit room, both smiling.
A man in a white tuxedo adjusting his jacket as another man in a white shirt stands behind him, holding his shoulder gently, in an indoor setting.
A man in a white suit taking a selfie in a mirror, with another man smiling behind him in the background.
Groom and four groomsmen standing outdoors on a paved path surrounded by trees and greenery.
A man in a white tuxedo jacket with a black shirt, black bow tie, and black pants, sitting on a black park bench by a river, with lush green trees and a small white bridge in the background.
Black and white photo of a wedding couple outdoors; the man is in a white tuxedo with a bow tie, standing in the foreground and slightly blurry, while the woman in a wedding dress is in the background, walking on a lawn.
A bride holding a bouquet of flowers is walking towards a groom who is standing in front of a garden arch under an outdoor setting. The groom is dressed in a white tuxedo jacket with a black shirt and bow tie. The scene appears to be part of a weddin
Bride and groom standing apart on wedding day, outdoor garden setting with archway and lush greenery.
A bride and groom embrace under a floral archway during their wedding in an outdoor garden setting, with greenery and trees in the background.
A bride and groom at their wedding, standing outdoors near a garden and gazebo, with the bride adjusting her veil as the groom watches.
A newlywed couple in wedding attire embrace under a garden archway, with the bride holding a bouquet of white flowers.
A bride and groom holding hands and walking in a garden during their wedding. The bride wears a white gown and holds a bouquet, and the groom wears a white tuxedo jacket with black pants. They are smiling at each other under a white garden arch, surr
A bride and groom holding hands walking outdoors on a grassy area, wedding attire with the bride in a white gown and the groom in a white jacket and black pants, holding a bouquet of flowers.
A bride and groom standing on a grassy lawn, smiling and looking at each other, with trees and a white fence in the background during daytime.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss at an outdoor wedding reception with long tables decorated with black and white table settings and string lights overhead.
A wedding sign outdoors on a grassy lawn, welcoming guests to the wedding of Jonathan and Madison, decorated with a white floral arrangement at the base.
A bride and groom standing outdoors during a wedding ceremony. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers, and the groom reads vows or a speech. They are in formal attire, with the bride in a white wedding dress and veil, and the groom in a white tux
A woman in a white wedding dress holding a book or note, standing in front of a man in a white tuxedo jacket and dark pants, outdoors with a natural background.
A wedding ceremony outdoors with a groom in a white tuxedo jacket and black pants standing alone, surrounded by seated guests on chairs, in a garden setting with trees and greenery in the background.
A man in a tuxedo standing outdoors, wearing a white jacket, black shirt, and bow tie, with a boutonniere on his lapel, in a park with trees in the background.
A couple dressed in formal attire walking outdoors at a wedding ceremony, with guests seated nearby in a garden setting.
Two young girls in white dresses holding bouquets of flowers, holding hands and walking outdoors during a wedding ceremony, with adults and trees in the background.
A couple holding hands during a wedding ceremony, with the bride wearing a lace wedding dress and veil, and the groom in a white tuxedo jacket.
A couple getting married outdoors under a large tree, with guests standing on either side, holding hands and facing the couple.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony outdoors at night, with a bride and groom holding hands and exchanging vows under a large tree, surrounded by guests and an officiant.
Two young girls in white dresses with black bows, sitting outdoors on white chairs on a grassy area, attending a wedding or event. One girl holds a bouquet of white flowers, and sunlight illuminates the scene.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors under a large tree, with the bride and groom holding hands and smiling at each other, accompanied by officiants and guests.
A wedding ceremony outdoors under a large tree with the bride and groom kissing, surrounded by bridesmaids, groomsmen, and seated guests in the afternoon sunlight.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand down the aisle at their outdoor wedding, surrounded by seated guests on either side, with large trees and greenery in the background.
A newlywed couple poses for a photo at an outdoor wedding ceremony under a large tree, surrounded by friends and family.
A man in a tuxedo walking down the aisle at an outdoor wedding ceremony, smiling, with a woman in a black dress supporting him, surrounded by seated guests in black attire under a large tree.
A wedding party walking outdoors on grass, consisting of bride, groom, children, and guests, with trees and sunlight in the background.
Wedding party walking on a grassy field in a park during daytime, with trees in the background. The bride in a white gown and bridesmaids in black dresses hold bouquets, while the groom and groomsmen wear suits with bow ties.
A bride in a sleeveless wedding dress with a long veil walking outdoors on a grassy area, holding a bouquet of flowers, with empty chairs lined up in the background under large trees.
A bride in a white wedding gown and veil holding a bouquet of white flowers standing outdoors beneath large trees with hanging moss, with empty white chairs arranged in rows in the background.
Bride and groom smiling with wedding party in an outdoor garden setting surrounded by trees.
Group of people, including bride and groom, celebrating at a wedding outdoors with trees in the background, all smiling and hugging.
Bride and groom walking outside in a park during their wedding, with the bride wearing a long white gown and veil, holding the groom's hand, who is dressed in a white jacket and black pants, carrying a bouquet of flowers.
A bride and groom sitting close together on a golf cart, kissing under a canopy with trees in the background. The groom holds a bouquet of flowers. The bride is wearing a wedding gown and heels, the groom is in a suit.
A bride and groom in wedding attire standing close together outdoors, holding a bouquet of white flowers, with noses touching, in a green park with trees and sunlight in the background.
A black and white close-up photograph of a couple looking into each other's eyes, with their faces close together. The woman is smiling softly, and the man's face is partly shadowed with a beard. The woman's hand gently touches her chin, and she is w
A newlywed couple sharing a kiss outdoors on a grassy area with large trees and Spanish moss, with sunlight shining through the trees.
A bride and groom embracing outdoor during sunset in wedding attire, with a bride holding a bouquet of white flowers.
A bride and groom walking together on a grassy area outdoors, smiling and holding hands, with large trees and sunlight in the background.
A bride and groom holding hands and walking on a grassy field during sunset, with trees in the background.
Black and white photo of a smiling bride and groom walking together in a park, with the bride wearing a wedding dress and veil and holding a bouquet, and the groom in a suit, under large trees with Spanish moss.
A bride and groom share a kiss outdoors during their wedding, with the groom lifting the bride who is holding a bouquet of white flowers and wearing a white wedding dress and veil, against a backdrop of lush green trees and a decorative gazebo.
A bride and groom standing on a white bridge over a pond, surrounded by trees with Spanish moss, during sunset or early evening.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom on a small bridge in a wooded area, with tall hanging moss trees in the background. The groom, wearing a white tuxedo jacket and bow tie, is looking down at his hands, while the bride, in a long elegant whit
A bride and groom on a white bridge over water surrounded by trees, with the bride touching the groom's face as he smiles.
A couple in wedding attire standing on a white footbridge over a reflective body of water, surrounded by tall moss-covered trees.
A heron standing in a marshy area with tall green grass, with a background of water and trees reflected in the water.
A bride and groom dressed in wedding attire standing on a white bridge surrounded by a lush forest with hanging moss and trees.
A white arched bridge over a calm river in a lush forest with hanging moss and tall trees.
A blurry black and white photo of a bride and groom walking hand in hand outdoors with trees and flowers in the background.
Two glasses, one filled with red wine and the other with white wine, are placed on a black surface with circular indents, in front of a vintage audio or speaker system.
Guests at an outdoor wedding reception seated at long banquet tables on a patio with string lights overhead and lush greenery in the background.
Thank you card placed inside a black, textured basket, with a message from Johnny Madue.
A formal dining table setting with a black textured charger plate, a white thank you note on the plate, a bread roll on a small white plate on the left, clear water glasses, a black candle holder with a lit candle, and utensils including a fork, knif
Elegantly set dining table with black textured plates, clear wine glasses, silverware, bread rolls on white plates, candles, and small decorative flowers in glass vases, for a formal event or wedding reception.
A bride and groom dancing outside their wedding venue, holding hands and smiling. The bride is wearing a white wedding gown and holding a bouquet, while the groom is dressed in a white tuxedo jacket and black pants. The setting is outdoors with a hou
A bride and groom are dancing outside a white house with a metal roof, surrounded by greenery and flowers, during a wedding celebration in the late afternoon or early evening.
A bride and groom dancing outdoors at sunset, surrounded by string lights, with a small crowd in the background, trees, and a stone fire pit.
A black-and-white photo of a wedding reception outdoors, with a couple dancing in the center, surrounded by seated guests, string lights overhead, and large trees in the background.
Couple sharing a dance at their wedding reception outdoors, surrounded by guests, hanging string lights, and a white building in the background.
Outdoor gathering with a bar set by a lake, featuring three men in formal attire, two behind the bar, and one in front, with trees and water in the background.
A glass of lemonade with a lime wedge on the rim and a decorative stir stick with 'M & J' on it, on a table with a white tablecloth and candles in the background.
Black and white photo of an outdoor dinner party with many people seated at a long table, decorated with flowers and candles, under string lights, surrounded by trees.
People dining at a long outdoor table during sunset with string lights and green trees in the background.
Long outdoor dinner table with many people dressed in formal attire, decorated with white flowers and candles, under string lights, in a lush garden setting.
People gathered at a long outdoor dinner table decorated with white flowers and candles, enjoying a meal under string lights in a garden setting during evening.
Two men, one in a tuxedo and sunglasses and the other in a white shirt, are taking a selfie with a pole while at a wedding reception outdoors during sunset. The scene is decorated with string lights and tables filled with guests.
Black and white photo of a wedding reception outdoors, viewed through a window. Bride in a strapless wedding gown is talking to a man in dark attire. Several guests seated at tables are visible, with some engaged in conversations. Large trees and han
A wedding reception scene outdoors near a lake with large trees draped in moss. A bride in a white gown and a groom are at a black and white bar, talking to a bartender. There are tables with candles and flowers nearby, and the sky appears to be over
A woman in a white satin dress is holding a cocktail glass with a lemon wedge and a straw, standing outdoors on grass with a blurred background.
A beautifully decorated wedding cake with white icing, surrounded by white floral arrangements, on a black tablecloth with candles in glass holders and two small white plates.
A formal dinner table setup with floral decorations, glasses, and handbags, during an event with women dressed in elegant attire.
A woman wearing a white dress being kissed on each cheek by two women in black dresses outdoors near a lake and trees
A woman giving a speech or toast at an outdoor evening event, with guests seated at a table decorated with flowers and glassware, under string lights.
A large outdoor dinner party with many guests sitting at a long table, raising glasses for a toast, decorated with white flowers, candles, and ambient string lights at dusk.
A dinner party outdoors during evening, with guests seated at a long table decorated with flowers, candles, and glasses, under string lights, near a body of water with trees in the background.
A couple dancing closely on a checkered dance floor at night, under string lights at an outdoor event.
A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception during the evening, under warm string lights outside a venue with guest tables in the background.
A couple dancing at a nighttime wedding reception with string lights overhead, the woman in a white gown and the man in a white shirt with tattoos on his arms.
A couple dancing at a nighttime event with string lights hanging above. The woman is wearing a black sleeveless dress, and the man is dressed in a black shirt and black trousers. They are embracing on a black-and-white checkered dance floor.
People dancing and celebrating at a formal event or wedding reception, including two young girls in white dresses and several adults in formal attire.
A newlywed couple at a wedding reception, standing in front of a bar, smiling and holding drinks, with a floral arrangement and a sign that reads 'A toast to the good life' in the background.
Couple kissing at a wedding reception, holding drinks, with a bar and floral arrangement in the background.
A man and woman dressed formally, wearing sunglasses with the initials "J+M" and the date "04.17" on them, smiling and holding drinks at a celebration or wedding reception.
People dancing at a party with string lights, partygoers wearing sunglasses, and drinks in hand.
A group of people partying at night, with a woman wearing sunglasses and a woman smiling with a drink in her hand in the foreground.
A woman in a black dress taking a photo with a camera at an outdoor event during nighttime, with string lights hanging in the background.
A person in a white suit is cutting a wedding cake with intricate icing details while another person holds their hands. The cake has the words "Just Married" written on the top.
A bride and groom cutting their wedding cake at night under string lights, with candles on the table.
A black and white photo of a newlywed couple sharing a kiss at their wedding reception, surrounded by string lights and guests, with a wedding cake visible in the foreground.
Four men in formal attire, with some wearing white shirts and black ties or bow ties, at a lively event or party at night. The man in the center is wearing sunglasses with white text on the lenses, holding a drink and making a dynamic gesture.
A newlywed couple sharing a kiss at their wedding reception, with a wedding cake in the foreground, evening lighting, and string lights overhead.

Our Planning Standard

Every event by Love, Evermore Events is managed according to our Standard of Excellence: Our 5-Phase Planning Methodology. This ensures that your luxury celebration is handled with the same Google-certified project management and financial rigor we bring to every Charleston and Charlotte wedding.

Meet Your Charleston Area Lead Planner

Co-Founder of Love, Evermore Events, Certified Wedding Planner™, and your resident logistics, hospitality, and design gal based right here in the beautiful Carolinas.

I live and breathe at the intersection of jaw-dropping aesthetics, curated design, and flawless guest experiences. My secret weapon? Combining a decade of editorial design eye with the structural backbone of high-stakes project management and a deep-rooted passion for Southern hospitality. Translation: I make sure your celebration is a total visual masterpiece, your guests are pampered from the moment they arrive, and the timeline runs like a finely tuned machine behind the scenes.

I’m utterly dedicated to creating intentional, elevated experiences that feel luxurious, deeply welcoming, and never stuffy. To me, true hospitality means anticipating needs before they even arise. My ultimate goal is simple: I handle all the invisible details, fires, and logistics so that you, your family, and your favorite people can actually down a signature cocktail, hit the dance floor, and remain fully present for the best party of your lives.

When I'm not orchestrating dream days with a clipboard in one hand and a coffee in the other, you can find me exploring the newest culinary spots in Charleston or dreaming up our next big design layout. Let’s make some magic happen, y'all!

Let's Chat!
A smiling woman with a tattooed arm and a name tag that reads 'RICHELLE' is setting a table outdoors during daylight. She is dressed in a black uniform and is surrounded by decorated tables with white tableware, flowers, and candles, under string lights and large trees.