Kim & Chip’s romance (and now their Southern black & white wedding!) all came to be with a little help from Man’s best friend.
We like to say that Chip’s sweet dog, Henry, had a hand in bringing us together.
Kim (The Bride)
The couple’s paths first intertwined during two brief meetings, both of which they played with Henry together, and officially connected on a dating app after Kim recognized Henry in Chip’s profile photo. A shared adoration of Henry steadily grew into a love for one another. Bonding over their love of wine and bourbon, traveling, and making new memories together, Chip eventually popped the question on a rainy day during a trip with friends to Lexington, Kentucky. Kim recalls, “…He took that moment to bring a little needed sunshine to my day and everyone’s day!”
Their southern black & white wedding was classy, elegant, and charming all wrapped into one! Set at the historic gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion in Columbia, South Carolina, the day was filled with odes to family members, southern traditions, two cakes, and so much love. Of course, Chip’s dog Henry also made an appearance!
More details on Kim and Chip’s love story and their beautiful southern black & white wedding below.
- Couple: Kim and Chip Crafton
- Occupations: Kim is the Director of Marketing & Air Service Development at an airport and Chip is in emergency medicine.
Quick Facts:
- Wedding date: October 30, 2021
- Wedding location: Hampton-Preston Mansion, Columbia, SC
- What gifts did y0u give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen: Chip gave his groomsmen feather bow ties and Kim gave her girls (all 17 of them!) gifts at the bachelorette party. They were monogram canvas tote bags filled with water sandals, lip gloss, Turkish towel, candy, water bottles and other goodies! The maid of honor got a few extra things!
- Gifts for one another: Kim gave Chip a nice bottle of bourbon and a bible with a note. Chip gave her a signet ring with their new crest on it.
- Ceremony entrance song: “Love Like This” by Lauren Daigle
- First dance song: One Man Band
Wedding style & attire…
We wanted a classic, Southern wedding with an elevated experience. We did all the flowers and decor in black, white and greenery. It was stunning.
How they met…
We like to say that Chip’s sweet dog, Henry, had a hand in bringing us together. After two, brief, in-person meetings – seeing and playing with Henry both times, Chip and I officially connected on a dating app. Chip’s profile picture – a picture of Henry! I knew I had to swipe right.
The ceremony…
Here comes the bride…
The proposal…
We were on a trip with friends to Lexington, KY to attend Keeneland – something Chip and his family did regularly growing up – and we went on a full day bourbon tour. After being in and out of the rain all day, Chip and I were so excited about the last stop since it was our favorite distillery – Woodford Reserve. When we got there a few of the things we really wanted our friends to see were closed. I told Chip that we should wrap up and just go back to the hotel – clearly a bit disappointed. But in true Chip fashion, he took that moment to bring a little needed sunshine to my day and everyone’s day! He took me out on the porch and got down on one knee!
Cultural elements…
Being Christians, we took communion together after our vows. We wanted this special meal and moment to be the first act we did as a married couple. Ensuring that Christ not only remained at the center of our marriage but also the center of the ceremony and that day was very important to us. It was a public profession of how we planned to walk into marriage together. Additionally, because we were getting married at a historic site in Columbia, SC where enslaved Africans once lived and worked, we made a point to include this history on the back of our program. We wanted our guests to know that it was not our intent to ever overlook or “try to mask” the reality of our history, my history, and the history of the place.
The cake…
Boozy details…
A southern tradition…
We also buried the bourbon as a touch of Southern Culture.
Best wedding day memory…
Our last dance. We invited all of our wedding guests to meet us at the front of the house. While they were making their way to the front, we hung back for one more dance. This was just so special to be on the dance floor, in our wedding setting – just us! One of my favorite memories of the day for sure.
Advice for other engaged couples…
Stop often throughout the day and just take it all in. I even said, “Look around at our family and friends.” Or “Remember this moment right here…” So much is happening on the day of your wedding. Stopping and really taking it all in is really special and will help solidify this very special day forever.
Looking for more southern black & white wedding inspiration?
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Vendors:
- Band/Ceremony Musicians: Station Seven Band
- Bridal Attire: Evelyn’s of Lugoff
- Cake Baker: Bonnie Brunt Cakes
- Catering/Bartending: Southern Way Catering
- Florist: American Floral
- Groomsmen attire: Jos. A Banks
- Hair Stylist: John T. Elliott
- Lighting: Ambient Media
- Makeup Artist: TamGee Artistry Studio LLC, Tamekia Geer
- Photographer: Taylor Rae Photography
- Programs: Calabash Card Co.
- Rentals: Crisp Event Rentals & Party Reflections
- Stationery: By Farr Graphic Design
- Venue: Historic Columbia
- Wedding Planner: Meagan Warren Weddings
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