There’s something about a wedding at Middleton Place that feels both grand and grounded at the same time. The gardens, the water, the history—it all creates a setting that’s undeniably beautiful, but also incredibly peaceful. Brent and Kristen traveled from Tennessee to Charleston with their closest friends and family to experience exactly that. And like many summer weddings in the Lowcountry, their day came with a little bit of everything—including passing storms, soft rain, and moments of clearing skies that made the entire day feel even more alive.

A Wedding Morning at The Inn at Middleton Place

The morning began at The Inn at Middleton Place, where Kristen and her bridesmaids got ready overlooking the property. Wide windows, open light, and storm clouds slowly rolling in created a quiet kind of anticipation. It was one of those mornings that felt full in the best way—laughter, prayer, and the kind of closeness that comes from being surrounded by people who know you deeply. Kristen was radiant. Fully present. Taking it all in.


A First Look Beneath the Oaks (Even in the Rain)

Brent and Kristen chose to do a private first look in the gardens, tucked beneath the oaks near one of the smaller lakes.

They read their vows together there—just the two of them. As they began, a light drizzle started to fall. And instead of rushing or pivoting, they stayed. They had just enough time to read every word—emotional, honest, and completely their own—before laughing and running back toward the golf cart as the rain picked up. Moments like this are why I always encourage flexibility. Some of the most meaningful parts of a wedding day happen when you lean into what’s happening instead of trying to control it.


A Garden Ceremony in the Octagonal Garden

As summer storms moved through, the timeline shifted naturally—but Middleton Place gives you room for that. By the time guests made their way to the Octagonal Garden, the rain had cleared just enough for an outdoor ceremony overlooking the water. It felt earned in a way. The anticipation, the shifting weather, the quiet patience—it all built into a ceremony that felt even more meaningful.


Making the Most of Every Moment Weather Included

One of the biggest advantages of a venue like Middleton Place is how much variety it offers within a single property. Between the oak-lined paths, Butterfly Lakes, open lawns, and historic structures, there’s always somewhere to go—and always beautiful light to work with. Brent and Kristen used every break in the weather to step away for portraits. We moved through the gardens slowly—letting the day unfold instead of forcing it—capturing moments as they came. Dancing near the water. Laughing in the drizzle. Taking in the stillness between storms. It never felt rushed.


A Pavilion Reception to Close the Night

Following the ceremony, guests gathered at the Pavilion for the reception. As the weather cleared, the entire evening opened up—gelato being passed around, music picking up, and a dance floor that didn’t slow down. It felt like a true celebration. Relaxed, joyful, and completely centered around being together.


Why Middleton Place is Ideal for a Charleston Wedding

If you’re planning a wedding in Charleston, weather is always part of the conversation. And honestly—that’s not a bad thing. Venues like Middleton Place are designed for it. With multiple ceremony locations, covered options, open gardens, and seamless transitions between spaces, it allows your day to adapt without losing its feeling. And in many ways, it adds to it.


Drone Photography at Middleton Place

One of the most unique ways to capture Middleton Place is from above. The geometry of the gardens, the waterways, and the scale of the property all come to life through drone imagery. It adds a completely different perspective to your wedding gallery—one that shows not just the moments, but the place itself.


Planning a Middleton Place Wedding in Charleston

If you’re drawn to a setting that feels historic, expansive, and naturally beautiful, Middleton Place is one of the most iconic venues in Charleston. It offers:

  • a variety of ceremony locations (including the Octagonal Garden)
  • reception options like the Pavilion
  • on-site accommodations at The Inn
  • and a setting that feels both elevated and relaxed


And most importantly—it gives you the flexibility to enjoy your day, no matter what unfolds.


Middleton Place Wedding Vendors

Venue: Middleton Place

Getting Ready: The Inn at Middleton Place

Videographer: Jadyn Alexa Films

Dress: Danielle Frankel Bridal

Dress Shop: The Dress Theory Nashville

Accessories: Elegant Alterations

Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson

Groom’s Suit: The SuitShop

Bridesmaid Dresses: Selfie Leslie

Hair & Makeup: Silhouette On Site

Florals: Sweetleaf Floral

Planner: Tara LeClaire Weddings

Rings: Kneucraft

Cake: Hannah Delaccio

Catering: Middleton Place

DJ: Dream Day DJs

Rentals: Simply Elegant Charleston


Charleston Wedding Photographer for Middleton Place Weddings

If you're planning a Middleton Place wedding and want a photographer who can navigate every part of the day with a calm, steady approach—especially when weather shifts—I’d love to connect.


Now booking 2026–2027 weddings in Charleston, Florida, and coastal destinations.

Inquire Here
Elegant white satin wedding dress with spaghetti straps hanging on wooden hanger in rustic wood-paneled room.
A floral arrangement in a glass vase with trailing greenery on a wooden pedestal stand against a wood-paneled wall.
Smiling bride in white gown sitting on chair, adjusting her shoe, with floral arrangement in background.
Elegant outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs, floral arrangements, and umbrellas beneath a grand oak tree.
Bride and groom walking hand-in-hand on garden path, she in white gown with bouquet, he in black tuxedo.
Elegant floral arrangement featuring a white rose, purple hydrangeas, lavender bells, and green anthurium leaves.
Bride and groom walk hand-in-hand down a scenic garden path, bride in white gown holding bouquet, groom in black tuxedo.
Bride and groom walk through cheering wedding party raising white bouquets under moss-draped oak trees.
Wedding party gathered under a grand live oak tree draped with Spanish moss on lush green grounds.
Black and white photo of a smiling bride in a white spaghetti strap wedding gown, standing indoors.
Elegant floral bouquet with cascading greenery displayed on a vintage wooden pedestal stand against warm wood-paneled wall.
Elegant bridal flat lay with purple floral bouquet, white lace heels, Jo Malone perfume, and jewelry on antique wooden dresser.
Historic brick plantation house with Spanish moss-draped oak trees and lush green lawn in the American South.
Lush green lawn beside a calm pond with Spanish moss-draped oak trees in a serene Southern landscape.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom sharing a kiss on a garden path with trees and a lake in the background.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand across lush green lawn beside a reflective pond with historic brick building backdrop.
Black and white photo of bride running across open field in flowing white wedding gown.
Bride in white gown and groom in black tuxedo stand together on green lawn with historic brick building backdrop.