Well, we are just over the moon that Francesca and Justin’s Vow Renewal was featured over on none other than Martha Stewart Weddings.
For Francesca and Justin—who were married on October 18, 2008—their ten-year anniversary marked a decade of change. “We tested the ‘in sickness’ and ‘in health’ part of our vows a little too soon,” says Francesca of the early days of their relationship (part of which involved Justin, a U.S. Marine, being deployed to Iraq). “It was about time we celebrate ‘in health’ and ‘in good times,’ not just for our love of each other but our accomplishments as a couple.”
Exactly ten years after their wedding, which took place in the couple’s hometown of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the couple decided to renew their vows in a private ceremony on the grounds of Wingate Plantation in Johns Island, South Carolina. The ceremony was followed by cocktails and dinner outdoors for 40 of their closest family members and friends. The “bohemian glam” event clearly benefitted from the couple’s professional lives—they co-own event furniture rental company 428 Main and Francesca works as a wedding planner for Pure Luxe Bride. The affair incorporated rich, jewel-toned flowers, crystal chandeliers hung from decades-old oak trees, and gold accents.
While the couple kept some of the same elements they chose for their wedding, they also introduced new details that modernized the feel of the event. The party also gave them the chance to celebrate with friends both old and new. “We got married so young and both have grown so much in the ten years we’ve been together,” said Francesca. “To us, it was more than just a party—it was renewing the vows that brought us so close together and it was celebrating with our closest friends and family, some who didn’t even know us ten years ago.” Justin agrees: “It was our way of sharing our love story with those that have grown with us over the last ten years and reconfirming our love for one another.”
Photography: The Happy Bloom
Location: Wingate Plantation
Event Planning: Pure Luxe Bride
Catering: Lewis Barbecue
Flowers: Petaloso
Videography: Dock House Digital
Stationery: Shutterfly
Calligraphy: J. Lily Design
Music: The Charleston Wedding Band
Rentals: 428 Main; EventWorks; OOH Events
Bride’s Gown: Monique Lhullier
Bride’s Accessories: Sandler’s
Hair and Makeup: Pampered and Pretty
Groom’s Accessories: The Knotty Tie pocket square, Weiss Watch Company timepiece
Lighting: Charleston Uplighting
Bar Service: Squeeze
Painter: Wed on Canvas
Waffle Pops: Holy City Waffles
Wedding and Engagement Rings: Blair Brothers Goldsmith
