Chandler, a non-profit lawyer, and Jared, an Air Force Veteran, met just after he returned from Afghanistan in August 2011. After a few chance meetings and a couple of events they both attended, they had their first date in September 2011 and have been together ever since. Jared proposed on the second floor balcony of the William Aiken House while they were both in formal dress for Charleston School of Law’s Barrister’s Ball. The wedding took place at Harborside East on the Charleston Harbor. They planted a bottle of bourbon at the venue to ward off inclement weather, and got their wish with a beautiful autumn day. The ceremony was officiated by a good friend and the bride walked down the aisle to “You Are My Sunshine,” the favorite song of her maternal grandparents who have passed away. Chandler’s bouquet was wrapped with the cuff from her mother’s wedding dress. A cocktail hour followed the wedding, which had a turquoise, silver and plum color scheme. Instead of a traditional cake, the pair chose pecan pies and a carrot cake. Instead of tossing her bouquet, the bride gave flowers to a special couple who was having their 33rd wedding anniversary that night. The exited to sparklers, leaving the venue in a 1940s vintage Dodge. The couple lives in North Charleston.

Photograph by Carmen Ash of Carmen Ash Photography