Shelby & James

Despite helping her fiancé-to-be choose her ring, Shelby was still surprised when James finally popped the question after three years of dating! Surrounded by family and friends during Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles, Shelby said an enthusiastic yes, and the planning for their dream wedding began.

Considering they met at The Rock Church in Conway, S.C., it was fitting that their wedding venue was The Blessed Barn in Aynor. The pair were married, surrounded by a large gathering of family and friends, on October 24, 2021. The weather was perfect for an outdoor wedding, and the bride’s mother even surprised the pair by bringing along a violinist. The décor was romantic, with white roses, greenery, blue thistle and pampas grass expertly placed around the venue by Peony and Fig. The Vittles Wagon catered the event, and the cake was a creation by Bakeology with Court.

Perhaps the most important detail, though, were the white roses scattered about the ceremony. Initially, the bride planned on having her great grandmother as the flower girl. Unfortunately, she passed away this past January. In her memory, white roses (her great-grandmother's favorite flower) were tossed down the aisle by the flower girls. In addition, Shelby's great-grandmother's dress was wrapped around each of her bouquets and along with a pin holding her picture.

In memoriam of the bride's great-grandmother, who passed in January of this year, party favors included her delicious fig jelly recipe.

The ceremony was the perfect blend of sweet memories and happy new beginnings. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Hafner!