Erin Ford & Eric Callahan
February 22, 2020 • Caledonia Golf & Fish Club

The day that Erin married her prince, she also became the queen of the hearts of three sons. On February 22, 2020, Erin’s sons, 13-year-old Luke and 10-year-old Evan, walked her down the aisle, where her groom, Eric, and his best man and son, 8-year-old Eric, awaited. 

“It was a very personal service,” says Erin, “not only to unite Eric and me in matrimony, but to begin our new family with our sons, led by Eric’s pastor and friend since birth, Dr. Jim Mezick.”

Eric’s friends served as quite the liaisons in the couple’s love story, from start to this day forward. The two were first introduced by two of Eric’s lifelong friends, Abe and Austin White, in Eric’s hometown of North Myrtle Beach. Erin, originally from Florence, and Eric dated for the next two-plus years until Eric proposed, which Erin says was “private, heartfelt and emotional.” The couple’s wedding day would mirror that.

Held at the ethereal Caledonia Golf & Fish Club in Pawleys Island, their outdoor winter wedding was surrounded by a canopy of live oaks overhead and a guest list of family and special friends. Grand Strand Strings performed Winter by Vivaldi and Be Thou My Vision for the processional, the perfect soundtrack for the day. Guests then moved to a grand, ivory tent for the reception.

“It was a cold, sunny February day, which perfectly fit our vision and theme for the celebration: a warm, winter white forest,” says Erin. 

To capture that vision, gorgeous live tree centerpieces towered above ivory table linens. Additional forestry design elements included strands of live eucalyptus and ruscus garland, large glass stands and low chalices accented by white larkspur, curly willow, English roses, hydrangea and lisianthus, all warmed by the glow of votive candles placed throughout the tent. 
“Our inspiration was classic, comfortable elegance—if that is such a thing,” says Erin. “We wanted a light, yet warm, feeling for the reception.”

A trio of musicians playing jazz added more ambiance during cocktail hour; DJ Joe Durivage provided a fun medley of jazz, R&B, and beach and dance music for guests later in the evening. Passed hors d’oeuvres catered by The Oyster Rock included grilled Tandoori Chicken Satays, Scottish Smoked Salmon, and kid-friendly Pigs in a Blanket. Plus, a layout of fruits, charcuterie table, raw bar and more. For dinner, pork roulades, oysters Rockefeller, Shrimp Pirozhki puff pastries, mini crab cakes, lamb chops Dijon, wild mushroom Dijon, cups of she crab soup, and herb-crusted beef tenderloin from the carving station were all served. (Chicken tenders and potato chips were on the kids’ menu for the 40-plus children in attendance.)

Erin and Eric also catered to the kids—or kids at heart— there, with an artist on-hand drawing caricatures and a photo booth. 

What advice does Erin have for brides who want to seamlessly pull off an event like this?

“Enjoy the planning, and get a planner with whom you gel and feel comfortable,” she says. “It’s probably the biggest event you’ll host in your life, so make the most of it! And don’t second guess yourself. The day should really be about you and your fiancé (and children if you already have), so plan for the things that are most important and meaningful to you.”

Erin, a real estate agent with Iris & Howard, and Eric Callahan, who works in retail management at his family business, Callahan’s of Calabash, now live in North Myrtle Beach with their three sons and two dogs.

Key Vendors

Photographer: Scott Smallin
Venue: Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Planner: Events on the Half Shell
Catering: Kevin Caulfield, Executive Chef of The Oyster Rock
Makeup: Beauty by Christina Weeks
Florist/Decor: RSG Event Designs
Calligraphy/Programs: Bree Moore Design & Calligraphy  
Invitations/Printed Accessories: Ooh La La 
Ceremony Music: Grand Strand Strings
Cocktail Hour Music: Andrew Thielen Jazz Trio
Reception Music: DJ Joe Durivage
Artist: Callie Barfield
Photo Booth: Shutter Booth