A FAMILY AFFAIR

Celebrating love at Hibernian Hall

BY ELIZABETH PANDOLFI | KING STREET PHOTO WEDDINGS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHEL BERDA

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Ryanne Dodds and Tyler Chaplin
February 8, 2014
Citadel Summerall Chapel and Hibernian Hall
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When Ryanne Dodds and Tyler Chaplin began planning their wedding, they knew it would have to be a celebration of more than just the two of them. It would be a celebration of family, too.

The couple met at Ryanne’s uncle’s birthday party and spent much of their courtship hanging out with each other’s parents, siblings and extended families. Tyler even proposed at a family birthday party for Ryanne. So when it came to choosing a reception venue, the couple knew exactly what they wanted: Hibernian Hall. The historic hall had been the site of Ryanne’s parents’ wedding reception, so it would set a beautiful theme of love, family and continuity—especially since Ryanne chose to wear her mother’s wedding dress.

The couple worked closely with Ryanne’s mother, Debbie Dodds, to plan the event without the help of a wedding coordinator. Instead, they relied heavily on their photographer, Michel Berda. “Tyler and I wanted to be able to truly enjoy such an incredible time in our lives with all of our friends and family,” Ryanne says. “Michel was most definitely essential in making our dream of a perfect wedding become a reality.”

The couple wanted a timeless, elegant look for their special day, starting with the bride’s and groom’s attire: Tyler and his nine groomsmen (including two junior groomsmen) wore full black tails, perfectly complementing the bride’s delicate heirloom gown and white elbow-length gloves. Ryanne and her 10 bridesmaids carried bouquets of white hydrangeas and white roses by Frederick’s Florist.

The couple tied the knot at the Citadel’s intimate Summerall Chapel before heading to the hall, where guests enjoyed a delicious spread featuring Southern-inspired dishes like fried green tomato wedges, mac ‘n’ cheese bites, and Lowcountry shrimp ‘n’ grits by Hamby Catering. Ryanne and Tyler chose a palette of ivory and gold, giving their reception a warm, classic feel.

The tables were decorated with simple centerpieces of white hydrangeas and curly willow. And when it was time to party, the Permanent Vacation Band got everyone on the dance floor.

The Chaplins both agree that the evening couldn’t have been more perfect. “My husband and I will truly cherish our photographs and our wedding memories for years to come,” Ryanne says.

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Catering by Hamby Catering. Cake by Carolina Cake Queen. Flowers by Frederick’s Florist. Greenery by Plants Alive LLC. Rentals by Snyder Events. Entertainment by Permanent Vacation Band. Transportation by Matt Miller, Coastal Limo & Taxi. Bridal gown: heirloom. Hair and makeup by Michelle at MAC Cosmetics in Mount Pleasant.
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