If you’ve spent any time in Columbia, South Carolina at the end of August, you know that “surprisingly mild” isn’t exactly the first phrase that comes to mind. But Chandler and Andrew? They got lucky. Their wedding day at River Road & Jasmine Houses & Gardens in Columbia, South Carolina was absolutely perfect—the kind of weather that makes you forget summer in the South can feel like stepping into a sauna.
The First Look That Made Time Stop
Andrew spent the entire morning radiating nervous energy. But the moment he saw Chandler during their first look? Everything shifted.
Here’s the thing about first looks that nobody tells you: sometimes they’re so good that you completely lose track of time. Chandler and Andrew were so caught up in finally seeing each other that they forgot the world existed. They just wanted to talk, to be present, to soak in the reality that this was actually happening.
That’s exactly what first looks are supposed to be about—not the perfectly posed photos (though we got those too), but the moment when it’s just the two of you, no timeline pressure, just the pure relief of finally being together on the day you’ve been planning for months.
Blue Hydrangeas and Meaningful Choices
Chandler’s vision centered around gorgeous blue hydrangeas—romantic, timeless, and perfect for the garden setting at River Road & Jasmine Houses. But what really stood out was the intentionality behind every choice.
Instead of the traditional bouquet toss, Chandler dedicated her bouquet to her mom. These small rebellions against tradition—when they come from genuine meaning rather than obligation—create the moments we live to photograph. This wasn’t about what weddings are “supposed” to look like. This was about honoring the relationships that matter most.
Dance Floor Energy All Night
If there’s one thing that tells us a couple created a wedding day that reflected their energy, it’s when everyone stays on the dance floor all night. Chandler, Andrew, and their guests came to celebrate, and they committed to the bit. From the moment the music started until the very end, that dance floor was exactly where everyone wanted to be.
They ended the night with an exit to “Thunderstruck” that had everyone pumped up and celebrating. But before that final send-off? They carved out one more private moment together—a last dance, just the two of them, away from the crowd.
It’s that combination—the big, loud, joyful moments paired with the quiet, intimate ones—that creates a wedding day that actually feels complete.
The Takeaway
If you’re planning your own wedding and feeling pressure to do things a certain way, let Chandler and Andrew’s day be your reminder: the best weddings happen when you focus on what actually matters to YOU.
Want a first look to calm your nerves? Do it. Want to honor your mom instead of following a tradition that doesn’t resonate? Make that choice. Want to dance all night and end with a song that gets everyone hyped? Absolutely.
Your wedding day is the highlight reel of your love story—make sure it actually feels like YOUR story.
Vendor Love
Chandler and Andrew’s incredible day wouldn’t have been possible without this dream team:
Venue: River Road & Jasmine Houses & Gardens
Videography: Corey Koon Videography
Hair & Makeup: Lexington Roots Salon & Bridal
DJ: Dimensions Entertainment (DJ Streetz)
Bridal Gown: Jo-Lins Bridal
Photography: Samantha & Brady Creative
Planning a Columbia, South Carolina wedding? We’d love to hear about your vision and help you document your day exactly as it unfolds—authentically, beautifully, and unapologetically yours. Contact us.
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