Isabella + Brendan by Katie Dewald Photography - Together Journal

Everything about the day felt effortless, heartfelt, and uniquely ours.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’re originally from Baltimore, Maryland, but our journey has taken us through Nashville, Tennessee, and now to beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. I work as an operating room nurse, a career that constantly challenges me and keeps me grounded in purpose. Brendan works in social media marketing, where his creativity and love for storytelling shine. Together, we balance fast-paced careers with a love for exploring new places, trying local food, and soaking up the charm of every city we call home. The heart of our little family is Hazel, our sweet rescue hound, who keeps us laughing and brings so much love into our lives. From city sidewalks to beach walks, she’s always along for the ride. Life has been an adventure, and we’re grateful for the people, places, and pup that make it all so meaningful.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We’re high school sweethearts, and our story began during our sophomore year in Baltimore, Maryland. From the moment we met, there was an instant connection—love at first sight, as cliché as it might sound. Through every milestone, move, and new chapter, we’ve grown together, side by side. It’s rare to find someone who knows your heart from the very beginning, and we feel incredibly lucky to have found that in each other so early in life. Our journey together has shaped who we are, and we continue to fall in love in new ways every day.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

As soon as we met we knew, even as early as our teenage selves. We have been together for over 10 years.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

The theme was a Spring Lowcountry Garden Party—light, joyful, and full of Southern charm. We chose simple white tablecloths to let the colors around them shine, and served Home Team BBQ for a laid-back, delicious touch that felt true to us. The florals were mismatched and whimsical, gathered in an array of colors and textures that felt like a garden in full bloom. Our bridesmaids wore vibrant, colorful dresses that reflected the season and their personalities—no two alike, but all beautifully cohesive. It was a celebration full of warmth, laughter, and love, set beneath swaying Spanish moss and golden spring light. Everything about the day felt effortless, heartfelt, and uniquely ours.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

Our venue was naturally stunning and needed very little to make it feel magical. Towering trees draped in Spanish moss created a dreamy, romantic backdrop that felt effortlessly Southern. We kept the décor simple, letting the natural beauty of the space shine through. Soft string lights twinkled overhead as the sun set, adding just the right touch of warmth and glow. And the Charleston spring weather was everything we’d hoped for—mild, breezy, and perfect for an outdoor celebration. It truly felt like the setting itself was part of the story, and in many ways, it stole the show.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

One of our favorite parts of the wedding planning process was venue shopping. We turned it into something fun instead of stressful—an excuse for a mini adventure together. After each visit, we made a point to go out for a nice brunch or dinner, turning the day into a date. It gave us time to talk things over, enjoy each other’s company, and make some great memories along the way. Our advice to other couples? Make venue hunting part of the celebration. You’ll never regret adding a little joy to the process!

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

Brendan wore a classic black Calvin Klein tux. My dress was actually not a wedding dress at all. I found it while shopping on King Street in Charleston and I knew it was the one. Off-white, ruffles, a floral rosette and low back paired with a custom veil. I played with color for our rehearsal dinner. A Khaite cornflower blue slip dress accompanied by an elongated scarf draped down the back.

What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

For me, it was definitely the outfits—I’ve always loved fashion, so getting to coordinate my looks for the big day was an absolute dream. From choosing the dress to styling every detail, it was one of the parts I enjoyed most. Brendan, on the other hand, had his heart set on an outdoor venue with natural beauty, and that was where he wanted to splurge. He envisioned a space that didn’t need much—just open air, beautiful surroundings, and a setting that spoke for itself. In the end, both of our visions came together perfectly, and we got to create a day that reflected who we are, individually and as a couple.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

The weather on our wedding day was absolutely perfect—cool, breezy, and just what we had hoped for. But that breeze had one small downside: it kept knocking over the bud vases we had carefully placed on each table. It was a bit of a challenge, but my incredible mother-in-law swooped in and saved the day. She quickly ran to buy sand and filled each vase so they wouldn’t tip over in the wind. It was one of those unexpected, behind-the-scenes moments that turned into a sweet memory. We couldn’t have pulled it off without her, and it definitely added a fun story to tell!