Macy + Trace by Leslie DeAnn Photography

We leaned into an old-world European romantic aesthetic.

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

We’ve been together for nearly five years, and while our careers are both in healthcare, it’s the life we’ve built outside of work that feels most like us. We share a deep love of travel and have spent the past few years exploring different corners of the world together. We love learning history, admiring architecture and art, and exploring regional cuisines. Some of our favourite moments, though, are closer to home, including weekend escapes to the beach, slow mornings at the farmers market, and discovering new favourite spots in our own town.

Food is woven into so much of what we love. We are always searching for the best local coffee shops wherever we go, trying new restaurants, or cooking together at home. Our home reflects that same creativity. Trace has a natural talent for cooking and gardening, while I enjoy baking and shaping our space through interior design.

We move through life at a similar pace. We are grounded yet curious, appreciative of the everyday while always dreaming a little beyond it. At the end of the day, it is the quiet, in-between moments that matter most, and we feel incredibly grateful to be building a life together that feels both intentional and inspired.

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

We met in North Carolina while we were both in medical training. Like many modern love stories, it started on Hinge. Our first date was simple: sitting at a bar, talking for hours, and quickly losing track of time. There was an ease to it from the very beginning.

We realised early on how much we had in common, especially in our upbringings. As the oldest siblings in large families, we shared a similar sense of responsibility, independence, and values, which created an immediate understanding between us. That foundation of shared experience made it feel familiar in a way that was hard to ignore.

I was immediately drawn to Trace’s intelligence and the way he lights up when talking about his interests and ideas. He has a depth of curiosity and an understanding of how things work that is genuinely impressive to listen to, and I found myself wanting to learn more from the very beginning.

In Trace’s words, I was drawn to Macy’s charm and magnetic personality. She often describes herself as an introvert, but there is a quiet confidence and warmth to her that makes her incredibly easy to talk to and even easier to be around. She has a way of captivating an entire room without trying.

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).

We really loved the charming low-country appeal of our venue. It has a natural romantic quality that feels timeless and effortless, with a sense of calm that sets the tone for the weekend. We wanted the experience to feel like a peaceful escape for our guests, where everyone could gather and slow down together.

For the design, we leaned into an old-world European romantic aesthetic that complemented the setting while adding layers of texture and detail. We used lace linens to bring softness to the tables, paired with the glow of candlelight through candelabras to create warmth and ambience.

Organic elements like fresh fruit were woven into the tablescapes to add a sense of abundance and a “gathered-from-the-garden” feeling.

The florals were intentionally muted but rich in tone and texture to add depth. Everything was designed to feel slightly undone in the most elegant way. We wanted it to feel like an intimate dinner party where the focus remained on connection, atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the venue.

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

We each found joy in different parts of the process. Macy loved designing and developing the concept for the ceremony and reception. Trace, on the other hand, thoroughly enjoyed visiting the venue and, of course, the food tastings.

Our biggest piece of advice is to truly embrace the process. It’s easy to get caught up in logistics or feel overwhelmed, but it’s such a unique and fleeting season of life. Try to stay present and enjoy it together, because the wedding day itself passes incredibly quickly. When you look back, it won’t be the stress you remember but rather the experience of creating something meaningful side by side.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

We were very fortunate with our vendors, and each played a meaningful role in bringing our vision to life. Food was always a priority for us, and the culinary experience at Montage Palmetto Bluff was excellent. It was important to us that our guests felt taken care of and that the dining experience felt thoughtful and elevated.

Our photographer, Leslie, was also a standout. She captured the day in a way that felt natural, emotive, and timeless. Looking through our photos, we’re immediately transported back to how everything felt in those moments. They’re something we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives.

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

My gown was by Pnina Tornai, and I found it at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. It was actually the very first dress I tried on. My mom, grandmother, sister, and I made a special weekend out of it, visiting several boutiques and trying on so many beautiful gowns. I remember loving other dresses as well, including a very close second, but I kept coming back to that first one. It had a classic yet structured quality that felt both timeless and striking in a way I could not stop thinking about.

I knew I wanted the look to feel soft and romantic, with small, intentional details that made it feel personal. I had custom gloves and a veil made from the same lace as the dress, which added a sense of cohesion and old-world romance, giving the look a more considered, editorial feel. In a bit of a twist of fate, my dress arrived very late, and I never had a single fitting or alterations, but somehow it fit perfectly, which still feels surreal.

One of the most meaningful parts of my look was wearing my grandmother’s vintage earrings. It added such a sentimental layer to the day and made me feel close to her in a really special way.

Trace wore an ivory tuxedo jacket from Bonobos, paired with a black bow tie and black Cayman boots from Tecovas, which added a subtle but distinctive personal touch that felt very true to him.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

Macy’s engagement ring is a fully custom three-stone design, centred around an emerald-cut diamond with two smaller emerald-cut side stones. It’s set on a gold band with a delicate hidden halo. We both love the timelessness of the emerald cut and three-stone setting; it feels both classic and architectural.

For our wedding bands, we wanted something that complemented the engagement ring without overpowering it. We went with pieces that felt simple, refined, and enduring. Trace opted for a 6mm wire-brushed gold band with “forever yours” and our wedding date engraved on the inside.

Macy went for a gold band with alternating baguette and round-cut diamonds

What were 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?).

Food and photography were two areas we felt strongly about investing in. We both love food and wanted our guests to have an experience that felt thoughtful, abundant, and memorable, where the quality of the meal was just as meaningful as the atmosphere surrounding it.

Photography was equally important to us. We knew that long after the day had passed, our photos would be what remained and what we, along with future generations, would return to over and over again. Investing in someone who could capture the emotion, the details, and the atmosphere in a way that felt natural, timeless, and thoughtful was incredibly important to us, and something we never questioned prioritising.

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

Without a doubt, the ceremony stands out as the most meaningful moment for both of us. It felt incredibly sacred and emotional. The ceremony was officiated by Macy’s family’s pastor, a close family friend whom she has known her entire life. We intentionally kept our guest list intimate, and being surrounded by only our closest loved ones created an overwhelming sense of warmth and love in the chapel.

Another moment we’ll always hold onto was later that night, once everything had quieted down. We spent time together reflecting on the day, reading private vows, and simply sitting in the feeling of it all. It was such a peaceful and grounding way to end such a full and emotional day, still feeling completely overwhelmed in the best way.

What does being married mean to you, and are there any special rituals you have that you would like to share?

To us, marriage means building a life together that feels fulfilling, supportive, and deeply aligned. There’s a sense of comfort in knowing you have a constant in one another, no matter what life brings.

We’ve always valued quality time together, and that’s something we continue to prioritise.

Whether it’s drinking our morning coffees, cooking dinner at home, working on a home project, or travelling across the world together, those shared experiences help keep us connected. They remind us that the foundation of our relationship is not just in the milestones, but in the everyday moments we create together.