Custom Gown with Heirloom Accents Honors Family in the Lowcountry

Like many of our brides, Ruthie placed great value in family tradition — an admirable trait that shone through every aspect of her rustic riverfront wedding where she and Paul started their lives together.

Both the bride and groom’s families hail from the Atlanta area, and Paul’s mother wore an Anne Barge gown on her own special day. With such a close family connection to Atlanta, Ruthie knew that she would be an Anne Barge Bride. She visited our Atlanta atelier to find a dress that complemented their Kiawah Island wedding.

Ruthie was looking for a gown that was timeless yet comfortable and reflected her personal style. After trying-on a few gowns and not having any luck, Erin, the Director of Retail Operations at Anne Barge Atlanta, pulled the Naomi gown from the back.

Ruthie was among one of the first brides to try on Naomi, and it was love at first sight. The cascading fabric detail reminded her of a seashell, a perfect tie-in for the couple’s coastal nuptials. Ruthie worked with the atelier team to customize Naomi, adjusting the straps, neckline and lowering the back into a deep-V to show off her lovely freckles, which Paul adores.

To honor her family and add a personal touch to her gown, Ruthie collected a swatch of fabric from her mother’s wedding gown, lace from Paul’s mother’s veil, seed pearls from her grandmother’s wedding tiara, and a ribbon from her great-grandmother’s wedding skirt. These precious family heirlooms were used to create a small heart that adorned the inside of her dress by her left ankle.

On their special day, Ruthie and Paul celebrated their love at the intimate, laid-back Mingo Point venue on Kiawah Island. Reminiscent of summer camp, it was a sentimental choice for the couple, who met as camp counselors. The setting was decorated with pastel florals, blue patterns, and natural wood to create a black-tie atmosphere that embraced the venue’s natural beauty.

To complete the special night, Ruthie and Paul sipped champagne from a shared chalice, partaking in a century-old family tradition.

Wedding Venue - @kiawahresort

Coordination & design - @sarahlilliedesigns

Photography - @rebeccasigetyphotography

Florals - @festooncharleston

Hair/Makeup - @wildivorybeauty

Wedding Shoes - @manoloblanik