When brainstorming venue locations, the couple knew they wanted to showcase their Lowcountry roots. To achieve their vision, they worked with photographer Mo Davis, who helped them compose a team of vendors capable of realizing the depth of storytelling that the couple was hoping to produce. Davis recruited wedding planner Michelle Norwood to ensure each guest’s experience was seamlessly coordinated, Joy Proctor to design the weekend, and Kelsey Willis of Grey and Cake for the stationery.
To honor South Carolina’s coastal culture, and Houston’s love for her “pearl in a sea of muddy oysters” (an early nickname she gave Ade), the couple knew an oyster roast was the perfect way to kick off the weekend with their guests. Houston wore a Dries Van Noten sleeveless gown from the designer’s final womenswear collection which embodied the theme of regality with its shimmering foliage embroidery, draped skirt, high neckline, and princess seams. Lowcountry musician Dean St. Hiliare serenaded guests all evening long, while the tables were adorned by Blossom Bay with silver platters topped with local vegetables from Houston’s grandparents’ farm including okra, collard greens, and the local persimmons from Houston’s childhood memories.
Houston collaborated with stylist Lisa Von Weise on the rest of her wedding day looks. Going into the design process, the bride knew two things: she wanted her looks to feel classic and timeless, and she wanted to incorporate lace into every piece to honor a tradition shared by her mother and grandmother on their wedding days. “One of the most rewarding and unforgettable processes that I experienced was designing my wedding gown with Alison Miller, owner of Monvieve,” says the bride. “Her knowledge of fabric, quality, and tailoring is unparalleled.” She worked closely with Alison to add French Chantilly lace underneath, using a couture process, to create a high neckline and long sleeves, ultimately making it more appropriate for a chapel setting. Meanwhile, Ade wore a custom Grey Clothiers black tuxedo with an ivory vest, Tom Ford Edgar patent leather loafers, and pearl cufflinks.
A formal, traditional ceremony inside a chapel was also a must for the couple, who both grew up playing an active role in their churches, and when guests arrived at Somerset Chapel they were greeted with lush, seasonal arrangements of white florals and a custom chandelier draped in greenery. The ceremony began with a wedding party processional to “The Swan” by Camille Saint-Saëns played live by the Kiral Artists’ string trio, and was officiated by South Carolina congressman, high-ranking House Democrat, and longtime friend of Houston’s family, James Clyburn, who weaved in playful banter that nodded to his deep connection with the family. The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father, who then hugged Ade. “I think what helped the most was that we shared our vows privately before the ceremony,” says Houston. “After we shared our vows, my entire focus was on having the best time with Ade and I forgot about everything else.” Former Presiding Elder Eddie Gadsden provided a brief sermon and prayer, and the Hallelujah singers led the recessional with “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “Oh Happy Day” before the couple was chauffeured away in a Rolls Royce Corniche to the River House for cocktail hour and dinner.
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