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  • Articles
  • Tying the Knot
  • August 2020

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Creativity During COVID

Love never fails

By Muffie Vardell Wells

Krista Potthast and Lawrence Gressette were married on their originally planned wedding date of May 16 by Susan Heath at noon outside Keenan Chapel, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Engaged for 16 months, they could not wait another day! The family enjoyed an al fresco garden reception at the couple’s new home using Krista’s grandmother’s wedding china and her great-grandmother’s handstitched linens. Photography by Landon Jacob Photography

Beginning in mid-March, COVID-19 created extreme challenges for planned nuptials. As our world shifted to a new normal, ceremonies were cancelled or relocated as churches closed. Receptions had to be postponed, flowers repurposed, and wedding attire stored. Many engaged couples who did not want to wait for the pandemic to die down instead got creative. Months of planning to become Mr. and Mrs. shifted to last minute, specialized services for reciting their vows. As the backdrops changed, intimate family gatherings and outdoor backyard weddings “zoomed” into focus. Small brunches and dinners, flowers from friends, folding chairs, and postponed honeymoons were welcomed by the bride and groom. Why wait another day!

We celebrate seven uniquely special Columbia newlyweds with snapshots of how they tied the knot in 2020. Two of our featured couples came in right under the wire and were able to enjoy their full planned wedding festivities just before the shutdown, and the other five marked a lifetime memory a bit differently than originally designed. Incredible joy was the common denominator in each momentous occasion. 

Mary Etta Castles and Edward Able enjoyed a backyard wedding on May 9 at the home of the bride’s parents, Libby Lee and Guy Castles. Special memories include a cross made by her brother, Guy, of timber from the family farm, the first dance on the patio, and the cake cutting next to her childhood playground. Photography by Karlyrichardson.com
Mary Etta Castles and Edward Able enjoyed a backyard wedding on May 9 at the home of the bride’s parents, Libby Lee and Guy Castles. Special memories include a cross made by her brother, Guy, of timber from the family farm, the first dance on the patio, and the cake cutting next to her childhood playground. Photography by Karlyrichardson.com
Nathalie Matthews and Michael Bartlett’s beautiful waterside wedding was April 4. Nathalie says she was lucky because the change in plans enabled her to marry Michael 35 days sooner than originally scheduled. They hope to follow the nuptials with a wedding blessing and celebration in the fall.
Nathalie Matthews and Michael Bartlett’s beautiful waterside wedding was April 4. Nathalie says she was lucky because the change in plans enabled her to marry Michael 35 days sooner than originally scheduled. They hope to follow the nuptials with a wedding blessing and celebration in the fall.
The March 14 wedding venue for Kristy Greenfield and Guy Castles was the lovely Boone Hall Plantation in Charleston. In attendance was Kristy’s beloved dog, Dawson, who has been there since the beginning of their romance. The couple was fortunate to slip in a weeklong honeymoon to St. Lucia just before the COVID-19 shutdowns ensued. Photography by Priscilla Thomas Photography
The March 14 wedding venue for Kristy Greenfield and Guy Castles was the lovely Boone Hall Plantation in Charleston. In attendance was Kristy’s beloved dog, Dawson, who has been there since the beginning of their romance. The couple was fortunate to slip in a weeklong honeymoon to St. Lucia just before the COVID-19 shutdowns ensued. Photography by Priscilla Thomas Photography
Georgia Theodore and James Williams tied the knot on May 16 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The bride’s parents, Elyse and Drew Theodore, hosted an intimate 5 p.m. reception and dinner following the ceremony. Since Georgia and James come from large Greek and Italian families, this was unique as they never have small gatherings! Photography by Captured by Camlin Photography
Georgia Theodore and James Williams tied the knot on May 16 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The bride’s parents, Elyse and Drew Theodore, hosted an intimate 5 p.m. reception and dinner following the ceremony. Since Georgia and James come from large Greek and Italian families, this was unique as they never have small gatherings! Photography by Captured by Camlin Photography
Mary Barringer Heath wed Capers Gamewell Barr, V, on Feb. 22 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. The reception following the 6 p.m. ceremony included unique fare of Heath Bars and corn dogs, as the bride’s father, J. Cantey Heath, Jr., is president of the South Carolina State Fair. Among the special guests was USC’s Cocky, who attended and danced with the bride! The couple resides in Mount Pleasant. Photography by Charlie Mather Photography
Mary Barringer Heath wed Capers Gamewell Barr, V, on Feb. 22 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. The reception following the 6 p.m. ceremony included unique fare of Heath Bars and corn dogs, as the bride’s father, J. Cantey Heath, Jr., is president of the South Carolina State Fair. Among the special guests was USC’s Cocky, who attended and danced with the bride! The couple resides in Mount Pleasant. Photography by Charlie Mather Photography
Casey Colbert and Ambrose “Bosie” Morris wed on April 4 at Grooms Cabin in rural Evans County, Georgia. The ceremony was officiated by Bosie’s lifelong friend and Columbia native Lucius Bullock. Photography by Evan Price Photography
Casey Colbert and Ambrose “Bosie” Morris wed on April 4 at Grooms Cabin in rural Evans County, Georgia. The ceremony was officiated by Bosie’s lifelong friend and Columbia native Lucius Bullock. Photography by Evan Price Photography

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