Articles

  • Home & Garden
  • Cocktail & Cuisine
  • Palmetto Business
  • Total Mind & Body
  • Inspiring Individuals
  • Sports & Outdoor Pursuits
  • Literature & History
  • Arts & Culture
  • Tying the Knot
  • From the Editor
  • Travel
  • Furry Friends

The Magazine

  • Subscribe or Renew
  • Advertise
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Events Calendar
  • Enewsletter

Professional Listings

  • Best of Columbia 2022
  • Best of Columbia Profiles
  • Financial Managers
  • Giving Guide
  • Head of the Class
  • Insurance Professionals
  • Premier Attorneys™
  • Premier Physicians™
  • Real Estate
  • Top Dentists
  • Veterinarians
  • Corporate Scene
  • Soda City Eats
Search
Contact| Advertise| Subscribe »
Subscribe »

Enjoy the magazine all year long!

Subscribe

Purchase a new subscription and qualify for $100 of fine dining, theater tickets and MORE!

Renew your subscription
Give a gift subscription
Sign up for our email newsletter
Where to Find a Copy

South Carolina's Premier Magazine

Est. 1990

  • Home & Garden
  • Cocktail & Cuisine
  • Business
  • Inspiring Individuals
  • Outdoor
  • The CMM Vault
  • More▼
    • Total Mind & Body
    • Literature & History
    • Arts & Culture
    • Tying the Knot
    • Travel
    • Furry Friends
    • Best of Columbia 2022
Search
| Subscribe »
  • Articles
  • Tying the Knot
  • July-August 2019

Share This:

Dancing on Water

The Westerkam wedding at Lake Murray

By Melissa Andrews

Photography by Lauren Jonas Photography

Billy is handsome in his Brackish bowtie, whispering in Erin’s ear during the first look. Erin is both classic and stylish in a halter gown from Maddison Row bridal salon in Charleston.

Erin Westerkam and Billy Padula knew early on that they were destined to be together. They began dating while at Irmo High School, having met in their International Baccalaureate classes, which were generally small and allowed students to get to know each other.

After graduation, still a couple, Erin went to Clemson University and Billy to Wofford College. They continued dating even as Erin began dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, and Billy entered Duke Law School in Durham, North Carolina.

A beautiful Lake Murray sunset was the backdrop for Erin and Billy Padula’s reception at Erin’s family home. The Westerkams’ majestic and picturesque location on the water and under the stars provided Erin’s dream, a casual yet elegant ambiance.
A beautiful Lake Murray sunset was the backdrop for Erin and Billy Padula’s reception at Erin’s family home. The Westerkams’ majestic and picturesque location on the water and under the stars provided Erin’s dream, a casual yet elegant ambiance.

Both lovers of seafood, particularly lobster, thanks to many family beach trips to Pawley’s Island where lobster was often on the menu, they decided to take a special trip to Maine. Neither Erin nor Billy had visited Maine previously, and Billy decided the trip was where he was going to ask Erin to be his bride. He proposed in the beautiful town of Kennebunkport, situated on the southern coast. The couple was engaged nine months before they graduated. In a whirlwind month of May 2018, less than a year later, they had graduated and were married. On May 12, Billy graduated from law school; on May 19, Erin graduated from dental school; and on May 26, the two were married. “It was a crazy May,” says Erin.

Erin and Billy held their 6:30 p.m. wedding ceremony at Salem United Methodist Church in Irmo, a stone’s throw from Erin’s family home, where they held the reception. Southern Valet shuttled more than 400 guests to Mandy and Danny Westerkam’s home on Lake Murray for a celebration on the water and under the stars. The Westerkams’ home, in fact, sits majestically on Lake Murray, providing a picture-perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding.

Erin and her mother, Mandy, enlisted the help of Meagan Warren to lead the wedding planning efforts. “Having Meagan plan the wedding was amazing,” says Mandy. “She was so calming and thought of everything, which allowed us all to focus on Erin, Billy, and the guests during the reception. We were really able to enjoy ourselves.”

Erin with her bridesmaids: Brandy McRae, Victoria DeCroes, Page Sheaks, Erin Westerkam Padula, Ivey Westerkam, Dana Westerkam, Colleen Rast, and Cassandra Staton Marshall.
Erin with her bridesmaids: Brandy McRae, Victoria DeCroes, Page Sheaks, Erin Westerkam Padula, Ivey Westerkam, Dana Westerkam, Colleen Rast, and Cassandra Staton Marshall.
Beautiful invitations with flowers from the reception are a romantic addition to the lovely wedding rings and earrings worn by the bride. The sapphire and diamond band was given to Erin’s mother, Mandy, by her father, Danny, on their 15th wedding anniversary.
Beautiful invitations with flowers from the reception are a romantic addition to the lovely wedding rings and earrings worn by the bride. The sapphire and diamond band was given to Erin’s mother, Mandy, by her father, Danny, on their 15th wedding anniversary.
The Westerkam family: Ivey, Mandy, Erin and Billy Padula, Danny, and Dana.
The Westerkam family: Ivey, Mandy, Erin and Billy Padula, Danny, and Dana.
The May 2018 wedding ceremony took place at Salem United Methodist Church in Irmo.
The May 2018 wedding ceremony took place at Salem United Methodist Church in Irmo.
Large bouquets of lovely pink and white peonies with garden and spray roses amid greenery are perfect complements to the bridal party.
Large bouquets of lovely pink and white peonies with garden and spray roses amid greenery are perfect complements to the bridal party.

Erin says Meagan’s assistance resulted in a stress free process. “Meagan was so helpful and made all of our visions come to life. It was such a great experience. Without her, it just wouldn’t have been the same.”

While Erin was at MUSC during the engagement and planning period, she and Billy both made every effort to return to Columbia to roll up their sleeves and prepare for their special day. Erin registered at non(e)such, where the team assisted in picking out china and accessories to fit the couple’s taste.

Mandy’s mother and Erin’s grandmother, Margaret Morris, hosted the bridal luncheon (catered by Kelly’s Cuisine) as well as the bridal party’s hair and makeup sessions by Debi Kelley, the Westerkam ladies’ favorite stylist. “It was so special to hold the luncheon at my mother’s,” says Mandy. “We didn’t have to travel far, and it was just a lovely afternoon.”

According to Mandy, Erin is casual and low maintenance, not expressing many requirements for the wedding. “My main goal for the entire wedding was simply for everyone to have a good time,” says Erin. “I wanted the ambiance to be casual and comfortable but still elegant and glamorous without being intimidating or stuffy.” 

Erin did have one special vision in mind for the reception. She wanted a dance floor over the pool. Since that was Erin’s only real request, Mandy wanted to make it a reality. “Meagan was excited to help us,” says Mandy. “We drew it out and worked with Party Reflections. We hadn’t seen this at a wedding before. It was beautiful, different, and really made a statement.”

“The dance floor was amazing,” Erin says. “It really elevated everything. We were so excited that it worked out. Everyone was so into it, and I think it got more people out on the dance floor.”

While the dance floor made a statement, the Westerkams’ outdoor space is a statement piece of its own. The landscape was truly transformed into a wedding wonderland. Because it had rained every day for two weeks prior to the wedding, plans for tents were a must. And while the sun came out on the couple’s wedding day, the main tent served as a beautiful focal point. The clear tent was placed over the pool and was strung with lights to provide a glowing ambiance.

Florist Karen Jeffcoat with Cote Design used a selection of organic and natural florals artistically placed throughout the reception venue.
Florist Karen Jeffcoat with Cote Design used a selection of organic and natural florals artistically placed throughout the reception venue.
Erin and her mother, Mandy, enlisted the help of Megan Warren to lead the wedding planning efforts. Outdoor seating is classically and tastefully tented lakeside.
Erin and her mother, Mandy, enlisted the help of Megan Warren to lead the wedding planning efforts. Outdoor seating is classically and tastefully tented lakeside.
Southern Way Catering’s presentation of spirits leaves nothing to be desired!
Southern Way Catering’s presentation of spirits leaves nothing to be desired!
The evening begins with passed hors d’oeuvres, including such culinary delights as short ribs, chicken tacos, burgers, and lamb chops.
The evening begins with passed hors d’oeuvres, including such culinary delights as short ribs, chicken tacos, burgers, and lamb chops.
Guests are treated to a bourbon and cigar bar on the dock’s gazebo.
Guests are treated to a bourbon and cigar bar on the dock’s gazebo.
Bonnie Brunt Cakes’ three-tiered confection features almond pound cake with almond buttercream on two layers and a lemon cake with strawberry frosting on the other.
Bonnie Brunt Cakes’ three-tiered confection features almond pound cake with almond buttercream on two layers and a lemon cake with strawberry frosting on the other.
After an evening of dancing and celebration, the couple leaves amid well-wishers and a spray of fireworks.
After an evening of dancing and celebration, the couple leaves amid well-wishers and a spray of fireworks.
After an evening of dancing and celebration, the couple leaves amid well-wishers and a spray of fireworks.
After an evening of dancing and celebration, the couple leaves amid well-wishers and a spray of fireworks.

Erin selected organic, natural florals. The florist, Cote Design by Karin Jeffcoat, created a stunning floral arbor under which arriving guests would walk. Lovely combinations of peonies, garden and spray roses, hellebores, and hydrangea were arranged throughout the reception space, all complemented with lush greenery. As guests arrived, they were greeted with a special Champagne cocktail and prelude music from EdgeWire Music, a modern string quartet.

In keeping with the couple’s love of seafood, caterer Southern Way kept a seafood and raw bar stocked. Short ribs, chicken tacos, macaroni and cheese, and many other hearty culinary delights were also available, including burgers for noshing in the pool house. The Westerkam family, known for their special homemade pizzas, served their unique blueberry bacon pizza as a tasty late-night snack. Bonnie Brunt Cakes created the stunning wedding cake, a three-tier culinary confection featuring an almond pound cake and almond buttercream on two layers and a lemon cake with strawberry frosting on the other layer. “Billy, Erin, and I all went to the tasting together,” says Mandy. “It was so much fun getting to sample all of the delicious creations.”

A testament to her casual elegance, Erin’s halter gown from Maddison Row bridal salon in Charleston was both classic and stylish. Erin’s wedding band is one of Mandy’s old wedding bands, a gift from her husband on their 15th anniversary. The stunning antique piece is designed with sapphires and diamonds. “I always wanted one of my daughters to wear this band,” says Mandy. “When Erin and Billy were considering wedding bands, they agreed this one looked like it was just made to go with her engagement ring.”

The wedding party was filled with family, from ushers and greeters to bridesmaids and groomsmen. The bridesmaids, including Erin’s two sisters, were elegantly refined in blush gowns, while the groomsmen wore formal tuxedos with Brackish bowties, a gift from Mandy and Danny. “Billy wasn’t quite sure how his groomsmen would feel about the feather bowties at first,” says Mandy. “But they were more formal and added a stylish touch to the tuxedos.”

Erin and Billy’s first dance was “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac. The lyrics, “I wanna be with you everywhere,” alluded to the couple’s plans to move to New York and begin their new lives. I Love This Band, from Atlanta, Georgia, kept the guests entertained, never taking a break throughout the evening. “They were fantastic!” says Mandy.

Guests were also treated to a bourbon and cigar bar on the dock’s gazebo. “My husband loves bourbon, and Billy is developing a pallet for it, so we thought this would be a fun, unique addition to the reception,” says Mandy. While Erin’s one request was the dance floor, having the bar on the gazebo was ultimately her favorite part of the evening. “The bourbon and cigars were so fun,” she says. “I loved looking out on the water, while the sun set, seeing all of these people from different parts of my life talking and mingling. The dance floor brought some fun, but the gazebo got people talking.”

The picturesque views from the lake were only made more stunning when the sun set during the reception. The lake also served as the backdrop for the couple’s departure. Erin’s uncle, Tom Chambers, picked up the newlyweds in a boat, driving off over the glassy water as guests bid them adieu. Fireworks sprayed the night sky in celebration of Erin and Billy, who then set out for their honeymoon in Saint Lucia.

“The day couldn’t have been more wonderful,” says Mandy. “It was so much fun for Erin and Billy to see all of their guests visiting from across the country. To turn the corner and see a cousin from Mississippi or an old childhood friend was just so wonderful. Everyone seemed to have a great time, and that’s all Erin and Billy wanted.”

Services Providers

Wedding planner: Meagan Warren

Invitations: ByFarr

Photography: Lauren Jonas

Cake: Bonnie Brunt

Lighting: Ambient Media

Floras: Cote Design

Catering: Southern Way Catering

Transportation: Southern Valet

String music: Edgewire Music

Band: I Love This Band

Wedding dress: Maddison Row

Hair: Debi Kelley

Fireworks: Munnerly Pyrotechnics

Seating/rentals: Ooh! Events

Pool dance floor: Party Reflections

Bridal luncheon caterer: Kelly’s Cuisine

Lake Murray is the avenue for the couple’s departure, as they are picked up from the Westerkams’ dock by Erin’s uncle, Tommy Chambers.
Lake Murray is the avenue for the couple’s departure, as they are picked up from the Westerkams’ dock by Erin’s uncle, Tommy Chambers.

«  back to issue

Subscribe

Straight to your mailbox all year long!

Get The Magazine

The Magazine


  • Subscribe or Renew
  • Advertise
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Events Calendar
  • Enewsletter

Articles


  • Home & Garden
  • Cocktail & Cuisine
  • Palmetto Business
  • Total Mind & Body
  • Inspiring Individuals
  • Sports & Outdoor Pursuits
  • Literature & History
  • Arts & Culture
  • Tying the Knot
  • From the Editor
  • Travel
  • Furry Friends

Professional Listings


  • Best of Columbia 2022
  • Best of Columbia Profiles
  • Financial Managers
  • Giving Guide
  • Head of the Class
  • Insurance Professionals
  • Premier Attorneys™
  • Premier Physicians™
  • Real Estate
  • Top Dentists
  • Veterinarians
  • Corporate Scene
  • Soda City Eats
(803) 787-6501
©2023 Columbia Metropolitan. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Refund/Cancellation/Delivery Policies