The Celebration Of

Sophia Bennett & Marcus Reed

Saturday, June 19, 2027

The Marlowe House & Gardens • Charleston, South Carolina

Sophia Bennett and Marcus Reed on the historic veranda at The Marlowe House

Our Journey

Five Summers Along the Battery

From an unexpected rainstorm in the historic French Quarter to forever under the live oaks.

We believe the best chapters in life begin without a script.

Our story started on an unseasonably warm afternoon five summers ago outside a small antiquarian bookstore on Church Street. When a sudden Charleston thunderstorm rolled across the harbor, we both ducked beneath the same striped awning, striking up a conversation about historic architecture, Lowcountry waterways, and our mutual obsession with local coffee.

Those first few hours unfolded into years of shared sunrise walks along the Battery, restoring our 1920s craftsman home, navigating tidal marshes in a wooden skiff, and discovering that life is infinitely richer together.

In October 2025, during an evening stroll by White Point Garden, Marcus asked Sophia to share a lifetime of adventures together. We could not imagine a more meaningful place to exchange our vows than right here in Charleston, surrounded by the family and friends who have shaped our lives.

June 2022

An Afternoon Storm

Meeting by chance beneath an awning on Church Street.

Autumn 2023

A Shared Lowcountry Home

Adopting our rescue lab, Cooper, and restoring our historic cottage.

October 2025

The Question on the Battery

Sunset over Charleston Harbor with the tide rolling in.

June 19, 2027

The Wedding Celebration

Gathering everyone we love at The Marlowe House & Gardens.

Day-Of Details

The Wedding Day Schedule

Saturday, June 19, 2027 • A continuous, joyful celebration from ceremony to midnight sendoff.

3:30 PM

Guest Arrival & Welcome Refreshments

The Marlowe Garden Lawn

Guests arrive to acoustic strings, chilled hibiscus iced tea, and artisanal sparkling water.

4:00 PM

Ceremony Under the Live Oaks

The South Lawn Altar

Vows exchanged beneath centuries-old moss-draped live oaks and floral garden arches.

4:30 PM

Veranda Cocktail Hour

The Historic Double Veranda

Signature cocktails, local Lowcountry oysters, artisanal passed canapés, and live jazz.

6:00 PM

Courtyard Dinner & Welcoming Toasts

The Fountain Courtyard

A seated three-course seasonal dinner by candlelight, accompanied by family toasts.

7:30 PM

First Dances & Celebration

The Garden Pavilion

Live 8-piece band, celebratory cocktails, and dancing under festoon café lighting.

10:30 PM

Sparkler Farewell & Sendoff

The Main Carriage Drive

A luminous sparkler exit as the newlyweds depart in a vintage 1958 roadster.

The Destination

The Marlowe House & Gardens

An iconic 19th-century private estate in the heart of historic Charleston.

The Marlowe House

Historic District • Charleston, South Carolina

Ceremony & Reception Setting

Both our ceremony and evening celebration will take place on the grounds of The Marlowe House. The ceremony is outdoors on the lawn, followed by covered veranda cocktails and courtyard dining.

Dress Code: Summer Formal / Black-Tie Optional

We invite guests to dress in formal evening attire. Lightweight tuxedos or dark suits for gentlemen, and elegant floor-length or formal midi gowns for ladies. Breathable formal fabrics are encouraged for the June warmth.

Arrival & Transportation

Complimentary guest valet parking is provided at the main carriage gates. Dedicated private shuttles will also run continuously between our recommended hotels and the estate.

Unplugged Ceremony

We kindly request that guests silence and put away all phones and cameras during our ceremony so everyone may be fully present with us.

The Marlowe House courtyard and fountain

Inner Circle

The Wedding Party

The cherished siblings and lifelong friends standing beside us on our wedding day.

Maid of Honor

Claire Vance

Sophia's sister, architectural preservationist, and lifelong confidante. Renowned for her sharp humor and thoughtful toasts.

Best Man

David Reed

Marcus's elder brother and sailing partner. Flew across the country from Seattle to keep Marcus grounded on the big day.

Bridesmaid

Elena Thorne

Sophia's university roommate and fellow garden design enthusiast. Mastermind behind countless spontaneous road trips.

Groomsman

Alexander Hayes

Marcus's university engineering partner, marathon running teammate, and weekend barbecue co-captain.

Bridesmaid

Maya Lin

Childhood neighbor and confidante since kindergarten. The person who first introduced Sophia to Charleston in 2019.

Groomsman

Julian Vance

Sophia's brother, certified sommelier, and Marcus's Lowcountry inshore fishing companion.

Bridesmaid

Harper Davis

Sophia's creative collaborator and Charleston culinary guide. Keeper of the wedding-day timeline.

Groomsman

Thomas Wright

Marcus's longtime high school friend, Lowcountry historian, and resident vinyl record collector.

Guest Logistics

Travel & Charleston Accommodations

We have reserved courtesy room blocks at three historic Charleston hotels within easy reach of the estate.

The Millsbury Hotel

French Quarter • 4-Minute Walk to Venue

A restored boutique hotel featuring private courtyard balconies, Southern afternoon tea service, and immediate proximity to Church Street.

The Palmetto Grand

Broad Street • 8-Minute Walk to Venue

A classic historic landmark offering grand verandas, luxury marble suites, and dedicated shuttle pickup to The Marlowe House.

Harborline Suites

Waterfront Park • 10-Minute Walk to Venue

Spacious one- and two-bedroom harborview suites ideal for families and traveling groups, overlooking the Charleston Harbor waters.

Travel Note

Charleston International Airport (CHS)

The airport is located 12 miles northwest of downtown Charleston (approx. 20–25 minutes by taxi or rideshare). Once in the historic district, Charleston is exceptionally walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

Celebration Gifts

Gift Registry Funds

Your presence celebrating with us in Charleston is our greatest gift. Should you wish to honor us with a gesture, we have established three curated funds:

Charleston Home Restoration

Helping us renovate the heart of our 1920s craftsman home—specifically our kitchen and traditional courtyard garden.

Amalfi Coast Honeymoon

Support toward our dream coastal Italian journey: sunset train travel, cliffside dining in Ravello, and Mediterranean cooking classes.

Coastal Conservation League

A cause deeply dear to us both, dedicated to protecting the fragile barrier islands, maritime forests, and tidal salt marshes of coastal South Carolina.

Guest Inquiries

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about celebrating with us in Charleston.

Digital Response

Celebrate With Us • RSVP

Please respond by Saturday, May 1, 2027. This interactive form demonstrates the front-end guest response experience included in our ★★ tier.

Will you be attending?

We Can't Wait to Celebrate in Charleston

For questions regarding accommodations, logistics, or accessibility, our wedding coordination team is available to assist guests.

Demonstration Notice

Interactive venue directions and booking flows are included on live client sites. This location and these actions are fictional for the DSCG demonstration.