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Riverside, Golden Sunset Wedding Ceremony

Joan Day Weddings had the pleasure of planning an intimate wedding for Grecia “Grace” Rivera and Eduard Murillo on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Their wedding truly looked like it was placed on a golden hill side with the sunset highlighting the Columbia downtown city scape and the Gervais Street Bridge with the riverside in its backdrop. The ceremony was held outside in the garden area of Stone River, a venue in West Columbia.

Riverside Ceremony in West Columbia, SC. Photo by A Russtic Touch Photography.

Stone River is one of the most picturesque settings with its lush landscape, view of the Gervais Street Bridge, green tree line along the river and downtown Columbia. There is an outdoor space covered by a pavilion, with plenty of parking, and its location is close to downtown Columbia.

The family hosted an intimate gathering of 60 guests. The day began outside in the small riverside garden and pavilion area of Stone River. The couple signified their commitment with a Spanish traditional Lasso, which was placed on the couple by the groom’s grandmother. The couple signed their marriage license with the groom’s Godparents standing as witnesses of their nuptials. The ceremony was officiated by Anna Baker of The Marriage Notary of Charleston.

The wedding arch was adorned with fresh greenery, and cascading white flowers created by a local florist, By Design. Joan’s team used shepherd’s hooks as aisle markers with petite hanging glass jars filled with fresh blossoms and greenery, adorned by silk ties in hues of ivory, soft beige, and pale pink.

Grecia and Eduard decided to share a private First Look down by the river. The day was perfectly sunny and made for a happy union. The bride and groom both looked gorgeous in their bridal attire.

Originally from Peru, Eduard and Grecia, incorporated many Peruvian flavors into their reception menu. Catering was presented by Southern Way via stations offering Papa la Huancaina, a Spanish dish of sliced boiled potatoes, Peruvian Chile Peppers and a stir fry rice dish called, Lomo Saltada. A friend of the groom’s family made a Spanish-style cake known as Tres Leches, or wet cake. The cake had three layers (cake, filling and topping). Four types of milk are used in the filling and topping (whole milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream). There was an abundance of varying sized cakes creating a delicious display.

The interior space was dressed in the wedding planner’s damask white linens for guest tables, and a shimmery muted gold linen for the cocktail tables. The climbing greenery continued inside on the lovely wooden posts highlighted by uplighting, which framed the dance floor and sweetheart table for the bride and groom. Guest tables were adorned with three glass cylinders with floating candles, greenery at the base, and additional floral blossoms.

Welcome Entrance by Stone River Pavilion. Photo by A Russtic Touch Photography.

For entertainment the groom and bride added a Magic Mirror and Slideshow presented by We are Big Time deejays. The party continued through the night with lively Latino beats. The groom coordinated an entrance First Dance with his lovely bride to A Million Years, and each couple of the Bridal Party joined, creating a true ballroom feel. Champagne toasts were celebrated using Green’s Warehouse as the provider of all alcoholic beverages, and bartending by Stone River.

Floral Centerpiece By Design florist. Photo by A Russtic Touch Photography.

Grecia made a quick change into her party dress for the reception. She wanted to wear a dress she could easily dance in. She and her groom stole the show with their orchestrated dance. Everyone had a great time and a great deal of fun. It was a beautiful affair and ended with a gorgeous sparkler send-off.

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Sparkler Send-off at the entrance of Stone River. Photo by A Russtic Touch Photography.