Welcome Party

Wedding Day

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414

This venue, Magnolia Gardens, is especially meaningful to us. With Alex's background as a landscape architect and my adoration for southern gardens, we were drawn to Magnolia immediately. The gardens back up to the Ashley River, combining the softness of the flowers with the earthiness of the marsh. Magnolia’s beauty, history, and natural elegance encapsulate what makes Charleston so special to us, and we can’t wait to share it with you! Magnolia Plantation is one of Charleston’s most breathtaking and historic venues. Dating back to 1676, Magnolia is the oldest public garden in America, known for its romantic landscapes, winding pathways, and stunning floral displays. From its centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss to its vibrant azaleas reflecting in the still waters of former rice fields, every corner of the plantation feels like stepping into a dream. As you explore Magnolia, you’ll experience the beauty that has captivated visitors for generations. Originally designed in the formal European style, the gardens were transformed in the 1800s by Reverend John Grimke Drayton into the picturesque English Romantic style, making them feel as natural and enchanting as a fairy tale. Paddleboat steamers once carried travelers up the Ashley River to marvel at the blooms, and today, Magnolia continues to be a place of timeless charm.

Our Wedding

On February 29, 2020, Alex and Ava went on their first date — a basketball game at Clemson University's Littlejohn Coliseum. Little did they know that their second date would not be until May. The following week, while both were on Spring Break, COVID shut down Furman and Clemson's campuses, sending Ava and Alex home. The following months consisted of weekly Zoom dates, pressing play on the same movie at the same time. On May 15, 2020, Alex and Ava made their relationship official on a hike in a place that became very special to their relationship–Brevard, North Carolina.

2020

As the world opened back up in 2021, Ava and Alex finally made it outside the Carolinas together. In the fall, the two traveled to Montana to hike in Glacier National Park. It was easy to see why Alex comes back to this state every year, with crystal clear glacial lakes, leaves at their peak fall color, and occasional snow flurries.

2021

Their travels continued in 2022, with a trip to Spain after they both graduated from college; Alex with a degree in Landscape Architecture from Clemson, and Ava with degrees in History and Politics &amp; International Affairs from Furman. With no international data plan, Ava and Alex discovered their favorite way to explore a new city — walking in every direction with no plan at all. While this is quite antithetical to both of their personalities, they grew to love the spontaneity.

2022

With Ava now in Texas for law school, the two continued long-distance, grateful for holiday breaks and the occasional wedding that brought them together.

2023

On November 22nd, 2024, Ava came home (in Waco, Texas) to the most thoughtful surprise of her life. While she was distracted in class, Alex flew out and decorated Ava's backyard with string lights, flowers, candles, and pictures for the proposal. As the story goes, she said yes!!!

2024

In May of 2025, Ava graduated from law school and moved back to Greenville, South Carolina, ending five years of long-distance! The two are enjoying the beginning of their careers and lives together, along with their dog, Bear, and their kitten, Obi.

2025

Our Story

Photos

Bridal Party

Ella Cabe - Maid of Honor Callie Cabe - Bridesmaid Austin Macheledt - Bridesmaid Kaitlyn Macheledt - Bridesmaid Haley Rogers - Bridesmaid Reagan Conner - Bridesmaid Taylor Stroud - Bridesmaid

GROOMSMEN

John Anderson - Best Man Kenny Lindsey - Best Man Matt Yandle - Groomsman Tim Cottrell - Groomsman Khristian Curry - Groomsman Kevin Hale - Groomsman&nbsp; Marshall Macheledt - Groomsman

Flower Girls

Eliza MaddenMae MaddenMargaret Glenn

Ring Bearer

William Glenn

Wedding Party

Dress Code

Q + A

The Sunday wedding ceremony and reception will be held at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens—one of the Lowcountry’s oldest and most romantic venues. Nestled along the Ashley River, Magnolia Plantation is approximately a 25-minute drive from downtown Charleston. Please note that there are no hotels near the venue. For accommodations, you might consider downtown Charleston (the Charleston peninsula), where you’ll find major hotel chains, boutique hotels, Airbnbs, and VRBOs. Keep in mind that parking is limited, so factor this into your reservation plans. Other convenient areas include the vicinity of Charleston International Airport or West Ashley, which is located just across the Ashley River from downtown Charleston. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help. For Ava’s side of the family, please contact Susan Macheledt by phone or text at 336-207-9955 for hotel guidance. For Alex’s side of the family, reach out to Suzie Cabe by phone or text at 843-200-2543.

Ava & Alex

Ava & Alex

Wedding Party

Bridal Party

GROOMSMEN

Flower Girls

Ring Bearer