Album Review: The Dunlin with Kendra and Thompson

Jacqui Cole Photography

Kendra Nedell and Thompson Marston’s wedding weekend at The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection on John’s Island, South Carolina was the perfect blend of Lowcountry charm and timeless elegance. From their oyster roast welcome party at Mingo Point to the joyful confetti exit, every moment was curated.

Guests were welcomed Thursday night with cocktails, oysters, and sliders overlooking the water—a relaxed start to the weekend before the big celebration. Friday featured a beach day at Kiawah Island and a sunset rehearsal dinner filled with heartfelt toasts and an ice cream truck surprise! By Saturday morning, excitement filled the bridal suite as the team from Alexandra Madison Weddings and The Dunlin transformed the space into a romantic vision of bold florals, greenery, and gold accents.

Kendra spent the morning surrounded by her bridesmaids in soft robes, sharing laughs and mimosas as Brianna Adams and Cheryl Quinn worked their magic with hair and makeup. Her gown from Ava Laurenne Bride was a picture of timeless beauty, paired with rings from Croghans, while sunlight streamed gently through the suite’s windows.

The bridesmaids wore light, flowy dresses that matched the soft colors of the day, and they looked beautiful standing together with their bouquets. The room felt full of excitement as everyone finished getting ready with Kendra, talking, laughing, and soaking in the morning. Across the hall, Thompson and his groomsmen got dressed in their classic black tuxedos, complete with Brackish bowties and Allen Edmonds shoes.

The ceremony took place at The Riverbank at The Dunlin, where guests were greeted by soft string music from Adore Duet. Kendra walked down the aisle to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” surrounded by lush greenery and serene marsh views. Their dog, Eddy, even made a special appearance, stealing hearts as the honorary ring bearer.

After exchanging vows beneath the golden light of the setting sun, the couple recessed down the aisle to “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne—an upbeat start to the celebration ahead.

Ceremony Music: Adore Duet

Sound: Bunn DJ Company

Cocktail hour followed along the water’s edge, featuring signature drinks like the Slow Burn, Dirty Martini, and Mr. Spritz. Guests painted a “paint-by-number” guestbook, sipped cocktails, and took in the stunning views before moving inside for dinner.

While everyone enjoyed cocktail hour, Kendra and Thompson took a few quiet moments for themselves, capturing couples portraits as newlyweds and savoring the start of their life together before joining the rest of the guests.

Inside the reception tent, LIT Charleston created a warm, romantic atmosphere with soft lighting and draped ceilings. Tables dressed in elegant linens from BBJ La Tavola, Nuage, and Stradley Davidson showcased floral centerpieces by Blossom Bay in crisp white and green tones. Each place setting featured rentals from Emerson James and Something Vintage, along with custom paper goods by Kelsey Malie Designs.

Guests dined on seasonal dishes curated by The Dunlin’s culinary team, followed by a stunning tiered wedding cake and a late-night cannoli bar. The couple’s first dance to “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith was followed by a night of nonstop energy courtesy of ATL Groove Factory Band. As the night went on, light-up beads, espresso martinis, and a late-night pretzel and fries pass kept the party going strong.

When it was finally time to say goodbye, Kendra and Thompson shared a private last dance to “Here Tonight” by Brett Young before making their confetti-filled exit closed out a weekend full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

From the oyster roast to the confetti sendoff, every moment of Kendra and Thompson’s weekend at The Dunlin was filled with thoughtful details and personal touches, a true celebration of love, family, and the magic of the Lowcountry.

Vendors

Planning: @alexandramadisonweddings, @parkercoggins.amw

Venue, Catering, Cake, & Getaway Car: @dunlinauberge

Photo: @jacquicole

Video: @nebofilms_

Florals: @blossombaydesign

Lighting & Draping: @lit_charleston

Ceremony Sound: @bunndjchs

Ceremony Music: @adoreduet

Rentals: @eventworksrentals

Band: @atlgroovefactoryband

Linens: @bbjlatavola, @nuagedesignsinc, @stradleydavidson

Dance Floor Wrap: @charlestonwraps

Dessert: @lowcountrycannoli

Paper Products: @kelseymaliedesign

Tabletop: @emersonjamesrental, @smthingvintage

Hair: @briannabadams

Makeup: @cherylquinnmakeup

Bridal Gown: @avalaurennebride

Rings: @croghans

Groomsmen Accessories: @brackish, @allenedmonds

Transportation: @coastallimo