Holly and Carlos’ love story began in the unlikeliest of places, a “questionable” bar in Yuma, Arizona. She had just moved to the border town for a broadcast reporter job, and he was in the area with his Marines Corps squadron. Holly thinks back, “My roommate and I had just arrived, and I was already regretting our decision to visit the bar when someone tall, dark and handsome fell into my view.” They quickly hit it off and ditched the dive bar for pastries at a local donut shop.

After that they spent as much time as they could together and even made it through the first year of the relationship long distance, as Carlos was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, N.C. They now both reside in San Diego.

Though Holly says she’s not easily caught off-guard, Carlos and their dog, Jefe, pulled off a surprise proposal, although there was an unexpected glitch with the ring. One evening she came home and knocked on the door because she didn’t have her keys in hand and knew Carlos was home. After knocking a second time, she heard a commotion, including the dog barking. Once she got the door open, she saw Carlos down on one knee; however, in Jefe’s excitement he knocked the ring across the room. “Take 2” of the proposal went off without a hitch and led to a memorable candlelit dinner.

Choosing the location and venue for the couple was an easy task. Holly says, “It’s hard not to fall in love with Charleston, S.C. between the history, pastel houses, and small town coastal vibe. It’s one of our favorite cities. When it came time to choosing a wedding venue, Cannon Green in Charleston checked all the boxes. I loved the idea of a Southern wedding, since I’m from North Georgia. Charleston and the venue we chose embodied our love of food, especially seafood, an element of the wedding we wanted to play up. It really was the dream wedding I never knew I’d actually have!”

They found some great ways to save money, such as paperless invitations. Another way was getting married on a Thursday. Holly recommends, “Make the most of your friends’ and families’ talents.”

Looking back on the day, Carlos recalls, “I will always remember the moment when we walked down the aisle as husband and wife holding hands.” Holly fondly remembers, “I’ll never forget making eye contact with Carlos as I walked to the altar. His face was absolutely beaming, and I remembered all at once why I had wanted to marry him in the first place — his optimism and unwavering adoration of me. I also will always cherish how joyful of a day it was to have my family and friends all in one place.”

From Arizona, to Charleston, and now San Diego, this couple’s love has traveled from coast to coast. They were able to celebrate their love with family and friends in a sweetly Southern Charleston-style wedding.

The Couple: Holly Sweat, senior publicist at Katalyst Public Relations, and Carlos Corrales, senior at San Diego University, 9 year Marine Corps veteran

Number of Guests: 50

Venue: Cannon Green, Charleston, S.C.

Theme: Foodie Garden Party

First Dance Song: “You Look So Good In Love” by George Strait

Special Touch: Carlos embracing his SoCal roots by changing to a Hawaiian T-shirt after the dinner.

Advice For Brides: “Don’t allow tradition or others’ opinions stop you from creating the wedding of your dreams. Also, hire a day-of coordinator even if you have a small budget. On your wedding day, you don’t want yourself or a loved one to have to worry about all the little details from vendor arrival times to keeping the event on schedule.”

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VENDORS

Florist: Blue Thistle Design

Caterer: Cannon Green

Hair & Makeup: Updos for I Dos

Dress Designer: Mia Solano

Wedding Dress Boutique: Luv Bridal in San Diego

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu

Guys Suits/tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse

Photographer: Kate Timbers Photography

Planner: Carolina Occasions (month of)

Cupcakes/Cake: Honey’s Baking

Invitations: Paperless Post

Officiant: Kristen Barner

Rings: Kasia Jewelry (bride) and Robbins Brothers (groom)

Bartenders: Cannon Green

Music: Gregory Guay (guitar/percussion)

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