As an alumni of the College of Charleston’s historic preservation department, Spencer Stachan knew that he wanted his wedding to Lisa Lyons to highlight some of the Holy City’s most architecturally significant buildings: The Unitarian Church and Hibernian Hall. And when he proposed, he chose an equally stunning spot: the College of Charleston’s historical Cistern yard.

“While we were walking through campus, I noticed that Spencer was a little anxious as he was fidgeting with something in his pocket,” Lisa remembers. “However, I was not thinking he was about to propose, because when you date someone for six years you learn to stop thinking that this might be it. As we walked to up to the doors of the Cistern, I noticed that it was closed and Spencer stepped in front of me and got on one knee. I immediately started crying and asked, ‘Are you really doing this?’ I don’t think I actually said, ‘Yes.’” After he proposed, they walked to their favorite bar where their family and friends were waiting to surprise her, and they celebrated for the remainder of the weekend.

Wanting a classic, Southern-style wedding, the couple’s chosen venues worked out perfectly. “It was important to us to spend our entire wedding day in historic downtown Charleston,” Lisa says. “We love the beautiful interior of the Unitarian Church and it was also meaningful for us to get married at the same church as Spencer’s sister. Hibernian Hall was a perfect setting for our Southern wedding due to its rich history and ornate architecture.”

The reception, catered by classic Charleston-based Hamby Catering and Events, included passed hors d’oeuvres like caprese skewers in shot glasses, fried green tomato bites and smoked chicken salad on toast points. For dinner, guests noshed on brisket, a macaroni and cheese bar and Lowcountry shrimp ‘n’ grits.

The couple found photographer Lea Dales Austen through a friend. “We fell in love with her photos,” Lisa says. “She went beyond the call of duty with recommending other vendors and helping us throughout the wedding day. Lea helped make our day perfect and provided us with wonderful photos to remember our ever-so-special day.”