Susie Bair, a senior event manager at Sports Illustrated, swiftly noticed Oliver Walker Jones, a key account manager at PepsiCo, who sat behind her during their sociology class at Clemson University. “Oliver, who played football, was loved by everyone, and had the sweetest smile,” Susie admits. “I quickly made an excuse to turn around and exchange information for ‘a group project,’ which didn’t actually exist.”
After six years together, Oliver intimately proposed at Chapel Street Fountain Park in Charleston. Once officially engaged, he surprised her with their closest friends and family, who were waiting a few blocks away.
“Natural, romantic, Southern, luxe, [and] timeless was my vision from the very beginning,” Susie says of her wedding aesthetic. Morning Glory Farm was just that, and their planner, Caitlin Dobbins of Honey + Thyme, helped further their vision. To set the tone for the event, Tied & Two Weddings created a delicate invitation suite.
On the morning of the spring ceremony in North Carolina, Susie got ready with LookLove Beauty, who excellently applied her bridal glam. She then put on the Bec gown by Made With Love with matching appliqué from Lovely Bride. Susie paired the dress with Stuart Weitzman shoes, diamond and pearl drop earrings, and her mother’s vintage aquamarine ring, which also served as her “something blue.”
Bridesmaids complemented Susie beautifully in Jenny Yoo’s Marla dress in Prosecco with gold shoes and pearl earrings of their choosing and a bracelet that the bride gifted everyone. They also held matching bouquets by New Creations Flowers.
Oliver looked handsome in a Vera Wang tuxedo with a black Brackish feathered bow tie and a gold and platinum Tavannes watch that Susie gifted him for their engagement. “Feathered bowties were a nonnegotiable on our Southern day!” Susie exclaims.
At golden hour on May 14, 2022, the sun perfectly peaked between the canopy of tree, framing the ceremony space. Oliver and his best man Bradley Pinion, who is the punter for the Atlanta Falcons, walked down the aisle to “Baby Blue” by Dave Matthews, performed by Party With The People.
Then it was time for Susie to make her way to Oliver at the altar. “I was terrified to walk down the aisle, but after seeing the faces of my family and friends, plus Oliver’s, I was instantly at ease,” Susie recalls. “That feeling is irreplaceable.”
The service was led by Terry Bruce, a local pastor and Oliver’s workout buddy. “[His] words were purposeful, intimate, and reflected our relationship.”
Once announced as a married couple, the cocktail-style reception began with food stations from Something Classic Catering. Guests had their choice of a carving station, tacos, and shrimp and grits. “It’s not a southern soiree without shrimp and grits,” Susie accurately states. And one of the bride’s favorite parts of the day was when she and Oliver sat down for a private dinner to take in the day.
After the sun had set, the pair cut their wedding cake by Delish Cakery, which featured florals from their aisle arrangement. Then dance floor was packed all night long, and there was even a special surprise from the Clemson Tiger himself—an ode to the couple’s alma mater.
Susie and Oliver had their first dance to “Joy of My Life” by Chris Stapleton, and the father-daughter dance was sweetly to “Special Angel,” which is what Susie’s father has called her since she was a baby. At the end of the night, the happy couple had a last dance to “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding. “A sweet and intimate moment to wrap up the evening that we’ll never forget,” Susie shares.
After the reception came to a formal close, the party continued at Charlotte rooftop bar Nuvole. “We quickly went from a gentle country setting to vibrant nightlife!” Susie exclaims.
For their honeymoon, Oliver surprised Susie with a trip to Hammock Cove, Antigua. “I had no idea until I got to the gate,” the bride reveals. “The boutique resort was intimate and perfect. I’m dying to go back!”
