Hilton Head Weddings | Hilton Head Bridal Show - the Destination Wedding Guide for Hilton Head Island, SC

By HEATHER BRAGG • Photos By SCOTT MOODY, PRO PHOTO

It didn't take long for Alyson and Ryan Vaughan to choose the perfect spot to have their wedding reception. The Charlotte couple tied the knot in October near Hilton Head Island at Moss Creek Clubhouse.

"We visited other places," says Alyson, whose husband is from Hilton Head. "We liked Moss Creek better than some of the others. I liked that it was on the marsh. It made our wedding pictures beautiful. Some of our best pictures were taken at the Bostwick house, which is right on the Intracoastal Waterway."

Lisa Kenward, Moss Creek's Catering Event Coordinator, says Moss Creek sets the perfect stage for beautiful weddings of all sizes. Moss Creek is a gated community just before the bridge to HIlton Head, and is known for two Fazio golf courses, tennis center, deepwater marina, waterfront swimming pool, miles of trails and pristine nature preserves. Because of the stunning natural surroundings, not much decorating is needed, Kenward says.

"You can walk into the clubhouse entryway and walk through the foyer and the Clubhouse is ready for a wedding," Kenward says. "I think brides like it because of the location, which might sound a little silly. It's very easy to find. There's ample parking and the view of the marsh is beautiful."

The 14,000-square-foot clubhouse comes equipped for wedding receptions with a large dance floor, dining rooms and a covered veranda that is perfect for picture taking. Additionally, Moss Creek offers its own catering by Executive Chef Jim McLain, who "oversees everything — from the hors d'oeuvres and slicing of the wedding cake," Kenward says.

"The food was very good," Vaughan says of her wedding reception. "We had compliments from people, who say they go to weddings and expect to be fed, but they don't expect to have good food. We had a steak filet, crab cakes, roasted vegetables and salads."

"We had a couple of hors d'oeuvres," she added. "We asked for a simple fruit and cheese platter, and we got an artistic display with watermelon sculptures."

Kenward works one-on-one with brides to help plan their weddings. She also offers a preferred vendor list — including entertainment, florists, photographer and videographer. For vacation weddings, when guests take up to five days to not only enjoy the wedding but the surrounding area, she also refers them to a rental agent.  The homes in Moss Creek are large and luxurious.

"We had guests from California and New Orleans," Vaughan says. "Those people definitely made it a vacation. They stayed a little longer, to spend a couple days in Savannah, north of the island, south of the island."

For brides planning HIlton Head weddings, Kenward says to avoid the hot, humid months of July and August. The Lowcountry's pleasantly warm weather can extend until early November. She also warns to do your research on vendors.

"We listen to what the bride and groom want," she says, adding, "Look for a company that offers choices, who can make the day unique and specific to what you want. Find someone who is going to listen and make it happen."

A Closer Look

• Maximum Capacity: 220 Buffet-style
  
• Food and Beverage Minimum: $7,600 for the entire Moss Creek Clubhouse, minus the Grill Room
  
• Contact: Lisa Kenward, (843) 837-2230 x. 6 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
  
• Photography by Scott Moody of Pro Photo