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The search for the perfect gown is an important part of the wedding planning process for many brides. And when the search is in downtown Charleston, it’s all the more special. There’s a scene in my novel A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING of the Muir sisters going on their downtown adventure to the Kate McDonald Bridal shop in the historic city in search of the dream dress.

Recently, the winning bride of A Lowcountry Wedding Dream Wedding Giveaway got to experience it for herself. Julie Robbins went to Kate McDonald Bridal on Spring Street to meet the talented, nationally recognized bridal designer Katherine McDonald.

Katherine sketched out a wedding dress design that aligns with Julie’s vision of her perfect wedding dress: an off-the-shoulder French lace with a tulle skirt. Simple, romantic, and designed just right for Julie.

We’ll have to wait until April 24th wedding day to see the dress, but I know it will be perfect. Katherine has been designing dresses since she was a little girl. But she didn’t turn her talent into a career until later in life, after creating dresses for friends. Katherine launched a successful ready-to-wear bridesmaid clothing line in 2003 called LulaKate. Then she began designing wedding dresses, and in 2014, Katherine launched her bridal gown line, Kate McDonald Bridal.

What I love, too, is you don’t have to be a bride or bridesmaid to enjoy wearing a Kate McDonald or LulaKate creation. I wore one of Katherine’s designs at my book launch party last summer to celebrate the release of A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING. (That’s my darling book editor Lauren beside me.) I adore this dress, and I believe Katherine’s work is stunning.

See her creations for yourself on the Kate McDonald blog page or visit her website Kate McDonald Bridal.

When Julie was in Charleston to meet with Katherine at the showroom, she also selected a bridesmaids’ dress from the LulaKate collection. Here were the the top picks:

LulaKate
The “Lexington” dress in thistle color
LulaKate
The “Bedford” in blush color
LulaKate
The “Mulberry” in orchid color

Which style is your favorite?

I’m delighted to see the springtime wedding details take shape. We’re less than two months away, and it’s so heartwarming to watch Charleston’s top wedding businesses come together with generous hearts to make this Lowcountry Wedding dream come true for Julie and Ryan. Now, I’m waiting to see what the groom and his groomsmen will wear from Charleston Tuxedo and Brackish. Another wedding update next week!

Here’s a look at all of our generous sponsors who are making A Lowcountry Wedding dream come true. They are among the best in Charleston!

Meet Charleston’s wedding vendors from “A Lowcountry Wedding” Giveaway