C.J. Spiller, former football player and now football coach at Clemson University, and his wife Daysha had an extravagant, fairytale Red Gate Farms wedding despite one big obstacle: COVID-19. The couple had their wedding in May of 2020, which was right after a nationwide lockdown was announced. C.J. and Daysha had to make plenty of adjustments – and even a few sacrifices – to ensure the safety of both their guests and vendors.
To start, the couple had to cut down their guest list by almost 250 people, which was one of the most difficult decisions they had to make. But they also made a few adjustments to their wedding day to make the best out of the hand they were dealt. For instance, they offered hand sanitizer at every table as well as custom face masks that were monogrammed with a designed logo the couple used specifically for their wedding day.
C.J. and Daysha rented out the entire farm for their special day so they could utilize all Red Gate Farms venues. They had an outdoor ceremony at The Champagne Bowl and Stage at The Grainery. Guests enjoyed the breezy, sunshiny weather, and the couple added extra space between rows of chairs to ensure social distance guidelines.
For her grand entrance, Daysha and her father arrived at the ceremony in a classic horse and carriage, which added an extra fairytale touch to an already dreamy day. The couple also used the carriage as their getaway transportation for right after they said “I do.”
“Sharing that moment together for the first time as husband and wife is something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the cocktail hour at The Barn’s outdoor courtyard. Guests mingled around the famous fire and water fountain at The Barn, while the newlywed couple took stunning photos around Red Gate Farm’s Spanish-mossed scenery. The couple, as well as 15 bridesmaids and 8 groomsmen, were able to use all of Red Gate Farms’ 440 acres as backdrops for their wedding photos, which was one of the biggest perks of renting out the entire farm.
The showstopper of the day was the couple’s extravagant wedding reception. Tables were set up inside The Barn as well as inside a stunning clear tent draped with twinkle lights and decorated from floor to ceiling with floral designs by Curly Willow Designs. Inside the tent, the couple added their custom monogram to the dance floor as well as a sparkling 10-foot chandelier that hung from the center of the tent.
“Choosing my favorite part of the day is hard because I truly believe every moment was special. To see the smiles on everyone’s face was priceless, especially during these pandemic times,” said C.J. “If I had to choose a certain part, it would be the dance with my wife. Sharing that moment together for the first time as husband and wife is something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Photographer: Sposabella Photography
Videographer: Artifice Films
Reception DJ: DJ SHA
Event Coordinator: Curly Willow Designs
Wedding Director: Melanie Marchand
Caterer: Georgia Restaurant Ventures
Cake: Wicked Cakes
Ice Cream: Leopold’s Ice Cream
Event Rentals: PPR (Professional Party Rentals)
Audio & Lighting: ASI Audio Solutions Inc.
Transportation: Above and Beyond