Mikayla & Benjamin Winckler. Mobile Image

Mikayla & Benjamin Winckler

Bride and Groom: 

 

Mikayla & Benjamin Winckler

 

Wedding Date: 

 

2/27/26

 

Vendors:

 

Photographer: Will Fryar

Venue: The Dewberry

Florist: Hillside Florist

Hair & Makeup: Kelly Frank Rhodes @charlestonbridalcollab

Stationary & Signage: Dominique @thoughtfullyyoursdesign

 

Tell us about your experience at Ladies of Lineage!

I had the most special experience at Ladies of Lineage. Daniela made me feel so comfortable, confident, and completely myself throughout the entire experience. The atmosphere is beautiful, and I loved sipping champagne while admiring all of the gorgeous gowns. Daniela was so thorough when discussing my vision and incredibly thoughtful when sourcing my dresses. Every detail felt personalized and intentional. We giggled the entire time and squealed with excitement when I finally said yes to the dress!

Even when concerns came up along the way, the Ladies of Lineage team upheld their superior customer service and went above and beyond to make sure that, at the end of the day, I was a happy bride. I truly appreciate how much care they put into making the experience special. I am so grateful for the memories I made in this beautiful studio.

 

Tell us about your wedding!

From the very beginning, we wanted our wedding to feel deeply personal, a celebration where every detail carried meaning rather than simply serving as décor. Set at The Dewberry Charleston, we paired the venue's timeless elegance with a monochromatic palette of black, white, and silver, creating a candlelit atmosphere that felt both classic and intimate. Our love for New York City became the thread that tied the entire design together. Inspired by the whimsical illustrations of Ludwig Bemelmans, the artist behind the iconic Bemelmans Bar, the custom sketches featured throughout our invitation suite introduced a cast of characters that represented different chapters of our relationship. Those same illustrations quietly reappeared throughout the wedding weekend, creating a thoughtful narrative woven into everything from paper goods to reception details, a subtle nod to the city that has always felt like part of our story.


We also wanted to rethink tradition in ways that felt authentic to us. Instead of classic boutonnieres, each of the men wore a vintage brooch that had been personally thrifted, making every piece one-of-a-kind while adding character, history, and individuality to their formal attire. The floral design was equally intentional. While the overall aesthetic remained clean and understated, the arrangements featured white calla lilies, tulips, and white daffodils. The daffodils held particular significance, serving as a quiet tribute to my late brother and ensuring his presence was woven into one of the most important days of our lives. What appeared to guests as an elegant floral palette carried a much deeper meaning for our family. Guests were invited to wear black, allowing the white florals, heirloom silver vessels, and hundreds of candles to become the focal point of the evening. Every design decision reflected our hope of creating a celebration that would feel timeless rather than trend-driven one where beauty came not only from the setting, but from the stories hidden within each detail.


Our reception at The Dewberry was intimate, moody, and made for dancing. We wanted the evening to feel like stepping into a classic jazz club with low light, live music, martinis in hand, and the energy of a room that never wanted the night to end. Jazz club-inspired pub tables surrounded the dance floor, creating an intimate, lively atmosphere that encouraged guests to gather, sip, and dance throughout the night. The details were equally personal and playful: matchbooks featuring Bemelmans-inspired illustrations of our cat, Cash; bar signs printed on vintage, thrifted silver trays; and a John Derian coffee table book used as our guest book as a nod to The Dewberry’s partnership with the artist and its distinctive aesthetic. A traditional wedding cake was paired with playful tiramisu towers, while countless other small details throughout the evening reflected our love story and the life we’ve built together. Above all, we wanted the reception to feel timeless yet personal and full of music, dancing, laughter, martinis, and the people we love most.


Looking back, the details we cherish most weren't simply the ones that were photographed beautifully, they were the ones that reminded us of the people, places, and memories that shaped us. Our wedding became more than a single day; it became a reflection of our journey together and a celebration of everyone who helped write our story.