Blair Bonifield and TJ Scott began dating in October of 2019 in Malibu, CA, but their story goes back years before that. “We met through a mutual friend at Malibu Sushi, but we didn’t start dating until two years after that first meeting,” Blair says. “We actually didn’t even really talk during those two years.” But then, all of a sudden, TJ sent Blair a DM inviting her to a run club. The rest is history, as the two quickly fell head over sneakers.
On March 5, 2022, at 5 p.m., Blair Bonifield and TJ Scott tied the knot at picturesque Runnymede in Charleston, South Carolina.
Sneaky TJ orchestrated a surprise engagement in Malibu, where their first official date took place: El Matador Beach. “We were in Malibu for TJ’s birthday weekend — or so I thought,” Blair says. After a tender proposal on the beach where it all began, TJ kept dishing out the surprises. He had included their families and best friends and rented a house in the canyon to keep celebrating all weekend.
Take a look at the stunning dinner setup at TJ’s thoughtfully planned engagement weekend. Image: Kiana Scott
After deciding on March 5 the following year for the big day, the two embarked on a 10-month engagement. “I wouldn’t have wanted it any longer!” Blair adds. TJ grew up in Houston, TX; Blair, in Northern, VA, before she moved to Charleston, SC, for high school. Though the newlyweds currently live in Nashville, they chose to tie the knot in Charleston, the city they will soon call home.
Delicate infusions of nature can be seen in every detail of Blair and TJ’s wedding.
Blair and TJ put planner and designer extraordinaire Sarah Lillie at the helm of their wedding plans, and as they began touring many venues, they kept a few key things in mind. “We ultimately wanted one that could fit everyone we wanted and made it so people didn’t have to go from venue to venue for each part of the wedding,” Blair says. Runnymede was the perfect fit — a dreamy Lowcountry property that comfortably fit their guest list of 150 and kept major elements of the celebration close together, so the day ran smoothly.
When it came to crafting the aesthetic, Blair looked to nature and the venue’s baked-in beauty. The scenery at Runnymede speaks for itself!
“I love the beauty found in nature and am drawn to deep greens and copper accents,” Blair says. “I knew I didn’t want loud colors — just calming and romantic colors. This is how our house is, too,” she adds.
Dripping Spanish moss and marshland views contributed to the beauty of the Lowcountry celebration.
“I tried on a million amazing dresses,” Blair says, “[But] ultimately, I wasn’t finding my dream dress, so I went with a custom dress by the same woman who made my sister’s the year prior.” Both sisters’ custom wedding gowns were designed by Emily Kotarski of Charleston, known for classically feminine silhouettes and carefully crafted embellishments.
“I never thought I would do a custom dress,” Blair admits, “but it was a really fun experience!”
The pair opted for a first look. “It was the only time I have ever seen TJ cry, and it gave us time to be so present in the moment and say a prayer to thank God for his kindness,” Blair says.
The bride and groom pose with their nearest and dearest, all dressed to the nines and ready to celebrate the happy couple. We love the simple tulip bridesmaid bouquets!
The beaming couple is ready to get hitched and take on life in their new home city of Charleston. Blair works as the Marketing and Communications Director at E+ROSE Wellness, while TJ is a Capital Market Analyst for Woodfield Development, a developer based in Charleston.
Under a canopy of Spanish moss, Blair and TJ exchanged their own personally written vows before returning back up the aisle as the Scotts through a sea of white rose petals. Guests were then welcomed to an al fresco cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres, refreshing cocktails, and sunset views over the marsh.
The bride and groom opted for umbrellas to protect guests from the sun. Brilliant touch!
Hand in hand, TJ and Blair are ready to walk through life … but first, to the cocktail hour!
It was time to transition the party into one of the most spectacular tents we have ever seen.
Plush seating areas were set up throughout the reception tent to allow guests to mingle comfortably.
Blair and TJ shared their first dance to “Cowboy in LA” by LANY. “It is a special song for us,” Blair says. She danced with her father to “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor.
After the first dances came to a close, a beautiful seated dinner of bread and butter, Caesar salad, salmon, steak, and whipped potatoes fueled guests for a night of dancing.
How elegant is this cake by Ashley Brown Cake Designs!? The inside was filled with layers of colorful funfetti.
Champagne towers are oh-so IN right now!
Guests welcomed a late-night treat of tacos and Ranch Waters — a nod to TJ’s Texas roots.
The Scotts departed through a sea of sparklers and blew kisses to loved ones from the back of a sleek vintage Jaguar. After the wedding, Blair and TJ honeymooned in the stylish coastal town of Santa Barbara. “We really miss California, and one of our favorite dates was a day trip to Santa Barbara, so we decided we had to go back,” Blair says.
Nothing like a New Orleans-style parade to close out the night!
The Scotts are OFF to a lifetime of bliss. Cheers to many more adventures to come!
While this wedding is classic Southern sophistication through and through, the celebration was not without unique personal touches. Guests enjoyed a late-night snack of tacos and ranch waters — a nod to TJ’s Texan roots — and the pair chose a clever guest book option. “We went with a Gray Malin guest book so we could have a fun coffee table book with all of our loved ones’ notes as a keepsake,” she says.
Blair’s top tip for future brides or currently engaged couples? “Find an amazing planner, and don’t worry too much! The most important thing is celebrating with all of the people you love.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
Thanks, Blair and TJ, for bringing us back to your special day. And thanks to the talented Molly Peach for the photos!
RESOURCES
Ceremony: Runnymede
Reception: Runnymede
Planner: Sarah Lillie
Day-of coordinator: Sarah Lillie
Photographer: Molly Peach
Videography: Ryan Serio
Flowers: Loluma
Stationery: Zola
Hair and makeup: Lashes and Lace
Bride’s gown: Emily Kotarski
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Show Me Your Mumu and Beginning Boutique
Groom and groomsmen attire: The Modern Groom
Catering: Harvest Catering
Cakes: ABCD Cakes
Entertainment: Charleston Virtuosi
Linens: Stradley Davidson
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