A Lowcountry Love Story: Renee O’Quinn & Artrell G. Horne
A sun-drenched, brisk autumn afternoon on Lady’s Island set the stage for a quintessential Southern celebration as two Beaufort legacy families unite. The ancient live oaks met the golden-hued tidal creeks, creating a backdrop of quiet, profound splendor for their elegant affair.
Beaufort natives Ms. Renee O’Quinn and Mr. Artrell G. Horne exchanged vows in Beaufort County on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The couple chose Rock Springs Farm, a private waterfront Sea Island estate, as the setting, where 85 guests gathered for a sunny fall afternoon that eased into a crisp autumn evening filled with storytelling and memory making.
The ceremony, officiated by Reverend Stephen Brown of Central Baptist Church of Beaufort, took place on a wide lawn overlooking the marsh. From the moment the couple joined hands beneath a natural wooden arch, the day unfolded with a thoughtful blend of classic Lowcountry simplicity and striking, modern elegance.
A True Lowcountry Romance
Renee and Artrell tell The Beaufort Blog that their union is a testament to shared faith and a commitment to putting God first, setting a joyful and reverent tone for their lifelong covenant.
Their story is also a classic Lowcountry contrast to modern life. While nearly one in three committed relationships today begin with a swipe or a profile, this couple, both proud Beaufort natives whose family roots run deep in the area, met organically thanks to the matchmaking efforts of mutual friend, bridesmaid Kristen Masters. Their romance proves that the best connections are still often found close to home, rooted in shared community.
Jewel Tones Meet the Marsh
The décor was a rich celebration of the season and the setting. The ceremony arch was dressed in lush, jewel-toned florals—deep reds, soft purples, and golden accents—colors that stood out beautifully against the bright blue sky and the muted greens and golds of the marsh backdrop.
Complementing the natural backdrop, the entrance was accented with autumnal harvest decor, including pumpkins and potted mums, grounding the affair firmly in the beauty of the season. The wedding party complemented this striking palette perfectly: bridesmaids wore sophisticated gowns in wine tones, while the groomsmen were sharp in classic navy suits.
The bride, who has dedicated the last eight years to a career in hospice and health care, was a vision of Southern grace, walking down the aisle in a gown featuring a delicate lace bodice and long illusion sleeves. Paired with a soft, flowing cathedral-length veil, her bouquet mirrored the rich autumn palette surrounding the marsh.
The groom—a former firefighter and liter and environmental enforcement officer, now owner of Pro2Painting—was dashing in his navy suit, accented by a gold bow tie and pocket square.
Rustic Elegance and Velvet Textures
The reception inside the tent achieved that perfect Lowcountry aesthetic: rustic texture meeting refined polish. Long tables were draped in rich navy linen, accented by deep burgundy velvet runners that introduced a warm, luxurious feel. Each place setting featured a bright gold charger and tall champagne flutes, offering a refined contrast against the dark cloth. Centerpieces subtly enhanced the natural view outside, mixing clear glass vases and lanterns set on rough-hewn wood slices, finished with simple sprigs of baby’s breath and greenery.
The natural touches elevated the space while allowing the view of the tidal creek and marsh on a beautiful autumn afternoon to do its breathtaking best work.
The Modern Trend: Same Day Recap Video
In a nod to the growing trend among sophisticated millennial couples, Renee and Artrell surprised their guests with a standout modern touch: a same-day video recap. The on-site team filmed the morning preparations through the ceremony and into the reception, editing a high-energy highlight reel that played during the celebration. This modern addition allowed guests to instantly relive the joy of the day and blended seamlessly with the couple's classic Southern traditions.
The Family and Attendants
Their ceremony also celebrated the creation of a new, blended family. The couple’s children from previous relationships—junior bridesmaids Paisley and London and junior groomsman Justin —were lovingly incorporated into the wedding party, marking their day as the beginning of a shared future for all.
The bride, Renee is the beloved daughter of Mr. Robert Duncan O’Quinn III and Mrs. Carol O’Quinn. She is the granddaughter of Robert Duncan O’Quinn II and Glen O’Quinn, as well as the late Marion D. “Sonny” Hoffmeyer Jr. USMC (Ret.) and Claudia Vollerin Hoffmeyer.
Artrell is the son of Mr. Dwayne Horne and Mrs. Halina Horne. He is the grandson of the late Billy G. Horne, USAF (Ret.), and Mrs. Eddie Mae Horne as well as the late Peppino Sodono and Marisa Marano.
The couple was attended by a full party, including Matron of Honor Ms. Nila Barret and Best Man Mr. Kennth Chrome.
Bridesmaids: Ms. Shalawn Cofield, Ms. Kristen Masters, Ms. Faye Hamilton, and Ms. Bellamy Barret.
Junior Bridesmaids: Ms. Paisley Harral, Ms. London Horne, and Miss Margaret Barret.
Flower Girl: Miss Kaliyah Chrome.
Groomsmen: Mr. Darrel Waring, Mr. Robert Duncan O’Quinn IV, Mr. Michael Derry, and Mr. John Gobel.
Junior Groomsmen: Mr. Kennth Chrome III, Mr. Keegan Barret, Mr. Jeremiah Barret, Mr. Robert Duncan O’Quinn V, and Mr. Justin Harral.
The couple will honeymoon in the Florida Keys and will make their permanent home in Beaufort, forever surrounded by the breathtaking tidal waterways that provided the perfect, unforgettable beginning to their Lowcountry love story.
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