Recognized as one of the nation’s leading tastemakers, Tara Guérard has earned a widespread reputation for her exceptional ability to create spectacular settings celebrating life’s most anticipated occasions.

For over 20 years, clients across the United States and abroad have turned to Tara for her impeccably executed events infused with Southern hospitality. With a core business in event design, Tara has expanded her brand to include furniture design and her letterpress printing company, Lettered Olive. She maintains offices in both Charleston and New York City.

A noted style expert, Tara has been featured in several national publications, including Food & Wine, InStyle, Southern Living, Traditional Home, Town & Country Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Brides, and was named a top wedding planner by Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. She has also made appearances on The Martha Stewart Show, The Nate Berkus Show, and the Style Network. Additionally, Tara is a regular on the speaking circuit, dispensing tips and advice on an array of design-related topics.

Tara lives in South Carolina, with her husband, Russell, their children, Aiken, Myers and Lila, and springer spaniel, June.

published

Tara’s debut book, Southern Weddings: New Looks from the Old South (Gibbs-Smith) was published to rave reviews in 2007, and her second volume, Weddings by Tara Guérard (Gibbs-Smith) premiered in early 2010, further establishing her as an authority on gracious entertaining. Looking ahead, Tara has launched on several new projects including May Cabas- handmade bicycle baskets, broadcast development, and her third book.

Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Anna Catherine graduated from The University of South Carolina with a major in Journalism and minor in Spanish. During her college career, Anna began event planning through her sorority and internships, which led her to Charleston, and she officially began her career. Anna has worked in the wedding and events industry since 2018, and since joining the team has loved learning how to do things “The Soiree Way”. When she’s not in the office coordinating with vendors, organizing timelines, chatting it up with clients, or on site at a wedding, Anna enjoys running and playing on the beach with her English Cream Golden Retriever, Winnie. Her favorite activities include boating,  hanging with friends, enjoying a rooftop cocktail at sunset overlooking the beautiful Charleston skyline, or attending a live concert with her man.

This New Orleans native has always known she wanted a job that allowed her to be hands-on and creative.  Karen developed an interest in event planning while studying for degrees in Hospitality and Tourism and Arts Management at The College of Charleston.  She further developed her skillset working as a visual merchandiser, and then learning the art of graphic design.  Karen joined Lettered Olive in the spring of 2017 and she continues to wow clients and their guests with beautifully crafted invitations, stationery and paper pieces.  Karen’s two pups (Einstein, a poodle-bichon mix and a lab-mix named Indy) are the best of friends and her beloved companions.  She and her boyfriend kick back with trips to the beach, bike rides, cooking, or just enjoying a lazy Sunday.

Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Jane graduated from the College of Charleston with a major in Communications and a minor in Hospitality and Tourism. Throughout college, Jane worked across all facets of event planning, where her love for events began. Before joining the Soirée team, she worked with various wedding planners, event designers, technical production teams, and more. When not in the office, Jane enjoys trying Charleston’s newest restaurants, cooking for her friends and family, and early morning yoga.

After Graduating College of Charleston with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and interning at Soiree since 2019, Brandy now joins the team full time.  Brandy grew up on the water in Savannah, Georgia. She loves going to the beach, wine tasting and trying new restaurants, seeing live music with friends and kickboxing.

Kate Little began her career at Soirée as an Event Coordinator, and now over a decade later handles the company’s social media presence.  Kate has a well-trained eye for style and detail, and also assists with wedding production.  She lives in Charleston with her husband, Barrett, their son, Palmer, and daughter, Vivie, where they share their lives with a new pug puppy, Scarlett. In her downtime, Kate enjoys going offline to read, travel, catch some live music, visit the beach or attend a barre class.

This year marks Heather’s 22nd season with Soirée, where she takes the lead on all things floral. Her favorite part of a wedding to design? The bride’s bouquet. And while she loves a beautiful peony, she’s just as happy to work with foliage and leaves, or flowers from a home garden. Heather studied business and culinary arts and worked at various floral shops before joining Tara’s team.  Out of the office, you can find Heather catching up with her friends in Mount Pleasant, at the beach or pool, or going for a walk with her pups and boyfriend.

William has a storied career, with nearly thirty years of service in the fire department, more than a decade overseeing construction at the College of Charleston, and nearly as long as a rigger in the live entertainment industry.  He’s also done stints as a set carpenter for two movies.  William has been part of the Soirée team since 2005, building everything from bars to backdrops, and also ensuring events are up to code and safe for all involved.  While William grew up in Connecticut, he’s called Ravenel, South Carolina, home for many years, living there with his wife, Melissa, and their pit bull, Baloo. William loves being outdoors and has a slew of hobbies including hunting, shooting, and riding motorcycles.