We are back with part two of this glorious and golden Charleston wedding. Our couple, the bride in Vera Wang, was married at the historic First Baptist Church downtown. Corbin Gurkin is responsible for the lovely images.
The gorgeous golden bridesmaids gowns are by Kate McDonald.
Guests were welcomed at the William Aiken House in downtown Charleston. The historic home has been fully restored to it’s splendor with museum quality interiors. And, the grounds were designed by a renowned local horticulturalist, so we love getting to design for our couples at this property.
A lovely lounge was waiting on the front lounge for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour and as a getaway for after dinner dancing.
Cocktail hour included a bourbon bar, passed champagne, and Southern staples like ham biscuits, and fried chicken biscuits mixed with Asian favorites- tuna tartar and dumplings.
In true Charleston fashion, we utilized the sweeping piazzas for seating niches. We hung the letterpressed and caligraphied dinner escort cards on the porch for guests to gather while enjoying cocktails.
The cream and golden color palette made for a perfectly formal Southern dinner scape. Tables were dressed with silk linens, and the die cut lace paper wraps from the invitations were brought back in to adorn the dinner napkins. Caligraphied tags tied to the lace acted as place cards.
Fabric swathes dressed up standard Chivari chairs… Even a traditional spinach salad has a new take on it’s presentation.
Doesn’t that tent look so happy and cozy like you wouldn’t want to leave????
The wedding cake by Jim Smeal mimicked the lace pattern from the bride’s bridal gown in gold and cream. We created a vignette under the William Aiken House pergola for the cake with chandeliers, candles, and a linen dressed up with greenery and flowers. Having been introduced through their mutual veterinarian, the grooms cake included a “dog park”, also by Jim Smeal.
Details for the after dinner dancing lounge included a monogrammed dance floor and sofas with custom embroidered pillows. The chandelier is dressed up with flowers and greenery.
After dancing the night away with friends, the couple departed by a sparkling send off and a vintage white Rolls took them away. Lettered Olive handmade the Best Day Ever sign with golden glitter! This couple’s special day was definitely #HappilyHansom!