Author Archives: Tara Guérard

Hi y’all! Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. Last week we officially said goodbye to our intern, Allie Horne. She’s been with us this whole semester and gotta say…she was a Godsend! Soiree got to share Allie with the Lettered Olive so she had to wear many hats around here. Admittedly though, she wore the Soiree hat a lot more! (Sorry for hogging her, TLO!) While an intern, Allie worked on 3 fall weddings as well as taking on many duties for Darkness to Light. She was such a huge help organizing donations and keeping up with our wonderful Chef volunteers. Did I mention she did all of this while going to school full time??? Since she was so important to us this past few months I had to introduce her to all of you! Here are some things to know about Allie:

1) She lives for frozen yogurt…literally! She could eat Pinkberry for every meal.

2) She’s a freak for organization. This girl can categorize and prioritize.

3) She’s got great fashion sense!

4) She pretty much always wears flats…she’s blessed to be tall!

5) She’s a senior at College of Charleston.

6) She debuted this past November in Charlotte, NC.

7) She’s a cool cucumber. She can keep a level head during the final hours of a big set.

8 ) She’s a dog lover! Despite her mother’s pleas she may be “gifting” them with a new puppy this Christmas!

9) She studied abroad in London for a semester and is considering moving there after college.

10) Even though she is in college, Allie doesn’t go out on “school nights.”

The whole office will definitely miss our Allie! Hopefully she will still be around to help us with our spring events during her last semester of college. She is a great Soirette!

Allie during her debut this fall


12.12.11   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Uncategorized | Comments >>

Garters have gotten a bad rap lately. And it’s really not their fault…maybe things started going downhill for them in the 80’s when short dresses made garters all too visible? I’m not sure, but one thing I do know is that cheap materials and embarrassing garter tosses have lessened the class of the garter.

Enter Sarah Dobson. Starting from a hobby gifting custom garters to friends, Sarah quickly realized the lack of elegance in this intimate undergarment. Sarah began creating garters out of vintage fabrics and laces and adorning them with pearls, crystals and brooches. Able to launch her hobby into a full business in 2009, La Gartier became a new standard in wedding garters.

Not all brides opt to wear a garter. But for those who are looking for a unique piece that complements their style then a custom order from La Gartier might just be the thing! I do like this hand sewn silk flower applique:

And the bride that loves vintage might opt for a pearl brooch or cameo:

Blush tones are really big in bridal right now and that is also transcending into garters as well:

What do you think readers? Are you a garter wearing kind of bride? If so then I definitely recommend a piece from La Gartier!

 

 

12.09.11   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Accessories | 1 Comment

Here at Soiree we are known for our “signature” signature drink- the Lowcountry Lemonade.

This refreshing cocktail is a mix of crushed ice, peach schnapps and fresh squeezed lemonade. So simple, yet so tasty! We often find ourselves creating new  concoctions for our clients that showcase their personalities. It is so much fun to get to know our couples then see what kind of fun way we can incorporate their drinks of choice into the reception. Of course, an added bonus of having a signature cocktail at your reception is that it alleviates the initial rush to the bar. If there is one thing we can’t stand in the least, it is a line of guests waiting to get a drink!! Greeting guests with a beverage as they walk in the door is such a friendly gesture to show them how much you appreciate their attendance!

We’ve had so many drinks over the years, from classic champagne cocktails:

To whimsical Southern inspired punches:

We also really love naming the cocktails after our clients! For instance, we named this drink after the lady of the hour, “Blushing Bride.” On another occasion we did a play on the bride’s name, Lawton, to create the “Lawdy Toddie”

Of course you an always spruce up any plain cocktail or glass of wine by adding a custom tray liner to your passing trays. Here The Lettered Olive created ikat inspired tray liners in the wedding’s color scheme.

Another great idea if you are using stemware is a custom collar. Trust me, these will be conversation starters!

Since we are in the season for entertaining, I hope these ideas give get your creative minds working on sprucing up your cocktails. Just remember to have fun with it…and save me a glass! Cheers!

12.07.11   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Food and Drink, Weddings | 1 Comment