Summerville, SC is a town steeped in Southern tradition and history. After moving to Manhattan, and becoming celebrity dermatologist and skin care consultant for Elizabeth Arden, Dr. Oz, People Magazine, etc Dr. Dendy Engleman met her dream man. He popped the question, and they headed South where she wanted to share her hometown with her nearest and dearest. Thank you Gayle Brooker for the gorgeous photos.
The ceremony took place at her childhood congregation, a classic Episcopalian church outside the Historic district.
The bride really wanted to bring in a modern perspective representing her life in New York to play against the traditional feel typically seen growing up in Summerville. A bold green and warm chocolate color palette was selected and lots of natural elements like greenery, branches, dried lentils, mosses, and berries were used throughout.
Orchids in the greens and browns used throughout compliment the bridal bouquet cascading and lush with branches, berries, and orchids in different varietals.
Simple potted phalenopsis orchids in moss covered pots were the perfect centerpieces for the cocktail tables covered in green and chocolate silk scattered amongst the lawn.
Signature drink for a couple living in New York but marrying in South Carolina? Manhattans, obvi.
The wedding cake by Jim Smeal was a stunning centerpiece in the tent. The tiers were accented by hand made samples of lace from the bride’s dress, and a custom icing monogram designed by Soiree and Lettered Olive.
The dance tent and lounge were modeled after some of the couples favorite Manhattan clubs, but with wedding elegance of course! My favorite is a clear top tent which allows the space to feel bigger and more open but the temperature has to be just right (can you say greenhouse chic??)
Had to make one of our signature bars, of course. Tops were custom wood to keep in line with the fall design and the couples monogram designed by Lettered Olive was used on banners to decorate large spaces like this bar, pillows in the lounge, printed items, and the cake. The most important thing though is that it’s accessible from many angles for many people- NO LINES!
The Woodlands Resort was a classically elegant 5 star resort with amazing architecture and equally amazing food (it’s since closed and become a private home). We added some draping and lighting to the exterior for some drama which kinda ended up being a scene stealer.
The knockout couple ended their evening (after a quick change by the bride into a going away shortie dress) with a traditional rice toss before heading off into married life together.
As guests made their way into the dinner tent, they grabbed their escort cards which were attached to varying individual vases of florals.
After dinner, the couple cut the cakes, designed by Jim Smeal.
The main house at Runnymede no longer stands (only a few ruins remain), but we found an old photograph which we had screen printed to serve as the background to the band stage.
Because of the remarkable weather, we built an outdoor porch off of the main reception tent for guests to enjoy drinks, cigars, and late night treats if they needed a dance break.
With the couple living outside of Chicago, but the bride a Southern girl, favors were bags of local biscuit mix perfectly packaged with mini wooden spoons. And, because of their affinity for wine we got a bottle that would be a perfect addition to their collection and guests signed it.
Welcome bags for the hotel guests came with the perfect tag for the end of the night- Do Not Disturb…we had too much fun. Congrats to Katie and Paul!
