Category Archives: Bridal Style

Jan 02, 2017

We are in full swing 2017 wedding planning mode!  This had me thinking of lots of the design elements that brides from the past few years have been asking for, and what we can switch up and do differently for our weddings this year.

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photo by Liz Banfield

One of our favorite things are illustrations of the bride and groom. We used these cute alternatives to traditional printing or monograms on items like water bottles in the guest welcome bags or served before and after the ceremony.

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photos by Liz Banfield and Corbin Gurkin

Another big trend we are seeing for 2017 is in color palettes.. Paler pastels and neutral creams and whites aren’t as in demand as brighter color combinations like corals, pinks, oranges, and reds, with touches of blue.

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top photo by Liz Banfield; bottom photos by Corbin Gurkin

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photo by Liz Banfield

Brides are also wanting their guest welcome bags to be something reusable- no more boxes or paper containers. Some classics we use are LL Bean totes with printed tags attached, or more recently wet zipper pouches or canvas totes.

As we are seeing things like illustrated maps, giant dessert stations, and photo booth props phasing out, one of our favorite new trends is a draught beer station in addition to the bar (we’re doing in our reception lounges).  You can see more of what trends to avoid in 2017 here from Vogue.com.

1.02.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Entertaining, Event Planning, Photographers, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

These two, aren’t they just the cutest? It’s been 6 years since we traveled to Arkansas to do the December wedding for this couple. While the groom was running for public office, the bride was in her second year of law school and planning her wedding! She was graceful under pressure and both she and her family were a joy to work with. And her dress- a perfectly pleated silk faille Carolina Herrera masterpiece paired with a vintage fur wrap for the chillier moments.

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Influenced by classic blue and white china, complimentary patterns were paired together throughout the printed pieces. Lettered Olive designed a custom monogram featuring a lion head door knocker, that the bride wanted to incorporate throughout.  We had custom velvet shoe bags made to use as the guest welcome bags. Full of champagne, local sparkling water, and snacks, guests had everything they would need for a pre wedding celebration.

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Pieces of the perfect blue and white fabric we found to use throughout the wedding decor, made the perfect bouquet wrap. The bride’s dress had a row of covered buttons, so we added that little detail for her on her flowers. Simple all white flowers (peonies and roses) were just the thing for this winter wedding.

The reception took place at Marlsgate Plantation just outside of Little Rock.  The couple did do a “first sight” at the plantation house before the ceremony. This worked so well for this event, since the sun sets a bit earlier this time of year. Liz Banfield was also able to steal the couple away to capture some amazing private moments before the sunset.

We scored a vintage lion’s head door knocker while out sourcing that we knew we had to snag to use somewhere- like the fabric covered escort card and “sign in” board.

Shades of blue in the ceiling upped the look of the all white dining room. Antique wrought iron chandeliers with pillar candles became amazing statement pieces.

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Special little touches like golden pillar candles, white velvet linens lined with thick blue piping, and lush white carpeting made for a warm, glowing, and breathtaking dining room.

The 5 tier cake was hand painted with each different pattern used throughout the wedding printing and decor and was the centerpiece of the dining room.

A 40 foot bar anchored the lounge tent with shelving to create a focal point for the blue votives.

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To give guests a different feel for dancing, we darkened up the lounge with navy blue and gold tones.

getaway-collageRice produced by the bride’s family’s business was packaged in custom stamped muslin pouches to toss during the couple’s getaway…Wishing our bride and groom the happiest of anniversaries.

 

12.07.16   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Cakes, Event Design, Event Planning, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, The Lettered Olive, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

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There is a “new” bridal boutique in Charleston that we wanted to share for all of you brides to be, or soon to be since this is the biggest engagement season of the year! Southern Protocol Bridal has gotten a complete makeover and is introducing some of the best boutique lines to brides.

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We’re also thrilled that Michelle Miller, the original owner of the boutique, has partnered with two of our favorite ladies and clients, Ann E Rice Ervin and Lisa Rice.  We had such a great time with these ladies while planning Ann E’s wedding, we couldn’t be more thrilled to see them enter into this venture!

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Southern Protocol is the go to stop for Carol Hannah, Heidi Elenora, Nicole Miller, amongst many other lovely labels. The ladies are just back from New York bridal market, and are sharing their top 5 wedding trends making their way from runway to real life.

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Also carrying Kate McDonald bridal, and  Lula Kate’s little white dresses,  brides are able to shop ensembles for their entire wedding weekend.

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They also have a sweet selection of accessories like clutches and baubles from Kate Spade. If you’ll be shopping for a dress in Charleston soon, give the ladies a call to make your appointment!

All photos by Marni Rothschild.

12.05.16   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Announcements, Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Fashion, Jewelry, Shopping, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>