Category Archives: Dresses

Feb 09, 2016

We’re asking some of our past brides about teachable moments during their process, hoping to help anyone else going through the ups and downs of planning now!

What was your favorite part of planning your wedding?

My favorite part in planning was experiencing a world of beautiful, beautiful things. From a few visits to Palmetto Bluff, to tasting
lovely eats for the reception, as a bride, I had no idea I’d be so
warmly invited into an exquisite industry I knew nothing about. And
let me tell you the beautiful world of weddings is pretty epic.

What was the biggest challenge during the planning process?

My biggest challenge was managing the process, emotionally. With
heightened bridal senses, small things can feel gargantuan every now
and then.

What do you miss the most now that it is over?

I really, really, really miss the friends I made. From my
photographer turned best friend, Perry Adams of Perry Vaile
Photography, to gown designer, Katherine McDonald, to the rockstar
chick that helped me get dressed, Cacky Rivers from Cacky’s Bride +
Aid, I made lifelong friends.Seriously. I also miss working so closely
with Meg, Tarah, Molly, Abbie, and big T (Tara G) given they kind of
made it happen and we became TIGHT during that wedding planning
process! I wanted to be an easy bride for that incredible team.

Is there anything you would do over and what? Would you wear the same dress?

This sounds bananas, and please feel free to judge me, but I would
shorten our honeymoon from 7 to 5 days (St. Barths was piping hot in
June and we were not prepared). Heck no to the techno I could never
change my dress. I still dream about wearing that awesome frock.
Except now I’m 7 months pregnant, so things fit a little differently.

Can you please give a brief description of your engagement?

During our 11 month engagement, Wyatt and I lived in different
states for job opportunities. He, NY and I, NC. I think this made our
upcoming wedding, to us, even more exciting.

Caroline and Wyatt were married May 30, 2015 at Palmetto Bluff. Stay tuned here to see more lovely details from their Soiree on Wedding Wednesday.

2.09.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Dresses, Event Design, Event Planning, Fashion, Photographers, Weddings | 2 Comments

Feb 08, 2016

A History of Charleston Weddings

I was thrilled to take a walk through the “Unveiled” exhibit at the Charleston Museum. The exhibit showcases a series of wedding dresses and accessories beautifully restored starting all the way back to the early 1800’s. It’s just fascinating to see how things have changed (and what hasn’t) throughout the years. If you are in town, or planning to be in town, you must get by to see it.

The history of this dress from the 1865 was actually recorded in a recovered diary of the bride. She was married in Columbia, and after the civil war the organdy used for this dress was the only piece of white fabric available in the city and at a shop that was Yankee owned. The cost being $10.00 (which at the time was exorbitant), so in order for the family to purchase the dress, they sold off the last piece of carpet in their home, chairs from the mother’s bedroom, and some lard and butter from the family’s plantation.

How fabulous is this ostrich feather fan??? Fans were one of the most commonplace accessories (obviously due to our climate here), but if you had to carry and use a fan, this one is fabulous!

The tradition of the “garter” is a long standing one, and these silk tie on versions date to the mid 1700’s. It’s amazing the condition they are still in!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea… This family gifted the married couple a silver tray engraved with all of the details and wording from the wedding invitation. Totally want to see this come back en vogue.

In the mid 1880’s darker fabrics became fashionable due to new dyes and techniques available. This particular dress was actually made by the brides’ mother. I see that there was always a space for the brides wanting to be daring and different.

This dress was worn by a bride in the 1930’s for her wedding at my church, St. Philips. Even though the wedding was in September, I love the beautiful sleeves on this dress.

I love this selection of men’s vests- great to see what was fashionable for both!

This was another handmade dress. This one from the 1960’s had the sweetest cording detail!

My favorite detail on this dress- the sleeves! Can you tell, I like sleeves????

2.08.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Accessories, Art, Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Dresses, Fashion, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Jan 14, 2016

Winter Party Rundown

Bridesmaids' Ball Invitation

I’m so looking forward to this!

The Charleston Museum’s upcoming textiles exhibit, Unveiled: Wedding Fashion and Traditions in the South, on display from January 22 – July 10, 2016, will allow visitors to see how wedding dress styles have changed throughout time and will examine trends and traditions. From orange blossom adornments and blue garters to the magnificent white gown, the Museum will exhibit an array of garments from the early 1800s through the mid- 20th century.

Guests can enjoy favorite post-nuptial jams, delicious food and cocktails and awesome wine and beer, all while taking a look at the new exhibit and learning from museum curators themselves. Ladies are invited to wear their old bridesmaids’ dresses and men are welcome to come in their best suit, something vintage, or something ridiculous, as long as it’s wedding themed!

Tickets are all inclusive and may be purchased online or over the phone at 843.722.2996, ext. 235. Tickets are $40 for museum members and $50 for non-members.

If you are in Charleston, this is a can’t miss party. Hosted by the Society 1858 of the Gibbes Museum of Art, the fabulous Winter Party takes place on 1/29/16! Get festive for this 1940s cabaret with cocktails and bites, dancing, music and edgy performances. As with last year, you also will have the opportunity to win an original work of art by local artists (including Kate Long Stevenson). Proceeds benefit the Gibbes’ coveted 1858 Prize for Contemporary Art. Go to www.storkclubcharleston.org for more information.

1.14.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Announcements, Art, Bridal Style, Charleston, Dresses, Events, Fashion, Parties, Weddings | 1 Comment