We love a good throwback for inspiration, so here is one of our favorite photo shoots from recent years- for Southern Living Magazine, how to “Throw a Porch Party”. I wanted to share all of the details with you in case you are still needing inspiration for your Memorial Day weekend. I hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend.
photo by Christian Oth Studio
In light of our new feature on design site, Charish, we thought we could post some of the ways we have designed our dinner tabletops with a touch or two of vintage pieces. One of the easiest ways to bring in some touch of vintage is through the china, glassware, or flatware in some way. Even when working with a budget, even if you chose just one of these elements, you can still achieve lovely results. Above, antique gold rimmed chargers set the stage and then a lovely vintage styled ribbon tied around the napkins completed the look.
photos by Liz Banfield
For this tabletop decor, we went with a collection of vintage candle holders to add a vintage feel. The key to this look is to create a gathering several different versions but that all work together of course… mercury glass paired with the taller cut crystal holders add a subtle antique design.
photo by Corbin Gurkin
Often times we can create a special tabletop for the head table or the bride and groom table. Antique silver goblets were used as water glasses, and the bride’s wedding china was used for the place settings. Of course, we cleaned and packaged them to return afterwards.
photo by Corbin Gurkin
This vintage tabletop combined many elements to create a cultivated look by using china, glassware, embroidered napkins, and antique candle holders.
photos by Corbin Gurkin
photo by Liz Banfield
There are many ebbs and flows in weddings as years go by, we find ourselves being asked by clients to design different elements all the time, but one thing stays constant and that is making each one personal. Here are just some of the ways we have personalized our events for our clients (aside from the obvious in the printing areas i.e. invitations), so hopefully this will trigger some thoughts or ideas for you. Above, a jazz band led our couple out to their send off, a nod to the “second line” tradition in New Orleans, where they met.
photos by Tec Petaja
This was one of my favorite touches at this wedding… The father of the bride had an impressive wine collection that he had been working on over many years. So, we built a display as one of the centerpieces of the dining room. The bottles were served up in labeled decanters and guests were encouraged to help themselves during dinner service.
photo by Christian Oth Studios
One of the easiest places to add personal touches is in the wedding welcome gifts. For our couple, marrying in Palm Beach, but from Texas, lots of custom elements filled this goodie bag. A filled beach bag for guests to enjoy while in Florida, perhaps not having packed one seemed like the perfect choice- along with turkish towels in the wedding colors. Texas shaped corn chips and Texas salsa were just some of the snacks included along with Florida salt water taffy… all of these little thoughtful details go a long way to personalize your weekend for your guests.
photos by Corbin Gurkin
For this Southern beach wedding at home, lots of playful touches were woven throughout. The mother of the bride and bride herself gave us their favorite quotes from movies, books, etc. and we used them to jazz up pillows on the lounge seating, cocktail napkins, and coasters. Guests loved seeing and seeking out all of the different ones throughout the party. 
top photos by Tec Petaja; bottom photos by Liz Banfield
Many of our clients love seeing details featuring their dogs incorporated into their wedding.. Water bottles featuring our couple’s Frenchie on the label were included in the wedding welcome bags and served up again at the reception. Another couple’s two Australian Shepherds made their first appearance on the save the dates, and then again in custom take home cake boxes we called “doggie bags”… 
photos by Corbin Gurkin
Of course, one of the easiest and most traditional ways to personalize your day is with a monogram. Here, the first initials of our bride and groom were design elements all throughout the design. First on a floral version greeting guests at the front door, then on aprons worn by the cocktail servers, and mixed in on pillows throughout the lounge seating.
There are so many other ways and details that can be personalized, so share with us any that you have done or are planning to do!
Recognized as one of the nation’s leading tastemakers, Tara Guérard has earned a widespread reputation for her ability to create spectacular settings celebrating life’s most anticipated occasions. As the visionary and founder of Tara Guérard Soirée, she is best known for her distinct style that honors the storied traditions of Southern hospitality paired with a modern aesthetic and flair for the unexpected.
