Category Archives: Event Design

Nov 05, 2019

A Bryan Photo

We are definitely seeing a shift in the palettes for our fall weddings as we are diving into the design proposals, but we are loving the inspiration we are getting from new hues. For a recent wedding, the girls wore shades of ochre. And, with the bouquets of greenery instead of blooms, I love this fresh fall look and how it makes total sense with out the long standing feel of traditional fall.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

A new take on fall brights with a broad palette, these shades are balanced but unexpected. Our bride, designer of Dee Hutton created custom gowns for her ladies and it couldn’t have been more perfect for this glamorous affair. Think a trip to Mexico or Cuba as color inspiration here.

photos by Corbin Gurkin and Liz Banfield

Blue, so much blue… Blue has so many shades and can truly be used in all seasons. Navy is a particularly popular for Fall, along with a smokier shade. But blue truly is timeless and versatile, always a good choice!

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Grey doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, in fact we’re seeing more shades of it. Here, a charcoal is balanced with sunset shades. The green grey gowns in center are balanced with fluffy dusty miller, and blooms in dessert shades. Grey suits are still a main alternatives to tuxedos. A pale grey suit works darker greys, navy, and the paler shades of lilac. Darker greys are a surprising neutral that are working with all tones.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

I’m loving the moment that jewel tones are still having, but if you are looking for ways to brighten them, try offering a brighter balance of blush tones.

photos by Liz Banfield and Corbin Gurkin

Lilac is still definitely having a moment. We’re seeing it done in ombre shades, everywhere from pastels, to the deeper jewel shades. The flowers acting as a counterpart- the lighter shades are complimented with deeper blooms, and the darker shades work well blended with greens, pales, and pops of plum.

11.05.19 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Event Design, Event Planning, Fashion, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Oct 29, 2019

Rustic Rehearsal Dinner

We so loved our time in upstate New York, for this glamorous couple’s wedding weekend. Troutbeck provided a spectacular setting, and while we can’t wait to share more of the wedding details later, we thought some of the details from the sweetest rehearsal dinner would be fun. Um, and how fabulous is our bride’s pant set? Jose Villa was with us all weekend to capture all of the gorgeous imagery.

We worked with Heirloom Fire catering out of the Berkshires . Their process and aesthetic was so perfect for this, and we loved their whole feel.

They set up their entire cooking get up so that guests can watch and be part of the experience. It’s like a super chic campfire… The proteins are grilled or smoked onsite, carved, and served up family style preciously from foraged greenery.

The most beautiful red snapper was grilled and filleted on site, and many of the guests enjoyed speaking the the chefs about their process.

Their tomatoes rivaled some of our most beautiful down here… pretty as a picture.

A blueberry buckle was grilled in cast iron skillets and served family style at the end of dinner.

In lieu of individual cards, Lettered Olive created a watercolor of the tables with guests names placed at the corresponding seats.

Wooden farm tables were softened with linen table runners, collections of Italian terra cotta pots filled with various herbs, and curated wooden pedestals for the family style platters.

Lettered olive printed the evening’s menu on cotton napkins which were dotted with fresh rosemary. Leather drink coasters were imprinted with guests’ names, acting as place cards. Dreamy…

A good time was had by all..

Also loved this delicate pour over coffee experience available upon guest request after dinner. Everything that Heirloom fire did was so thoughtful, and added details to service and presentation which is sometimes hard to come by in the event catering world.

After dinner, the intimate friends and family crowd were joined by the remaining wedding guests for a Welcome Party tented on the adjacent lawn. A modern jazz band from Elan Artists, more fun late night food, and desserts were provided.

Of course, we had the prettiest s’mores station!

10.29.19 | TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Food and Drink, Parties, Rehearsal Dinner, Travel, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Oct 22, 2019

Southern Soiree

I had the best time planning this wedding… I mean, I love Denia, and miss working with her! A fashion designer and co founder of Dee Hutton based in New York, Denia and Craig knew that coming to Charleston to get married was the perfect plan. With many personal touches – the upscale “party animal” theme, and the gowns (both bridal and bridemsaids) designed by the bride, this was a magazine worthy collaboration. It was a also a feature on Brides magazine. Photos by Corbin Gurkin.

The bride’s bouquet looked just gathered from the garden, with simple long stemmed roses and greenery, hand tied with silk ribbon. A whimsical ring bearer “pillow” makes for a sweet detail, and tailored white roses served on a brass tray made even the groomsmen feel special!

The bride designed her own dress with a wow factor in mind, the train was reminisce of a royal wedding! The train was over 7 feet long and when spread 13 feet wide… breathtaking.

Not wanting your typical bridal party look, custom individual dresses were designed for each member of the wedding party by the bride herself, totally pulling off an uber glam look.

One of the things that drew the bride to the Fenwick Hall location was the brick facade and the grounds giving the feel of grand homes from a bygone era.

A bridged aisle was created over the reflecting pond with a lush floral arch full of magnolia greenery and lilies at the ceremony site.

The mother of the bride surprised the couple with a gospel choir singing “You Are the Best Thing” for the couple’s recessional.

The reception kicked off with a cocktail hour under the spanish moss. The guests got the first nod to the animals with the escort card display, being watched over by good luck elephants.

The party continued with dinner under the stars. Long family style tables filled the glowing gold and white tent. As a surprise to the bride, golden pears held the place cards at each guests’ place setting. The table numbers were caligraphied carafes of wine…

Oh this gold giraffe, it now lives in our office, but it definitely lived up to it’s party animal reputation that night… At one point in the evening the bride was actually riding it!

Guests lounged under the stars, enjoyed dancing, and cakes well into the night.

Dessert for the evening- cake and ice cream. A Cake bar with different varieties along with Graeter’s ice cream allowed guests a smorgasboard of options.

A TapSnap photo booth allowed guests cute take home photos and also provided the guests sign in book… guests could leave a copy of their photos along with personal notes to the couple.

A beautiful end to an amazing evening….. Luckily this bride was in our life again as we planned her best friend and business partner’s wedding. Stay tuned for the details on that one coming soon!

10.22.19 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Charleston, Event Design, Event Planning, Fashion, Flowers, Photographers, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>