Category Archives: Event Design

Mar 07, 2017

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photo by Corbin Gurkin 

Having fun yourself and seeing your guests have fun at your wedding is key, and all that thought and planning are what make it all happen. So, if you are looking for a just a few more new ideas that could help make your big day all come together , here are some of the fun details we’re doing for some of our clients that we think are worth sharing!

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photo by Liz Banfield

 We all know and see coconut water everywhere!!! But custom coconuts from CoCo & Co take it to the next level. You can have anything from names, dates, etc printed on the coconuts, and they come with a super cute Tiki cart and can make adult beverages with the fresh coconut water as well!

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photo by Corbin Gurkin 

 I think the boys will like this one- but we’re having fun with this too. For a different way of  beer than at the bar, we’re building tap walls. Clients pick their faves, and we can make it a design focal point in the reception lounge.

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photo by Corbin Gurkin

The perfect pairing for your beer tap wall, or coconut cocktails are late night burger stations. Now, I know you think burger stations have been around forever, but we are having our caterers do them made to order!

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photo by Corbin Gurkin

So something we are seeing tons of requests for are custom matches at the bar. Matches are still “hot” even though smoking is not. Great take homes, and a fun way to incorporate wedding details like a monogram or wedding hashtag.

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photo by Liz Banfield

Another incarnation of the matches that we’re seeing requests for, are couples recreating their parents matches. Having photos from engagement sessions printed on matchbooks (we’ve used these in guest bags, as part of a favor w/ a candle, or on the bars), which many of our client’s parents had at their weddings as well. Love this new twist on tradition.

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photo by Liz Banfield

In lieu of the flip flop stations we’ve had at many weddings, we’re switching it up with Rescue Flats.

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photo by Liz Banfield

We find it hard to come up with lots of new ideas for couple send offs. Sparklers still make for great photos, as do rose petals which are a sweet way to keep tradition alive. But, for this wedding, a lively addition to the send off was having a brass band lead the guests out side to see the bride and groom off. Great photos, great energy, and a great way to end the night that will keep guests talking!

3.07.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Food and Drink, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>
Feb 28, 2017

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Today, we’re talking trends in wedding photography.  Maybe this comes just in time for your wedding planning this year and meetings with any wedding photographers you may have.

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Ever heard of a banquet photo? Loving this new trend in wedding photography!  Banquet photos are so hot right now, even the New York Times is writing articles about them.  Making sure that every guest in attendance is accounted for, your photographer finds a great angle and everyone huddles together. Surely a photo that would make the frame wall!

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We’re also seeing lots of updates to photo booths. They are still super popular, but now with options like TapSnap, we are seeing several updates of note.  TapSnap allows you to customize your background (thru a greenscreen), photo customizations like monograms, and photo sharing with anyone who couldn’t make it.

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For easy updates to a photo booth when not using an outside service- one tip is to make a fabric or custom background. This saves money vs doing a full floral wall, and you may even be able to reuse the material or refashion into something in your newlywed home.

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I know this isn’t necessarily a “new” idea, but think about having your photographer come to spend some time with you while getting ready on your wedding day. These offer such a nice contrast to the posed photos at the ceremony (which are also nice), and could be a nice gift for your girls, framed of course, after the big day.

2.28.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Event Design, Event Planning, Photographers, Press, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>
Feb 08, 2017

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We are back with part two of this glorious and golden Charleston wedding. Our couple, the bride in Vera Wang,  was married at the historic First Baptist Church downtown. Corbin Gurkin is responsible for the lovely images.

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The gorgeous golden bridesmaids gowns are by Kate McDonald.

William Aiken CollageGuests were welcomed at the William Aiken House in downtown Charleston. The historic home has been fully restored to it’s splendor with museum quality interiors. And, the grounds  were designed by a renowned local horticulturalist, so we love getting to design for our couples at this property.

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A lovely lounge was waiting on the front lounge for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour and as a getaway for after dinner dancing.

F&B Collage

Cocktail hour included a bourbon bar, passed champagne, and Southern staples like ham biscuits, and fried chicken biscuits mixed with Asian favorites- tuna tartar and dumplings.

Porch Collage

In true Charleston fashion, we utilized the sweeping piazzas for seating niches. We hung the letterpressed and caligraphied dinner escort cards on the porch for guests to gather while enjoying cocktails.

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The cream and golden color palette made for a perfectly formal Southern dinner scape. Tables were dressed with silk linens, and the die cut lace paper wraps from the invitations were brought back in to adorn the dinner napkins. Caligraphied tags tied to the lace acted as place cards.

Dinner Collage

Fabric swathes dressed up standard Chivari chairs… Even a traditional spinach salad has a new take on it’s presentation.

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Doesn’t that tent look so happy and cozy like you wouldn’t want to leave????

Cake Collage

The wedding cake by Jim Smeal mimicked the lace pattern from the bride’s bridal gown in gold and cream.  We created a vignette under the William Aiken House pergola for the cake with chandeliers, candles, and a linen dressed up with greenery and flowers. Having been introduced through their mutual veterinarian, the grooms cake included a “dog park”, also by Jim Smeal.

Dance tent Collage

Details for the after dinner dancing lounge included a monogrammed dance floor and sofas with custom embroidered pillows. The chandelier is dressed up with flowers and greenery.

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Going away Collage

After dancing the night away with friends, the couple departed by a sparkling send off and a vintage white Rolls took them away. Lettered Olive handmade the Best Day Ever sign with golden glitter! This couple’s special day was definitely #HappilyHansom!

2.08.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, Food and Drink, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>