Category Archives: Event Design

Aug 31, 2016

For this Wedding Wednesday, we’re celebrating some of our clients who married 10 years ago, here in Charleston at the William Aiken House. The bride wanted a modern affair designed in black and white with sky blue notes. Liz Banfield was with us to capture all of the images.

The luxe bridal bouquet smelled as beautiful as it looked from the gardenias and garden roses. Mixed in were also phalenopsis orchids.

For the bride, who designs for the family jewelry business, accessories were an important part of her wedding day ensemble. A classic ring from her father’s store, a feathered Moo Roo bag, and a vintage embroidered handkerchief were the perfect pieces!

The ceremony took place at a downtown Charleston church within walking distance to the William Aiken House.

Bridesmaids carried an all white bouquet with hints of blue with their full length black silk gowns.

A simple “swirl” was designed for the couple’s printed materials. A simple but clever welcome box in the hotels included custom pencils, notepads, and a notecard set to take home. In remembrance of the bride’s mother, guests received a white carnation with information about donations made in the guests honor to a charity founded in her honor.

The front gates at the William Aiken House were draped in blue fabric curtains, a crystal chandelier, and floral “tie backs”.

One of our favorite design staples were the shadow box cocktail tables and bars we designed so many years ago. Whichever beautiful blooms fit into the design scape were placed in votives in the shadow boxes, dressing up ordinary spaces where guests gather.

A modern bar and lounge provided a space for guests to take a reprive from the dance floor.

The wedding cake by Jim Smeal was designed with both the custom flourish and patterns from the beading on the brides’ gown.

The couple and guests enjoyed both a classic big band and a big party band which kept the party going all night!

The bride and groom departed by a sparkler send off in a vintage London style taxi. Happy 10th Anniversary Kristen and Josh!

8.31.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Event Design, Flowers, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, The Lettered Olive, Uncategorized, Weddings | 3 Comments

Aug 17, 2016

Sea Island Soiree Part 2

This wedding wednesday brings us to Part 2 of our Sea Island, Ga wedding recently featured on Martha Stewart Weddings. Thank you to Liz Banfield for all of the pretty pictures!

The venue itself is full of pretty scenery and architecture we really wanted to incorporate into the design elements. During cocktail hour, guests picked up their escort cards at a table anchored by a simple but lush floral arrangement. Escort cards are held in place by pieces Georgia granite.

During cocktail hour, guests could take a seat and enjoy conversation at quaint little seating arrangements.

The dinner tent was swathed in blue fabric, reminiscent of the traditional porch ceilings in the South. To bring the natural feel of the overall wedding design to the tent, trees were “planted” throughout and created a wall between dinner and the dancing portion of the tent.

Guests dined under strands of orchids accented by candlelight. Taking a note from the centerpieces, fern fronds decorated each place setting… Modern brass flatware keeps the table elegant but not fussy.

The wedding cake by Jim Smeal included intricate patterns similar to the windows at the Chapel where the couple were married. The hand made icing flowers add that feminine frill just perfect for a wedding cake.

The couple takes the floor for their first dance as husband and wife.

Ok, now this is one of my most favorite things we’ve ever done! We created a half moon cocktail bar with copper tops. Then, we had Spoonflower print fabric with the brides’ favorite painting from the St. Regis bar in New York. I mean…

Landscape lighting sets a moody tone for guests dining and dancing into the wee hours. To announce the bride and groom’s departure, a Dixie jazz band paraded everyone out to the front of the venue for the send off.

After a quick change in to a departure dress by Anaesia, guests tossed rose petals at the bride and groom…

A vintage convertible decorated with lush greenery made for a one of kind getaway..

8.17.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Cakes, Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, Food and Drink, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Aug 16, 2016

We Love Jamali Garden

photo by Liz Banfield

A big thank you to one of our favorite design supply companies, Jamali Garden for featuring us on their blog in their Designer Spotlight series. We have been using many of Jamali’s products at our weddings and events for years and years, so today, I’m sharing some of our favorite products and tips on customizing them to your event. For the centerpieces above, we used their Antique Black Oval Urns and spray painted them gold!

photo by Liz Banfield

To hide the bars and inner workings on garden umbrellas, we cover with a bevy of flowers (by wiring in some oasis cages), and hang votive style lanterns like these from Jamali.

photos by Liz Banfield

These handy dandy gadgets, called Frogs, can be hard to find, and we use them for so many things. Often times we cover them with flowers, moss, shells, or any other design element from the current event, and use them on trays to hold the food and drink signage. Or, when using a smaller flower vessel, they hold the stems in place. They have been invaluable to us over the years.

photo by Adrienne Page

For long continuous dining tables, we love the look of longer flower vases… Jamali has numerous choices, but these stained wooden window boxes were just perfect.

photo by Liz Banfield

I love these iridescent votive candle holders… they are on sale right now on Jamaligarden.com. The glass is super delicate and versatile enough to work with any decor, but when used en masse, they can also make a bold statement. But, one trick I must reiterate- please make sure you use the votive candles with the clear glass bottoms, and not the metal dishes! It makes for such a more polished look when using clear votive holders.

photo by Gayle Brooker

For a very simple, affordable, but still elegant and formal centerpiece idea- buy phalenopsis orchids from a local wholesale florist (or even Trader Joe’s usually has lovely ones) and put in some of Jamali’s mossed pots!

8.16.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, Parties, Press, Reception, Rehearsal Dinner, Shopping, Weddings | Comments >>