Category Archives: Event Planning

Apr 09, 2019

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

4.09.19 | TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, Interior Design, Parties, Photographers, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Mar 26, 2019

Petite Sweets

photo by Lauren Bailey Photo

We are loving a new trend we have been noticing recently at some of our events- petite cakes. Don’t worry, we definitely still have our clients that want the big traditional statement piece, but it’s nice to see something sweet making a little mark. Cake by Peche Petite Boutique Bakery.

photos by Aaron and Jillian

Don’t worry, tiny cakes still give an opportunity for design and impact, but just don’t leave a lot of uneaten cake mess lying around…

Cake by Jessica Grossman with Patrick Properties Hospitality Group.

photo by Liz Banfield

Cake by family friend…

photo by Corbin Gurkin

For this wedding, a petite cake was complimented by an array of other desserts and pies. Wedding cake by Publix, smaller cakes by Caroline’s Cakes, and pies from Kudzu Bakery.

photos by A Bryan Photo

Cake by Pastry Art.

3.26.19 | TARA GUÉRARD
Cakes, Charleston, Event Design, Event Planning, Food and Drink, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Mar 19, 2019

Spring Flower Guide

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Spring is finally blooming! Of course, one of the biggest things brides consider (or should consider) when choosing when they would like to marry, and what they would like to carry is the season. Many popular blooms can be available almost year round from various international farms, but some flowers are specific to the season in which they grow. Of course one of the most coveted Spring blooms is the lily of the valley. Carried on their own or as an accent, I can’t think of a Spring flower that says “bridal” more.

photos by Corbin Gurkin and Gayle Brooker

Depending on the weather here in Charleston, we can source some really beautiful gardenias early and hydrangeas in late Spring. Both can be a bit tricky to use in wedding flowers though since they love water. But, if it’s not too hot of a day and you ask your florist to have backups on standby, using them as boutonierres or in bouquets can be a beautiful addition. Be careful with touching the gardenias too much because that can brown them quickly.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

The idea of seeing colors and textures of the season mixed together make for a really lovely design palette. I think of color blends like pale greens, blues, and purples; or pastels with pops of brights. Lilacs, sweet peas, and tulips come together for a colorful and fragrant but not overpowering mix.

photo by Adrienne Page

For a bride wanting to stay all white in the spring- this blend of peonies, sweet peas, and ranunculus is so picture perfect.

photos by Liz Banfield

Bright color blends are totally perfect making their debut at spring weddings. Corals, pinks, peaches, blend for a bright but sophisticated look. Then, there are the branches, of course. Cherry blossom branches, pear blossom branches, azaleas, dogwoods, etc are all glorious blooms that we use whenever we can get! The statement pieces used throughout this wedding included oversized pots full of pink hydrangea and sprouting branches.

photo from Pinterest

I found this chart years ago on Pinterest as to the meaning of specific flowers and even broken down by color in some cases- it’s a great reference tool if you want to compile a bouquet with meaning or to display a certain sentiment.

3.19.19 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, J'adore!, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>