Category Archives: Event Planning

Mar 20, 2018

© Liz Banfield.5984_11_flowergirls

photo by Liz Banfield

The debate has been around as long as I have been planning weddings- kids or no kids?  Of course, we roll with whatever is the best plan for our clients, but if you are a little hesitant about including peanuts, maybe some of these ideas will help you feel more confident about having kids at the wedding.  And, head over Vogue.com for more kid friendly ideas from some of our event colleagues.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

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photo by Liz Banfield

As mentioned in the Vogue.com article, I think kids in a ceremony are adorable. It’s not about whether they make it down the aisle perfectly or not, and it definitely helps take the pressure of the bride. Sometimes, having a parent in the wedding party that one can walk to or with or older flower girls can be a big help in keeping the tiniest ones comfortable.

3171_36 kids_table Liz Banfield

photo by Liz Banfield

Once at the reception- whether it’s a seated dinner or station/buffet style we suggest have a separate seating area for the kids. Not only does this help save money on the fancy table decor you may be doing for the other tables, but also gives the parents a chance to relax and enjoy conversation. You could have preset family style meals for the kids too… Full tummies always help keep the kiddos on track.

3171_35 kids_table_favor Liz Banfield

photo by Liz Banfield

We like to do special boxes or gift bags for the kids, full of snacks and games and activities.  If your venue has the space for it, we’ve often hired babysitters to come and be with all of the kids in a separate area. They are still close by for the parents to check on them but under other adult supervision.

3.20.18   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Event Design, Event Planning, Press, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

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This wedding has all the makings to get us excited for the Spring season ahead- pretty pastel palette, beach front ceremony, and spring design elements like peaches, dahlias, and greens. Guests were able to spend a vacation like weekend on Kiawah Island, SC celebrating with the couple. Corbin Gurkin was on hand to capture all of the lovely images.

LO Collage

Guests received simply gorgeous letterpress invitations in a simple spring green all designed by Lettered Olive. A floral but not fussy motif set the tone for the events. Upon arrival, custom printed Kiawah Island totes filled with locally made tea, honey, and snacks welcomed guests. The floral pattern used on the printed tags became a big design factor in other places at the wedding.

Bridal Collage

The bride wore a Monique Lhuillier strapless light and airy lacy mermaid silhouetted gown.

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Our bride enjoyed a day of dressing with her bridesmaids all in Plum Pretty Sugar.

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The couple opted for a First Look- I love the look of excitement and anticipation on the groom’s face as we awaits her to approach.

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The pale green and grey color palette was a lovely background for the palest of spring florals. The bridesmaids wore varying gowns in the same fabric by Amsale.

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To dress up and tailor this beach front ceremony, a pristine white carpet runner was laid over the immaculate grass. A simple chuppa with flowing white curtains and floral tie backs still offer guests a view of the ocean.

Ceremony Collage

Simple seagrass anchored in sand were simple chic and affordable aisle decor!  We offered flip flops in varying sizes to guests who didn’t want their heels sinking into the ground. Fan shaped programs on the thickest Italian paper we use, made for perfect weather tamers during the ceremony.

2013_Diana_Ezra_1194The brides hand tied bouquet featured David Austin garden roses, white peonies, white roses and tea roses, and grey lambs ear for color and texture.

Details Collage

Cocktail hour was open air on the porch; a bowl of peaches provides information about the cocktails served and pretty bar decor; monogrammed table runners were placed throughout the ballroom venue to keep it feeling personal.

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Of course, being a SC girl, this was one of my favorite escort card displays we’ve done- a table of peaches with hand caligraphied floral die cut cards, LOVE!

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One design area worth the splurge at this event was covering the typical busy and bright ballroom carpet with white carpeting, giving the ballroom a crisp and polished feel. Dinner linens were the palest of green with a darker complimentary green piped on the edges and peeking out in corners. Dinner chairs were perfectly matched in a pale green.

Dinner Collage

Place settings were prettied with matching ribbons and eucalyptus springs and a caligraphied leaf place card. Low lying centerpieces of pink dinner plate dahlias, leafy greens, and seeded eucalyptus accented with mercury glass were classic glam.

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A pale green ruffled and sugar flowered cake, all handiwork by Jim Smeal .

Dancing Collage

We had the floral pattern designed for the couple’s printed materials put onto their dance floor which really made for a breathtaking addition to the ballroom. A guest book was made by guests taking pics with an old fashioned Polaroid and leaving a personal note.

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After a traditional Horrah dance and a quick change, the bride and groom departed by sparklers.

3.14.18   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, The Lettered Olive, Travel, Uncategorized, Weddings | 6 Comments

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It really feels like spring is here already in Charleston, so today we’re celebrating Wedding Wednesday with this springlike classic Charleston wedding.  This adorable couple were seriously the sweetest, and we had done the sister of the groom’s wedding a few years back, so it was a great reunion of sorts. The prettiest images come from Corbin Gurkin.

Printing Collage

The invitations by Lettered Olive, had a more traditional feel but by no means were boring. An update to black and white with the navy ink and all hand calligraphy, and a custom logo for the stamps made them feel posh and modern.  Luxurious custom boxes filled to the brim welcomed guests in style.  Printed T shirts, recovery kits, champagne, and treats were coordinated in every aspect to tailor the details setting off the weekend.

Bridal Collage

The bride wore an Issa gown, shoes by Jimmy Choo, and heirloom jewels.

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The bride and groom opted for a pre ceremony “first sight” photo session in a nearby downtown park. The groom’s tartan tuxedo is by Tom James.

Car Collage

The bride and groom enjoyed a ride together to the ceremony in a vintage car. Love that they had this time together to reflect on the emotion of the day.

Floral Collage

The bride’s bouquet with pops of pale color was tied with with a wide taffeta ribbon in in navy and white- couldn’t be more perfect! We had the custom monogram Lettered Olive designed embroidered on the ribbon. Each bridesmaid had their initial monogramed on their bouquet ribbon.

Church Collage

The wedding took place at First Scots Presbyterian Church. Lush greenery adorned the gates, while planted boxwoods anchored the alter. Bouquets of greenery tied with navy ribbon gave a glamorous look to the long aisle.

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After the ceremony, the bride and groom led the guests on a stroll from the church to Hibernian Hall for the reception.

Hibernian Collage

 Matching greenery and draping on the front gates at Hibernian greeted guests and was topped off by a custom flag with the couple’s monogram. Glowing candle lanterns and planter boxes of boxwood were clustered on the front stairs, and seating nooks graced the grand piazza for guests to enjoy cocktails.

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Food Collage

Barsetup Collage

Cru Catering provided the creative food throughout the evening. Tailored on point small plates and individual snacks made for part of the decor at this reception.

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Detail Collage

Cake Collage

A full dessert display complimented the classic wedding cake by Jim Smeal. Printed cocktail napkins bearing the couples namesake in calligraphy were a great way to tie in some more detail.

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During the first dance, the groom revealed to his bride the location of the surprise honeymoon- love that this moment was perfectly captured!

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In lieu of a traditional guest book signing, guests signed boat oars that the couple could hang in their home. Late night iced coffee and cronuts were a hit!!!!

Getaway Collage

A custom confetti popper send off saw the bride and groom depart in a classic convertible waiting their monogramed flag.

3.07.18   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Cakes, Charleston, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, Food and Drink, Photographers, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, The Lettered Olive, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>