Category Archives: Event Planning

Feb 05, 2018

photo by Corbin Gurkin

With as much dreaming, pinning, and planning that lead up to the wedding, you can’t imagine how quickly that last moment comes- the send off! Today for a little Monday fun, we wanted to share some of our favorite send offs for the past several years… We are still getting lots of requests for sparklers, because as you can see, they make for pretty pictures!

photos by Liz Banfield

And if we are doing sparklers, we of course like to come up with some kind of detail to dress them up or customize them a bit… Both the lighters and sparkler sleeves here are by Lettered Olive.

photo by Liz Banfield

Our bride, who threw an ultra sleek and modern affair, went with one traditional element at the send off- a rice tossing… See, her maiden name was Rice so it was sorta perfect. And, we actually didn’t use real rice, but orzo pasta, because of the birds..

photo by Liz Banfield

For this couple who married in Alabama, and were naturally huge football fans, guests shook pom poms at the couple as they were leaving to the Auburn chant song. Oh, and before leaving this bride changed into her mother’s wedding dress.

photos by Liz Banfield

For this sophisticated fete on Sea Island, GA, a classic dixieland Jazz band, led guests outside for a rose petal toss. As the couple departed in a classic convertible, coordinated fireworks exploded down the driveway- a gorgeous statement, we think.photos by Corbin Gurkin

For this wedding featuring custom flags throughout the wedding design, guests waved miniature versions of the same flags during the send off… This was perfect for a venue that didn’t allow any tossing of items or any type of fireworks…

photo by Liz Banfield

Many years ago at a wedding for a client that wanted to do something a little different, we had a balloon release with custom balloons in the wedding palette colors…

2.05.18 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Charleston, Event Planning, Photographers, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | 1 Comment

Jan 24, 2018

Rich In Love

ceremony:sunlight

This breathtaking ceremony took place under the oaks at Drayton Hall Plantation. This bride was all about glamour and wanted a modern flair for her southern plantation affair. So, we added luxe details including chandeliers covered with spanish moss dripping from the branches of the old oak overlooking the pond. Swaths of orchid blooms draped along the aisle runner of plush white carpet. An arch of floral covered branches in footed urns framed the spot where the couple tied the knot.

accessorie collage

Great little takeaway for upcoming and future brides- have all of your bridesmaids sign the bottom of your wedding shoes, and the first name to rub off will be the next to get married. The guest welcome bags were canvas shoe bags (which made it easy for out of town guests to take home) filled with hotel room essentials, including a “Charleston” candle by Archipelago. This braid/bun combo was a bridal hair showstopper!

flower girl aisle couple and dogs

This couple made a great point of including loved ones on the big day- Small nieces acted as flower girls, and the couple’s two golden retrievers made a guest appearance for photos.

tent collage

After the ceremony, guests walked the grounds of Drayton Hall towards the riverbanks where they entered a cocktail tent full of plush lounge furniture, candlelight and chandeliers.

printing collage

Lettered Olive was loving being able to mix up materials for this bride- the menu cards, escort cards, and table names were all etched acrylic signs. In lieu of a guest book, guests were asked to take a polaroid photo and write a note which went in a box for the couple to have at home..

lounge overall

After dinner, guests entered an all white and silver swank lounge for dancing. It had been sealed off during dinner, so the big reveal really wowed the guests. The Casablanca lilies used in the centerpieces filled the room with their scent which was an unplanned but pleasant surprise detail!

cake collage

Inexpensive and comfy asian slippers took place of flip flops for guests needing to change out of their high heels. This mod octagon shimmering cake by Jim Smeal was definitely a stand alone centerpiece. Guests not wanting to indulge at the party, were given slices in boxes that they could take home with them.

lounge center shot

Intimate seating lining the edges of the dance floor allowed for cozy conversation and quick break to rest!

Silly String collage

Having a fun couple allows us to get really creative, which is of course, fun for us. For the send off, everyone “Got Silly at Hilary and Will’s Wedding” with custom covered silly string cans.

getaway car

The vintage getaway car was adorned with paper flowers in the brides’ colors. Loved the throwback to weddings when decorating the car was a really big deal!
Thank you to Liz Banfield for all of the gorgeous shots!

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

Jan 23, 2018

Your Day In Color

2016_stephanie_peter_0579

photo by Corbin Gurkin

After getting engaged and once the planning is underway, one of the main things brides tend to start thinking about is their wedding day color palette. I think one area we have fun and are able to really help our clients is figuring the best ways to incorporate their palette into a seamless design that makes sense throughout. Today, we’re sharing some of our ideas with you, which we hope will help make it easier if you are struggling here. Side note- one thing we are seeing as a big trend for 2018 is watercolor!

photos by Corbin Gurkin

One of the most tried and true color combinations we’ve been working with for years is blue and white. However, we think it’s a mistake thinking that you have to stick to two dominant colors when designing. Using classic color combinations is a great anchor, but punching it up with variations of color in flowers, or in compliments here and there is a great way to brighten it up without going all out rainbow.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

Recently we paired an emerald green with pale blue and were stunned by how lovely they paired together- so that combo is one we are big fans of now as well.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

If you are drawn to bright colors, think about the overall ratio in using them. Softer versions of bright colors like pinks, oranges, and corals still make a big pop against something like a navy blue but might start to look like a birthday party if put with another shade of pink or bright aqua. When using brighter hues, I’ve been a big fan of how mixing shades of them together has turned out, and adding in some greenery can help the blending.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

Don’t forget to introduce your color palette early on- think save the dates or invitations. The paper elements set guests expectations early on, so why not introduce your palette from the beginning and set the stage.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Think about your venue and it’s decor. For this bride who wanted a muted fall palette the heavy emerald green and mustard yellow carpet would absolutely hinder her look, so we carpeted over it with a neutral tone. This can be an unexpected addition to the budget.

photo by Liz Banfield

Think of seasonal cross overs. A pretty pink or purple flower combination is typically thought of for spring or summer. But, here used with green velvet, deeper green ferns, and heavier brass flatware, it becomes perfect for a fall wedding.

Happy Planning!

1.23.18 | TARA GUÉRARD
Event Design, Event Planning, Fashion, Flowers, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, Weddings | Comments >>