Category Archives: Event Planning

Mar 14, 2017

Newport scenery photo by Corbin Gurkin

Today, we are traveling from East Coast to West Coast to two of our favorite cities for weddings. If you are recently engaged and still searching for a venue, here are two suggestions that couldn’t be more perfect and lovely for a dream wedding!

photo byM. Benedicte Verley

For our grand and glamorous ladies, Rosecliff is one of the most famous Newport Mansions (as seen in many major films like Great Gatsby and 27 Dresses). It is home to the largest private ballroom in Newport so you can literally have an authentic Gilded Age affair. Built in 1902, and modeled after the Grand Trianon of Versailles, you get historical glamour with an amazing ocean view.

For a ballroom affair with dinner and dancing, Rosecliff can accommodate about 270 ppl, and for a cocktail reception on the Terrace up to 300. With the lush and manicured grounds along with the grandiose interiors- can you imagine the photo opps?

Next we head to Napa for the wine and food enthusiast. The Auberge du Soleil is the perfect spot for a smaller destination wedding and couples wanting to offer guests an “experience”. Best for a smaller wedding of about 120, there is an option to buyout the property for up to 200 or so.

I love that everyone can stay together on property here, and that you can really get involved with the chef and a true cultivated food and beverage program. Great for all seasons or weddings at anytime of year! This would also be an amazing bachelorette getaway suggestion as the surrounding area offers lots to see and do.

3.14.17 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Event Planning, Reception, Rehearsal Dinner, Travel, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Mar 13, 2017

What To Rent Now

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Rentals are a huge part of any event (big or small), and having a good relationship with our rental company is what has been imperative to the success of our events. Of course they also help contribute to the overall design of the event. Today, we are sharing some of our favorite new rentals items available through our local company, Snyder Event Rentals.

Let’s start with China- so excited about some of the newer patterns available. 1. Cream lace 2. Villa d’Este 3. Duchess Gold Rim chop plate 4. White Tuscan Stoneware

photo by Corbin Gurkin

These are two little ways to do something special to showcase your cake, or to use as speciality hors d’eouvres plates- 1. White Tuscan Stoneware bread plate 2. Villa D’Este bread plate

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Now onto Chairs and Lounge rentals. The Louis XVI dining chair is a new favorite of ours. It does take up a bit more space- so if you are worried about spacial issues, or for budgeting purposes, we have done them just for the head table and mixed with chivaris at the other tables. The whitewashed Marie dining chair (on right) is a great new alternative to Chivaris or a sweet way to dress up a ceremony.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

I can’t wait to use these yummy green velvet couches for a lounge for a client. Green is such a surprisingly versatile color, these are going to be fun to design around. The neutral Forrester sofa is so elegant, handsome and neutral, this will be a very popular item for what can be done with it.

I see these three items- the Isla occasional chair, the Bliss Daybed, and the Olivia round bookshelf together in a nice vignette. Add some custom or colorful pillows, and fill the bookshelf with candles and flowers and you have a perfectly crafted and elegant seating area.

These are just some of the rentals available in our local area, happy hunting at your local rental source. Many of the larger regional and national companies ship to all areas, so keep that in mind too.

3.13.17 | TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Event Design, Event Planning, Reception, Weddings | Comments >>

Mar 07, 2017

Wedding Fun

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 >>