Category Archives: Fashion

Jan 29, 2018

Many times we focus so much on our brides and bridesmaids’ fashion pieces that the Mothers of the Brides and Grooms can get overlooked… After recently scouring through our photos from the past year or two of weddings we realized that we have some pretty knock out stylish “moms” as well, so we wanted to share a little glimpse of the other fashionable wedding day ladies. The mother of the bride above went with a stunning cape sleeved sheath gown from Oscar de la Renta for her daughters’ winter lowcountry wedding.

photo by Perry Vaile

For a spring time affair at Palmetto Bluff, this mother of the bride complimented the bridesmaids’ gowns with a hand painted ball skirt gown from Kate McDonald.

photo by Adrienne Page

Here the mother of the groom awaits her escort down the aisle, in a fabulous blue gown not quite off the shoulders and gorgeously tailored.

photo by Liz Banfield

For this Charleston wedding, our mother of the bride chose a strapless gown by Oscar de le Renta, but with a matching wrap. Perfect for a church ceremony if modesty is a concern, and for the unpredictable evening temps here in the Spring… This brides’ color palette was a pale pink and green, so I love the brighter pink as a nod to that palette.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

At the rehearsal for our Newport, RI wedding, the mother of the groom waits and watches looking (like Meryl Streep, don’t you think) effortlessly chic before the rehearsal diner.

photo by Liz Banfield

I love this bold color choice by Romona Keveza (styled by Julie Sabatino) worn by our mother of the groom for a summertime Charleston fete. Love the new movement for mothers wearing color, it’s a celebration, and when appropriate can be a perfectly stunning selection.

As far as flowers or “corsages” go for our clients, we’ve found that many don’t wish to pin something onto their Couture gowns… So, we have been either crafting miniature bouquets for them to carry, or flowers that can attach to a clutch, or ones even affixed to ribbon that can be tied onto their wrists as an accessory.

1.29.18 | TARA GUÉRARD
Beauty, Bridal Style, Dresses, Fashion, Flowers, Photographers, Shopping, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Jan 23, 2018

Your Day In Color

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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 >>

Jan 08, 2018

Winter Wedding Style

So, you’ve decided to get married in the midst of freezing temps yet potentially stunning winter weather photo opps? An unseasonably cold winter so far here in the Southeast, has me thinking about winter wedding style, since we don’t have a chance to experience that often. Today, I’m sharing just a few of my favorite picks for winter wedding style and design ideas.

photos by Corbin Gurkin and Liz Banfield

Of course, the number one accessory brides go for on their wedding day in colder temps is some kind of fur (faux or not) wrap or jacket. Some brides are able to use a vintage one as their something “borrowed” from their mother or grandmother, but if not, lots of lovely finds are on places like etsy, ebay, and even local antique stores!

photo by Corbin Gurkin

For a recent wedding, the bridesmaids wore white- white faux fur coats which added a hint of chic to their already fabulous emerald green gowns…

White Fur Wrap

photo by Liz Banfield

I love this faux wrap option from Nordstrom.com for your bridesmaids- which you could gift to them!

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Guests love the chance to break out accessories they may not get many chances to, and I love seeing them embrace the opportunity!

Boots of course are mandatory! I love these Silver Hunter boot options (photo by Liz Banfield, taken from A Crimson Kiss), or you could get the sky blue as your something blue. Or furry snow boots like the ones from Rachel A Clingen’s bride.

photo by Adrienne Page

Bouquets can be a place to show some seasonal love as well. Anything from an all white formal arrangement, to one bringing in elements and seasonal greens. This lush white mixture we did includes seeded eucalyptus, cotton blossoms, a mixture of white blooms, cypress greens.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Tara Guerard Soiree by Liz Banfield

photo by Liz Banfield

If you can’t guarantee snowfall, or your event is taking place inside a venue you can create snow like branches out of pre strung cymbidium orchid strands.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

To create this winter wonderland, clear twinkle lights give guests the illusion they are dining under snowflakes …

Tara Guerard Soiree by Liz Banfield

photo by Liz Banfield

Of course, candlelight is key – and to give these an illusion of snowflakes, we wrapped clear glass cylinders with laser cut paper mimicking snowy patterns..

1.08.18 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Event Design, Fashion, Reception, Weddings | Comments >>